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Basic	Economy	Geography
Government	History	Military
People	Tourism	Transportation

The country of Georgia is known to many as a unique tourist destination. It’s rich culture, vast landscape, and diverse ecosystem makes it a marvel. The location of this country between Western Asia and Eastern Europe makes it a center of linguistic and ethnic diversity. The beauty and rich history of Georgia can only be unraveled by visiting the place. Here is a brief on some important historical facts about Georgia (country).

 

1. It’s the Birthplace of Winemaking

Wine production in Georgia started as early as 8,000 years ago. This has made the country standout as the cradle of this fantastic beverage. The production of the first wine has an interesting story behind it. It was an accidental discovery that happened when grape juice poured and buried in a shallow pit turned into wine.

This traditional winemaking method, which involves storing wine in a clay jar, has since been listed on the country’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

2. The Locals Call Their Country Sakartvelo

Although the country is known worldwide as Georgia, the locals call it Sakartvelo. This name is derived from two words: Kartveli, which is a name describing the people who live in central Georgia (Karli-Iberia) and sa-o, a circumfix indicating “the place where the Kartveli live.”

Although there is no clear explanation of where the name Georgia came from, there’s a theory explaining that the name might have been derived from Christian reformers who existed in the Middle Ages.

3. It’s Home to the Highest Permanent Settlement in Europe

Bochoma, a village in the Northeastern part of the Tusheti region in Georgia, is the highest inhabited settlement in Europe. It lies at an altitude of 2345 meters above sea level, surpassing the previous highest settlement in Georgia and Europe, Ushguli. Ushguli lies 2100 meters above sea level. Bochoma and Ushguli are mountainous regions that experience snowy and breezy winter. The summer is very short.

4. Georgia Is Home to Some of the Oldest European Cities

This vast country has two of its cities, Mtskheta and Kutaisi, listed among the 16 oldest cities in Europe. These two cities are former capitals of Georgia. Kutaisi was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Colchis, which existed in the second millennium BC. Mtskheta is not as old as Kutaisi; it was discovered around 3,000 years ago.

5. Georgia Is Among the Most Ecologically Diverse Countries

This country boasts of 12 different climate zones that include alpine, semi-desert, and subtropical, among others. It also has 49 soil types, making it rank among the most ecologically diverse places in the world. Its rich nature includes many animals residing in its dense forests. Some of the animals include lynxes, bears, and leopards.

6. The Religion

Georgia adopted Christianity as the national religion as early as 326 AD; it was the second country to adopt Christianity in the world. Most Georgians are Eastern Orthodox Christians, but the country also respects other religions. There are Muslims, Armenian Apostolics, and Catholics living peacefully in the country. The country encourages religious diversity and accommodates everyone.

There’s a wide variety of holy places in Georgia; these include the isolated Gergeti Trinity Church and the Vardzia Monastery caves. Travelers can also visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which dates back to the 4th Century.

7. Only Georgians Speak the Georgian Language

The Georgian language has its own alphabet and is ranked among the 14 unique languages in the world. Although it’s not known when the Georgian script emerged, it’s believed to be among the oldest languages in the world. This language has evolved from Asomtavruli to Nushkhakhutsuri to Mkhedruli. Mkhedruli has 33 letters and is what Georgians use today.

Bottom Line

Georgia has a rich and exciting history. A visit to this great country will give you first-hand experience of its diversity and unique culture.