Asia · Western Asia

Georgia

Flag of Georgia
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+04:00
🏛️ Capital
Tbilisi
👥 Population
4,000,921
📐 Area
69,700 km²
💱 Currency
lari (₾)
🗣️ Languages
Georgian
📞 Calling Code
+995
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+04:00
🌐 Region
Asia / Western Asia

About Georgia

Georgia is the kind of destination that travellers discover and immediately begin planning their return visit. Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, where the Greater Caucasus mountains sweep down to meet the Black Sea coast, this small country packs an almost impossible density of beauty, history, and warmth into its borders. Ancient cave cities carved into cliffsides, medieval monasteries perched on impossible peaks, rivers of dark amber wine poured from clay vessels buried in the earth — Georgia offers experiences that feel genuinely unlike anything else in the world.

The capital Tbilisi is a city of enchanting contradictions: sulfur baths steaming beneath an old Persian fortress, Orthodox churches standing alongside a mosque and a synagogue, Soviet-era apartment blocks draped with ornate wooden balconies jutting over labyrinthine alleys. Wander Abanotubani's bathhouse district, explore the narrow lanes of the Old Town, and you'll find craft beer bars and natural wine cellars in buildings that predate the Renaissance. The city is young, creative, and increasingly cosmopolitan, yet its roots run thousands of years deep.

Beyond Tbilisi, the landscapes shift dramatically. Kazbegi in the north delivers some of the most iconic mountain scenery in the Caucasus, with the Gergeti Trinity Church watching over glaciers and waterfalls from its ridge above the clouds. In Kakheti, Georgia's wine heartland, vines climb the lower slopes of the Alazani valley in every direction. The western regions of Svaneti and Racha reveal stone tower villages unchanged since the Middle Ages. Georgia is affordable, hospitable beyond measure, and profoundly rewarding for any traveller willing to venture off the tourist trail.

History & Background

Few nations can match Georgia's claim to antiquity. Archaeological evidence of winemaking in the South Caucasus region dates back 8,000 years, making Georgians arguably the world's first viticulturists. The ancient kingdoms of Colchis and Iberia flourished here millennia before the Christian era, and Georgian oral tradition holds that the country was entrusted to the Virgin Mary herself. The adoption of Christianity in the 4th century gave Georgia a defining cultural identity that survived invasions by Persians, Arabs, Mongols, Turks, and Russians over the following seventeen centuries.

The medieval Georgian Golden Age under Queen Tamar in the 12th and 13th centuries produced a flowering of art, architecture, and literature that left a legacy of extraordinary monasteries and the national epic poem "The Knight in the Panther's Skin" by Shota Rustaveli. Russian annexation in the 19th century and subsequent Soviet rule (1921–1991) were chapters of suppression and resistance, but also of remarkable survival. Independence in 1991 was followed by painful civil conflicts and the Rose Revolution of 2003, which brought reformist governance and a decisive Western orientation. Today Georgia is an EU candidate country navigating its complex position between Russian pressure and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

Culture & People

Georgian culture is anchored in a fierce pride in uniqueness — the country's script, language, cuisine, wine traditions, and polyphonic music all developed independently from surrounding civilizations and remain distinct to this day. Christianity arrived in Georgia in 337 AD, making the Georgian Orthodox Church one of the world's oldest, and faith permeates daily life in a way that feels organic rather than imposed. Churches are living gathering places, not museums, and the religious calendar marks the social rhythm of the year with feasts, fasts, and festivals.

The Georgian feast tradition known as "supra" is perhaps the country's greatest cultural gift to the world. A supra is not merely a meal but a ceremonial event guided by a toastmaster called the "tamada," who orchestrates hours of toasts to friendship, ancestors, God, and love. Wine flows from pitchers rather than bottles, traditional dishes cover every inch of the table, and polyphonic songs break out spontaneously between courses. Georgians consider hospitality a sacred duty, and being welcomed into someone's home for a supra is one of the most genuinely moving experiences any traveller can have. Family loyalty, generosity, and a passionate engagement with art, music, and debate define the Georgian character.

Food & Cuisine

Georgian cuisine is one of the world's great culinary traditions, built on bold flavors, walnut-enriched sauces, herb pastes, and an astonishing diversity of fresh cheeses. Khachapuri — the cheese-filled bread that comes in wildly different regional variations — is Georgia's most iconic dish. The Adjarian version arrives as a boat-shaped loaf filled with molten cheese and topped with a raw egg and butter, meant to be stirred together and scooped with torn pieces of bread crust. Khinkali, the hand-folded meat dumplings eaten by clutching the knot and drinking the hot broth inside before biting through, are a ritual as much as a meal.

The diversity extends far beyond these flagship dishes. Badrijani nigvzit — grilled eggplant rolls filled with walnut-garlic paste and garnished with pomegranate seeds — is a deceptively elegant appetizer found at every supra table. Lobiani is a flatbread stuffed with spiced kidney beans. Churchkhela, walnut chains dipped in grape must until they form a natural candy coating, make an irresistible street snack. Georgia's natural wines — amber-colored skin-contact whites aged in buried clay vessels called qvevri — have attracted global attention in recent years, and exploring them directly at small family wineries in Kakheti is an experience every food-loving traveler should prioritize.

Top Attractions

  • Gergeti Trinity Church, Kazbegi — A 14th-century church perched on a 2,170m ridge with Mount Kazbek's glacier as a backdrop, producing one of the most photographed views in the Caucasus.
  • Old Tbilisi & Narikala Fortress — The medieval heart of the capital, where sulfur bath domes, wooden balconied houses, and a hilltop fortress create an atmosphere unlike any other European city.
  • Vardzia Cave City — A vast medieval cave monastery complex carved into a volcanic cliff face, housing hundreds of chambers, frescoes, and a wine cellar still in use today.
  • Uplistsikhe Cave Town — A pre-Christian rock-hewn city dating to the 1st millennium BC, carved into the cliffs above the Mtkvari River near Gori.
  • Alazani Valley, Kakheti — Georgia's wine heartland, where rolling vineyards meet ancient monasteries and family cellars offer tastings straight from buried qvevri vessels.
  • Mestia & Ushguli, Svaneti — UNESCO-listed medieval stone tower villages deep in the Greater Caucasus, accessible by dramatic mountain road and utterly unlike anywhere else in Europe.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Download the app "Yandex Go" or use Bolt for affordable, reliable taxi services in Tbilisi — avoid street hails which often lack meters.
  • Georgian wine culture is central to hospitality; refusing a toast during a supra can cause genuine offence — raise your glass and drink, or politely explain a health reason.
  • Marshrutkas (minibuses) connect all major towns cheaply but run on irregular schedules — always verify departure times locally.
  • Dress modestly when visiting monasteries and churches — women should cover their heads and shoulders, men should wear long trousers.
  • The GEL (lari) is the local currency; exchange at official bureaux and avoid unofficial moneychangers offering suspiciously good rates.
  • Mountain roads in Svaneti and Kazbegi require a 4WD vehicle during shoulder seasons — hire locally with an experienced driver rather than renting independently.
  • Learn a few Georgian phrases — even a simple "gmadlobt" (thank you) draws enormous warmth from locals who are genuinely moved when foreigners engage with their language.

Visa Overview

Georgia has one of the world's most generous visa policies. Citizens of the EU, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, and over 100 other countries can enter Georgia and stay for up to 365 days without a visa — an extraordinary provision for long-stay travelers. A valid passport is all that is required. Citizens of countries not on the visa-free list can apply for an e-visa through the official Georgian government portal. Entry requirements are straightforward and the immigration process at Tbilisi International Airport is typically quick.

Getting Around

Tbilisi International Airport handles flights from across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Within Georgia, marshrutkas (shared minibuses) are the primary long-distance transport option, departing from Didube and Isani bus stations in Tbilisi. The train network connects Tbilisi to Batumi on the Black Sea coast with a comfortable overnight service. For mountain regions like Kazbegi and Mestia, shared taxis or private vehicles are essential. Tbilisi itself has a metro, modern buses, and abundant taxis via ride-hailing apps making city navigation straightforward.

Safety Notes

Georgia is one of the safest countries in the Caucasus region for travelers, with low rates of violent crime. Tbilisi and major tourist areas are generally secure both day and night. The occupied territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia are controlled by Russian-backed forces and must be avoided entirely — entry from Georgia's side is prohibited and carries serious legal risks. Mountain activities carry natural hazards: always hire certified guides for serious hikes and monitor weather conditions carefully. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas; standard precautions suffice.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Georgia.

lari (GEL) ₾
Updated: 2026-07-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 5.311398
AAVE 0.004309
ADA 2.028190
AED 1.398224
AFN 24.206294
AGIX 4.879896
AKT 0.607027
ALGO 4.253109
ALL 31.208868
AMD 140.096632
AMP 853.572143
ANG 0.686583
AOA 349.658592
APE 2.715925
APT 0.608774
AR 0.190732
ARB 4.760014
ARS 568.261243
ATOM 0.240772
ATS 4.582428
AUD 0.549604
AVAX 0.055146
AWG 0.681503
AXS 0.377043
AZM 3,236.189132
AZN 0.647238
BAKE 506.694255
BAM 0.651327
BAT 4.323038
BBD 0.761456
BCH 0.001578
BDT 46.933694
BEF 13.433914
BGN 0.651327
BHD 0.143154
BIF 1,133.430407
BMD 0.380728
BNB 0.000651
BND 0.492094
BOB 2.637365
BRL 1.967635
BSD 0.380728
BSV 0.025787
BSW 1,137.538271
BTC 0.000006
BTCB 7.184369
BTG 1.319429
BTN 36.273817
BTT 1,435,566.884628
BUSD 0.380404
BWP 5.138586
BYN 1.105605
BYR 7,462.993301
BZD 0.766811
CAD 0.541007
CAKE 0.262913
CDF 878.432412
CELO 5.666956
CFX 8.509953
CHF 0.306273
CHZ 21.089028
CLP 350.726702
CNH 2.585668
CNY 2.584644
COMP 0.022717
COP 1,272.595533
CRC 173.492784
CRO 6.369654
CRV 1.780955
CSPR 196.037109
CUC 0.380765
CUP 10.090272
CVE 36.721899
CVX 0.316558
CYP 0.194907
CZK 8.054457
DAI 0.380908
DASH 0.010823
DCR 0.034298
DEM 0.651327
DFI 458.260418
DJF 67.804979
DKK 2.489282
DOGE 4.926719
DOP 22.564353
DOT 0.436445
DYDX 2.882918
DZD 50.634548
EEK 5.210613
EGLD 0.137752
EGP 18.702119
ENJ 13.155498
EOS 5.256355
ERN 5.710923
ESP 55.409539
ETB 60.899577
ETC 0.053606
ETH 0.000214
EUR 0.333018
EURC 0.333261
FEI 0.380863
FIL 0.482185
FIM 1.980035
FJD 0.854928
FKP 0.285346
FLOW 13.585665
FLR 54.773821
FRAX 0.384874
FRF 2.184455
FTT 1.598380
GALA 166.190379
GBP 0.285346
GGP 0.285346
GHC 43,254.442506
GHS 4.325444
GIP 0.285346
GMD 28.076544
GMX 0.064247
GNF 3,338.049077
GNO 0.003622
GRD 113.475895
GRT 20.067335
GT 0.056159
GTQ 2.906116
GUSD 0.381231
GYD 79.692234
HBAR 5.042101
HKD 2.986066
HNL 10.192942
HNT 1.588760
HOT 1,055.052312
HRK 2.509124
HT 10.626318
HTG 49.835281
HUF 117.756200
ICP 0.172712
IDR 6,850.250728
IEP 0.262273
ILS 1.143580
IMP 0.285346
IMX 2.755637
INJ 0.077930
INR 36.273817
IQD 499.208467
IRR 523,913.552523
ISK 47.955111
ITL 644.812830
JEP 0.285346
JMD 60.315942
JOD 0.269936
JPY 61.620759
KAS 12.411533
KAVA 8.438342
KCS 0.052736
KDA 65.322439
KES 49.224665
KGS 33.300097
KHR 1,526.655818
KMF 163.834133
KNC 3.415553
KPW 342.688601
KRW 583.602940
KSM 0.108046
KWD 0.118140
KYD 0.316736
KZT 179.986598
LAK 8,607.901219
LBP 34,190.690311
LDO 1.409415
LEO 0.040677
LINK 0.047680
LKR 127.504019
LRC 30.987349
LRD 69.149364
LSL 6.188276
LTC 0.008434
LTL 1.149845
LUF 13.433914
LUNA 7.752733
LUNC 6,201.272771
LVL 0.234045
LYD 2.442130
MAD 3.565003
MANA 5.471582
MBX 15.138541
MDL 6.701245
MGA 1,615.630421
MGF 8,078.152104
MINA 8.030761
MKD 20.514492
MKR 0.000266
MMK 799.272811
MNT 1,364.582557
MOP 3.075648
MRO 152.051538
MRU 15.205154
MTL 0.142965
MUR 17.896767
MVR 5.885825
MWK 660.424933
MXN 6.654869
MXV 0.754600
MYR 1.552327
MZM 24,315.778228
MZN 24.315778
NAD 6.188276
NEAR 0.191083
NEO 0.192481
NEXO 0.494903
NFT 1,436,600.261167
NGN 521.703925
NIO 14.014935
NLG 0.733875
NOK 3.745005
NPR 58.065313
NZD 0.669188
OKB 0.004773
OMR 0.146534
ONE 304.602329
OP 3.541415
ORDI 0.117286
PAB 0.380728
PAXG 0.000092
PEN 1.296487
PEPE 139,585.779183
PGK 1.674933
PHP 23.419696
PI 3.365596
PKR 105.922289
PLN 1.429534
POL 5.176997
PTE 66.764122
PYG 2,315.827704
QAR 1.385851
QNT 0.005686
QTUM 0.535600
ROL 17,403.554398
RON 1.740355
RPL 0.188043
RSD 39.060343
RUB 29.338027
RUNE 0.920608
RVN 99.899543
RWF 558.098374
SAND 7.630830
SAR 1.427731
SBD 3.080875
SCR 5.440528
SDD 22,853.027169
SDG 228.530272
SEK 3.675106
SGD 0.492094
SHIB 86,958.370385
SHP 0.285346
SIT 79.804442
SKK 10.032501
SLE 8.695813
SLL 8,695.812848
SNX 1.662666
SOL 0.004719
SOS 217.411303
SPL 0.063455
SRD 14.332367
SRG 14,332.366999
SSP 1,808.148944
STD 8,219.485094
STN 8.219485
STX 2.226535
SUI 0.509612
SVC 3.331372
SYP 42.086750
SZL 6.188276
THB 12.655510
THETA 2.713956
TJS 3.529077
TMM 6,680.238320
TMT 1.336048
TND 1.122363
TOP 0.916911
TRL 17,823,960.064012
TRX 1.159332
TRY 17.823960
TTD 2.579809
TUSD 0.381526
TVD 0.549604
TWD 12.217659
TWT 1.107506
TZS 1,000.404794
UAH 16.967377
UGX 1,391.377063
UNI 0.120467
USD 0.380728
USDC 0.380846
USDD 0.381115
USDP 0.381880
USDT 0.381139
UYU 15.323953
UZS 4,556.477785
VAL 644.812830
VEB 24,535,591,244.8857
VED 245.334068
VEF 24,533,406.847144
VES 245.334068
VET 80.706108
VND 10,013.231506
VUV 45.760455
WAVES 1.432766
WEMIX 1.470578
WOO 32.154494
WST 1.053023
XAF 218.445511
XAG 0.006166
XAU 0.000091
XAUT 0.000092
XBT 0.000006
XCD 1.030583
XCG 0.686583
XCH 0.241581
XDC 13.549779
XDR 0.280820
XEC 71,674.457927
XEM 889.360975
XLM 1.907087
XMR 0.001177
XOF 218.445511
XPD 0.000300
XPF 39.739622
XPT 0.000233
XRP 0.332580
XTZ 1.530101
YER 90.230082
ZAR 6.188276
ZEC 0.000836
ZIL 123.420674
ZMK 6,986.099308
ZMW 6.986099
ZWD 137.785530
ZWG 10.212492
ZWL 25,518.201456

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Cities in Georgia 134
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Ahalcihe Ahali Atoni Ahalkalaki Ahmeta Ambrolauri Bagdadi Batumi Bihvinta Borzhomi Cageri Chaltubo Chiatura Cnori Dedoplisckaro Dioknisi Dusheti Gagra Gali Gudauta Gulripshi Gurdzhaani Honi Kobuleti Kutaisi Kvareli Lagodehi Lanchhuti Mahindzhauri Mcheta Ninocminda Ochamchira Oni Ozurgeti Sachhere Sagaredzho Samtredia Signahi Suhumi Tbilisi Telavi Terzhola Tkibuli Tkvarcheli Vale Vani Zestaponi Аҟəа Афон Ҿыц Гагра Гал Гәдоуҭа Гәылрыԥшь Очамчыра Тҟәарчал Ҭаӷьлан ақыҭа ахадара Шьашьикәара ақыҭа ахадара აბასთუმანი აბაშა აგარა ადიგენი ამბროლაური ანაკლია ასპინძა ახალქალაქი ახალციხე ახმეტა ბათუმი ბაკურიანი ბაღდათი ბორჯომი გარდაბანი გორი გურჯაანი დედოფლისწყარო დმანისი დუშეთი ვალე ვანი ზესტაფონი ზუგდიდი თეთრიწყარო თელავი თერჯოლა თიანეთი კაზრეთი კასპი ლაგოდეხი ლანჩხუთი ლენტეხი მანგლისი მარნეული მარტვილი მესტია მცხეთა ნინოწმინდა ოზურგეთი ონი ჟინვალი რუსთავი საგარეჯო სამტრედია საჩხერე სენაკი სიღნაღი სტეფანწმინდა სურამი ტყიბული ურეკი ფასანაური ფოთი ქარელი ქედა ქობულეთი ქუთაისი ყვარელი შორაპანი შუახევი ჩაქვი ჩოხატაური ჩხოროწყუ ცაგერი წალენჯიხა წალკა წნორი წყალტუბო ჭიათურა ხარაგაული ხაშური ხობი ხონი ხულო ჯვარზენი ჯვარი Ԥицунда

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Georgia needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Georgia?
The capital of Georgia is Tbilisi.
What currency does Georgia use?
Georgia uses the lari (₾) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Georgia?
The official language(s) of Georgia include Georgian.
What is the population of Georgia?
Georgia has a population of approximately 4,000,921 people.
What region is Georgia in?
Georgia is located in Asia, specifically in the Western Asia subregion.
What is the international calling code for Georgia?
The international dialing code for Georgia is +995.
What time zones does Georgia observe?
Georgia observes the following time zone(s): UTC+04:00.
What is the current time in Georgia?
The local time in Georgia is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Georgia?
Georgia covers a total area of 69,700 km².
How many states or provinces does Georgia have?
Georgia is divided into 21 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Georgia in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Georgia in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Georgia?
Visa requirements for citizens of Georgia vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.