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: 2026-05-20
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 4.034457
AAVE 0.004213
ADA 1.494539
AED 1.376250
AFN 23.550841
AGIX 4.435121
AKT 0.473116
ALGO 3.194894
ALL 30.767757
AMD 137.859091
AMP 444.645362
ANG 0.675492
AOA 343.605474
APE 2.559863
APT 0.391461
AR 0.167984
ARB 3.311460
ARS 523.888544
ATOM 0.186156
ATS 4.436225
AUD 0.523743
AVAX 0.040019
AWG 0.670793
AXS 0.307689
AZM 3,185.330225
AZN 0.637066
BAKE 431.125694
BAM 0.630546
BAT 3.768185
BBD 0.749489
BCH 0.001004
BDT 46.066414
BEF 13.005304
BGN 0.630546
BHD 0.140904
BIF 1,115.889767
BMD 0.374745
BNB 0.000577
BND 0.478936
BOB 2.589234
BRL 1.875733
BSD 0.374745
BSV 0.024861
BSW 505.419165
BTC 0.000005
BTG 1.172348
BTN 36.230010
BTT 1,162,435.777299
BUSD 0.374905
BWP 5.083385
BYN 1.026805
BYR 10,268.045880
BZD 0.754528
CAD 0.515294
CAKE 0.255473
CDF 860.036627
CELO 4.578443
CFX 6.314339
CHF 0.295032
CHZ 8.158641
CLP 336.800849
CNH 2.548568
CNY 2.548687
COMP 0.016392
COP 1,391.004391
CRC 169.464126
CRO 5.407943
CRV 1.558931
CSPR 126.256697
CUC 0.374745
CUP 8.994062
CVE 35.550284
CVX 0.216906
CYP 0.188688
CZK 7.833918
DAI 0.374969
DASH 0.007439
DCR 0.021467
DEM 0.630546
DFI 414.630340
DJF 66.795044
DKK 2.409204
DOGE 3.582512
DOP 22.070561
DOT 0.299237
DYDX 2.452281
DZD 49.735202
EEK 5.044368
EGLD 0.094456
EGP 20.020861
ENJ 8.294499
EOS 4.597866
ERN 5.621171
ESP 53.641693
ETB 60.492228
ETC 0.041277
ETH 0.000175
EUR 0.322393
EURC 0.322152
FEI 0.377008
FIL 0.386415
FIM 1.916862
FJD 0.824882
FKP 0.278780
FLOW 10.374489
FLR 44.846992
FRAX 0.377450
FRF 2.114760
FTT 1.141972
GALA 109.504868
GBP 0.278780
GGP 0.278780
GHC 43,273.729483
GHS 4.327373
GIP 0.278780
GMD 27.588067
GMX 0.056028
GNF 3,287.547836
GNO 0.003135
GRD 109.855438
GRT 14.832333
GT 0.052918
GTQ 2.857303
GUSD 0.375549
GYD 78.393963
HBAR 4.187214
HKD 2.935371
HNL 9.968123
HNT 0.451373
HOT 927.920422
HRK 2.429071
HT 2.598907
HTG 49.068390
HUF 115.945594
ICP 0.146475
IDR 6,616.329773
IEP 0.253905
ILS 1.088721
IMP 0.278780
IMX 2.166081
INJ 0.073765
INR 36.230010
IQD 490.977109
IRR 495,311.569423
ISK 46.231676
ITL 624.240026
JEP 0.278780
JMD 59.303278
JOD 0.265694
JPY 59.544128
KAS 10.720314
KAVA 6.349881
KCS 0.046743
KDA 45.318557
KES 48.529123
KGS 32.779982
KHR 1,503.189233
KLAY 7.327738
KMF 158.606992
KNC 2.607305
KPW 337.277146
KRW 560.870004
KSM 0.074771
KWD 0.115746
KYD 0.311644
KZT 176.981056
LAK 8,222.493291
LBP 33,453.765669
LDO 1.035284
LEO 0.037270
LINK 0.038788
LKR 129.133774
LRC 22.238174
LRD 68.597778
LSL 6.172056
LTC 0.006894
LTL 1.113159
LUF 13.005304
LUNA 5.853816
LUNC 4,882.890160
LVL 0.226578
LYD 2.385574
MAD 3.456920
MANA 4.189931
MBX 9.577030
MDL 6.514193
MGA 1,573.635562
MGF 7,868.177808
MINA 6.532642
MKD 19.873324
MKR 0.000219
MMK 786.865609
MNT 1,340.947184
MOP 3.023432
MRO 149.804022
MRU 14.980402
MTL 0.138403
MUR 17.764451
MVR 5.788069
MWK 649.827148
MXN 6.482765
MXV 0.736262
MYR 1.487516
MZM 23,934.035346
MZN 23.934035
NAD 6.172056
NEAR 0.224197
NEO 0.128709
NEXO 0.424074
NFT 1,326,440.925003
NGN 514.013945
NIO 13.791842
NLG 0.710461
NOK 3.473211
NPR 57.995188
NZD 0.638289
OKB 0.004614
OMR 0.144259
ONE 184.541186
OP 2.881551
ORDI 0.087434
PAB 0.374745
PAXG 0.000083
PEN 1.281034
PEPE 100,002.931940
PGK 1.634247
PHP 23.042246
PI 2.467801
PKR 104.426991
PLN 1.369412
POL 4.118206
PTE 64.634007
PYG 2,311.607639
QAR 1.364071
QNT 0.005076
QTUM 0.416042
ROL 16,887.498495
RON 1.688750
RPL 0.214249
RSD 37.856375
RUB 26.794660
RUNE 0.848715
RVN 67.974327
RWF 548.550015
SAND 5.162397
SAR 1.405293
SBD 3.011492
SCR 5.479788
SDD 22,492.094315
SDG 224.920943
SEK 3.499773
SGD 0.478936
SHIB 64,445.998812
SHP 0.278780
SIT 77.258275
SKK 9.712414
SLE 8.562886
SLL 8,562.886245
SNX 1.179871
SOL 0.004316
SOS 213.859504
SPL 0.062457
SRD 13.916344
SRG 13,916.344424
SSP 1,764.097962
STD 7,961.701113
STN 7.961701
STX 1.536920
SUI 0.347241
SVC 3.279016
SYP 41.427820
SZL 6.172056
THB 12.201556
THETA 1.849967
TJS 3.483493
TMM 6,574.644502
TMT 1.314929
TND 1.089026
TON 0.181600
TOP 0.902513
TRL 17,081,887.504812
TRX 1.045848
TRY 17.081888
TTD 2.541273
TUSD 0.375263
TVD 0.523743
TWD 11.837915
TWT 0.808983
TZS 979.338158
UAH 16.590273
UGX 1,413.595758
UNI 0.103729
USD 0.374745
USDC 0.374939
USDD 0.374962
USDP 0.375327
USDT 0.375187
UYU 15.112794
UZS 4,531.194739
VAL 624.240026
VEB 19,432,069,421.7843
VED 194.313844
VEF 19,431,384.425731
VES 194.313844
VET 56.129337
VND 9,881.392287
VUV 44.578538
WAVES 0.964173
WEMIX 1.338350
WOO 21.746951
WST 1.014739
XAF 211.475990
XAG 0.004931
XAU 0.000083
XAUT 0.000083
XBT 0.000005
XCD 1.014596
XCG 0.675492
XCH 0.103600
XDC 10.694316
XDR 0.274292
XEC 51,515.849083
XEM 557.781765
XLM 2.594679
XMR 0.000927
XOF 211.475990
XPD 0.000272
XPF 38.471727
XPT 0.000191
XRP 0.272193
XTZ 1.094788
YER 89.420740
ZAR 6.172056
ZEC 0.000573
ZIL 94.235100
ZMK 7,117.219529
ZMW 7.117220
ZWD 135.620121
ZWG 9.835078
ZWL 24,575.147090

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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.