Facts About Georgia

Georgia is a transcontinental country, located partially in Eastern Europe and partially in Southwest Asia. The country experiences a temperate seasonal climate. It was known as the ‘Kingdom of Georgia’ in the 11th century, which declined in the 13th century and later, got absorbed into the Russian Empire, in the 19th century. From 1918 to 1921, Georgia enjoyed a brief period of independence, as a Democratic Republic. In 1922, the country became a part of the Soviet Union and finally gained independence in 1991. For some more interesting and fun facts about Georgia, read on.

Interesting & Fun Facts about Georgia 

• The capital city of Georgia is Tbilisi.

• The official language of the country is Georgian.

• The currency of Georgia is Lari.

• Georgia is a representative democracy, structured as a secular, unitary, presidential republic.

• Georgia is a member of the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the World Trade Organization, the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation and GUAM Organization for Democracy and Economic Development.

• Georgia aspires to join NATO and even the European Union.

• The native people of Georgia call themselves Kartvelebi.

• Christianity was declared the state religion of Georgia as early as AD 337.

• The Likhi Range of mountains divides the country into eastern and western halves.

• The highest mountain in Georgia is Mount Shkhara, with an altitude of 5,201 meters (17,059 ft).

• The Voronya Cave (aka Krubera-Voronia Cave), situated in Georgia, is the deepest known cave in the world.

• The two major rivers in Georgia are Rioni and Mtkvari.

• Wine making is an ancient tradition in Georgia.

• There are four UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites located in Georgia.

• The Jewish community of Georgia is one of the oldest in the world.

• Georgia serves as a host to the International Poultry Trade Show annually. It is the largest poultry convention in the world.

• The Vidalia onion, which is the sweetest onion in the world, can be grown only in the fields around Vidalia and Glennville, in Georgia.

• The Annual Masters Golf Tournament of Georgia is played at the Augusta National in Augusta in the first week of April.

• Georgia is often famously called the Empire state of the South. The country is also known by names such as the Peach state and the cracker state.

• Dr. John S. Pemberton in Atlanta, Georgia is credited with inventing Coco-Cola. The name of the world famous brand was suggested by the bookkeeper of Dr. Pemberton named Frank Robinson. Coca-Cola was first sold at a soda fountain in Jacob's Pharmacy, in Atlanta, by Willis Venable.

• John F. Kennedy, Jr. and his future wife halted in Kingsland on the way to Cucumber Island, where they got married.  

• The first steamship to cross the Atlantic sailed from Georgia. The ship was named the City of Savanna.  

• The largest infantry training center in the world is located at Fort Benning.  

• The first Georgian to win Nobel Peace Prize was the U.S diplomat, Ralph Bunch.