ABOUT GEORGIA - Regions

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

regions

autonomous republics

Georgia is much more regional and less centralized than the other Trans Caucasus countries.

The country includes the two Autonomous Republics of Abkhazia and Adjara, the formerly Autonomous Region of South Ossetia and ten administrative regions (mkhare). From East to West these are Kakheti, Kvemo(lower) Kartli, Shida(Inner) Kartli (which now includes South Ossetia), Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi, Samegrelo, Zemo(Upper) Svaneti and Guria.

OTHER INFORMATIONS

Georgia is much more regional and less centralized than the other Trans Caucasus countries. The country includes the two Autonomous Republics of Abkhazia and Adjara, the formerly Autonomous Region of South Ossetia and ten administrative regions (mkhare). From East to West these are Kakheti, Kvemo(lower) Kartli, Shida(Inner) Kartli (which now includes South Ossetia), Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi, Samegrelo, Zemo(Upper) Svaneti and Guria.

Kakheti

Kakheti is the easternmost region of Georgia, projecting into Azerbaijan. It is known almost entirely for its vine growing and wine-making.

Kvemo(Lower) Kartli

Kvemo(Lower) Kartli lies to the south of Tbilisi, across the routes to Armenia, it is largely inhabited by the people of Azerbaijani origin who produce much of the food sold in the markets of Tbilisi. Further west, around Lake Tsalka, is a population of Greeks raising livestock and growing potatoes.

Shida Kartli

Shida Kartli is the heartland of eastern Georgia with a population of 343.000. It produces 5-10% of Georgia's industrial output as well as most of its fruit. It includes the formerly Autonomous Region of South Ossetia (now known as Samachablo).

Mtskheta-Mtianeti

Mtskheta-Mtianeti – to the north of Tbilisi, straddles the Georgian Military Highway, the main route to Russia. It is an agricultural area with vegetables grown in the lower region and sheep raised in the high mountains. Industry is growing in Mtskheta and Dusheti and Georgia's main ski resort is at Gudauri.

Samtskhe-Javakheti

Samtskhe-Javakheti covers the high empty volcanic tablelands of the southwest of Georgia. 90% of the population is Armenian. It is a harsh area whose few agricultural products rarely reach markets due to the poor road and rail links. There is little industry, apart from some low-grade coal and Swiss and French investment in sugar plants. There is a road crossing to Turkey at Vale.

Imereti

Imereti is an industrial region. 10-25% of Georgian industrial production is based in Kutaisi – the capital of Imereti.

Samegrelo

Samegrelo (or Mingrelia) locates in the northwest of Georgia. The subtropical climate makes tea and citrus fruits important crops, while traditionally Zugdidi, capital of Samegrelo, has produced porcelain and Senaki carpets.

Racha-Lechkhumi

To the north of Kutaisi Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo-Svaneti lie in the foothills of Caucasus. The only roads here are minor and circuitous because of the hills. Winters are harsh, with much of the population decamping to the city, but nevertheless Racha manages to produce both tea and wine. The chief towns of Racha are Ambrolauri and Oni, both little more than villages.

Lentekhi

Lentekhi is capital of Kvemo-Svaneti is even smaller.

Kvemo (Lower) - Svaneti

Kvemo(Lower)- Svaneti was historically part of the feudal system of western Georgia, while Zemo(Upper)- Svaneti was always self –governing and has developed a far stronger cultural identity. With its stunning Caucasian landscape, its defensive towers, its haunting music and its superb and ancient icons, Zemo Svaneti is the area to which all the more enterprising tourists to Georgia are drawn, like moths to the flame.

Guria

Guria is a small swampy region on the coast South of Poti, is known for its subtropical crops, stunningly complex polyphonic songs and the humor of its people. People usually come here en route to Adjara, which dominates Georgia's trade both across the Turkish border and through the port of Batumi. With this trade, subtropical agriculture, beach tourism and some copper and gold mining, Adjara is a prosperous republic.

Abkhazia

The Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, in the extreme northwest of Georgia, has effectively seceded. Its borders are closed and tourists are unable to visit.

Adjara

Adjara, located in the southwestern corner of Georgia, is on the eastern end of the Black Sea and is bordered by Turkey to the south. Adjara is a home to the Adjar ethnic subgroup of Georgians.

GEORGIA


Flag	Coat of arms

Capital and largest city		Tbilisi
Official languages		Georgian
Spoken languages		71% Georgian 9% Russian 7% Armenian 6% Azerbaijani 7% other
Ethnic groups (2002)		83.8% Georgian 6.5% Azerbaijani 5.7% Armenian 1.5% Russian 2.5% others
Demonym		Georgian
Government		Unitary semi-presidential republic
Legislature		Parliament
Area		69,700 km² (120th) 26,911 sq mi
Population (2014)		4,935,880 (119th)
Currency		Lari (GEL)
Time zone		GET (UTC+4)
Drives on the		right
Calling code		+995
ISO 3166 code		GE
Internet TLD		.ge

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