Georgia is a fascinating place to visit and Gudauri (and the Kazbegi region) is just one of its wanders. Other "must see" places include Tbilisi and Mtseheta (the current and the old capitals respectively), Kakheti (the wine region), Vardzia (the cave town), Svaneti (for its ancient towers, and breathtaking mountains), Batumi (on the Black sea coast) and many others. Some facts about Georgia and its people are provided below.
Population
4.661.4736 million (July2006)
Capital
Tbilisi
Bordering countries
Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey
Telephone codes
Georgia (995)
Tbilisi (32)
Time zone
GMT + 3 hours
Currency/exchange rates
| 1 Lari (GEL) = |
100 Tetri
0.60 USD
21.26 RUB
4.62 UAH
0.47 EUR
|
(National Bank of Georgia, as at 27 February 2009)
Main cities
Tbilisi (1,073 ths), Kutaisi (186 ths), Batumi (122 ths), Rustavi (116 ths), Zugdidi (67 ths), Gori (50 ths), Poti (47 ths) (January 2003)
Regions
- There are nine administrative regions in Georgia:
- Kakheti
- Shida Kartli
- Kvemo Kartli
- Mtsheta-Mtianeti
- Samtskhe-Javakheti
- Imereti
- Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti
- Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti
- Guria
- Central Tbilisi district, and
- 2 autonomous republics:
- Adjaria, and
- Abkhazia
Highest mountains
| Shkhara |
5196 m |
| Janga |
5059 m |
| Kazbek (Mkinvartsveri) |
5047 m |
| Shota Rustaveli |
4860 m |
| Tetnuldi |
4858 m |
| Ushba |
4710 m |
Economy
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) US$15.5 billion (2005 est). Main sectors of the economy are natural resources, tourism and wine production.
Religion
Christian Orthodox 75% (65% Georgian Orthodox, 10% Russian Orthodox), Muslim 11%, Armenian Grigorian 8%. (1993 census)
Ethnic mix
Georgians 83.8%, Azerbaijanians 6.5%, Armenians 5.7%, Russians 1.5%, Ossetians 0.9%, Greeks 0.3%, Jews 0.1%, Abkhazis 0.1% (2002 census)
Life Expectancy
Males 69 years, females 78 years (UN).
Customs
- Bringing in
- No limit on foreign currency
- Maximum GEL 25 000 of local currency
- Taking out:
- Amount of foreign currency limited to that brought into the country in the last 12 months
- No more than GEL 3 000 of local currency
- You may wish to consult the Ministry of Culture (tel: +995 32 990 285) if you intend to take out antiques and certain items of art. Export documentation and customs declaration may be necessary in some cases.
Refer to the information on visas in the Getting There
Russia
Russian customs regulations allow to bring up to two litres of alcohol (including wine) per person into Russia without any customs duties.
Sources:
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RUS
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