FAQ - frequently asked questions

• History & Culture
• 10 facts about Georgia
• Traditional cuisine & wine
• Winter Resorts of Georgia
• Summer in Georgia
• Adventure
• Leisure
• Nightlife and Entertainment
• Spa & Wellness
• Visa information

Georgia is situated at the crossroad of Europe and Asia, located between the Black and Caspian seas, surrounded by the Caucasus Mountains.  One of the safest and peaceful lands a proof of ethical and religious diversity and tolerance.

Georgia the country of ancient history and culture, big diversity of natural beauty, multiplicity of historical antiquity, amazing hospitability of people and proper customs, the richest folklore, delicious traditional cuisine and richly flavored wines that gives unforgettable impressions and valuable holidays.  Antique author Apollonius of Rhodes, who panegyrics Georgia in his Argonautica in 295 B.C. Georgia is filled with legends, ceremonies and traditions that possess the deepest appreciation for wine making (Ancient Georgian traditional Qvevri 8000 years of wine-making method –UNESCO Intangible heritage). To taste the wine born in this land of warriors and poets (Georgian alphabet added to the UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative List 2016), in a valley guarded by the mighty Caucasus range, located at the cross-roads of the East and West, is like a pleasant stroll through history!

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia was founded in the 5th century.  Home for people with diverse cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds.   The name “Tbilisi” /warm/ was given to the city because of the area’s numerous sulfuric hot springs. The Asian- type colored baths built on hot sulfur springs – a favorite place of Tbilisi citizens and foreign guests.

There is an old legend how Georgians got a small, but “God blessed part of the world”:  When the Lord called all the nations to grant them their pieces of the world, Georgians were late. By the time they came, all the lands were already divided. When the Lord asked Georgians the reason for being late, they answered: “Lord, we were having a feast, enjoying marvelous wine, making the toasts for peace and your laudation” - and they started singing wonderful polyphonic songs ". Lord granted Georgians the piece of the land he saved for him as a dwelling place.

   "Hardly anywhere in the world is there such diversity of nature concentrated in such a small territory (70,000 square kilometers) as it is in Georgia - from subtropical to high alpine to semi-desert, beautiful picturesque nature of the sunny beaches with unique flora and curable magnetic black sand, giant mountains, abundant rivers. Fabled to some – unfamiliar to many – the Caucasus Mountain region of Georgia is home to high mountain peaks, villages dotted with a thousand-year- old defensive towers and a passionate indigenous people known as the Svans-extremely warm, emotional, hospitable and attractive,  to Ushguli, the highest inhabited village in Europe.

  There are more than 2,000 curative mineral springs all over the Georgia.    Acting in alliance with the mountain air, sunshine, lush green forests help to cure disease faster and more reliable than the most powerful drugs, and their effects increases many times. The Modern health centers offering, mineral baths, diagnostic and therapeutic and laboratories high standards services.  The world-famous balneological resort Tskaltubo with radon-carbonate mineral springs and restoring the thermal bathes having unique physicochemical and medicinal properties the analogue of Tskaltubo mineral sources among existing on earth healing waters doesn’t exist!

Wine culture was given life together with the birth of Georgia. (Ancient Georgian traditional Qvevri 8000 years of wine-making method –UNESCO Intangible heritage). Some even consider, that a generic world “wine” stems from the Georgian word “ghvino” Many famous poets, writers and travelers describe in their masterpieces Georgia as the land of the antique traditions of vine-growing and wine making. Thousands years of knowledge, tradition, & excellence have contributed to the development of unique and exciting grape varietals from which Georgian wines are made. 500 sorts of vine, out of 4000 registered throughout the world, are Georgian. Georgian  wine - the great healthier life liquid  with  excellent  rich flavor, fruity , delicate and delicious, what comes as a surprise to all wine lovers and connoisseurs of wines, is the very fact that Georgians, in their traditional way of winemaking. Famous sorts of Georgian wines are Rkatsiteli, Manavi, Napareuli, Tibaani, Tsinandali, Vazisubani, Mukuzani, Saperavi, Kindzmarauli, Khvanchkara, Ojaleshi, etc. The head of the Georgian table is Tamada, a person who proposes traditional toasts. There are many traditions associated with wine.The wine and food should complement each-other not battle against each-other. When pairing food and wine, the goal is synergy and balance. A good match will bring out the nuances and enhance the flavors and unique characteristics of both and the wine.

Georgian cuisine uses well familiar products but due to varying proportions of its obligatory ingredients such as walnut, aromatic herbs, garlic, vinegar, red pepper, pomegranate grains, barberries and other spices combined with the traditional secrets of the chef ‘s art the common products do acquire a special taste and aroma, which make Georgian cuisine very popular and unique. Old traditional restaurant with wine cellars offers traditional amazingly tasty    cuisine imbued with an incredibly rich and unique use of herbs and spices and even learn the secrets of the recipes - what makes Georgian food so delicious. Georgian cuisine has deservedly earned its reputation as something that is not to be missed out on. Georgian food deserves a respectable place on the culinary Olympus!

Georgia becomes more and more attractive in terms of winter sports and adventure holidays. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels can have a great time at the winter resorts of our country. Those who are just learning to ski, can go to Bakuriani, where the slopes are more gentle. This resort has well-developed infrastructure for a vacation with family and children: while you improve your skills or taste the whole variety of culinary delicacies and famous Georgian wine, your children can enjoy the attention of professional skiing instructors or experienced nurses. Gudauri is a cool place for fans of steep slopes, freeride and heli-skiing. Those who look for thrilling experiences and want to enjoy the mountain views from the highest points can go paragliding and speedriding. On the other hand, in Gudauri there is also a place for those who just want to get out of town, get some fresh air, take a steam bath, drink mulled wine or taste Georgian brandies and chacha. Svanetian resorts, Hatsvali and Tetnuldi, are relatively young compared to Bakuriani and Gudauri. It is better to reach both places from Mestia, the central village of Svaneti. New lifts, steep slopes and crazily beautiful views will make you enjoy every moment. These mountains are higher than the Alps! Totally worth going. Ajara region, traditionally famous for sea, sun, nightlife and boat-like khachapuri, now also boasts with a new snow resort, Goderdzi. Well, khachapuri is always delicious, dancing in trendy places or trying your luck in casino is possible anytime, but skiing so close to the coast is possible only in the wintertime. So, whatever you would prefer for your winter holidays, can be found in Georgia. You are always welcome!

Family Holidays

Georgian winter is an attractive season for all: doesn’t matter if you are into relaxing or active vacation, enjoy either snow or dry warm weather. In any case you will find a good option for you and your family. Ski resorts in Georgia boast with various kind of slopes and have different air. If you want to improve your children’s health and teach them skiing or snowboarding (or maybe learn it yourself), then you should head to Bakuriani, where the slopes are not steep and the air is saturated with smell of pines. This is one of the best places for children and families in any season, and winter is no exception. Family excursions can be fascinating, if you go to Imereti, where you can find two interesting caves. In one of them, Sataplia, there are preserved dinosaur footprints! Isn’t it a great attraction for every curious child? The Black Sea coast is also attractive in its own way this season. Mild climate, winter sea, fresh fish, flavorful coffee Batumi style, evergreen Botanical Garden, trips to mountainous Ajara, cycling, sunsets on the coast... Start the new year like this could be a great idea! Tbilisi and Kakheti wine houses are always happy to welcome guests in the wintertime. There is no seasonality for things like hospitality, interesting stories, wine and good food. So come to Georgia this winter to warm up yourself and your family with these emotions!

Text and photo materials Georgian National Tourism Administration

More than 2000 springs are discovered in the territory of Georgia, which were used by local population for a long time. It is considered that mineral waters cure different diseases faster than the medicines. The influence of mineral waters is more increased if it is accompanied by air of mountains, sun rails and the greenery around. The spa town of Borjomi, 150km (93 miles) west of Tbilisi, developed by Tsar Nicholas in the 19th century as a spa town, produces much acclaimed mineral water. It is possible to hike in the surrounding hills. The resort Tskhaltubo is located in the west of Georgia, in the ravine of the river “Tskhaltubo”, in 7km from Kutaisi, in 250km from the capital city of Georgia - Tbilisi and in 70km from the Black sea. The resort is located at 95- 120m above the sea level. Mineral water of Tskhaltubo has become a symbol of healthy life for a long time. That is why such unique gift of nature is called "Water of Immortality". The healing properties of Tskhaltubo waters are famous from ancient times. Nowadays modern medical equipments give us a possibility to improve treatment results.

Don’t miss a chance to visit Tbilisi sulphur baths which are located in a domed, oriental-style 19th-century bath places just north of the Metekhi Bridge. Currently very popular place, Georgian sulphur baths were also frequently visited by famous Russiann writers such as Pushkin and Tolstoy. Intrigued? Great! The names you should put on your map are as follow: Kvareli (for wine spa), Borjomi, Tskaltubo, Sairme and Likani (for various kinds of mineral water treatments). Don’t forget to visit Tbilisi sulfur baths, as you travel to the Georgian capital!

Text and photo materials Georgian National Tourism Administration

Summer at the Georgian sea coast starts already at the end of May or beginning of June. The weather is usually hot, so you can breathe fresh sea air and swim, if the water is warm enough. Actually the best time for swimming in the sea is from middle of June till end of September. The water is really enjoyable, and the beautiful landscapes just make your vacation as good as it can be. Each Georgian sea resort has its own peculiarities. Batumi is a center of nightlife and entertainment, famous for its discos, clubs, cafes and long beautiful promenade, where you can cycle or have a pleasant walk before giving in to dancing. Batumi Botanical Garden is an attraction for those who love nature: you can spend the whole day walking there! Kobuleti, Chakvi, Gonio and Kvariati are good places for a peaceful vacation with family. If you spend your vacation in Kobuleti, you can visit Kintrishi Protected Area, see beautiful waterfalls, typical Ajarian arch bridges, walk in the forest, learn more about Georgian flora and fauna. Ureki with its magnetic sand is a really good place for improving your health. Anaklia is a small climatic resort which has a lot of space, interesting architectural objects - from ancient fortress to ultra modern bridge. Recently it started hosting music festivals.

Text and photo materials Georgian National Tourism Administration

Tbilisi and Batumi become more and more popular among tourists not because you can try delicious food there or visit ancient sightseeing but also for numerous entertainment options which are available there, such as wine cellars, restaurants, pubs, bars and clubs. You can try your luck at casinos as well. The most iconic clubs and venues for electronic music lovers of Tbilisi are Bassiani, Mtkvarze, Cafe Gallery, Khidi, Old Hippodrom, Elektrowerk. You get get the updates from them on their facebook pages: the new artists come there every weekend. Batumi's club life is booming rather in summer. When winter cold vanishes and nights become brighter, it is time to get together and have much fun here. In the summertime various music and folk festivals are calling, so be prepared to party several days in a row somewhere in a beautiful outdoor setting. The biggest summer festivals of the year are Black Sea Jazz Fest (Batumi) and electronic music festival GEM Fest (Anaklia). Besides that, there are usually several big concerts of world stars like Maroon 5, Robbie Williams, Aerosmith. Autumn and spring bring festive gastronomic experiences at New Wine Festival, Cheese Festival, Tbilisoba and many other events, where you can get closer to the culture and taste local cuisine. Visiting indoor water parks, playing board games or quests, going to cinema and doing shopping are good options for rainy days. Of course, after active nightlife you need to recover… And did you really think that the Georgian mineral waters and wines were for drinking purposes only? You’ve never been so wrong! On our map there are places where you get high class spa care based on natural Georgian wines and well known curative waters. Beside this, you can try bathing in thermal water, balneotherapy, classic spa treatment, and last but not least don’t miss a chance to visit the famous sulfur baths of Tbilisi.

Text and photo materials Georgian National Tourism Administration

Hiking and Trekking

Getting away from it all is easy in Georgia. Whether you’re following ancient trails along lush river valleys, past ancient stone towers and castles or catching your breath on high altitude mountain paths, it is likely that you will be the only person for miles around. Many paths have been maintained over the centuries by locals dedicated to looking after their cattle and livestock, and with so many trails to choose from, your walk can be as challenging or as easy-going as you like. And what an experience. Marvel at the magnificent snowy peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, full of hidden valleys and glaciers. Lower down you come across more varieties of animals, birds and flowers than in any other European country. Wherever you walk, you’ll be sure of a warm welcome. Whether you choose to sit and drink some local wine, sample the delicious locally produced food or even stay overnight in the villagers’ homes, you’ll never be treated better.

Mountaineering

With twelve mountains higher than Mont Blanc and some of the most spectacular peaks in Europe among them, Georgia is becoming the mountaineers’ new favorite destination. While only the bravest can anticipate scaling over 5,000 meters at Kazbegi or Georgia’s highest mountain, Shkhara, there are a huge number of easier, lower climbs for mountaineers of various levels.

Biking

With so many fabulous mountains, countryside and well established paths, Georgia is a perfect venue to fulfill your mountain bike ambitions. Race along high ridges or amble down elegant valleys; the choice is limitless and invigorating!

Rafting & Kayaking

In Georgia there are many wild fast flowing rivers fed from glaciers in the surrounding mountains. The water races from their 5.000 meter peaks to the sea. There are a lot of opportunities for rafting there, so you can take advantage of many safely organized tours and experience this incredible adventure by yourself.

Caving

Georgia, especially its Western part, contains an amazing array of cave systems, from underground rivers and lakes to enormous caverns and limestone scenery. Trek or ride to some of the many canyons that make up the landscape, and feel the thrill of seeing the 300 million year old dinosaur footprint on the rock. They look so fresh that you can almost believe the animals that made them are only just around the next corner. The Tskaltubo Cave system has not yet been fully explored, but even now it offers to the adventurers the chance to go over a kilometer underground and take a boat across its enchanted lake. Professional cavers will find much for them in the Samegrelo and Imereti Regions.

Paragliding

Filled with high cliffs, hot sun, and icy peaks, the opportunities to catch a thermal in Georgia is overwhelming. Why not come and find that perfect spot for yourself.

Bird Watching

With over 360 endemic species of birds, Georgia is a bird-watchers dream. Principal migration routes through the high Caucasus and along the Black Sea corridor provide superb viewing opportunities in stunning settings.

Hunting and Fishing

Georgia has an impressive diversity of fauna that makes this country attractive for Big Game as well as Small Game Hunters. Georgia is an important migration point for birds, passing through the border, which according to the season is a great opportunity to hunt more, than thirty different species of birds. When it comes to hunting activities of other animals and birds, there are specially located hunting farms allowing hunting across different parts of Georgia. Also Georgian lakes and rivers boast with variety of fish species. Major ones are trout, common carp, vendace, chub, crucian carp, silver carp, bighead carp and barbel. The best places for fishing are Paliastomi and Paravani lakes, Tkibuli and Shaori reservoirs, Black Sea coast of Samegrelo region, especially Anaklia. In Alazani and Aragvi rivers you can catch catfish and carp. There are also fish farms near Kutaisi and Kazbegi, and lake resorts Lopota and Kvareli, where you are charged for fishing, but you can also rent the equipment there, and be sure that your catch is guaranteed!

Eco - National Parks

Georgia’s natural environment is one of the most special in the world. National parks and protected areas cover more than 7% of Georgia. 75% of the all protected areas are covered with woods. There are 14 national reserves, 9 national parks, 17 suppressed, 14 natural monuments and 2 protected landscapes in Georgia. The Georgian landscape is especially suited to eco-tourists, due to its relatively unspoiled status and absence of mass tourism. Amateur botanists or zoologists are going to find themselves in a real heaven full of rare plants and animals.

Horse Riding

If walking becomes too tiring, you can always ride. Breathe in the pure sweet air as you gallop across the green plateaus of Southern Georgia; gasp as your horse pulls you up and over the high passes in Khevsureti or Tusheti. And at the end of the day, camp in the remotest, most idyllic of places or find a home stay to bed down for the night. Allowing you to travel into areas beyond the reach of even today’s 4x4s; you’ll understand why horses are so perfect for exploring more of the country.

Text and photo materials Georgian National Tourism Administration

Skiing & Snowboarding

BAKURIANI Located at an altitude of 1,700 m. in the Borjomi region of Georgia, Bakuriani is nestled in the shadows of the breathtaking Caucasus Mountains, which is only a three-hour drive from Tbilisi. Bakuriani perched high on a sunny plateau in the center of Caucasus Mountains, promises to deliver an unique charm and essential skiing experience for both professionals and amateurs as well. Home to dozens of alpine slopes and cross-country trails, Bakuriani offers some of the most spectacular skiing and snowboarding in Europe. Originally developed as an Olympic training facility, unsurprisingly, Bakuriani is Georgia’s most popular and prominent winter sports and recreation destination. Enjoy the downhill ski runs, cross-country trails, horseback tours, sledding or simply take long walks through beautiful snowy forests. Kokhtagora Kokhtagora is located at an altitude of 2,155 m. and is served by a two-seat chair lift and two drag lifts- the so called Bugels. Red and black runs are located here and descend from the top of the peak down to the mid-level cable car, where blue runs and beginners nursery slopes can be found.

Kokhta 2 (Tatra) The mountain of Kokhta 2 (2,255 meters high) is known in Bakuriani as Tatra. The red and blue pistes here run for 1.8 km. 25 meter Twenty-five is an area of easy skiing located on the Circular, near the old 25-meter ski-jump which gives the area its name. Here beginners and children can learn to ski in a safe and pleasant environment, surrounded by the mighty Caucasus Mountains. You can also toboggan and sledge here, or take a horse drawn sleigh-ride through the ancient forests. Didveli Didveli, at one of Europe’s highest mountains, Mount Sakvelo, holds one on the most picturesque views. From here you can catch a gondola to the slopes of Mount Sakvelo, and ski down on a range of blue and red routes. The longest piste here stretches to around 4 km. Advanced skiers can continue further up the mountain by catching a chairlift at the top of the gondola to almost the very top of Mt Sakvelo itself. Here, you can enjoy stretching your ski-legs on very steep and difficult red and black runs.

GUDAURI Located in the very heart of the Caucasus Mountains, Gudauri is surrounded by some of the Europe’s most dramatic peaks. While Gudauri is unrivaled in the diversity and challenges of its terrain, it is a top destination to unravel your skiing hidden talents. Gudauri is a resort for all seasons. Only a short drive from the Capital city of Tbilisi – and even a shorter helicopter flight will eventually let you discover the magic of Georgian picturesque mountains. Gudauri is Georgia’s year-round playground. During the ski season, which usually starts from mid-December lasting up to mid-April, it offers a full scope of services for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. So feel the sun on your face and the powder under your feet for the region can lay claim to 19 kms of ski pistes. True professionals will want to sample some of the most challenging off-peak slopes in Europe.

MESTIA Mestia, the main regional centre of Zemo Svaneti, is situated 456 km from Georgia’s capital city, Tbilisi and is 1.500 metres above sea level. It is the starting point for most trips to Svaneti, with a range of hotels, guesthouses and local travel services, and a very convenient base for exploring the area. From the centre of Mestia it is possible to hike up to the glaciers at the foot of mount Ushba, or take horses up to the pristine alpine meadows. Plus, a new ski resort makes it possible to ski or snowboard even in the height of summer. Text and photo materials Georgian National Tourism Administration

Citizens of 94 countries may enter Georgia without a Visa. List of countries whose citizens may enter Georgia without Visa

1. Commonwealth of Australia

2. Republic of Austria

3. Republic of Azerbaijan

4. Republic of Albania

5. United States of America

6. Principality of Andorra

7. Antigua and Barbuda

8. United Arab Emirates

9. Argentine Republic

10. New Zealand

11. Barbados

12. Kingdom of Bahrain

13. Commonwealth of the Bahamas

14. Republic of Belarus

15. Kingdom of Belgium

16. Belize

17. Bosnia and Herzegovina

18. Republic of Botswana

19. Federative Republic of Brazil

20. Brunei Darussalam

21. Republic of Bulgaria

22. Federal Republic of Germany

23. Kingdom of Denmark

24. Territories of the Kingdom of Denmark - Faroe Islands and Greenland

25. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

26. Overseas territories of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland – Bermuda Islands, Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands, Falkland Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, Gibraltar

27. Crown Dependencies of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland – Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man

28. Dominican Republic

29. El Salvador

30. Republic of Ecuador

31. Kingdom of Spain

32. Republic of Estonia

33. Republic of Turkey

34. Turkmenistan

35. Japan

36. Republic of Ireland

37. Iceland

38. State of Israel

39. Italian Republic

40. Canada

41. State of Qatar

42. Republic of Cyprus

43. Republic of Colombia

44. Republic of Korea

45. Republic of Costa Rica

46. Republic of Latvia

47. Republic of Lithuania

48. Lebanese Republic

49. Principality of Liechtenstein

50. Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

51. Republic of Mauritius

52. Malaysia

53. Republic of Malta

54. United Mexican States

55. Principality of Monaco

56. Republic of Moldova

57. Montenegro

58. Kingdom of the Netherlands

59. Territories of the Kingdom of the Netherlands – Aruba and Netherlands Antilles

60. Kingdom of Norway

61. Sultanate of Oman

62. Republic of Panama

63. Republic of Poland

64. Portuguese Republic

65. Romania

66. Russian Federation

67. Hellenic Republic

68. Republic of South Africa

69. Republic of San Marino

70. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

71. French Republic

72. Territories of the French Republic - French Polynesia and New Caledonia

73. Seychelles

74. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

75. Republic of Serbia

76. Republic of Singapore

77. Slovak Republic

78. Republic of Slovenia

79. Republic of Armenia

80. Kingdom of Thailand

81. Republic of Tajikistan

82. Republic of Uzbekista

83. Ukraine

84. Hungary

85. Republic of Finland

86. State of Kuwait

87. Kyrgyz Republic

88. Republic of Kazakhstan

89. Kingdom of Sweden

90. Swiss Confederation

91. Czech Republic

92. Holy Sea

93. Republic of Croatia

94. Republic of Honduras

Visitors holding a valid Visa/ or Resident Permit of 50 countries may enter Georgia without a Visa (list of the countries is given below). Note: Citizens of countries which require a visa for Georgia, can apply for an E-Visa by submitting only a valid passport and travel information. List of countries, whose Visa and/or Residence Permit holders may enter Georgia without a Visa:

1. Commonwealth of Australia

2 Republic of Austria

3 United States of America

4 United Arab Emirates

5 New Zealand

6 Kingdom of Bahrain

7 Kingdom of Belgium

8 Republic of Bulgaria

9 Federal Republic of Germany

10 Kingdom of Denmark

11 Territories of the Kingdom of Denmark - Faroe Islands and Greenland

12 United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

13 Overseas territories of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland – Bermuda

Islands, Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands, Falkland Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, Gibraltar

14 Crown Dependencies of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and

Northern Ireland – Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man

15 Kingdom of Spain

16 Republic of Estonia

17 Japan

18 Republic of Ireland

19 Iceland

20 State of Israel

21 Italian Republic

22 Canada

23 State of Qatar

24 Republic of Cyprus

25 Republic of Korea

26 Republic of Latvia

27 Republic of Lithuania

28 Principality of Liechtenstein

29 Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

30 Republic of Malta

31 Kingdom of the Netherlands

32 Territories of the Kingdom of the Netherlands – Aruba and Netherlands Antilles

33 Kingdom of Norway

34 Sultanate of Oman

35 Republic of Poland

36 Portuguese Republic

37 Romania

38 Greece

39 French Republic

40 Territories of the French Republic - French Polynesia and New Caledonia

41 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

42 Slovak Republic

43 Republic of Slovenia

44 Hungary

45 Republic of Finland

46 State of Kuwait

47 Kingdom of Sweden

48 Swiss Confederation

49 Czech Republic

50 Republic of Croatia

E-Visa Portal: https://www.evisa.gov.ge/GeoVisa

For more information please visit the website of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia: Embassies and Consulates

· Cradle of Wine - Winemaking has been practiced in Georgia for over 8,000 years.

· There is a distinctive winemaking technology: grape juice together with the seeds and skin is buried under the ground in clay vessels called “Qvevri”

· Unique alphabet – one of 14 independent alphabets in the world.

· Three cultural monuments which are included into UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

· Dambal khacho, a rare sort of Georgian cheese has been added to UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage

· Tushetian village Bochorna and Svanetian commune Ushguli are Europe’s highest permanently inhabited settlements

· The first human civilization outside of Africa has been discovered in Georgia (the remains of that settlement are 1, 75 million years old)

· It is one of the most ecologically diverse countries in the world, with climatic zones ranging from subtropical and high alpine to semi-desert.

· When it comes to the height of its mountains and variety of available treks, Georgia’s High Caucasus offers a lot of options to the mountaineers.

· Georgia is a paradise for freeriders and heli-skiers

Text Georgian National Tourism Administration