Michael & Barbara Hinson

It could be classified as European or Middle Eastern, but Georgians prefer to view themselves as European. Slightly larger than West Virginia, this sliver of a country was occupied by Russia for seventy years until it gained its independence in 1991. Its name may come from a Persian word meaning “Land of the Wolves.” The Georgian Orthodox church claims Jesus’ robe was entombed in one of their main buildings, which is a big deal to many people. The top exports are metal ore, wine, and bottled spring water. Georgians are proud of their many freshwater springs and the tasty fruits which grow in this climate. According to some Georgians, the water from Borjomi is the best in all the former Soviet countries. Georgia controls much of the Caucasus Mountains, where the world’s deepest cave, Krubera Cave (7,208 ft.), is located.
Capital: Tbilisi
Population: 4,933,674
Languages: Georgian 86.8%; Azeri 6.3%
Lowest Point: Black Sea — 0 ft. above sea level
Highest Point: Mt’a Shkhara — 17,037 ft. above sea level
Religion: Orthodox (official) 83.4%; Muslim 10.7%