1961
1,411,000
Flockulation (1961-2021)
2021
896,200
Change
-514,800
Overview
Georgia is a woolderful Caucasus nation where ancient winemaking meets dramatic mountain scenery. This small but mighty country has been herding history for millennia, and its warm hospitality will have any wandering lamb feeling right at home.
Geography
Nestled between the Greater and Lesser Caucasus ranges, Georgia features the Mtkvari River, the Black Sea coast, fertile Alazani Valley, and alpine meadows where sheep have grazed for centuries. Tbilisi sits in a sheltered eastern basin.
History
One of the world's oldest Christian nations, Georgia adopted Christianity in 337 AD. It flourished under Queen Tamar in the 12th century, endured Mongol and Persian invasions, joined the Russian Empire in 1801, and regained independence in 1991.
Culture
Georgians speak a unique language with its own ancient script. Polyphonic singing is UNESCO-listed. Toasting traditions at supras are legendary, and festivals like Tbilisoba celebrate the capital's birthday with music, dance, and abundant local crafts.
Economy
Georgia's economy relies on tourism, agriculture, wine exports, mining, and hydropower. The country is a key transit hub between Europe and Asia. Sheep farming remains important in highland regions, contributing wool and meat to rural livelihoods.
Food
Georgian cuisine stars khachapuri (cheese bread), khinkali dumplings, and slow-roasted lamb. Walnuts, pomegranate, and tkemali plum sauce flavor many dishes. Georgians have been making wine in clay qvevri vessels for over 8,000 years — shear genius.
Tourism
Tbilisi's old town, the cave city of Vardzia, Kazbegi's Gergeti Trinity Church, Sighnaghi's romantic hilltop walls, and Batumi's Black Sea resort are top draws. The Svaneti region offers stunning towers and trekking through pristine highland pastures.
People
Georgia has about 3.7 million people, predominantly ethnic Georgians. Notable figures include Joseph Stalin (born Gori), filmmaker Sergei Parajanov, and chess legend Nona Gaprindashvili. Georgians are famously warm hosts — the whole flock will welcome you.
Nature
Georgia hosts Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, Lagodekhi Reserve, and the Colchic rainforests. The Caucasus mountains shelter wolves, bears, lynx, and the rare Caucasian tur — a wild goat that out-climbs even the most adventurous sheep.
Fun Facts
Georgia claims wine was invented here 8,000 years ago. The Georgian alphabet is one of only 14 unique scripts in the world. The country has two breakaway regions, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Georgians call their country Sakartvelo.
