15 Unique Facts About Georgia

Georgia is one of Europe's most unconventional destinations, boasting a unique history and culture that makes it truly worth a visit. Here are the most prominent facts that distinguish this wonderful country:

1. Home to the Oldest Europeans The oldest human skulls in the Caucasus region were found in Georgia, estimated to be about 1.8 million years old. This makes the country a vital link between early humans from Africa and Europe.

2. Hospitality as a Core Culture Georgians believe that a guest is a "gift from God." This is vividly displayed in traditional feasts known as "Supra," where a toastmaster called a "Tamada" leads the celebration and storytelling.

3. Exceptional Climatic Diversity Georgia features about 12 different climatic zones, ranging from subtropical and semi-desert to alpine. This makes it one of the most ecologically diverse countries in the world.

4. The Deepest Cave in the World Georgia is home to the "Veryovkina" cave, which reaches a depth of 2,212 meters, officially making it the deepest known cave on Earth.

5. The Highest Mountain Range in Europe The Caucasus Mountains, stretching between Georgia and Russia, are the highest in Europe. The peak of "Shkhara" in Georgia reaches 5,193 meters, which is higher than Mont Blanc.

6. The Highest Inhabited Settlement in Europe The mountain villages of "Ushguli" are considered among the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe, situated at an altitude of approximately 2,100 meters above sea sea level.

7. The Name "Tbilisi" Means Warm The name of the capital, "Tbilisi," is derived from a word meaning "warm place." This is due to the natural hot springs that were discovered there in the 5th century.

8. UNESCO World Heritage Sites Georgia is home to three sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list: Gelati Monastery The historical city of Mtskheta The Upper Svaneti region

9. A Truly Unique Language Georgia has its own unique language, influenced by Greek and Iranian roots, and features a distinct alphabet consisting of 33 letters.

10. Polyphonic Music Georgia is famous for its polyphonic music—an ancient vocal tradition that predates the introduction of Christianity to the country.

11. Birthplace of Joseph Stalin Joseph Stalin was born in the city of "Gori" in 1878, which was part of the Russian Empire at that time.

12. A Different Name at Home Georgians call their country "Sakartvelo" and refer to themselves as "Kartveli." There are several theories regarding the origin of the international name "Georgia."

13. A Very Safe Country for Tourism Georgia is ranked as one of the safest countries for tourists, having occupied the 7th position globally in terms of safety in 2017.