Georgia Made by: Jennifer Melendez

Basic Info The capital of Georgia is Tbilisi. Located in south-western Asia Bordered between Turkey, Russia and the Black Sea Land area 69,700 sq km

Economy Economy Major industries include agriculture, financial services, steel, electrical appliances, textiles, construction and mining. Trading partners are turkey, Russia, Bulgaria and Germany. Unemployeement 16.4%, agriculture 40%, services 40%, industry 20%.

Political life The president at the moment is Mikhel Saakashvili. President is elected every 5 years. The prime minister is Nika Gilauri. There are 150 members in the unicameral parliament.

Language and religion The different languages are Svans, Mingrelians, and the Laz. Judaeo-Georgian sometimes considered a separate Jewish language. Some different religions in Georgia are Georgian Orthodox 65%, Russian Orthodox 10%, and Armenian Apostolic 8%. Georgian is the primary language of about 3.9 million people in Georgia itself 83% of the population and of another 500,000 abroad in countries such as Turkey, Iran, Russia, USA and Europe.

History After the Russian Revolution of 1917, Georgia declared independence on May 26, 1918 in the midst of the Russian Civil War. The parliamentary election was won by the Georgian Social-Democratic Party, considered to be pro-Mensheviks, and its leader, Noe Zhordania, became prime minister.

Culture When meeting with someone in Georgia expect to be invited to a come for a meal but maybe try and take a new offer. The “supra” is the largest dinner involving something called the “tomada” which is when a lot of join and wine is passed around the table. They also only use beer to toast wit the enemy.

Way of life Age, position and power are usually respected. When meeting someone the first time they always shake hands while saying “gamajorba” which means hello. If invited into a Georgian home bring an odd number of flowers and sweets or chocolates for the host.