Georgia

Introduction to Georgia

Georgia (Georgian: საქართველო Sakartvelo), known from 1990 to 1995 as the Republic of Georgia, is a country to the east of the Black Sea, most of which is located in the South Caucasus, while a portion of the territory lies in the North Caucasus. A former republic of the Soviet Union, it shares borders with Russia in the north and Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan in the south.

Following a crisis involving allegations of ballot fraud in the 2003 parliamentary elections, Eduard Shevardnadze resigned as president on November 23, 2003 in the bloodless Rose Revolution. The interim president was the speaker of the outgoing parliament (whose replacement was annulled), Nino Burjanadze. On January 4, 2004 Mikhail Saakashvili, leader of the National Movement - Democrats (NMD) (former United National Movement) won the country's presidential election and was inaugurated on January 25.

Fresh parliamentary elections were held on March 28 where NMD secured the vast majority of the seats (with ca. 75% of the votes) with only one other party reaching the 7% threshold (the Rightist Opposition with ca. 7.5%). The vote is believed to have been one of the freest ever held in independent Georgia although an upsurge of tension between the central government and the Ajarian leader Aslan Abashidze affected the elections in this region.

Cultural notes about Georgia

The culture of Georgia has evolved over the country's long history, providing it with a unique national culture and a strong literary tradition based on the Georgian language and alphabet. This has provided a strong sense of national identity that has helped to preserve Georgian distinctiveness despite repeated periods of foreign occupation and attempted assimilation.

The Georgian alphabet was invented in the 5th century BC and reformed by King Parnavaz I of Iberia in 284 BC.

Georgia's medieval culture was greatly influenced by Orthodox Christianity and the Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church, which promoted and often sponsored the creation of many works of religious devotion. These included churches and monasteries, works of art such as icons, and hagiographies of Georgian saints. As well as this, many secular works of national history, mythology and hagiograpy were also written.

Official Canadian government advisories for travelling to, in and around Georgia

You are advised against all travel to the breakaway region of South Ossetia or the surrounding region. On February 1, 2005, a car bomb exploded in the city of Gori, killing at least four persons and injuring 10. Political tensions have also mounted with the deployment of approximately 2,000 Georgian troops to the region in an attempt to bring South Ossetia under central government control. Deaths and injuries have resulted from fighting between Georgian and separatist forces near the Ossetian capital, Tskhinvali. On August 20, 2004, Georgian troops withdrew from positions captured in South Ossetia. A peacekeeping force is occupying the region.

Muggings, home invasions, carjackings, sexual assaults, and other attacks on foreigners have increased, particularly in urban areas. Kidnapping involving foreign residents and travellers is a serious problem throughout Georgia.

Canadians are strongly advised to take all necessary precautions to reduce the risk of kidnapping and other violent crime. For example, all travellers (especially women) should remain in groups, limit movement after dark, particularly on foot, and keep the doors to cars and residences locked and well secured. Vary routes travelled regularly. Remain vigilant in crowded places, such as markets and public transportation facilities.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is on the rise in the capital and elsewhere. Inadequate lighting in public places increases the likelihood of crime. Avoid displays of affluence. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure valuables, passports, and other travel documents are secure. In case of emergency, contact police at 02.