Georgia (country)

Georgia is a sovereign country in the South Caucasus, at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia.

Georgia is a sovereign country in the South Caucasus, at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is a parliamentary republic that became independent from the Soviet Union in 1991 and has since pursued closer ties with the European Union and NATO, though its politics have recently faced major controversy and democratic backsliding.

Geography

Georgia lies on the eastern coast of the Black Sea and borders Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey. Its territory includes diverse mountain and lowland regions and a Black Sea coastline.

History

Georgia has a long history as a distinct state and was incorporated into the Soviet Union in the 20th century. It regained independence in 1991 after the Soviet collapse.

Government and politics

Georgia is a parliamentary republic with a largely ceremonial president and a prime minister who heads government. The ruling Georgian Dream party has dominated national politics since 2012. Recent years have seen disputed elections, protests, and concerns about democratic backsliding.

Foreign relations

Georgia has generally oriented its foreign policy toward Euro-Atlantic integration, especially closer ties with the European Union and NATO. Relations with Russia remain a major issue in domestic and foreign policy.

Recent developments

Since 2024, Georgia has experienced a prolonged political crisis marked by protests, contested election legitimacy, and criticism from rights groups and international observers over restrictive laws and weakening democratic standards.