Is Georgia in Europe or Asia? The Complete Country Guide
Where Is the Country Georgia?
When you hear “Georgia”, do you think of the southern US state?
There is a whole other Georgia, and it is not in the US.
The country of Georgia sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, tucked between the Greater and Lesser Caucasus mountain ranges with the Black Sea on its western edge. I have lived here for five years and it still surprises me regularly. This article covers everything you need to know about the country before you visit or move.
Is Georgia in Europe or Asia?
Georgia lies in the Caucasus region, bordered by Russia to the north, Turkey and Armenia to the south, Azerbaijan to the east, and the Black Sea to the west.
It is not a member of the European Union, though it has close ties with the EU and has formal candidate status. Geographically it sits on the boundary between Europe and Asia, and culturally it is something entirely its own. Tbilisi especially feels European in many ways, with its café culture, architecture, and nightlife, while the countryside, the mountains, and the traditions feel like something you will not find anywhere else on the continent.
Georgia proudly stands on its own. It is neither fully European nor fully Asian. It is Georgian.
A note on the name: Georgians do not call their country Georgia. In their own language the country is Sakartvelo (საქართველო), which refers to the Kartveli people, the ancient ethnic group from this region. The name Georgia comes from Persian and Greek influences. If you want to impress a local, use Sakartvelo.
Is It Safe to Travel to Georgia?
Yes. Georgia is one of the safer countries in the region and I say that as someone who has lived here for five years.
Violent crime against tourists is rare. Petty theft in crowded areas requires the same common sense you would apply anywhere. Tbilisi has a large and visible expat community which makes it easy to navigate as a first-time visitor. Solo female travelers visit regularly without issues.
Read my detailed Georgia travel guide for more practical safety information.
Georgian Culture
Georgian culture is layered, ancient, and genuinely unlike anywhere else.
The language and alphabet are the first thing you notice. Georgian has its own unique script, one of only fourteen independent alphabets in the world, and it is beautiful to look at even if you cannot read it. It bears no resemblance to any other writing system you have seen.
Polyphonic singing is one of Georgia’s most extraordinary traditions. Georgian choral music uses complex harmonies developed over centuries and is recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. You might hear it at a wine festival, a church service, or even a spontaneous gathering around a table. It is one of those things that stops you in your tracks.
The supra is the Georgian feast tradition. A supra is a table loaded with food presided over by a tamada (toastmaster) who leads elaborate toasts throughout the meal. If you are ever invited to one, say yes. It will be one of the most memorable evenings of your time in Georgia.
Religion plays a central role in Georgian life. Georgia was the second country in the world to adopt Christianity as its official religion in 327 AD. Orthodox Christianity remains deeply embedded in the national identity. You will notice Georgians making the sign of the cross whenever they pass a church, and the monasteries, cathedrals and cave complexes throughout the country are among the most extraordinary religious sites in the Caucasus.
Georgia: The Birthplace of Wine
Georgians do not just believe they invented wine. The archaeological evidence supports it.
More than 8,000 years ago, the fertile river valleys of what is now Georgia were home to some of the earliest winemakers in human history. Ancient pottery found here contains the oldest evidence of wine production ever discovered.
The most distinctive Georgian wine tradition is qvevri winemaking, where wine is fermented and aged in large clay vessels buried underground. This method produces amber wine (also called orange wine) with a complex, slightly tannic quality very different from conventional whites. It has been practiced continuously for millennia and is now a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Key varieties to know:
Saperavi is Georgia’s most famous grape, producing full-bodied reds with deep color and good aging potential.
Rkatsiteli is the most widely planted white grape, producing dry, crisp wines with good acidity.
Kindzmarauli is a semi-sweet red from the Kakheti region, dangerously easy to drink and a good entry point for people new to Georgian wine.
Kakheti in eastern Georgia is the main wine region and worth a dedicated visit if wine is important to you.
Why Visit or Live in Georgia?
Georgia is one of the most underrated countries in the world. Here is what keeps people coming back and what keeps expats like me staying longer than planned.
The landscapes are extraordinary. From the Black Sea coast at Batumi to the high Caucasus peaks above Kazbegi, from the semi-desert landscapes of the Rainbow Mountains to the forested canyon country of western Georgia, the variety packed into a small country is remarkable.
The food is genuinely world-class. Georgian cuisine is one of the great underrated food cultures of the world. Khinkali, khachapuri, badrijani nigvzit, churchkhela, and the wine that accompanies all of it. Read my best Georgian restaurants guide to know where to eat in Tbilisi.
It is very affordable. A comfortable daily travel budget is $60 to $100 per person. Long-term living costs are significantly lower than most European cities. Read my full cost of living in Tbilisi guide for real numbers.
Visa-free for most nationalities. Citizens of the USA, EU, UK and most of Europe can stay visa-free for up to 365 days. Iranian citizens can stay visa-free for 45 days.
Digital nomad friendly. Fast affordable internet, excellent café culture, a 1% small business tax regime for registered entrepreneurs, and a growing expat community make Tbilisi one of the best bases for remote workers in the region.
The history is ancient and layered. Georgia has been at the crossroads of empires, Persian, Roman, Arab, Mongol, Ottoman, Russian, for thousands of years. Every region has a different story and the physical evidence of all of it is still visible in the churches, fortresses, cave cities and ancient capitals scattered across the country.
Where to Go in Georgia
If you are planning your first trip, here are my recommended starting points with links to my full guides:
- Tbilisi — the capital, the obvious starting point, and endlessly interesting. Read: Best Things to Do in Tbilisi
- Kazbegi — the most dramatic mountain scenery in the country, Gergeti Trinity Church, Mount Kazbek. Read: Kazbegi Day Trip Guide
- Batumi — the Black Sea city, boulevard, Old Town, beaches. Read: Batumi Travel Guide
- Rainbow Mountains — the colored hills of Mravaltskaro with David Gareja monastery. Read: Rainbow Mountains Guide
- Vardzia — the 12th-century cave city carved into a cliff face. Read: Vardzia Complete Guide
- Borjomi — mineral springs, forest trails, Soviet-era spa town. Read: Borjomi Guide
FAQ: Georgia the Country
Where is the country Georgia located?
Georgia is located in the Caucasus region at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. It is bordered by Russia to the north, Turkey and Armenia to the south, Azerbaijan to the east, and the Black Sea to the west.
Is Georgia in Europe or Asia?
Georgia sits on the boundary between Europe and Asia and is culturally something entirely its own. It is not an EU member but has candidate status and close ties with Europe. Most people who visit describe it as feeling more European than expected, particularly Tbilisi.
What is Georgia known for?
Georgia is known for being the birthplace of wine with over 8,000 years of winemaking history, its ancient Orthodox churches and cave monasteries, extraordinary mountain landscapes, unique Georgian cuisine including khinkali and khachapuri, its own ancient alphabet, and polyphonic singing recognized by UNESCO.
What language do Georgians speak?
Georgians speak Georgian, which has its own unique alphabet that bears no resemblance to any other writing system. English is widely spoken in Tbilisi and tourist areas. Russian is commonly understood across the country.
Do I need a visa to visit Georgia?
Citizens of the USA, EU, UK and most of Europe can enter Georgia visa-free for up to 365 days. Iranian citizens can enter visa-free for 45 days. Check the Georgian e-visa portal at evisa.gov.ge for your specific nationality.
Is Georgia expensive?
No. Georgia is very affordable by European or American standards. A comfortable daily travel budget is $60 to $100 per person. Long-term living costs are significantly lower than most European cities.
What is the capital of Georgia?
Tbilisi is the capital and largest city of Georgia, home to around 1.5 million people. It is the cultural, political and economic centre of the country and the natural starting point for any Georgia trip.
Why do people confuse Georgia the country with Georgia the US state?
Both share the same English name, which causes frequent confusion. The US state of Georgia was named after King George II of Great Britain. The country of Georgia takes its English name from Persian and Greek influences. Georgians themselves call their country Sakartvelo, which has nothing to do with the name Georgia at all.
Ready to visit? Start with my complete Georgia travel guide for everything you need to plan your trip, and my guide to things to do in Tbilisi for where to begin.
