Capital: T'bilisi
Location:
Southwestern Asia, bordering the Black Sea, between Turkey and Russia (slightly smaller than South Carolina)
Registration Embassy and Consulate:
U.S. citizens living in or visiting Georgia are strongly encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, where they may obtain updated information on travel and security within Georgia. The U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi is located at
25 Atoneli Street, tel. (995)(32)98-99-67 or (995)(32)98-99-68, fax: (995)(32)93-37-59. The Embassy web site address is located at: http://www.georgia.net.ge/usem
Background:
Georgia was absorbed into the Russian Empire in the 19th century. Independent for three years (1918-1921) following the Russian revolution, it was forcibly incorporated into the USSR until the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. Russian troops remain garrisoned at four military bases and as peacekeepers in the separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia (but are scheduled to withdraw from two of the bases by July 2001). Despite a badly degraded transportation network - brought on by ethnic conflict, criminal activities, and fuel shortages - the country continues to move toward a market economy and greater integration with Western institutions.
Ethnic Groups:
Georgian 70.1%, Armenian 8.1%, Russian 6.3%, Azeri 5.7%, Ossetian 3%, Abkhaz 1.8%, other 5%
Language:
Georgian 71% (official), Russian 9%, Armenian 7%, Azeri 6%, other 7%
note: Abkhaz is the official language in Abkhazia
Currency:
GEL
lari (GEL)
lari per US dollar - 1.9798 (December 2000), 1.9762 (2000), 2.0245 (1999), 1.3898 (1998), 1.2975 (1997), 1.2628 (1996)
Climate:
Warm and pleasant; Mediterranean-like on Black Sea coast
Population:
4,989,285 (July 2001 est.)
Religion:
Georgian Orthodox 65%, Muslim 11%, Russian Orthodox 10%, Armenian Apostolic 8%, unknown 6%
Medical:
Medical care in Georgia is limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Elderly travelers and those with pre-existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Georgian doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment before rendering medical services.
Safety:
The U.S. Embassy advises American citizens to avoid travel to the separatist-controlled region of Abkhazia. There have been reports of continued fighting and criminal activities in Abkhazia, including attacks and kidnappings of international observers. These incidents have included bombings and the mining of roads which pose a serious threat to vehicular traffic. While Abkhaz "border officials" may demand that travelers entering the region purchase "visas" from the so-called "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia, the U.S. Government does not recognize the separatists' declaration of Abkhazia's independence from Georgia. As a result of the restricted access of U.S. officials to Abkhazia, the ability of the U.S. Government to assist American citizens there is extremely limited, even in emergencies. American citizens in areas of Western Georgia near the Abkhaz border are advised to be aware of their surroundings at all times and to avoid straying off main roads or travelling after dark.
Traffic Safety:
While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions which differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Georgia is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation:
Fair
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Poor
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance:
Poor
As in the United States, vehicular traffic in Georgia moves along the right side of roadways. Speed limits range from 80 to 100 km/hr. on highways, and from 30 to 60 km/hr. on urban thoroughfares. Motorists are not permitted to make right turns on red at traffic lights. While legislation mandating seat belt use has yet to be enacted, drivers and passengers are nevertheless strongly advised to buckle-up on Georgian roads. Children under seven (7) years of age are required to be restrained in child-safety seats. Under Georgian law, a driver may be considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol with any blood alcohol concentration exceeding zero.
The Georgian Traffic Police, who come under the authority of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, are responsible for maintaining traffic safety in Georgia. As many local drivers do not operate their vehicles in accordance with established traffic laws, motorists should exercise extreme caution when driving. Vehicular traffic can be very dangerous in Georgia. Pedestrians should be extremely careful when crossing streets.
Roads in Georgia are generally in poor condition and often lack shoulder markings and centerlines. In addition, traffic signals may not work as a result of power outages or poor maintenance. Traffic signals and rules of the road are often completely ignored. Motorists drive erratically and often recklessly and at excessive speeds. Pedestrians enjoy no right of way and need to be cautious when crossing streets.
Undivided two-lane roads connect most major cities. Motorists may frequently encounter oncoming high-speed traffic attempting to pass other vehicles over blind turns or hilltops. Driving at night can be especially dangerous. Travel on mountain roads is treacherous in both rain and snow, and during winter heavy snowfalls may make some roads impassable. During the first ten months of the year 2001, 457 traffic related fatalities and 1,976 traffic-related injuries were reported to the police. These figures reflect a continuing increase in fatality and injury rates on Georgian roads over previous years.
