Georgia is an ancient nation with a long, continuous cultural tradition, though its modern statehood emerged only in the late 20th century. Its early kingdoms—Colchis and Iberia—were known to the classical world, and by the Middle Ages Georgia became a powerful Christian kingdom, reaching a remarkable “Golden Age” under Queen Tamar in the 12th and 13th centuries. Positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia endured repeated invasions by Persians, Arabs, Mongols, and later Ottomans and Persians again, all of which challenged but never erased its strong cultural and religious identity.
In the 19th century, Georgia was annexed by the Russian Empire, a period that brought modernization but suppressed autonomy. After a short-lived independence from 1918 to 1921, it was incorporated into the Soviet Union, where it experienced both economic development and political repression. With the collapse of the USSR, Georgia regained independence in 1991, facing internal conflict and regional pressures in its early years.
Today, the Republic of Georgia is defined by its ancient Christian heritage, vibrant culture, and aspirations toward democratic governance and closer ties with Europe, while managing complex geopolitical challenges.