• Norway!

    Norway: Sunnylvsfjord. Go Now!

    Norway
    Known for its natural beauty, Norway is home to isolated villages, fjords, and mountains that create a culture and landscape without compare. Begin Your Journey!

  • Vatican City!

    Vatican City: Vatican Museums. Go Now!

    Vatican City
    The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

  • Macedonia!

    Macedonia: Traditional architecture. Go Now!

    Macedonia
    Macedonia is a country still finding its unique identity, but its architecture is already one of a kind. Explore Macedonia!

  • Austria!

    Austria: Belvedere Palace. Go Now!

    Austria
    Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and incredible history & food. Go Now!

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    Spain: Guell Park and Gaudi architecture. Go Now!

    Spain
    Fusion foods, lively music, historic ruins, and cultural events like the Running of the Bulls and La Tomatina make Spain and Barcelona (pictured) a favorite tourist destination. Explore Spain!

  • Ukraine!

    Ukraine: Traditional Village. Go Now!

    Ukraine
    Ukrainian culture is based on village life, particularly that found in the Carpathian Mountains (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

Geography, Weather, & Wildlife of Georgia

Geography

Georgian Geography - Mt. Kazbek
Mt. Kazbek

Georgia is located on the narrow stretch of land between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea. It borders the Black Sea to the west, then rises in elevation to the Caucus Mountains in the north and east. Georgia is arguably in either Asia or Europe; according to many, Georgia's northern border forms the border between Europe and Asia, placing the country wholly in Asia, but others argue that Georgia is culturally European, hence is in Europe. Georgia is bordered by Turkey (south), Armenia (south), Azerbaijan (southeast), and Russia (north).

Geographically, Georgia is very mountainous with the exceptions of the Black Sea coast and the valley running east and west across the center of the country. The Caucus Mountains in Georgia's north are almost inaccessible and the people that live there are mostly isolated. Quite the opposite, along the coast and throughout the valley, there is a substantial amount of rainfall (and rivers from the mountains), making the region very fertile. These areas boast incredible population densities in stark contrast to many nearby regions, which can hardly sustain life.

Weather

Georgian Geography - Caucus Mountains
Caucus Mountains

The mountains in Georgia can be cool in the spring, from March-May and fall (autumn), from September-November. They can also be snowy and impassable in the winter, while summers in the mountains can have nearly perfect conditions (average about 65˚ F during the days in Kazbegi (18˚ C)).

In the lower lands, including the capital of Tbilisi summers can be very hot (average highs from June-September are about 90˚ F (30˚ C)). The Black Sea coast is more temperate, but on the hot side, particularly during summers when average temperatures are about 77˚ F (25˚ C).

Wildlife

The wildlife in Georgia is fairly diverse considering its size, but the small country moves from alpine mountains to the sub-tropical Black Sea coast giving numerous geological and meteorological variations. Among the mammals are goats, antelope, boars, bears, squirrels, and dozens of rodents among others. The lakes and rivers are full of trout while the Black Sea has many more species.

There are also numerous birds, some of which migrate through the region, but others, such as the turkey and grouse, remain in the country for much of the year.

This page was last updated: March, 2013