Nature
Although Georgia occupies a relatively small area compared to other former Soviet republics, it boasts remarkably diverse natural features. The majority of the country is dominated by the Caucasus Mountains, with the Greater Caucasus forming part of the northern border. The Lesser Caucasus Mountain Range, located along the borders of Turkey and Armenia, together with the Surami and Imereti Mountains, creates natural divisions that contribute to cultural and linguistic distinctions across regions. These rugged terrains, coupled with underdeveloped infrastructure, leave many mountain villages isolated during winter months. Additionally, Georgia's mountainous areas face threats from natural disasters such as earthquakes and landslides. Notably, in 1989, massive rockslides in Adjara destroyed thousands of homes, and earthquakes in 1991 devastated villages in North and South Ossetia.
Georgia is also home to approximately 25,000 rivers, many of which serve as sources for hydropower plants. The country's river systems flow westward into the Black Sea and eastward through Azerbaijan into the Caspian Sea. The Mtkvari River, the longest at 1,364 kilometers, originates in the mountains of northern Turkey, traverses eastern Georgia, flows through the capital Tbilisi, and empties into the Caspian Sea. In western Georgia, the Rioni River flows from the Greater Caucasus Mountains to the Black Sea, culminating in the port city of Poti.
Climate
Georgia’s climate is influenced by subtropical conditions from the west and Mediterranean factors from the east. The Greater Caucasus shields the country from cold northern air masses, while warm, moist air from the Black Sea flows freely to the western coast. The climate varies significantly across regions, defined by proximity to the Black Sea and differences in elevation.
In western Georgia, the Black Sea coast and the plains of Abkhazia and Kolkheti experience a humid subtropical climate, with annual rainfall ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 millimeters. Winters in these areas are mild, with average temperatures around +5°C, while summers are hot, reaching up to +35°C. The region supports the growth of several species of palm trees, reflecting its subtropical nature.
Eastern Georgia, in contrast, exhibits a continental climate. Shielded from the Black Sea by mountain ranges, the plains experience drier conditions, with rainfall between 500 and 800 millimeters annually. Summer temperatures typically range from 20°C to 24°C, and winter averages between 2°C and 4°C. Semi-arid climates prevail in some eastern and southeastern regions, including the Iori Plateau.
In the mountainous areas, precipitation increases significantly with altitude, often doubling compared to lower eastern regions. At elevations around 650 meters above sea level, the climate remains subtropical, gradually transitioning to cooler, more humid conditions as altitude rises. This diversity in climate zones makes Georgia’s geography and ecosystems uniquely varied.
