Georgia Not the Southern State August McCardell

Geography of Georgia

Statistics on Geography of Georgia Location: Southwestern Asia, bordering the Black Sea, between Turkey and Russia. Area: 69,700 sq. km. (nearly the size of South Carolina). Dominant geographic feature: Mountains.

Georgia’s Mountains The Likhi Range divides Georgia into eastern and western halves. The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range separates Georgia from the Republics of Russia. Peak elevation >16,400 feet above sea level. The Lesser Caucasus Mountains are located in Southern Georgia.

Northern Caucasus Mountains

Lesser Caucasus Mountains

Voronya Cave The deepest cave in the world. Carved out by glacial water flow 2,140 meters deep (around 1.3 miles) 9/article C30E000005DC- 453_468x310_popup.jpg 9/article C30E000005DC- 453_468x310_popup.jpg

The Georgian People Official Language: Georgian Religions: Orthodox Christian (83%), Muslim (10%) Life Expectancy: Male 73 years, Female 80 years Literacy Rate: Male and female 100%

Government System of Government: “Unitary semi-presidential republic”. Georgia became independent of Russia in Political turmoil has lasted since then. There has been no stable form of government since independent from Russia. Separatist movements are currently in place. Democratic elections of Georgia have occurred: Current President: Mikheil Saakashvil Current Prime Minister: Nikoloz Gilauri

Georgia’s Economy Mining products: Manganesecopper Agricultural products: grapes citrus fruits

Economic Statistics Gross Domestic Product (GDP):$10.98 billion GDP per capita: $ Labor Force: Agriculture:55.6%Industrial:8.9%Services:35.5%

2010 Olympic Performance 8 athletes (3 female) 3 skiiers 3 figure skaters 2 luge Results: No medals No medals No records No records cle E000005DC- 494_468x286.jpg cle E000005DC- 494_468x286.jpg

A Georgian Olympic Tragedy Lost control of his luge sled at >90 mph. Sled came off track. Georgian athlete (Nodar Kumaritashvili) died. pg pg