note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses).
Population:
4,989,285 (July 2001 est.)
Currency:
lari (GEL)
Languages:
Georgian 71% (official), Russian 9%, Armenian 7%, Azeri 6%, other 7%br>i>note
Elevation:
highest point: Mt'a Mqinvartsveri (Gora Kazbek) 5,048 m
lowest point: Black Sea 0 m
Natural hazards:
earthquakes
Climate:
warm and pleasant; Mediterranean-like on Black Sea coast
Georgia's economy has traditionally revolved around Black Sea tourism; cultivation of citrus fruits, tea, and grapes; mining of manganese and copper; and output of a small industrial sector producing wine, metals, machinery, chemicals, and textiles. The country imports the bulk of its energy needs, including natural gas and oil products. Its only sizable internal energy resource is hydropower. Despite the severe damage the economy has suffered due to civil strife, Georgia, with the help of the IMF and World Bank, has made substantial economic gains since 1995, increasing GDP growth and slashing inflation. The Georgian economy continues to experience large budget deficits due to a failure to collect tax revenues. Georgia also still suffers from energy shortages; it privatized the distribution network in 1998, and deliveries are steadily improving. The country is pinning its hopes for long-term recovery on the development of an international transportation corridor through the key Black Sea ports of P'ot'i and Bat'umi. The growing trade deficit, continuing problems with tax evasion and corruption, and political uncertainties cloud the short-term economic picture.
