The Republic of Georgia introduces the post of President after its declaration of independence from the Soviet Union.

A Land at the Crossroads: Georgia's Enduring Identity and Geography

Nestled strategically in the diverse and often rugged Caucasus region, Georgia, known in its own tongue as საქართველო (romanized as Sakartvelo and pronounced [sɑkʰɑrtʰvɛlɔ]), stands as a unique nation at the geographical and cultural intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. This pivotal location has profoundly shaped its history, culture, and geopolitical significance, making it a true bridge between continents. The country boasts a stunning natural frontier along its western edge with the Black Sea, offering vital maritime access. To its north and east, Georgia shares extensive borders with Russia, while to the southwest lies Turkey, a historical and cultural neighbor. Further south, it is bounded by Armenia, and to the southeast by Azerbaijan, completing its diverse array of regional connections.

Despite its relatively modest size, covering an area of approximately 69,700 square kilometers (about 26,900 sq mi), Georgia is home to a resilient population of around 3.7 million people. This figure, notably, excludes residents within Georgian territories currently under Russian occupation, a testament to ongoing geopolitical complexities. Politically, Georgia operates as a representative democracy, structured as a unitary parliamentary republic, where governance is centralized and legislative power resides primarily with the parliament. The vibrant and historic city of Tbilisi serves as both the nation's capital and its largest urban center, a bustling metropolis that accommodates roughly a third of the entire Georgian population, acting as its primary economic, cultural, and political hub.

Historical Tapestry: From Ancient Kingdoms to Modern Statehood

Foundations and the Golden Age

Georgia's rich history stretches back to the classical era, a period when several formidable independent kingdoms flourished within its contemporary borders. Among these were the legendary kingdom of Colchis, famously associated with the Greek myth of the Golden Fleece, and Iberia, often referred to as Kartli, which played a significant role in early regional politics. A pivotal moment in the nation's spiritual and political evolution occurred in the early 4th century when ethnic Georgians officially embraced Christianity. This monumental decision not only became a cornerstone of their national identity but also profoundly contributed to the spiritual and political unification of the nascent Georgian states, laying the groundwork for a cohesive nation.

The medieval period heralded the emergence of a unified Kingdom of Georgia, which ascended to its zenith during a remarkable "Golden Age" in the 12th and early 13th centuries. This era of unprecedented prosperity and cultural flourishing was largely defined by the extraordinary reigns of King David IV, often known as David the Builder, and Queen Tamar the Great, who expanded the kingdom's borders, fostered a flourishing of arts and sciences, and solidified Georgia's regional influence. However, this golden era was not to last indefinitely. Following a period of unparalleled strength, the unified kingdom gradually succumbed to decline, eventually disintegrating under the successive hegemonies of powerful regional empires, including the formidable Mongols, the expansive Ottoman Empire, and the various dynasties of Persia. These external pressures fragmented the once-unified state and ushered in centuries of foreign domination.

The Russian Connection and Soviet Era

The late 18th century marked a significant turning point when, in 1783, one of the remaining Georgian kingdoms sought an alliance with the expanding Russian Empire, viewing it as a protector against other regional powers. This alliance, however, set a precedent for Russian encroachment, as the empire systematically annexed the territory of modern Georgia in a piecemeal fashion throughout the 19th century, gradually absorbing the independent Georgian principalities into its vast domain. The tumultuous events of the Russian Revolution in 1917 offered Georgia a fleeting window of opportunity for renewed independence. It briefly emerged as an independent republic, albeit under German protection, navigating the chaotic aftermath of World War I.

This period of independence was tragically short-lived. Following the conclusion of World War I, Georgia was invaded and forcibly annexed by the Soviet Union in 1922, becoming one of its fifteen constituent republics. For nearly seven decades, Georgia remained under Soviet rule, its unique cultural and political aspirations often suppressed. By the 1980s, however, a powerful and rapidly growing independence movement began to sweep across the country, fueled by a desire for self-determination and national sovereignty. This movement ultimately culminated in Georgia's historic secession from the Soviet Union in April 1991, marking its return to independent statehood.

Post-Soviet Challenges and Pro-Western Turn

The initial decade following independence proved to be immensely challenging. Post-Soviet Georgia grappled with a severe economic crisis, profound political instability, and devastating ethnic conflicts, including secessionist wars in the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which further destabilized the nascent state. A turning point arrived with the largely bloodless Rose Revolution in 2003, a popular uprising that brought about significant political change and ushered in a new era. Following this revolution, Georgia firmly embarked on a pro-Western foreign policy, initiating a comprehensive series of democratic and economic reforms explicitly aimed at achieving integration into key international structures like the European Union and NATO. This assertive Western orientation, however, soon led to a sharp deterioration in relations with Russia, a friction that tragically culminated in the Russo-Georgian War of 2008. Since this conflict, Russia has maintained an active occupation of a portion of Georgian territory, a lingering unresolved issue that continues to impact the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Economic Progress and International Standing

Today, Georgia is recognized as a developing country, demonstrating remarkable progress in human welfare, underscored by its classification as "very high" on the Human Development Index. Extensive economic reforms implemented since its independence have fostered significantly higher levels of economic freedom and ease of doing business, making it an attractive environment for investment and entrepreneurship. These reforms have also led to notable reductions in corruption indicators, poverty rates, and unemployment, contributing to a more stable and prosperous society. Uniquely, Georgia holds the distinction of being one of the first countries globally to legalize cannabis and remains the only former-socialist state to have done so, reflecting a progressive stance on certain social issues.

Reflecting its strategic location and aspirations, Georgia actively participates in a wide array of international organizations spanning both Europe and Asia. These include prestigious bodies such as the Council of Europe, the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Eurocontrol, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Furthermore, it is a key member of the Association Trio (comprising Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, all aspiring for closer EU ties) and the GUAM Organization for Democracy and Economic Development, underscoring its commitment to regional cooperation, democratic values, and economic integration.

The Presidency: A Ceremonial Role in a Parliamentary Republic

The President of Georgia, known in Georgian as საქართველოს პრეზიდენტი (romanized as sakartvelos p'rezident'i), serves as the ceremonial head of state and simultaneously holds the title of commander-in-chief of the Defense Forces. As defined by the Georgian constitution, the presidential office is entrusted with the crucial responsibility of acting as "the guarantor of the country's unity and national independence." However, mirroring the structure of many parliamentary democracies across the globe, the president's role is largely a symbolic one, often described as a figurehead. The true executive power and day-to-day governance are firmly vested in the Government and, specifically, in the Prime Minister.

The office of the president was first established by the Supreme Council of the Republic of Georgia on April 14, 1991, a mere five days after Georgia triumphantly declared its independence from the Soviet Union. The president serves a five-year term, providing a degree of continuity in the symbolic leadership of the nation. The current president is Salome Zourabichvili, a figure of historical significance. Owing to Georgia's recent transition to a fully parliamentary system of governance, she holds the unique distinction of being the last president to be directly elected by the citizens of Georgia, as future presidents will be chosen through an electoral college.


Frequently Asked Questions about Georgia

What is the official name of Georgia in its own language?
In Georgian, the country is officially known as საქართველო, romanized as Sakartvelo.
Where is Georgia geographically located?
Georgia is located in the Caucasus region, precisely at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, bordered by the Black Sea, Russia, Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.
What is Georgia's political system?
Georgia is a representative democracy governed as a unitary parliamentary republic. Executive power primarily rests with the Prime Minister and the Government.
When did Georgia officially adopt Christianity?
Ethnic Georgians officially adopted Christianity in the early 4th century, which became a foundational element of their national identity and state-building.
Who were some notable rulers during Georgia's "Golden Age"?
The unified Kingdom of Georgia reached its "Golden Age" during the reigns of King David IV (David the Builder) and Queen Tamar the Great in the 12th and early 13th centuries.
When did Georgia regain independence from the Soviet Union?
Georgia declared its secession from the Soviet Union in April 1991, following a growing independence movement in the late 1980s.
What happened in the 2008 Russo-Georgian War?
The 2008 Russo-Georgian War was a conflict that arose from worsening relations between Georgia's pro-Western government and Russia. It resulted in Russia's occupation of portions of Georgian territory, a situation that persists today.
What is the role of the President of Georgia?
The President of Georgia is the ceremonial head of state and commander-in-chief of the Defense Forces, acting as "the guarantor of the country's unity and national independence." However, executive power lies with the Prime Minister and the Government.
Is Georgia aiming to join the EU and NATO?
Yes, following the Rose Revolution in 2003, Georgia strongly pursued a pro-Western foreign policy with the explicit aim of integration into both the European Union and NATO.