Global - Technology - Review

Georgia lies on the eastern shore of the Black Sea, its northern borders defined by the Greater Caucasus Mountains, just one of several ranges, separated by deep gorges and valleys, which span the country. There are widespread deciduous forests whose fauna includes the endangered Persian Leopard. The region is prone to earthquakes, and the Arabika Massif contains the Voronya Cave, the world’s deepest, at over 2,000 metres. There is a rich heritage of folklore, music, dance and theatre. A favourite dish is meat dumpling or Khinkali, while wine making has a long history. It is said that the word ‘wine’ derives from the Georgian ‘g’vino’. The capital Tibilisi contains a number of impressive public buildings, including the vast new Sameba Cathedral, still not complete.There is an extravagant Soviet era Metro system and an Opera and Ballet theatre. Georgians have a strong sense of national identity, and since independence in 1991, and the subsequent Rose Revolution, relations with neighbouring Russia have been strained, and the dispute turned briefly to conflict in 2008.