Katbites.

September 2007 controversy over the Russian ambassador's statement

On September 24, 2007, the Russian ambassador to Georgia, Vyacheslav Kovalenko, became embroiled in a controversy over his statement at a televised informal meeting with Georgian intellectuals organized by the Tbilisi-based Russian-Georgian Friendship Union in which he referred to the Georgian people as a "dying-out nation", and announced to the Georgians that they will soon become extinct in the face of globalization while Russia is "a large country, a huge country. It can digest this. You, the Georgians, will fail to digest this."

Hahaha...only Russians man, only Russians. 

Currently there are no diplomatic ties between Russia & Georgia, being severed in August 2008. The countries have a messy history - any small nation near Russia often suffers this fate. But, if you're Russia...*shrugs*

One must be true to themselves/their nation?

Their script is fascinating as well (Georgians). Reminds me of Burmese. 

საქართველო
Sakartvelo
Georgia

Their currency is the 'Lari', and they drive on the right (incorrect! :P)

They have a HDI in the range of medium...but quite low purchasing power; Tbilisi their capital. 

The kingdom of Georgia was founded 1008, so one cannot say they lack history. They became independent from the Soviet Union 9th April 1991, and it was formalized 25th December 1991. 

Ethnic Georgians call themselves Kartvelebi  (ქართველები), and their language Kartuli (ქართული). 

Georgia is a democratic semi-presidential republic, with the President as head of state, and the Prime Minister as head of government. The current incumbents are Mikheil Saakashvili & Nikoloz Gilauri. 

The parliament of Georgia is unicameral with 150 members. 75 members are proportional representatives and 75 are elected through single-member district plurality system, representing their constituencies. Members of parliament are elected for a four-year term. 

Freedom House rates Georgia as partly free, and their democracy is still in transition. 

Georgia maintains good relations with its (not inflammatory) neighbours such as Turkey, Armenia & Azerbaijan. It participates actively in regional organizations such as the Black Sea Economic Council and GUAM (Georgia Ukraine Azerbaijan Moldova - Organization for Democracy and Economic Development). It also maintains political, economic & military relations with Japan, South Korea, Israel, Ukraine & more..

It is currently working on being a full member of NATO (gee, Russia would just love that.)

Archaeological research stipulates that Georgia has been involved in commerce since ancient times, and later as part of the Silk Road. 

Throughout modern history, agriculture and tourism have been principal economic sectors. 

In 2006 34% of the population lived below the poverty line.