Are you curious to know more about Georgia? Are you interested in its history, culture, customs, and economy? If so, you have come to the right place. You can now read on to discover all that Georgia has to offer. If you’re new to the area, you may consider hiring a car to get around independently. Or, you can purchase a Lonely Planet Guide or similar travel guide to help you plan your trip.
History of Georgia
Concerning the History of Georgia, Georgia, located on the Black Sea’s eastern shores, is a nation renowned for its ancient civilization. Since almost 2 million years ago, people have existed in the area, including some of Eurasia’s first civilizations. Georgia is sometimes referred to be the “First Europe.”
It has a lengthy, rich culture with its own alphabet and its oldest wine region. Those acquainted with the Silk Road will relish the opportunity to see the core of the trading route, which passed directly through Georgia. Since its independence as an independent republic, its integration into the Soviet Union, and its restoration as a sovereign nation in 1991, Georgia has slowly grown into a modern country with several advantages for foreign people seeking to live near Europe, Asia, and Russia.
What is Georgia economics?
Georgia’s economy grew firmly before COVID, expanding at a healthy annual average rate of 5% from 2005 to 2019. Between 2007 and 2019, rapid growth led to half of the national poverty rate. Responsible macroeconomic policies, more global integration, prudent public investment, an attractive business climate, improved governance, and increased public expenditure contributed to the advancement.
The country has reached a consensus on national goals, including Euro-Atlantic integration, more government efficiency, higher growth, and a more functional welfare state. This opened the way for signing an Association Agreement with the European Union (EU) in 2016, which included a preferential trade system known as the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area. In addition, Georgia is well-positioned to attract foreign direct investment because of free trade agreements with key trading partners like the EU and China (FDI).
However, years of continuous development have had little influence on the creation of high-quality jobs, and many Georgians continue to depend on low-productivity jobs, particularly in agriculture and the informal sector. Although export quantities have grown, exports have remained crude, and enterprises confront poor growth and survival rates. These findings point to an inadequate structural transition and a regional economic disparity. Moreover, education results continue to be inadequate, and employees often lack the skills required by companies. The corporate sector is likewise concerned about the challenging political climate.
Georgia economy: Taxes
The personal income tax rate for locally derived income is 20 percent, which applies to locals and foreigners (only 5 percent for interest, dividends, and royalty). However, money derived from overseas sources is free from taxation! There is no property tax except rental revenue (which is subject to a 1% tax). You should be aware that you are considered a tax resident if you remain in the nation for 183 days each year.
Corporations are subject to a 15 percent tax. The value-added tax (VAT) is 18 percent. The import tax varies from 0 percent to 12 percent, depending on the country. Excise taxes are only levied on a few items, such as gasoline, alcoholic beverages, and cars. Several tax breaks are available to firms that allow them to cut their tax rates on certain business operations.
Georgia culture and customs
Georgian culture is unique, fascinating, and enigmatic, with a millennia-old history. Georgia’s ethnic identity has been affected by elements of Anatolian, European, Persian, Arabian, Ottoman, and Far Eastern civilizations, resulting in one of the world’s most distinctive and friendly cultures. Georgian culture is famous around the globe for its openness and tolerance. Traditionally, the Georgian people see visitors as a gift from God, and their warm welcome is instantly apparent upon a visitor’s arrival.
Language in Georgia
Georgian is the predominant language of around 3.9 million people (83 percent of the population) in Georgia and another 500,000 overseas (Turkey, Iran, Russia, the USA, and Europe).
It is the literary language of all Georgian ethnic groups, particularly those who speak other South Caucasian languages (or Kartvelian languages): Svans, Megrelians, and the Laz. In addition, Gruzinic, or “Kivruli,” is spoken by an additional 20,000 people in Georgia and 65,000 people worldwide (primarily 60,000 in Israel).
Georgia culture of Hospitality
Let us explore some amazing facts about Georgia’s culture of Hospitality
- Foreign visitors are seen as a gift and, as such, are considered guests of the nation.
- Expect to be invited to a lunch and make an attempt to accept the invitation.
- Supra is a massive dinner gathering with several toasts.
- The toastmaster, or “tamada,” picks individuals to offer lengthy toasts, and a horn of wine is carried around the table for exceptional toasts.
- Beer is reserved for toasting the adversary!
- Therefore, refrain from toasting with
Meeting and Greeting Etiquette and Manners in Georgia
- When meeting someone for the first time, greet them with a handshake and the phrase “gamarjoba” (“hello”).
- Once a relationship has warmed up somewhat, but not entirely, Georgians will soon move on to a cheek kiss.
- Only close friends and family members would often use their first names when addressing somebody.
- Additionally, first names may be followed by the words “Batono” (“Sir”) or “Kalbatono” (“Madam”) to impart a feeling of formality.
- Most individuals anticipate being addressed with their proper title followed by their surname.
Etiquette for Gift Giving
- As is customary in most of Europe and North America, presents are often exchanged on birthdays and during Christmas.
- However, Georgia has “name days” – these are the dates of birth of Saints after whom individuals are named.
- Gifts do not have to be extravagant; what matters is the thinking and intention behind the gift.
- If you are welcomed to a Georgian residence, send the hosts flowers, exotic sweets, or chocolates.
- Provide an unusual amount of blooms. Funerals are assigned even numbers.
- Gifts do not have to be wrapped elegantly.
- A tiny token of appreciation for the youngsters is always welcome.
- Gifts are not always opened immediately upon receipt.
Etiquette in Dining
- In general, table manners are simple and casual.
- Above all, meals are a time for socializing and enjoyment.
- Your Georgian host will want to ensure that you are comfortable, nourished, and pleased throughout your stay.
- If in question about proper manners, either observe what others do or ask.
- Continental table etiquette dictates that the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right
- when eating.
- Keep your hands visible and avoid resting your elbows on the table when eating.
- Typically, the oldest (or most distinguished) visitor is served first.
- If possible, try each dish.
- Second and third helpings will be given, and accepting them will satisfy the host. As a result, begin with lesser servings.
- Complete all that is on your plate.
- Expect active talk throughout lunch.
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