Georgia, officially known as the Republic of Georgia, is a country situated at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Bordered by Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey, and the Black Sea, Georgia holds a strategic location east of the Black Sea and is largely mountainous, with the famous Caucasus Mountains running through its territory. The country has a rich and diverse history, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. Throughout its history, Georgia has been influenced by various civilizations and empires, including the ancient Greeks, Romans, Persians, and Mongols. Today, Georgia is a unitary semi-presidential republic, with a president as the chief of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The country has a mixed economic system that combines elements of private freedom with centralized economic planning and government regulation. With a population of over 3.6 million, Georgia is known for its welcoming hospitality, unique cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and delicious cuisine. It is also famous for its ancient traditions, including polyphonic music, vibrant folk dances, and the art of winemaking, which claims to be one of the oldest in the world.