Georgia

The National Flag of Georgia

The national flag of Georgia, also known as the “Five Cross Flag,” is a symbol of national pride and historical heritage recognized around the world. The flag of Georgia consists of a white field with a large red cross that extends to all edges of the flag, dividing it into four quarters. In each quarter, there is a small red Bolnur-Katskhuri cross. Each element of the flag holds significant meaning, reflecting the history and values of Georgia.

Georgia Flag Clip Art Images, Backgrounds, and Wallpapers

Free Download of the Georgia Flag Image

To download an image of the Georgia flag, right-click on the image and select “Save image as…” on a desktop or laptop. On a mobile device, press and hold on the image, then select “Download image” or “Save image” from the options that appear.

For Apple (iPhone/iPad):

• Press and hold the image.
• A menu will appear; tap “Add to Photos” or “Save Image.”

For Android:

• Press and hold the image.
• From the menu that appears, choose “Download image” or “Save image.”

This will save the image to your device’s photo gallery or downloads folder.

Design and Colors of the Georgia Flag

The Georgia flag features a design that is rich in symbolism and meaning:

• Large Red Cross: The central St. George’s Cross represents Georgia’s patron saint, St. George, symbolizing bravery and valor.
• Four Small Crosses: The four smaller Bolnur-Katskhuri crosses in each quadrant symbolize the spread of Christianity and Georgia’s strong religious heritage.
• White: (#FFFFFF) Represents purity, innocence, and peace.
• Red: (#FF0000) Signifies courage, bravery, and the sacrifices made for the nation’s independence and freedom.

The Origins and Design of the Georgia Flag

The flag of Georgia has a rich history that reflects the nation’s journey through centuries of struggle and unification. The current design was officially adopted on January 14, 2004, but its roots trace back to the medieval Kingdom of Georgia.

The Birth of a National Symbol

The “Five Cross Flag” design dates back to the 14th century and was used during the reign of George V of Georgia. The large central cross represents St. George, the patron saint of Georgia, while the four smaller crosses signify Christianity’s four evangelists or the spread of Christianity to the four corners of the world.

Evolution of the Flag’s Symbolism

The symbolism of the Georgia flag has evolved alongside the nation. The red and white colors are rich in meaning:

• Red: Represents courage, bravery, and the blood shed for Georgia’s independence.
• White: Symbolizes purity, innocence, and the hope for peace.

The Central Design Elements

The central design elements of the Georgia flag include the crosses:

• St. George’s Cross: The large central cross symbolizes St. George, representing protection, bravery, and Georgia’s Christian heritage.
• Bolnur-Katskhuri Crosses: The four smaller crosses in the corners represent the spread of Christianity and the unity of the Georgian people.

Adoption and Official Recognition

The current design of the Georgia flag was officially adopted on January 14, 2004, after the Rose Revolution. The change was part of a movement to revive national symbols and traditions. The flag is protected under Georgian law, which outlines specific guidelines for its display and handling.

The Flag in Modern Georgian Identity

Today, the Georgia flag is a powerful symbol of national pride and unity. It is prominently displayed during national holidays, such as Independence Day (May 26) and Saint George’s Day (November 23). The flag is also honored in schools, government institutions, and by Georgians living abroad, serving as a reminder of the nation’s history, cultural heritage, and commitment to sovereignty.

The Significance of the Georgia Flag

The flag of Georgia holds a deep and significant place in the hearts of its people, symbolizing the rich history, culture, and unity of the nation. Displaying the Georgia flag is an act of patriotism and respect, and it is done according to specific rules and on designated days that hold special meaning for the country.

When the Flag of Georgia Can Be Displayed

The flag of Georgia may be displayed on any day, but there are specific guidelines for when and how it should be presented. The flag should always be treated with the utmost respect, never touching the ground, and should be handled with care. It can be flown on public buildings, in schools, at military institutions, and during official ceremonies. Citizens are also encouraged to display the flag at their homes during national holidays and important commemorations.

Flag Days and National Holidays

In Georgia, there are several official flag days and national holidays when the flag is prominently displayed:

• May 26 – Independence Day: This day commemorates Georgia’s declaration of independence in 1918. The flag is central to the celebrations, with parades, concerts, and patriotic displays nationwide.
• November 23 – Saint George’s Day: Celebrated twice a year (April 23 and November 23 according to the Julian and Gregorian calendars), this day honors the patron saint of Georgia. The flag is prominently featured in religious ceremonies and national events.
• April 9 – Day of National Unity: This day commemorates the tragic events of April 9, 1989, and honors the memory of those who died for Georgia’s independence. The flag is displayed as a symbol of unity and remembrance.

Love for the Flag and Patriotism

The Georgia flag is not just a national symbol; it is a representation of the pride and love that Georgians have for their country. The flag’s design—the five crosses—embodies the nation’s history, unity, and enduring spirit. Georgians demonstrate their love for the flag and their patriotism in various ways. During national holidays, the flag is displayed on homes, public buildings, and in parades. Schools instill a sense of respect for the flag from a young age, often including flag ceremonies as part of the daily routine. The national anthem is often sung in conjunction with the raising or lowering of the flag, further strengthening the emotional connection to this powerful symbol.

Georgia Flag Emoji Codes

1. Unicode Code Points

• Unicode: U+1F1EC U+1F1EA
• UTF-16: D83C DDEC D83C DDEA

2. HTML Entities

• HTML Entity (Decimal): 🇬🇪
• HTML Entity (Hexadecimal): 🇬🇪

3. CSS

content: "\1F1EC\1F1EA";

4. JavaScript (JSON) & Java

// JavaScript Example
const georgiaFlag = "\uD83C\uDDEC\uD83C\uDDEA";

// Java Example
String georgiaFlag = "\uD83C\uDDEC\uD83C\uDDEA";

5. PHP & Ruby

// PHP Example
$georgiaFlag = "\u{1F1EC}\u{1F1EA}";

// Ruby Example
georgia_flag = "\u{1F1EC}\u{1F1EA}"

6. Perl

my $georgiaFlag = "\x{1F1EC}\x{1F1EA}";

7. Python

georgia_flag = "\U0001F1EC\U0001F1EA"

8. C#

string georgiaFlag = "\uD83C\uDDEC\uD83C\uDDEA";

9. Swift

let georgiaFlag = "\u{1F1EC}\u{1F1EA}"

10. Objective-C

NSString *georgiaFlag = @"\U0001F1EC\U0001F1EA";

11. JSON

{
  "georgiaFlag": "\uD83C\uDDEC\uD83C\uDDEA"
}

12. SQL

INSERT INTO table_name (column_name) VALUES ('\uD83C\uDDEC\uD83C\uDDEA');

13. Shell Scripting (Bash)

georgia_flag=$'\U1F1EC\U1F1EA'

14. Go (Golang)

georgiaFlag := "\U0001F1EC\U0001F1EA"

15. Kotlin

val georgiaFlag = "\uD83C\uDDEC\uD83C\uDDEA"

About Georgia

Geography and Topography

Location and Geography

Georgia is located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, situated on the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains. It is bordered by Russia to the north, Turkey and Armenia to the south, the Black Sea to the west, and Azerbaijan to the east. The diverse geography of Georgia includes:

• The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range to the north
• The Lesser Caucasus Mountains to the south
• Coastal plains along the Black Sea
• Fertile valleys like the Kolkheti and Alazani
• Rivers such as the Mtkvari (Kura) and Rioni
• Forests covering significant portions of the country

Georgia Map

Area and Population

The country of Georgia covers an area of approximately 69,700 square kilometers. As of 2023, the population is estimated to be around 3.7 million people.

Demographics and Ethnic Composition

Georgia has a diverse population with a rich cultural heritage. The ethnic composition includes:

• Georgians: approximately 86.8% of the population
• Azeris: around 6.3%
• Armenians: about 4.5%
• Russians: roughly 0.7%
• Other ethnic groups, including Abkhazians, Ossetians, Ukrainians, and Greeks

Name and History

Origin of the Name “Georgia”

The name “Georgia” is believed to derive from the Persian and Arabic designations “Gurj” or “Gurjistan,” which may have been influenced by the Greek word “γεωργία” (geōrgía), meaning agriculture. Locally, Georgians refer to their country as “Sakartvelo”, which translates to “the land of Kartvelians.”

History

The history of Georgia is rich and multifaceted, with roots stretching back to ancient times. Key historical events include:

• Ancient Kingdoms: The kingdoms of Colchis and Iberia, dating back to the 4th century BC, are among the earliest known Georgian states.
• Adoption of Christianity: In 337 AD, Georgia adopted Christianity as the state religion, making it one of the earliest Christian nations.
• Golden Age: Under the reign of King David IV and Queen Tamar in the 11th and 12th centuries, Georgia experienced a cultural and political renaissance.
• Mongol Invasions: The 13th and 14th centuries saw invasions that disrupted the country’s prosperity.
• Russian Rule: In the 19th century, Georgia was annexed by the Russian Empire.
• Independence and Soviet Era: Georgia declared independence in 1918 but was incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1921.
• Modern Independence: Georgia regained independence with the dissolution of the USSR in 1991.
• Recent Conflicts: The 1990s and 2000s saw conflicts in the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Government and Politics

Capital

Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia. As the political and cultural center of the country, it is home to important institutions like the Parliament, the Presidential Palace, and the Supreme Court.

Government and Politics

Georgia operates as a unitary parliamentary republic. The government is divided into three branches: the executive, led by the Prime Minister; the legislative, consisting of the Parliament of Georgia; and the judicial, headed by the Supreme Court. The political landscape features multiple parties, with recent governments focusing on democratic reforms and integration with European and Euro-Atlantic institutions.

Values and Culture

Core Georgian values include hospitality, family, tradition, and a strong sense of national identity. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, including music, dance, and cuisine, and its people are renowned for their warmth and generosity.

Religion

The majority of Georgians practice Eastern Orthodox Christianity, with about 83% of the population adhering to the Georgian Orthodox Church. Other religions include Islam, Armenian Apostolic Christianity, and small communities of Catholics, Jews, and others.

Holidays

Major public holidays in Georgia include:

• Independence Day on May 26: Celebrating the declaration of independence from Russia in 1918.
• Orthodox Christmas on January 7: Observed according to the Julian calendar.
• Easter: A significant religious holiday celebrated with traditional rituals and feasts.
• St. George’s Day: Celebrated on November 23, honoring Georgia’s patron saint.

Demographics and Society

Language

The official language of Georgia is Georgian, spoken by the majority of the population. It is a unique language with its own script, one of the oldest in the world. Minority languages include Russian, Armenian, Azeri, and others.

Society and Sports

Georgia is a socially vibrant nation with a strong emphasis on sports and traditional arts. Rugby union is one of the most popular sports, along with wrestling, weightlifting, and football (soccer). Georgian athletes have achieved international success in various sports, particularly in wrestling and judo.

Safety

Safety in Georgia has significantly improved over recent years. The country is considered safe for residents and tourists, with low levels of violent crime. The government continues to focus on maintaining public safety and combating corruption.

Economy and Currency

Economy

Georgia has a developing economy characterized by a focus on services, agriculture, and tourism. Key sectors include:

• Agriculture: Production of grapes, citrus fruits, and hazelnuts.
• Tourism: Growth in cultural, adventure, and eco-tourism.
• Mining: Resources like manganese, copper, and gold.
• Energy Transit: Strategic pipelines transporting oil and gas from the Caspian region to Europe.

The economy is influenced by regional trade and efforts to integrate with the European Union.

Currency

The official currency of Georgia is the Georgian Lari (GEL), symbolized by “₾” and subdivided into 100 tetri.

Culture and Arts

Culture and Arts

Georgian culture is a blend of ancient traditions and modern influences, with significant contributions to the arts, music, and literature. The country is known for its polyphonic singing, recognized by UNESCO, traditional dance, and a strong literary heritage with poets like Shota Rustaveli.

Cuisine

Georgian cuisine is renowned for its diversity and flavors, reflecting the country’s rich history and agricultural abundance. Key elements include:

• Khachapuri: Cheese-filled bread, a staple in Georgian cuisine.
• Khinkali: Spiced meat dumplings, often enjoyed with black pepper.
• Satsivi: Turkey or chicken in walnut sauce, traditionally served during holidays.
• Wine: Georgia is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, known for its unique qvevri wine-making method.

National Anthem

The national anthem of Georgia, “Tavisupleba” (Freedom), was adopted in 2004. The lyrics reflect the country’s aspirations for freedom and national unity.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Transportation

Georgia has a growing transportation network, including major highways connecting cities, railways, and international airports in Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi. Public transportation in cities includes buses, minibusses (marshrutkas), and taxis. The country serves as a transit corridor between Europe and Asia.

Time Zones

Georgia operates on Georgia Standard Time (GET), UTC+4.

Web and Phone Code

Georgia’s internet country code is “.ge“, and its international dialing code is +995.

Georgia: Things to See and Do

Georgia is a country of vast natural beauty, vibrant cities, and rich cultural history, offering something for every type of traveler. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Georgia:

Explore Ancient Cities and Monasteries

• Tbilisi: Explore the capital city’s old town with its narrow streets, sulfur baths, and eclectic architecture.
• Mtskheta: Visit the ancient capital and UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery.
• Uplistsikhe: Explore the ancient rock-hewn town dating back to the Iron Age.

Experience the Caucasus Mountains

• Stepantsminda (Kazbegi): Trek to the Gergeti Trinity Church with Mount Kazbek as a backdrop.
• Svaneti: Discover the remote mountain region known for its medieval watchtowers and stunning landscapes.
• Gudauri: Enjoy skiing and snowboarding at this popular mountain resort.

Savor the Cuisine and Wine

• Kakheti Region: Visit Georgia’s premier wine region, tour vineyards, and taste traditional wines.
• Local Restaurants: Sample traditional Georgian dishes like khachapuri and khinkali.

Relax by the Black Sea

• Batumi: Enjoy the seaside resort city with its modern architecture, botanical gardens, and vibrant nightlife.
• Ureki: Relax on the magnetic black sand beaches believed to have healing properties.

Discover National Parks and Nature Reserves

• Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park: Hike through forests and meadows in one of Europe’s largest national parks.
• Lagodekhi Protected Areas: Explore pristine nature with waterfalls, lakes, and diverse wildlife.

Attend Cultural Festivals

• Tbilisoba: Celebrate Tbilisi’s city festival with music, dance, and local crafts in October.
• Rtveli: Participate in the traditional grape harvest and wine-making festivities in the autumn.

Visit Cave Monasteries

• Vardzia: Explore the cave monastery complex carved into the Erusheti Mountain in the 12th century.
• Davit Gareja: Visit the rock-hewn monastery complex on the semi-desert slopes of Mount Gareja.

Experience Georgian Hospitality

• Stay with Local Families: Experience the famous Georgian hospitality by staying in guesthouses and participating in supra (traditional feast).