Arriving at the crossroads of Europe and Asia—welcome to Georgia, a country nestled in the Caucasus Mountains known for its rugged peaks, ancient churches, and legendary hospitality. There are around 4 million people living here, and the capital is Tbilisi, a city where cobblestone streets and sulfur baths sit alongside bold, modern architecture. The official language is Georgian, which uses its own unique and beautiful alphabet called Mkhedruli.

Georgia covers about 69,700 square kilometers (26,911 square miles). That’s almost the same size as the state of West Virginia in the U.S., or about the same size as Ireland. Despite its size, it contains everything from sub-tropical Black Sea coasts to permanent glaciers.

The most popular sports are Rugby and Wrestling, both of which reflect the country’s historical emphasis on strength. Their national animal is the Caucasian Winged Lion, though you will often see the St. George’s Horse as a significant cultural symbol.

The flag features a large red St. George’s Cross on a white field with four smaller “Bolnisi” crosses in each corner, where the white represents innocence and purity while the red symbolizes the bravery and love of the people.

The food is a highlight of any visit and is central to the Supra, a traditional Georgian feast. You must try Khachapuri, a gooey, cheese-filled bread that comes in many regional styles (the Adjaruli version looks like a boat with an egg in the middle!). Another staple is Khinkali, spiced meat dumplings that you are supposed to eat with your hands by twisting the dough “handle.” Most importantly, Georgia is widely considered the cradle of wine, with archaeological evidence of winemaking dating back 8,000 years!

Georgia is home to Ushguli, one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe, located deep in the Svaneti region where ancient stone defensive towers still dot the landscape. The country is also home to Krubera Cave, which was for a long time considered the deepest cave on Earth. If you visit the town of Chiatura, you can still ride “Stalin’s Ropeways,” a network of aging but functional cable cars that transport miners and locals across deep gorges. Georgians have a saying that “a guest is a gift from God,” which explains why they are famous for welcoming travelers with endless food and wine.

From the snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus to the sun-drenched vineyards of Kakheti, Georgia is a land of ancient myths and timeless beauty. Madloba! That means “Thank you!”