Structure of the National Atlas of Georgia
Georgia is the mountainous country located in the central part of the Caucasus region between Europe and Asia. About 60% of the country’s territory is located higher than 1000 meters above sea level. Despite its small area of 69 700 km2, very diverse climates and natural landscapes are represented: the subtropical zone of western Georgia along the Black Sea, the dry steppes of eastern Georgia and the nival-glacial zone of the country’s northern part in the mountain ranges of the Great Caucasus with mountain peaks reaching altitudes of more than 5000 meters above sea level. The country is rich in hydrological and agricultural resources.
Georgia is a multi-ethnic country with a population of about 3.7 million (Geostat, 2015). Georgia’s different climates result in a wide spectrum concerning agriculture, settlements and life styles. Georgia’s traditional treasures for at least the last hundred years have always been agriculture and tourism, attracted by the fascinating landscapes and the rich cultural heritage. The National Atlas reflects most vividly and widely the country's geographical location, environmental conditions, natural and human resources, economic potential and their changes in time, and it will contribute to the evaluation and rational use of the country’s resource potential. The respective information contains:
- Geographic location of Georgia, geopolitical location, political-administrative division.
- Historical maps showing the formation of Georgia’s territory, including archaeological and architectural monuments.
- Natural conditions of Georgia’s landscapes, including relief, geomorphology, geological structure, tectonics, paleo-geographical peculiarities, hydrogeology, hydrography, climate, flora and fauna, soils.
- Natural resources, including minerals, agro-climatic and climatic resources, water, soil , recreation , forestry and hydropower resources.
- Population, economy, social sphere: Population structure, population dynamics, composition, populated places, industrial enterprises, agriculture, recreation economy, transportation, communication, construction, international organizations, service spheres, trade, education, science, health care, income, electronic geography, publication business.
- Geoecological hazards, including landslides, mudflows, snow-avalanches, floods and inundation, erosion, water and atmosphere pollution, protected territories.
The comprehensive information given by the National Atlas will assist all persons interested in studying the nature and culture of Georgia, and those who wish to contribute to further development of Georgia, scientists as well as entrepreneurs and developers.