Where to Go - Europe (exc UK)

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Georgia

Population : 5,019,538

Literacy rate : 99%

Life expectancy at birth : male –60.9 yrs, female –68.23 yrs

Infant mortality rate : 52.94 deaths/1,000 live births

Population growth rate : -0.62%

GDP growth rate : 3.5%

GDP per capita : £1,500

Unemployment : 14.5%

Inflation : 19%

Climate : warm and pleasant; Mediterranean-like on Black Sea coast

Time :GMT + 4.

Electricity :220 Volts AC, 50 Hz.

Websites : The Parliament of Georgia is at http://www.parliament.ge/

Information for visitors is at http://members.tripod.com/~GeorgiaNet/Info

Georgia net itself is a search engine specific to the country, where links can be found to further sites of interest, and is at http://georgia.net.ge/

Since gaining independence in 1991, there have been ethnic and civil strife, separatist conflicts and inroads by organised crime. However, in 1995, the country came to its senses (a little, anyway) and the chief problems now are tax collection, corruption and the vestiges of organized crime. The fighting in nearby Chechnya has had an adverse effect on Georgian society. Seek advice as to the current state of affairs before travelling. The opening of the Caspian oil pipeline has helped the economy a little.

Never, ever confuse Georgians with Russians; these are happy, hospitable, good-timers. The country is famed for its fruit and wine, it has the largest manganese mines in the world and it also produces tobacco and tea. There is a small industrial base as well. Most of the country is mountainous and has many peaks above 4,500m. Demand for English teachers is such that it may even be possible to find a job teaching English simply by turning up. Do check out up-to-date info from the Foreign Office or the websites before traveling.

Visit the Black Sea resorts of Sokhumi, Ba’tumi and P’ot’i. These are also important ports, although the capital, T’bilisi, may offer the best opportunities.

Entry requirements

No big problems. Flexibility is the keyword.

Vaccinations

Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid.

Tax and Insurance

Taxation is at source and the rates are low. Get health insurance.

Gap Year Programmes

Click here to find gap year programmes and placements in Georgia

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