The Olympics have once again highlighted the unique presence of the country of Georgia, known for its rich culture and history, rather than the more commonly referenced Georgia in the United States. This past week, Olympic fans were buzzing as Georgian figure skaters Diana Davis and Gleb Smolkin captivated audiences with their performances.
Located at a crossroads between Europe and Asia, Georgia shares borders with Russia to the north and Turkey to the south, while the scenic Black Sea graces its western shores. This geographical positioning places Georgia in a unique cultural and political landscape. The country proudly identifies as European, frequently competing in international sporting events, including the World Cup, as a member of the European association.
The official language spoken in Georgia is Georgian, which boasts its unique alphabet and linguistic structure, standing apart from neighboring languages in the region. Although Russian is still spoken by some of the older generations due to historical ties from the Soviet Union era until 1991, English is increasingly being embraced, particularly among the younger population.
The visibility of Georgia in the Olympics serves as a reminder of the nation’s vibrant spirit and its dedication to showcasing its talents on the world stage. With athletes like Davis and Smolkin, Georgia continues to foster pride in its cultural identity while forging connections with the global community through sports.