Until recently, knowledge of Georgia was limited in Western Europe, as this nowindependent country had been part of the Soviet Union until 1991. Georgia is wellknown for its hospitality, wine and cuisine, and also for the mountain peaks of the Caucasus which reach above 5000 meters. Otherwise few people know that there are different languages and ethnic groups in Georgia, that a separate Georgian alphabet exists and that Georgia has a fascinating history of more than 2000 years. The National Atlas presents detailed information with maps and accompanying text for the visitor as well as for scientists and business travellers. The National Atlas of Georgia, published for the first time in English by the Institute of Geography of Tbilisi State University as a strongly revised, updated and completed edition, offers the most current geographic information on Georgia today. The thematic maps are created using the latest digital techniques, detailing the physical environment, climate, economy, population, and historical milestones of the country. Maps, tables and texts are updated with the latest information from the following statistical sources: the National Statistics Office of Georgia, the Agency of Protected Areas and the Georgian National Tourism Administration. The accomplishment of this National Atlas of Georgia is the result of an intense cooperation between Tbilisi State University and Justus-Liebig-University Giessen and was supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.--Publisher's description.