Georgia was an UNPO member between 1991 and 1992. 

It joined UNPO in 1991, at a time of profound political transformation and national uncertainty following the collapse of the Soviet Union. After decades of Soviet domination, Georgia sought to reassert its independence and rebuild democratic governance, while also grappling with severe internal and regional challenges. Central to its representation in UNPO were issues of national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the protection of ethnic and cultural identity amid growing separatist tensions in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. UNPO provided Georgia with an international platform to raise awareness of its struggle for self-determination and to advocate for peaceful conflict resolution in regions affected by ethnic divisions and external interference. 

Georgia’s independence was internationally recognised in 1992, and it joined the United Nations soon after, marking its emergence as a sovereign state. Today, Georgia remains committed to democratic development, while facing ongoing challenges related to Russian influence and territorial occupation. 

Georgia possesses a very ancient and distinctive culture, shaped by its position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Its national identity is deeply in the Georgian language and in the Georgian Orthodox Church, which has played a central role in preserving traditions and unity through centuries of foreign domination. Georgian culture is renowned for its rich literary heritage, vibrant music and dance, intricate polyphonic singing (recognised by UNESCO), and distinctive cuisine and winemaking traditions that date back thousands of years. The country’s identity also draws from its ancient history as the Kingdoms of Colchis and Iberia, its medieval golden age under figures like King David the Builder and Queen Tamar, and its enduring emphasis on hospitality, community, and resilience. Despite periods of occupation and political upheaval, Georgia has maintained a strong sense of national pride and cultural continuity, blending deep-rooted traditions with a modern outlook. 

Georgia’s history spans thousands of years and reflects its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, where empires, religions, and cultures have long converged. Archaeological evidence shows that the territory of modern Georgia was inhabited by some of the earliest human communities, and by the first millennium BCE, it was home to advanced states such as Colchis in the West and Iberia in the East. These kingdoms became important centres of trade and culture, known to the ancient Greeks and Romans for their wealth and craftsmanship. 

In the early 4th century CE, Georgia became one of the first nations in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion, a defining moment that deeply shaped its national identity and cultural development. The Georgian Orthodox Church became a unifying force, preserving the Georgian language and traditions throughout centuries of external pressure. During the medieval period, particularly under King David IV “the Builder” and Queen Tamar in the 11th-13th centuries, Georgia experienced a golden age of political power, military strength, and flourishing culture—marked by architectural achievements, literary masterpieces like The Knight in the Panter’s Skin and growing international influence. 

From the 13th century onward, Georgia faced waves of invasions from Mongol, Persian, and Ottoman forces, leading to fragmentation and decline. In the 19th century, it was annexed by the Russian Empire, and later became part of the Soviet Union in 1921 after a brief period of independence. Soviet rule brought repression, particularly against religious and cultural expression. With the collapse of the USSR in 1991, Georgia restored its independence, beginning a new chapter focused on democratic development and national revival.