Georgia is a country with ancient history, strategic location and important economic potential. Its position at the junction of Europe and Asia makes it a key participant in international trade and politics. Despite its small territory, Georgia has land borders with four countries: Russia, Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Let's take a detailed look at each of these borders, their features, economic and political significance.
1. Border with Russia
Length: about 894 km.
Main border checkpoints: Verkhniy Lars (the only officially operating checkpoint between Russia and Georgia).
Geographical features: passes through complex mountainous territories, including the Main Caucasian Ridge.
2. Border with Turkey
Length: about 273 km.
Main border points: Sarpi (located near Batumi), Vale (inner region).
Geographic features: it passes through mountainous regions and the coastal part of Adjara.
Economic and cultural significance
Georgia and Turkey maintain close economic and cultural ties. Turkish investments play an important role in the economy of Georgia, especially in Adjara, where tourism and construction are actively developed. Sarpi is the busiest checkpoint on the border, thousands of people and goods pass through it every day. Turkey is also an important partner of Georgia within regional economic and energy projects, such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan gas pipeline.
3. Border with Armenia
Length: about 219 km.
Main checkpoints: Sadakhlo-Bagratashen, Ninotsminda.
Geographical features: passes through plain and mountain territories.
Relations between countries
Georgia and Armenia are historically connected by common cultural and religious traditions. The Armenian diaspora in Georgia is significant, especially in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. Armenia actively uses the territory of Georgia for the transit of goods, as its borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan are closed. Georgia, in turn, plays the role of a key transit corridor for the export and import of Armenia.
4. Border with Azerbaijan
Length: about 428 km.
Main border crossing points: Krasny most (основной КПП), Lagodekhi.
Geographical features: it passes through plain and hilly areas.
Commercial and political aspects
Georgia and Azerbaijan are strategic partners actively cooperating in the energy sector. The most important gas and oil pipelines connecting Azerbaijan with Turkey and Europe pass through Georgia. However, there are controversial issues between the countries, such as the ownership of the David-Gareji monastery complex, which remains the subject of negotiations between the governments.
Georgia borders four countries, each of which plays an important role in its politics, economy and culture. Despite the presence of unresolved territorial issues, the country remains a key transport hub in the South Caucasus. Thanks to its geographical location and partnership relations with its neighbors, Georgia continues to strengthen its position as an important international player.