What country did Georgia used to be?

**Georgia's Complex History and Current Challenges**

1. **Historical Overview**:
- Georgia's history is marked by periods of independence and foreign rule. It was unified as a kingdom under the Bagrationi dynasty by King Bagrat III in the early 11th century.
- The Kingdom of Georgia flourished during the 11th and 12th centuries but was later invaded by the Mongols in 1243 and then by the Timurid Empire in 1403.
- After a period of fragmentation, Georgia was annexed by the Russian Empire in the 19th century and later became a Soviet Republic until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
- The current republic of Georgia has been independent since 1991.
2. **Prehistoric Significance**:
- Evidence of early human occupation in Georgia dates back to around 1.8 million years ago, making it one of the oldest inhabited places outside Africa.
- The earliest agricultural settlements, known as the Shulaveri-Shomu culture, date back to between 6000 and 5000 BC.
3. **Current Political Landscape**:
- Georgia has faced challenges, including protests against the ruling Georgian Dream party, which critics say is moving the country toward authoritarianism and closer to Russia.
- Journalist Mzia Amaglobeli was sentenced to two years in prison for slapping a police chief during a protest, highlighting concerns over diminishing freedoms and the treatment of opposition voices.
4. **Geographical and Demographic Insights**:
- With a total area of 69,700 square kilometers, Georgia is slightly smaller than South Carolina. About 20% of its territory is not under government control.
- The population is predominantly Georgian, with significant Azeri, Armenian, and Russian minorities.
- The country's terrain is largely mountainous, with a diverse landscape ranging from the Black Sea coast to the Caucasus mountains.
5. **Economic and Institutional Framework**:
- Georgia's economy has a GDP of $6.46 billion (2006), with a GDP per capita of $3,800 purchasing power parity.
- The government is a republic with a unicameral parliament and a history of political instability and shifts in leadership.

In conclusion, Georgia's history is a complex tapestry of periods of independence and foreign rule, with significant cultural, demographic, and political diversity. The country faces contemporary challenges, including concerns over democratic freedoms and its geopolitical position between Russia and the West.