Georgia, officially the Georgia, is a country located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, bordered by Russia to the north, Armenia and Turkey to the south, and Azerbaijan to the southeast. With a population of around 3.7 million, it is known for its diverse culture and history. Georgian is the official language, and Christianity, particularly Eastern Orthodoxy, is the predominant religion. Georgia has a rich cultural heritage, producing famous figures like the philosopher and poet Shota Rustaveli, and has a history dating back to ancient kingdoms like Colchis and Iberia. After gaining independence from the Soviet Union on April 9, 1991, Georgia has worked towards modernizing and integrating with European institutions.