Georgia is located at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia in the Caucasus region. It is bounded to the west by the Black Sea and bordered by Russia, Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Tbilisi is the capital and largest city. Georgia's geography is dominated by the Greater Caucasus Mountains in the north and the Lesser Caucasus in the south. The country is famous for its dramatic mountain scenery, including Mount Shkhara, its highest peak. Georgia is often considered the birthplace of wine, with a tradition of winemaking dating back 8,000 years. The climate varies from humid subtropical on the Black Sea coast to a more continental climate in the east. Georgia has a rich and ancient culture, with its own unique alphabet. It is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the historic city of Mtskheta. The country has faced significant geopolitical challenges, particularly regarding the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.