There are two main climatic zones in Georgia. The climate is generally moderate and Mediterranean in the west near the Black Sea coast and extremely cold winters in the mountains. The Greater Caucasus mountain range plays an important role in moderating Georgia's climate and protects the nation from colder air masses moving into Russia from the north. While the Lesser Caucasus mountains protect most of the country from dry and hot air masses coming from the south. The eastern plains of Georgia are also protected by these mountains from harsh weather moving inland from the Black Sea. Temperatures during the summer average between 20°C and 24°C and between 2°C and 4°C during the winter. Humidity is generally low with around 500-800mm of rainfall per year. At higher altitudes rainfall can be up to twice as heavy as in the eastern plains. The climate in western Georgia is subtropical up to about 650 meters altitude. (Butler)Many believe that the highest mountain range in Europe is the Alps. The Caucasus Mountains along the Georgia-Russia border have higher peaks. The highest peak of this mountain range is located in Russia, Georgia is the second highest. Mount Shkara sits at 5,193 m (17,040 ft). This beats Mont Blanc by almost 400 m (1,312 ft). These spectacular mountains are mentioned in Greek mythology as one of the pillars that support the world. In these mountains it is said that Zeus tied Prometheus to make the eagles eat his liver. (www.bbc.co.uk)Economy: Georgian GDP growth has become extremely slow following the August 2008 conflict with neighboring Russia. Their economy experienced a recovery in the period 2010-2012, with growth rates above 6% per year, but has not yet fully recovered. A... medium of paper... like we do here in the United States. However, in Georgia they also have “name days”. These are the birth dates of the different saints after whom people are named. Gifts are normally not expensive and it is believed that it is more about the thought of giving the gift. If you are invited to a Georgian home you should bring flowers, imported sweets or chocolates to give to the guest. When giving flowers, remember to give an odd number because even numbers are only used for funerals. It is customary for the guest to open the gift right away, so don't be surprised. Also bring a small gift because the children of the house are always appreciated. Our culture normally wraps gifts with elaborate wrapping paper and bows. Georgian culture does not see the purpose and normally the wrappers are simple, if not even packaged (Dragonicum; Kwintessentia; catchtoteachrecruiting)