Shida Kartli

Shida / Inner Kartli borders with Samtskhe-Javakheti, Imereti, Kvemo Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti provinces and with South Ossetia in the north. Gori is an administrative, historical, cultural and trade center of this region. The regions of he province are: Kaspi, Kareli, Khashuri, Gori, Java, the city of Tskhinvali - an administrative capital of South Ossetia. The northern part of the region are Java, the city of Tskhinvali, and northern parts of Kareli region. Within this northern part of Shida Kartli, ethnic Ossetians constitute the majority of the population. The rest of Shida Kartli, in the south, is predominantly inhabited by ethnic Georgians.

The main agricultural activity of the region is fruit and vegetable growing, while in northern zones - animal farming. Besides, Shida Kartli is suitable for beet growing. Households are mainly engaged in growing wheat (11,000 ha; 14,000 tons); fruit (11,000 ha; 34,000 tons) and maize (10,000 ha; 21,000 tons).

The landscape in the central and southern parts of the region is midland quite similar to lowland, terraced ravines and hills. The highland altitudes of the region vary between 1.200m to 1.500m.

The climate is generally dry and continental.