Georgia marks Independence Day on 26 May

Georgia celebrates Independence Day on 26 May, commemorating the declaration of the country’s first democratic republic in 1918.

On this day, the National Council of Georgia proclaimed the country an independent republic and adopted the Act of Independence of Georgia. Noe Zhordania was elected as the head of the republic.

The Democratic Republic of Georgia gained international recognition from leading European states, but its independence ended less than three years later following the Soviet Russian occupation in 1921.

Georgia restored its independence on 9 April 1991, after nearly 70 years under Soviet rule.

Since 1991, 26 May has been officially celebrated as Georgia’s Independence Day.