where in the world is the Republic of Georgia?

This year our family is hosting our third exchange student, Any (pronounced Annie). She hails from Tbilisi, Georgia- a small country located south of Russia. Part of the former USSR, Georgia is a fairly young country and most recently engaged in conflict with Russia in 2008. Any said her family wasn't really affected by the conflict. They just went and spent a few days in the countryside to ensure they were out of harms way.

For Christmas Any's mom sent her a few sweet treats:

churchxela, a caramelized nut treat (the long thing) and gozinayi, pecans in syrup (the squares on the plate)