Time Zone |
Africa/Sao_Tome |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+0 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Time Zone |
Asia/Tbilisi |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+4 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
São Tomé and Príncipe is an island country in west-central Africa, consisting of the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe and the surrounding islets, with the capital, São Tomé, located in the northeastern part of São Tomé. Located on the Gulf of Guinea, about 200 kilometers from the African continent, the country was colonized by Portugal in the 15th century and became independent in 1975, with Portuguese as the official language and an economy based on agriculture (cocoa, palm oil) and tourism. It should be noted that "Java" is not a city or region of the country; Java is the main island of Indonesia, with cities such as Jakarta and Surabaya, and has nothing to do with São Tomé and Príncipe, possibly due to a confusion of names.
Abastumani is a small town in the Samtskhe-Zavakheti region of southern Georgia, nestled in a forested valley in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains at an altitude of about 1,300 meters. The town is known for its mild climate, hydrogen sulfide-rich hot springs and fresh alpine air, and has been a famous health resort since the late 19th century.
The history of Abastumani is closely linked to the Romanovs of the Russian Empire, with the brothers of Tsar Alexander III establishing a sanatorium here. During the Soviet period, it further developed into an important scientific and sanatorium center, boasting Georgia's first alpine observatory (built in 1932), which is still used for astronomical research. The town retains many Art Nouveau buildings from the late 19th century, including wooden villas and hammam facilities.
Visitors can experience spa treatments, explore the neighboring Borjomi Halagauli National Park on foot, or visit the observatory. Conveniently located close to Borjomi, the source of the famous mineral water, Abastumani is an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of nature and history.