Georgia is a transcontinental state because it lies partly in Europe, but for the most part in Asia. Georgia considers itself a European country since April 1999 and is a member of the Council of Europe. Since the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 Georgia is a republic and has now around 4.5 million inhabitants. The country is bordered by Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey to the Western and has a coastline with the Black Sea. Tbilisi with more than 1.25 million inhabitants the capital. The city is known for his monumental botanical gardens, the Tbilisi Historical Museum and Sioniki Cathedral (which dates from the 7th century). The city Mtscheta with other Svetitschoveli the cathedral, The Gelati Monastery of the Monastery of the Virgin in Gelati, built by the King of Georgia David the Builder, the Bagrati Cathedral and Upper Svanetië. Other cities include Koetaisi, Roestavi and Batumi (one of the two port cities). The climate in Georgia is largely subtropical. In the Caucasus is a steppe climate. In the West is a humid climate.