Country Profile: Georgia

Georgia, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, boasts a varied geography characterized by its mountainous terrain and a warm Mediterranean climate along its Black Sea coastline. With a population of approximately 4.9 million, the country is rich in cultural diversity and has a strong national identity rooted in its history as a former Soviet republic. Georgia's economy is classified as upper-middle income, primarily driven by services, industry, and agriculture, and has shown significant growth in recent years. The government operates as a semi-presidential republic, and despite aspirations for integration with Western institutions, it contends with ongoing geopolitical challenges, particularly regarding its territorial integrity.

Geography

Georgia is situated in southwestern Asia, bordered by the Black Sea to the west and flanked by Turkey and Russia. The country features a diverse landscape, dominated by the Great and Lesser Caucasus Mountain ranges, fertile river valleys, and a climate that supports various agricultural activities. Despite its relatively small size, approximately 69,700 square kilometers, about 18% of this area is currently occupied by Russia.

4 natural heritage sites recognized by UNESCO.
310 km of coastline along the Black Sea.
1,814 km of land borders with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, and Turkey.

People and Society

Georgia's population is approximately 4.9 million, with a majority ethnic Georgian demographic (86.8%). The country is characterized by its rich cultural tapestry, where Georgian is the official language, while Eastern Orthodox Christianity is the predominant religion. The society faces challenges such as an aging population, with a median age of 38.6 years, and high rates of youth unemployment.

60.7% of the population resides in urban areas, primarily in Tbilisi.
99.7% literacy rate among the population.
20.6% of the population is aged 0-14 years.

Economy

Georgia's economy is categorized as an upper-middle-income and has been among the fastest-growing in the South Caucasus region. The country's economic landscape is heavily oriented toward services, with significant contributions from agriculture and industry, particularly in areas like steel and wine production. The recent economic growth has been bolstered by financial inflows related to the regional geopolitical climate.

$91.849 billion estimated GDP in 2024 (PPP).
11.5% unemployment rate projected for 2024.
5.4% of GDP attributed to agriculture in 2024.

Government

Georgia operates as a semi-presidential republic with a legislative body made up of 150 directly elected members. The country has undergone significant political transformations since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The current governance includes President Mikheil KAVELASHVILI and Prime Minister Irakli KOBAKHIDZE, who took office in late 2024.

18 years is the legal voting age.
9 regions and 2 autonomous republics administratively recognized.
The last parliamentary election occurred in 2024.

Military and Security

The Georgian Defense Forces comprise ground, air, and special operations units tasked with protecting the country's sovereignty. Georgia has reinstated conscription for young men amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly with Russia. The military, while equipped primarily with Soviet-era hardware, is in the process of modernizing and enhancing its capabilities.

1.7% of GDP allocated to military expenditures in 2024.
Authorized personnel strength of up to 37,000 in the Defense Forces.
Active participation in multinational military operations, including in NATO and EU missions.

Energy

Georgia's energy sector is predominantly powered by hydroelectricity, accounting for approximately 75.5% of the installed generating capacity. The country has achieved full electrification and maintains a balance between energy imports and exports.

4.526 million kW of total installed electricity generating capacity as of 2023.
100% of the population has access to electricity as of 2022.
12.569 billion kWh electricity consumption recorded in 2023.

Environment

Georgia faces several environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. The government is a party to multiple international environmental agreements, aiming to address these issues through sustainable practices and resource management.

34.1% of land is utilized for agriculture as of 2023.
Only 19.6% of municipal solid waste was recycled in 2022.
Total renewable water resources estimated at 63.33 billion cubic meters.

Transportation

The country has a developing transportation network, including numerous airports, railways, and ports that facilitate connectivity within the region and abroad. Tbilisi serves as the primary hub for air travel, while the railway system plays a crucial role in freight transport.

21 airports and 1,363 km of railway as of 2014.
26 merchant marine vessels reported in 2023.
3 operational ports, with Batumi being the most significant.

Communications

Georgia has a relatively high level of telecommunications penetration, with a growing number of both fixed and mobile subscriptions. The country has invested in expanding internet access and digital media, contributing to a more connected society.

5.91 million mobile cellular subscriptions in 2023.
82% of the population uses the internet as of 2023.
1.1 million fixed broadband subscriptions reported in 2023.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	4,900,961 (2024 est.)
Area	69,700 sq km
GDP (purchasing power parity)	$91.849 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	11.5% (2024 est.)
Inflation Rate	1.1% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	11.74 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	72.8 years (2024 est.)
Literacy Rate	99.7% (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures	1.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
Electricity Access	100% (2022 est.)