Country Profile: Georgia

Georgia, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, features a diverse geography characterized by mountainous terrain and a Mediterranean-like climate along its Black Sea coast. With a population of approximately 4.9 million, it is home to a rich cultural heritage stemming from its ancient kingdoms and significant historical influences. The economy, classified as upper-middle income, is driven by sectors such as services, industry, and agriculture, with aspirations for further integration with the West, including EU and NATO membership. The governance structure is a semi-presidential republic, reflecting a dynamic political landscape shaped by recent history.

Geography

Georgia is situated in southwestern Asia, bordered by the Black Sea and flanked by Turkey and Russia, signifying its strategic geopolitical importance. The country has a total area of 69,700 square kilometers, of which approximately 12,560 square kilometers are under Russian occupation. The terrain is primarily mountainous, featuring the Great and Lesser Caucasus ranges, and is interspersed with fertile river valleys.

310 km of coastline along the Black Sea
42° 00' N, 43° 30' E geographical coordinates
40.6% of land is forested (2022 est.)
18% of Georgia’s area is Russian-occupied
5,193 m elevation at Mt'a Shkhara, the highest point
12 nm territorial sea limit

People and Society

The population of Georgia is approximately 4.9 million, predominantly ethnic Georgians, with minority groups including Azeris and Armenians. The official language is Georgian, which is spoken by around 87.6% of the population. The country has a rich religious heritage, predominantly Eastern Orthodox Christian, with a high literacy rate of 99.6%.

20.6% of the population is aged 0-14 years (2024 est.)
60.7% of the population resides in urban areas (2023)
Median age is 38.3 years (2024 est.)
72.8 years life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
12 births per 1,000 population (2024 est.)
5.64 physicians per 1,000 population (2023)
11.8% of the population lives below the poverty line (2023 est.)

Economy

Georgia's economy is classified as upper-middle income and is characterized as fast-growing. It has shifted towards being a regionally focused exporter, particularly in sectors like energy and automotive. Despite low inflation rates, the country grapples with high unemployment, particularly among youth.

Real GDP (PPP): $91.849 billion (2024 est.)
GDP per capita: $25,000 (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 11.5% (2024 est.)
Public debt: 43.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Exports: $16.321 billion (2024 est.)
Poverty rate: 11.8% (2023 est.)
Remittances: 11.8% of GDP (2024 est.)

Government

Georgia operates as a semi-presidential republic with a unicameral legislature. The political landscape is vibrant and has seen significant changes over the years, notably following the Rose Revolution. The current president, Mikheil Kavelashvili, took office at the end of 2024, while the prime minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, was appointed in early 2024.

Capital: Tbilisi
150 members in the Parliament
Suffrage is granted to citizens 18 years and older
Constitution adopted on 17 October 1995
Gini Index: 34.8 (2023 est.)
Dual citizenship is not recognized
Independence Day: 26 May (1918)

Military and Security

The Georgian Defense Forces (GDF) consist of ground, air, and special operations forces, alongside a police and coast guard. The country has reintroduced conscription and is focused on aligning military capabilities with NATO standards amid ongoing territorial disputes with Russia.

Military expenditure: 1.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
Authorized personnel strength: up to 37,000 (2025)
Conscription reintroduced for men aged 18-27
Focus on Russian military activities in occupied areas
Participation in NATO exercises since 1992

Energy

Georgia's energy sector is predominantly reliant on hydroelectric power, accounting for a significant portion of its electricity generation. The country aims for energy independence while managing traditional fossil fuel sources.

100% electrification rate (2022 est.)
Installed capacity: 4.526 million kW (2023 est.)
75.5% of installed capacity from hydroelectric sources (2023 est.)
Total energy consumption: 56.076 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Natural gas consumption: 2.775 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Coal production: 148,000 metric tons (2023 est.)

Environment

Georgia faces several environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, soil degradation, and waste management issues. The country is party to several international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these concerns.

40.6% of land is forested (2022 est.)
Air pollution prevalent in Rust'avi
Municipal solid waste: 800,000 tons generated annually (2015 est.)
Significant biodiversity loss reported
Total renewable water resources: 63.33 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
Active participation in climate agreements including the Paris Agreement

Transportation

Georgia has a developing transportation network, with notable improvements in air travel and rail infrastructure. The country's airports and civil aviation system support domestic and international connectivity.

21 airports in operation (2025)
Railway network spanning 1,363 km (2014)
Merchant marine includes 26 vessels (2023)
Total ports: 3 (2024)
4 heliports available (2025)

Communications

Georgia has seen significant advancements in telecommunications, with a large percentage of the population having access to mobile and internet services. The country's media landscape includes various state and private broadcasters.

82% of the population uses the internet (2023 est.)
5.91 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2023 est.)
1.1 million fixed broadband subscriptions (2023 est.)
278,000 fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	4,900,961	2024 estimate
Area	69,700 sq km	Total area
GDP	$33.776 billion	Official exchange rate (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption	12.569 billion kWh	2023 estimate
Birth Rate	12 births/1,000 population	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	11.5%	2024 estimate
Literacy Rate	99.6%	2023 estimate
Life Expectancy	72.8 years	2024 estimate
Total Fertility Rate	1.95 children born/woman	2024 estimate
Military Expenditure	1.7% of GDP	2024 estimate