Country Profile: Georgia

Georgia is a country located at the intersection of Europe and Asia, neighboring the Black Sea, Turkey, and Russia. With a population of approximately 4.9 million, Georgia has a rich historical background, characterized by ancient kingdoms and a diverse cultural heritage. The country's economy is considered upper-middle income, driven by sectors like services, industry, and agriculture. Governed as a semi-presidential republic, Georgia actively seeks closer ties with Western nations, striving for EU and NATO membership.

Geography

Georgia is strategically positioned in Southwestern Asia, bordered by the Black Sea and neighboring Turkey and Russia. The country has a total area of 69,700 square kilometers, with a varying terrain that includes mountainous regions, fertile valleys, and an 18% area under Russian occupation which includes the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The climate is predominantly warm and Mediterranean-like along the coast.

69,700 sq km – Total area
310 km – Coastline along the Black Sea
1,814 km – Land boundaries with four neighboring countries
12 nm – Territorial sea limits

People and Society

Georgia has an estimated population of 4,900,961, with a diverse ethnic composition primarily comprising Georgians, but also includes Azeris, Armenians, and others. The official language is Georgian, and the predominant religion is Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Urbanization is notable, with about 60.7% of the population living in urban areas, predominantly in the capital city of Tbilisi.

4.9 million – Total population (2024 est.)
99.7% – Literacy rate (2024 est.)
72.8 years – Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
20.6% – Population aged 0-14 years (2024 est.)

Economy

Georgia's economy is classified as upper-middle income and has been growing rapidly, with a notable shift towards service sectors. The country is also a regional exporter of automobiles, metal ores, and energy. Economic challenges include high unemployment, inflation, and ongoing issues related to governance and foreign influence.

$91.849 billion – Real GDP (PPP, 2024 est.)
11.5% – Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
62.8% – Services sector contribution to GDP (2024 est.)
9.4% – Real GDP growth rate (2024 est.)

Government

Georgia operates as a semi-presidential republic with a diverse political landscape. The executive branch is headed by President Mikheil Kavelashvili and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, with a unicameral Parliament. The country has faced political challenges but remains focused on strengthening governance and pursuing closer ties with Western institutions.

Tbilisi – Capital city
150 – Seats in the Parliament
18 years – Universal suffrage
1.7% of GDP – Military expenditures (2024 est.)

Military and Security

The Georgian Defense Forces are responsible for the country’s military operations, with a focus on ensuring territorial integrity and engaging in international military partnerships. Conscription exists for males aged 18 to 27, and the military faces ongoing challenges due to regional tensions, particularly with Russia.

37,000 – Authorized personnel in the military (2025)
1.7% of GDP – Military expenditures (2024 est.)
18-35 years – Age range for voluntary military service
2009 – Year conscription was reinstated for males aged 18-27

Energy

Georgia’s energy infrastructure is primarily reliant on hydroelectric power, comprising 75.5% of its installed generating capacity. The country also imports and exports electricity, balancing its energy needs between local generation and international trade.

100% – Electrification rate (2022 est.)
4.913 billion kWh – Electricity exports (2023 est.)
12.569 billion kWh – Electricity consumption (2023 est.)
75.5% – Hydro energy in total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Environment

Georgia faces several environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, biodiversity loss, and waste management issues. The country is actively participating in various international environmental agreements, aiming to address these concerns while promoting sustainable development.

63.33 billion cubic meters – Total renewable water resources (2022 est.)
800,000 tons – Municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.)
19.6% – Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.)
10.7 million metric tonnes – Carbon dioxide emissions (2023 est.)

Transportation

Georgia's transportation infrastructure includes a network of roads, railways, and air travel facilities. The capital city, Tbilisi, serves as a hub for domestic and international travel, with ongoing developments in railway and port facilities to enhance connectivity.

21 – Airports (2025)
1,363 km – Total railway length (2014)
3 – Total ports (2024)
26 – Merchant marine vessels (2023)

Communications

Georgia has a well-developed communication network, with high mobile and internet penetration rates. The country has transitioned to a digital broadcasting system and offers a variety of media outlets, including state and independent broadcasters.

82% – Internet user percentage (2023 est.)
5.91 million – Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023 est.)
278,000 – Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023 est.)
1.1 million – Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	4,900,961	(2024 est.)
Area	69,700 sq km
GDP	$91.849 billion	Real GDP (PPP, 2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	11.5%	(2024 est.)
Energy Consumption	12.569 billion kWh	(2023 est.)
Birth Rate	12 births/1,000 population	(2024 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.)