Georgia
Middle East Tbilisi
Population
4.90M
Area
69,700 km²
GDP
$33.78B
GDP Per Capita
$25,000
Pop. Density
70/km²
Background
The region of present-day Georgia once contained the ancient kingdoms of Colchis (known as Egrisi locally) and Kartli-Iberia. The area came under Roman influence in the first centuries A.D., and Christianity became the state religion in the 330s. Persian, Arab, and Turk domination was followed by a Georgian golden age (11th-13th centuries) that was cut short when the Mongols invaded in 1236. Subsequently, the Ottoman and Persian empires competed for influence in the region. Georgia was absorbed into the Russian Empire in the 19th century. Independent for three years (1918-1921) following the Russian revolution, it was forcibly incorporated into the USSR in 1921 and regained its independence when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991.
In 2003, mounting public discontent over rampant corruption, ineffective government services, and a government attempt to manipulate parliamentary elections touched off widespread protests that led to the resignation of Eduard SHEVARDNADZE, who had been president since 1995. In the aftermath of this "Rose Revolution," new elections in 2004 swept Mikheil SAAKASHVILI and his United National Movement (UNM) party into power. SAAKASHVILI made progress on market reforms and governance, but he faced accusations of abuse of office. Progress was further complicated when Russian support for the separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia led to a five-day conflict between Russia and Georgia in August 2008, which included Russia invading large portions of Georgian territory. Russia initially pledged to pull back from most Georgian territory but then unilaterally recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and Russian military forces have remained in those regions.
Billionaire Bidzina IVANISHVILI's unexpected entry into politics in 2011 brought the divided opposition together under his Georgian Dream coalition, which won a majority of seats in the 2012 parliamentary elections and removed UNM from power. Conceding defeat, SAAKASHVILI named IVANISHVILI as prime minister and left the country after his presidential term ended in 2013. IVANISHVILI voluntarily resigned from office after the presidential succession, and in the years since, the prime minister position has seen frequent turnover. In 2021, SAAKASHVILI returned to Georgia, where he was immediately arrested to serve six years in prison on outstanding abuse-of-office convictions.
Popular support for integration with the West is high in Georgia. Joining the EU and NATO are among the country's top foreign policy goals, and Georgia applied for EU membership in 2022, becoming a candidate country in December 2023. Georgia and the EU have a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, and since 2017, Georgian citizens have been able to travel to the Schengen area without a visa.
In 2003, mounting public discontent over rampant corruption, ineffective government services, and a government attempt to manipulate parliamentary elections touched off widespread protests that led to the resignation of Eduard SHEVARDNADZE, who had been president since 1995. In the aftermath of this "Rose Revolution," new elections in 2004 swept Mikheil SAAKASHVILI and his United National Movement (UNM) party into power. SAAKASHVILI made progress on market reforms and governance, but he faced accusations of abuse of office. Progress was further complicated when Russian support for the separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia led to a five-day conflict between Russia and Georgia in August 2008, which included Russia invading large portions of Georgian territory. Russia initially pledged to pull back from most Georgian territory but then unilaterally recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and Russian military forces have remained in those regions.
Billionaire Bidzina IVANISHVILI's unexpected entry into politics in 2011 brought the divided opposition together under his Georgian Dream coalition, which won a majority of seats in the 2012 parliamentary elections and removed UNM from power. Conceding defeat, SAAKASHVILI named IVANISHVILI as prime minister and left the country after his presidential term ended in 2013. IVANISHVILI voluntarily resigned from office after the presidential succession, and in the years since, the prime minister position has seen frequent turnover. In 2021, SAAKASHVILI returned to Georgia, where he was immediately arrested to serve six years in prison on outstanding abuse-of-office convictions.
Popular support for integration with the West is high in Georgia. Joining the EU and NATO are among the country's top foreign policy goals, and Georgia applied for EU membership in 2022, becoming a candidate country in December 2023. Georgia and the EU have a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, and since 2017, Georgian citizens have been able to travel to the Schengen area without a visa.
Geography17
Location
Southwestern Asia, bordering the Black Sea, between Turkey and Russia, with a sliver of land north of the Caucasus extending into Europe; note - Georgia views itself as part of Europe; geopolitically, it can be classified as falling within Europe, the Middle East, or both
Geographic coordinates
42 00 N, 43 30 E
Map references
Asia
Area
total : 69,700 sq km
land: 69,700 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 69,700 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than South Carolina; slightly larger than West Virginia
Land boundaries
total: 1,814 km
border countries: Armenia 219 km; Azerbaijan 428 km; Russia 894 km; Turkey 273 km
border countries: Armenia 219 km; Azerbaijan 428 km; Russia 894 km; Turkey 273 km
Coastline
310 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate
warm and pleasant; Mediterranean-like on Black Sea coast
Terrain
largely mountainous with Great Caucasus Mountains in the north and Lesser Caucasus Mountains in the south; Kolkhet'is Dablobi (Kolkhida Lowland) opens to the Black Sea in the west; Mtkvari River Basin in the east; fertile soils in river valley flood plains and foothills of Kolkhida Lowland
Elevation
highest point: Mt'a Shkhara 5,193 m
lowest point: Black Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 1,432 m
lowest point: Black Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 1,432 m
Natural resources
timber, hydropower, manganese deposits, iron ore, copper, minor coal and oil deposits; coastal climate and soils allow for important tea and citrus growth
Land use
agricultural land
34.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 4.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 1.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 27.9% (2023 est.)
forest
44.6% (2023 est.)
other
21.2% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
4,330 sq km (2012)
Population distribution
settlement concentrated in the central valley, particularly in the capital city of Tbilisi in the east; smaller urban agglomerations dot the Black Sea coast, with Bat'umi being the largest
Natural hazards
earthquakes
Geography - note
note 1: strategically located east of the Black Sea, Georgia controls much of the Caucasus Mountains and the routes through them
note 2: the world's four deepest caves are all in Georgia, including two that are the only known caves on earth deeper than 2,000 m: Krubera Cave at -2,197 m (-7,208 ft; reached in 2012) and Veryovkina Cave at -2,212 (-7,257 ft; reached in 2018)
note 2: the world's four deepest caves are all in Georgia, including two that are the only known caves on earth deeper than 2,000 m: Krubera Cave at -2,197 m (-7,208 ft; reached in 2012) and Veryovkina Cave at -2,212 (-7,257 ft; reached in 2018)
People & Society36
Population
total: 4,900,961 (2024 est.)
male: 2,343,068
female: 2,557,893
male: 2,343,068
female: 2,557,893
Nationality
noun: Georgian(s)
adjective: Georgian
adjective: Georgian
Ethnic groups
Georgian 86.8%, Azeri 6.3%, Armenian 4.5%, other 2.3% (includes Russian, Ossetian, Yazidi, Ukrainian, Kist, Greek) (2014 est.)
Languages
Languages: Georgian (official) 87.6%, Azeri 6.2%, Armenian 3.9%, Russian 1.2%, other 1% (including Abkhaz, the official language in Abkhazia) (2014 est.)
major-language sample(s):
მსოფლიო ფაქტების წიგნი, ძირითადი ინფორმაციის აუცილებელი წყარო. (Georgian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
major-language sample(s):
მსოფლიო ფაქტების წიგნი, ძირითადი ინფორმაციის აუცილებელი წყარო. (Georgian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Eastern Orthodox Christian (official) 83.4%, Muslim 10.7%, Armenian Apostolic Christian 2.9%, other 1.2% (includes Roman Catholic Christian, Jehovah's Witness, Yazidi, Protestant Christian, Jewish), none 0.5%, unspecified/no answer 1.2% (2014 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years: 20.6% (male 520,091/female 489,882)
15-64 years: 62.7% (male 1,500,036/female 1,572,637)
65 years and over: 16.7% (2024 est.) (male 322,941/female 495,374)
15-64 years: 62.7% (male 1,500,036/female 1,572,637)
65 years and over: 16.7% (2024 est.) (male 322,941/female 495,374)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 59.5 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 32.9 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 26.6 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 3.8 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 32.9 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 26.6 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 3.8 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 38.6 years (2025 est.)
male: 35.9 years
female: 40.6 years
male: 35.9 years
female: 40.6 years
Population growth rate
-0.45% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
11.74 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
12.89 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-3.33 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
settlement concentrated in the central valley, particularly in the capital city of Tbilisi in the east; smaller urban agglomerations dot the Black Sea coast, with Bat'umi being the largest
Urbanization
urban population: 60.7% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.35% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 0.35% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
1.082 million TBILISI (capital) (2023)
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.65 male(s)/female
total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.65 male(s)/female
total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
25.9 years (2019 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
20 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate
total: 20.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
male: 23.6 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 19.7 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 23.6 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 19.7 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 72.8 years (2024 est.)
male: 68.7 years
female: 77.2 years
male: 68.7 years
female: 77.2 years
Total fertility rate
1.94 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.94 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: urban
urban: 99.2% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 88.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 95% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 0.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 11.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 5% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 7.4% of GDP (2022)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 10.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 10.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
5.64 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Hospital bed density
4.9 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: urban
urban: 96.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 72.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 87.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 3.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 27.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 12.9% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
21.7% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 7.45 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 1.71 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 3.19 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 2.52 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 1.71 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 3.19 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 2.52 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 28.7% (2025 est.)
male: 53.9% (2025 est.)
female: 7.5% (2025 est.)
male: 53.9% (2025 est.)
female: 7.5% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
2.1% (2018 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
65.3% (2018 est.)
Child marriage
women married by age 15: 0.3% (2018)
women married by age 18: 13.9% (2018)
men married by age 18: 0.5% (2018)
women married by age 18: 13.9% (2018)
men married by age 18: 0.5% (2018)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP): 4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 12.2% national budget (2024 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 12.2% national budget (2024 est.)
Literacy
total population: 99.7% (2024 est.)
male: 99.8% (2024 est.)
female: 99.6% (2024 est.)
male: 99.8% (2024 est.)
female: 99.6% (2024 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 16 years (2023 est.)
male: 16 years (2023 est.)
female: 17 years (2023 est.)
male: 16 years (2023 est.)
female: 17 years (2023 est.)
Government23
Country name
conventional long form
none
conventional short form
Georgia
local long form
Republic of Georgia
local short form
Sak'art'velo
former
Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic
etymology
the Western name probably derives from the name of the local people, the Gurz, whose name origin is uncertain; the native name "Sak'art'velo" means "Land of the Kartvelians" and refers to the core central Georgian region of Kartli
Government type
semi-presidential republic
Capital
name: Tbilisi
geographic coordinates: 41 41 N, 44 50 E
time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name comes from the Georgian word tbili, meaning "warm" and referring to the hot sulfur springs in the area
geographic coordinates: 41 41 N, 44 50 E
time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name comes from the Georgian word tbili, meaning "warm" and referring to the hot sulfur springs in the area
Administrative divisions
9 regions (mkharebi, singular - mkhare), 1 city (kalaki), and 2 autonomous republics (avtomnoy respubliki, singular - avtom respublika)
regions: Guria, Imereti, Kakheti, Kvemo Kartli, Mtskheta Mtianeti, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Shida Kartli; note - the breakaway region of South Ossetia consists of the northern part of Shida Kartli, eastern slivers of the Imereti region and Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, and part of western Mtskheta-Mtianeti
city: Tbilisi
autonomous republics: Abkhazia or Ap'khazet'is Avtonomiuri Respublika (Sokhumi), Ajaria or Acharis Avtonomiuri Respublika (Bat'umi)
regions: Guria, Imereti, Kakheti, Kvemo Kartli, Mtskheta Mtianeti, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Shida Kartli; note - the breakaway region of South Ossetia consists of the northern part of Shida Kartli, eastern slivers of the Imereti region and Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, and part of western Mtskheta-Mtianeti
city: Tbilisi
autonomous republics: Abkhazia or Ap'khazet'is Avtonomiuri Respublika (Sokhumi), Ajaria or Acharis Avtonomiuri Respublika (Bat'umi)
Legal system
civil law system
Constitution
history: previous 1921, 1978 (based on 1977 Soviet Union constitution); latest approved 24 August 1995, effective 17 October 1995
amendment process: proposed as a draft law supported by more than one half of the Parliament membership or by petition of at least 200,000 voters; passage requires support by at least three fourths of the Parliament membership in two successive sessions three months apart and the signature and promulgation by the president of Georgia
amendment process: proposed as a draft law supported by more than one half of the Parliament membership or by petition of at least 200,000 voters; passage requires support by at least three fourths of the Parliament membership in two successive sessions three months apart and the signature and promulgation by the president of Georgia
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Georgia
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Georgia
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state
President Mikheil KAVELASHVILI (since 29 December 2024)
head of government
Prime Minister Irakli KOBAKHIDZE (since 8 February 2024)
cabinet
Cabinet of Ministers
election/appointment process
president elected by a 300-member College of Electors; prime minister nominated by Parliament, appointed by the president
most recent election date
14 December 2024
election results
2024: Mikheil KAVELASHVILI (Georgian Dream Party) was formally inaugurated on 29 December 2024
2024: Irakli KOBAKHIDZE approved as prime minister by Parliamentary vote 84-10
2018: Salome ZOURABICHVILI elected president in second round; percent of vote in second round - Salome ZOURABICHVILI (independent, backed by Georgian Dream) 59.5%, Grigol VASHADZE (UNM) 40.5%; Irakli GARIBASHVILI approved as prime minister by Parliamentary vote 89-2
expected date of next election
2029
Legislative branch
legislature name
Parliament (Sakartvelos Parlamenti)
legislative structure
unicameral
number of seats
150 (all directly elected)
electoral system
proportional representation
scope of elections
full renewal
term in office
4 years
most recent election date
10/26/2024
parties elected and seats per party
Georgian Dream (89); Coalition for Changes (19); Unity - National Movement (16); Strong Georgia – Lelo, For people, For Liberty! (14); For Georgia (12)
percentage of women in chamber
16.8%
expected date of next election
October 2028
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of 28 judges organized into several specialized judicial chambers; number of judges determined by the president of Georgia); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 judges)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the High Council of Justice (a 14-member body consisting of the Supreme Court chairperson, common court judges, and appointees of the president of Georgia) and appointed by Parliament; judges appointed for life; Constitutional Court judges appointed 3 each by the president, by Parliament, and by the Supreme Court judges; judges appointed for 10-year terms
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; regional (town) and district courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the High Council of Justice (a 14-member body consisting of the Supreme Court chairperson, common court judges, and appointees of the president of Georgia) and appointed by Parliament; judges appointed for life; Constitutional Court judges appointed 3 each by the president, by Parliament, and by the Supreme Court judges; judges appointed for 10-year terms
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; regional (town) and district courts
Political parties
Ahali
Citizens
Conservative Party
Droa
European Georgia - Movement for Liberty
For Georgia
For the People
Freedom Square
Georgian Dream
Girchi - More Freedom
Law and Justice
Lelo for Georgia
National Democratic Party
People's Power
Progress and Freedom
Republican Party
State for the People
Strategy Aghmashenebeli
United National Movement or UNM
Citizens
Conservative Party
Droa
European Georgia - Movement for Liberty
For Georgia
For the People
Freedom Square
Georgian Dream
Girchi - More Freedom
Law and Justice
Lelo for Georgia
National Democratic Party
People's Power
Progress and Freedom
Republican Party
State for the People
Strategy Aghmashenebeli
United National Movement or UNM
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission
Ambassador Tamar TALIASHVILI (since 24 July 2025)
chancery
1824 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone
[1] (202) 387-2390
FAX
[1] (202) 387-0864
email address and website
consulate(s) general
New York, San Francisco
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Alan S. PURCELL (since 16 July 2025)
embassy
29 Georgian-American Friendship Avenue, Didi Dighomi, Tbilisi, 0131
mailing address
7060 Tbilisi Place, Washington, DC 20521-7060
telephone
[995] (32) 227-70-00
FAX
[995] (32) 253-23-10
email address and website
International organization participation
ADB, BSEC, CD, CE, CPLP (associate), EAPC, EBRD, FAO, G-11, GCTU, GUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SELEC (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
9 April 1991 (from the Soviet Union); notable earlier date: A.D. 1008 (Georgia unified under King BAGRAT III)
National holiday
Independence Day, 26 May (1918)
Flag
description: white rectangle with a central red cross extending to all four sides of the flag; each of the four quadrants displays a small red bolnur-katskhuri cross (also known as Bolnisi cross), which has equal-length arms that are slightly wider at the end than in the center
history: sometimes referred to as the Five-Cross Flag, the design is based on a 14th-century banner of the Kingdom of Georgia
history: sometimes referred to as the Five-Cross Flag, the design is based on a 14th-century banner of the Kingdom of Georgia
National symbol(s)
Saint George, lion
National color(s)
red, white
National anthem(s)
title: "Tavisupleba" (Liberty)
lyrics/music: Davit MAGRADSE/Zakaria PALIASHVILI (adapted by Joseb KETSCHAKMADSE)
history: adopted 2004, after the Rose Revolution; based on music from the operas "Abesalom da Eteri" and "Daisi"
lyrics/music: Davit MAGRADSE/Zakaria PALIASHVILI (adapted by Joseb KETSCHAKMADSE)
history: adopted 2004, after the Rose Revolution; based on music from the operas "Abesalom da Eteri" and "Daisi"
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 4 (3 cultural, 1 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Gelati Monastery (c); Historical Monuments of Mtskheta (c); Upper Svaneti (c); Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands (n)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Gelati Monastery (c); Historical Monuments of Mtskheta (c); Upper Svaneti (c); Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands (n)
Economy32
Economic overview
upper-middle income, fast-growing South Caucasus economy; regionally focused exporter of cars, metal ores, and energy; financial and migrant inflows resulting from Ukraine conflict; EU accession talks suspended over disputed election and foreign influence law; low inflation but persistent high unemployment
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $91.849 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $83.935 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $77.838 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $83.935 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $77.838 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2024: 9.4% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 7.8% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 11% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 7.8% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 11% (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $25,000 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $22,600 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $21,000 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $22,600 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $21,000 (2022 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$33.776 billion (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024: 1.1% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 2.5% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 11.9% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 2.5% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 11.9% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 5.4% (2024 est.)
industry: 19.1% (2024 est.)
services: 62.8% (2024 est.)
industry: 19.1% (2024 est.)
services: 62.8% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
71.3% (2024 est.)
government consumption
13.4% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital
22% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories
0.8% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services
48.4% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services
-56% (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
milk, grapes, potatoes, maize, wheat, tangerines/mandarins, tomatoes, barley, apples, eggs (2023)
Industries
steel, machine tools, electrical appliances, mining (manganese, copper, gold), chemicals, wood products, wine
Industrial production growth rate
5.4% (2024 est.)
Labor force
1.833 million (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2024: 11.5% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 11.6% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 11.7% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 11.6% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 11.7% (2022 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 29.9% (2024 est.)
male: 28.4% (2024 est.)
female: 32.4% (2024 est.)
male: 28.4% (2024 est.)
female: 32.4% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line
11.8% (2023 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2023: 34.8 (2023 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food: 39% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 3.8% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 3.8% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 2.7% (2023 est.)
highest 10%: 26.9% (2023 est.)
highest 10%: 26.9% (2023 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 11.8% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 13.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 15.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023: 13.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 15.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Budget
revenues: $8.686 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $9.307 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $9.307 billion (2023 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2023: 43.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
23.6% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$1.491 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$1.709 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.105 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$1.709 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.105 billion (2022 est.)
Exports
Exports 2024: $16.321 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $15.173 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $13.24 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023: $15.173 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $13.24 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - partners
Azerbaijan 13%, Turkey 11%, Armenia 11%, Russia 10%, Kyrgyzstan 8% (2023)
Exports - commodities
cars, copper ore, electricity, garments, wine (2023)
Imports
Imports 2024: $18.915 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $17.816 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $15.665 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023: $17.816 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $15.665 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - partners
Turkey 16%, USA 13%, Russia 11%, China 8%, Germany 6% (2023)
Imports - commodities
cars, refined petroleum, packaged medicine, natural gas, garments (2023)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $4.447 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $5.002 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $4.886 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $5.002 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $4.886 billion (2022 est.)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $9.085 billion (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
laris (GEL) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024
2.721 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
2.628 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
2.916 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
3.222 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020
3.109 (2020 est.)
Energy7
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 4.526 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 12.569 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 4.913 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 4.234 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.148 billion kWh (2023 est.)
consumption: 12.569 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 4.913 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 4.234 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.148 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 23.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 75.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 75.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
production: 148,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 384,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 80 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 223,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 900.999 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 384,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 80 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 223,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 900.999 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 300 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 34,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 35 million barrels (2021 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 34,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 35 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 10.77 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 2.775 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 2.764 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 8.495 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
consumption: 2.775 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 2.764 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 8.495 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 56.076 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications6
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 278,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 5.91 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 156 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 156 (2022 est.)
Broadcast media
state-owned Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) includes Channel 1, Channel 2, and Adjara TV; independent commercial TV broadcasters include Imedi, Rustavi 2, Pirveli TV, Maestro, Kavkasia, Georgian Dream Studios (GDS), Obiektivi, Mtavari Arkhi, and TOK TV (Russian language); Tabula and Post TV are web-based TV outlets; Georgian Orthodox Church operates a satellite-based television station called Unanimity; 26 regional TV broadcasters; TV shifted to digital in 2015; several dozen private radio stations; GPB operates 2 radio stations (2019)
Internet country code
.ge
Internet users
percent of population: 82% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 1.1 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 29 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 29 (2023 est.)
Transportation6
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
4L
Airports
21 (2025)
Heliports
4 (2025)
Railways
total: 1,363 km (2014)
narrow gauge: 37 km (2014) 0.912-m gauge (37 km electrified)
broad gauge: 1,326 km (2014) 1.520-m gauge (1,251 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 37 km (2014) 0.912-m gauge (37 km electrified)
broad gauge: 1,326 km (2014) 1.520-m gauge (1,251 km electrified)
Merchant marine
total: 26 (2023)
by type: general cargo 3, other 23
by type: general cargo 3, other 23
Ports
total ports
3 (2024)
large
0
medium
0
small
1
very small
2
ports with oil terminals
2
key ports
Batumi, Sokhumi, Supsa Marine Terminal
Military & Security6
Military and security forces
Georgian Defense Forces (GDF; aka Defense Forces of Georgia, DFG): Ground Forces, Air Force, Special Operations Forces, National Guard
Ministry of Internal Affairs: Police, Border Police of Georgia, Coast Guard of Georgia (includes naval forces, which were merged with the Coast Guard in 2009) (2025)
Ministry of Internal Affairs: Police, Border Police of Georgia, Coast Guard of Georgia (includes naval forces, which were merged with the Coast Guard in 2009) (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 1.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.6% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.6% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
the Georgia Defense Forces are authorized up to 37,000 personnel (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the majority of the military's inventory consists of Soviet-era weapons and equipment, some of which has been upgraded; it has smaller quantities of mostly secondhand material from such countries as Israel, Poland, Türkiye, and the US, as well as some domestically produced equipment; Georgia has a small defense industry which produces such items as small arms and light armored vehicles (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-35 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; conscription was abolished in 2016, but reinstated in 2017 for men 18-27 years of age; conscript service obligation is up to 11 months depending on the assigned ministry, job specialty, and if the service is carried out in a combat unit (2025)
Military - note
the Defense Forces of Georgia (DFG) are responsible for protecting the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the country; the DFG also provides units for multinational military operations abroad and supports the Border Police in border protection and civil authorities in counter-terrorist operations, if requested; it is focused primarily on Russia, which maintains military bases and troops in occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia; a five-day conflict with Russian forces in 2008 resulted in the defeat and expulsion of Georgian forces from the breakaway regions
Georgia is not a member of NATO but has had a relationship with the Alliance since 1992 and declared its aspiration to join in 2002; the military is working to make itself more compatible with NATO and has participated in multinational exercises and security operations abroad with NATO, such as Afghanistan, where it was one of the top non-NATO contributors, and Kosovo; the DFG has also contributed troops to EU and UN missions (2025)
Georgia is not a member of NATO but has had a relationship with the Alliance since 1992 and declared its aspiration to join in 2002; the military is working to make itself more compatible with NATO and has participated in multinational exercises and security operations abroad with NATO, such as Afghanistan, where it was one of the top non-NATO contributors, and Kosovo; the DFG has also contributed troops to EU and UN missions (2025)
Transnational Issues1
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 31,791 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 347,754 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 488 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 347,754 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 488 (2024 est.)