Georgia and Urbanization: The Case of Tbilisi and Its Challenges
As of 2024, Georgia’s urbanization rate stands at 61%. This figure is neither low nor particularly high compared to

As of 2024, Georgia’s urbanization rate stands at 61%. This figure is neither low nor particularly high compared to international standards. In developed countries, urbanization levels often reach up to 80%, while in developing countries, they frequently remain below 60%. Georgia’s urbanization level positions it between these two extremes. According to projections, by 2050, the urban population will reach 70%, meaning that Georgia’s urban infrastructure and economy will face even greater pressure.
Tbilisi remains at the center of this process. With 34% of the population residing in the capital, it is one of the most densely populated cities in the region. This high concentration is, on the one hand, an indicator of growing economic activity, but on the other, it poses serious challenges related to infrastructure, housing, and ecological sustainability. Daily pressure on the city’s transport system, frequent traffic congestion, and air pollution directly reflect these issues.
It is worth noting that no developed country maintains a low level of urbanization. With current trends, the demand for urbanization in Georgia will grow alongside economic development. The growth of Georgia’s economy is creating new job opportunities in various sectors, particularly in services, finance, and technology. In this process, people are increasingly moving away from agriculture and rural areas to cities, where opportunities are more abundant. This is a global trend, mirrored in Georgia. For instance, most jobs in Tbilisi are tied to the service sector, which improves the economic and social conditions of the workforce but also increases the strain on urban infrastructure.
Reducing dependence on Tbilisi requires strengthening other cities and regions in Georgia, but this can only be achieved through long-term strategy. Georgia needs policies that create employment opportunities beyond the capital and foster urban and economic development in other regions.
Urbanization, which is a natural companion of economic growth, demands a reevaluation of the country’s urban management model. Georgia can draw on global best practices, where properly managed urbanization processes transform cities into not just social hubs but also economic centers. The successful development of Tbilisi and other cities will provide a foundation for stable and inclusive growth for the entire country.