Georgia’s Latest Demographic Portrait

The preliminary data from the 2024 population census offers a kind of social and demographic reflection that clearly shows not only the country’s historical transformations but also modern economic, urban, and social processes. According to the latest data, the population permanently residing in Georgia reaches nearly 3.9 million, of which the majority—53%—are women, while men make up 47% of the population. This gender imbalance is also noticeable across regions: in Tbilisi, the share of women reaches up to 56%, which is, on the one hand, a result of high migratory activity, and on the other hand, a consequence of the peculiarities of the age structure.

By type of settlement, 62% of the country’s population lives in urban areas. This figure is particularly high in Adjara, centered around Batumi (66%), while in Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Kakheti, and Racha-Lechkhumi and Lower Svaneti, the share of urban living is much smaller (20-24%). This urban and agricultural balance highlights Georgia’s internal spatial differentiation and the socio-economic challenges that will likely further reinforce dependence on large cities, especially Tbilisi and Batumi, in the future.

The capital still brings together the largest share of the country’s population—every third Georgian lives in Tbilisi. The next largest shares belong to Imereti (12.9%) and Kvemo Kartli (11.2%), confirming the economic-geographic significance and historical role of these regions. At the same time, the census results reveal migratory differences between regions, which lead to a decline in the rural population and overcrowding in the cities.

The 2024 census was conducted using international methodology and covered not only Georgian citizens but also foreigners and stateless persons residing in the country. This comprehensive approach is especially important in the era of globalization, labor migration, and ethnic diversity. It is worth noting that the final detailed analysis of the census results will only be available by 2026, which will allow us to see data such as levels of education, employment structure, internal migration, specifics of agriculture, and housing conditions.

The preliminary results already provide a significant basis for analysis: Georgia’s demographic dynamics remain one of the main challenges—structural aging of the population, regional inequality, accelerating urbanization rates, and internal migration will shape the social and economic agenda of the coming years. Added to this is the gender imbalance, which will become even clearer through in-depth studies. Ultimately, these data will define the country’s political plans, infrastructure needs, and development models, the proper planning of which is only possible based on demographic analysis.