Demographic Situation

Georgia covers an area of 69,700 square kilometers, situated in the Eastern European region of the South Caucasus. It shares borders with Azerbaijan to the southeast, Armenia and Turkey to the south, and Russia to the north. In contrast, its western border meets the Black Sea, providing a physical link to the European Union. The capital, Tbilisi, was founded in the 5th century and remains the country's political, economic, and cultural center.

Georgia has experienced notable demographic shifts in recent decades, influenced by migration patterns, urbanization, and an aging population. Below is an overview of the key demographic statistics.

 Sources: National Statistics Office of Georgia, 2023 

According to Georgia’s National Statistics Office, the country's population was estimated at 3.7 million as of January 1, 2024. The population is heavily concentrated in urban areas, especially the capital city, Tbilisi, which houses nearly a third of the country's population. 

Georgia faces several demographic challenges, including a declining birth rate and significant emigration, particularly among young adults. These trends have substantial implications for both the labor market and the education system, with increased urbanization affecting school enrollment and the demand for educational services in cities.

Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia (GeoStat).

Key Trends:

• Ageing Population: The population is ageing rapidly, with the proportion of people aged 65 and older increasing from 10.9% in 2000 to 17.5% in 2023. This shift strains the social security system and raises concerns about long-term sustainability. The working-age population (15-64 years) has declined as a percentage of the total population, while the share of young people under 14 has also decreased.

• Urbanization: Georgia has also experienced significant urbanization, with more than 60% of its population living in urban areas. The capital, Tbilisi, is the largest city and home to roughly one-third of the population. Rural depopulation is a key challenge as people move to cities for better employment and educational opportunities.

• Migration Trends: Georgia has long been a country with substantial emigration, mainly to Russia, Europe, and the United States. While net migration has improved over the years, the country still faces a negative migration balance, although at a lower rate than in the early 2000s. This trend has important implications for educational policy, as many Georgian families living abroad seek education opportunities in foreign languages and contexts.

Languages

The official language of Georgia is Georgian, spoken by around 87% of the population, and is used in government, education, and public life. It is one of the world’s oldest languages with its unique alphabet. In regions like Abkhazia and South Ossetia, local languages such as Abkhaz and Ossetian are spoken, though Georgian and Abkhaz remains the official language. English and Russian are also widely spoken as second languages. English is becoming increasingly prominent in the education system, especially in higher education institutions and international schools, reflecting Georgia's focus on global integration. English as a first foreign language is a mandatory subject from first grade till 12th grade at General Education Institutions.

Regional and Minority Languages: Besides Georgian, several minority languages are spoken, including Abkhazian, Armenian, and Azerbaijani. Minority languages are often concentrated in specific regions, such as Armenian in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region and Azerbaijani in Kvemo Kartli.

1. Armenian: 6% of the population.

2. Azerbaijani: 6% of the population.

Non-territorial Languages: Smaller communities in Georgia also speak several non-territorial languages, such as Greek, Ossetian, Assyrian, Chechen, Kurdish, etc. These languages are not tied to any specific region but are traditionally used within the communities that have lived in Georgia for generations.

The primary language of instruction at all educational levels is Georgian. However, in regions with significant ethnic minority populations, such as Abkhazia and South Ossetia, other languages, such as Abkhaz and Ossetian, are also used in educational settings. Additionally, Armenian, Azerbaijani, English, and Russian are used as languages of instruction in certain schools, particularly at the primary and secondary levels, to accommodate minority populations and international standards. 

Religions

Orthodox Christianity is the dominant religion in Georgia, with approximately 83.4% of the population adhering to the Georgian Orthodox Church, which plays a significant cultural and historical role. Other religious groups include Muslims (10.7%), primarily located in the Adjara region, and smaller communities of Armenian Apostolic Christians and Catholics. 

• Orthodox Christianity: 83% of the population.

• Islam: Around 10% of the population, mainly in regions such as Adjara and Kvemo Kartli.

• Armenian Apostolic Church: About 4% of the population, predominantly in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region.

• Other religions: Small communities of Jews, Catholics, and other Christian denominations also exist.

Religious freedom is constitutionally guaranteed, and religious diversity is respected, though the Orthodox Church retains a strong influence on cultural and social policies, including education.