World Happiness Report for Georgia 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Georgia: 91
- Happiness Score Georgia:5.185
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Georgia. GE.
Georgia is a country located at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia.
- It has a semi-presidential republic political structure.
- Georgian culture is known for its traditional music, dance, and cuisine.
- The country has a growing economy, with a focus on agriculture and tourism.
- Georgia is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world.
- The country has a unique alphabet, dating back to the 5th century.
Overall, Georgia is a fascinating country with a rich history and vibrant culture.
Georgia – A Comprehensive Overview
History and Overview
Early History: Georgia’s history can be traced back to the ancient kingdoms of Colchis and Iberia, which were located in the region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. These kingdoms were heavily influenced by Greek and Persian cultures and played a significant role in the Silk Road trade routes.
Kingdoms and Empires: In the Middle Ages, Georgia was dominated by various kingdoms, including the Bagrationi Dynasty, which ruled a united Georgian Kingdom from the 9th to the 11th century. The Kingdom of Georgia reached its golden age under Queen Tamar in the 12th and 13th centuries, before being conquered by the Mongols and later the Ottoman and Persian empires.
Colonial Period: Georgia was never directly colonized but was subjected to Russian imperial rule in the 19th century. The annexation of Georgia by the Russian Empire in 1801 marked the beginning of a long period of Russian domination.
Independence and Modern Era: Georgia declared its independence in 1918 after the collapse of the Russian Empire, but this was short-lived as the country was incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1922. Georgia regained its independence in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The post-Soviet era was marked by civil unrest, economic turmoil, and conflicts with separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Current Political Situation: Georgia is a semi-presidential republic with a democratically elected government. The current president is Salome Zourabichvili, and the prime minister is Irakli Garibashvili. Georgia has faced challenges in consolidating its democracy and has experienced political tensions and protests in recent years.
International Relations: Georgia has been pursuing closer ties with the European Union and NATO, though its bid for membership has been complicated by its conflicts with Russia. Georgia has strained relations with Russia due to the ongoing disputes over the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Human Development and Economy: Georgia has a developing economy with a focus on agriculture, tourism, and energy sectors. The country has made progress in reducing poverty and improving human development indicators, but challenges remain in areas such as healthcare, education, and income inequality.
Cultural Highlights: Georgia has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from various civilizations and religions. The country is known for its unique alphabet, ancient winemaking traditions, and vibrant folk music and dance. The Georgian Orthodox Church plays a significant role in the country’s cultural identity.
Georgia faces challenges in addressing its territorial disputes, strengthening democratic institutions, and achieving sustainable economic development. Opportunities lie in its strategic location, cultural heritage, and potential for regional integration and cooperation.
Travel Tips for Georgia
Best Times to Visit: Spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) are ideal for mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot, while winters are cold in mountainous regions.
Cultural Etiquette: Respect religious customs, especially when visiting churches. Dress modestly and remove shoes when entering homes or places of worship. Georgians are known for their hospitality and generosity.
Safety Precautions: Avoid the disputed territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia due to ongoing conflicts. Exercise caution in border regions and check travel advisories.
Must-See Landmarks: Visit the historic capital of Tbilisi, including the Old Town, Narikala Fortress, and sulfur baths. Explore the Caucasus Mountains, Svaneti region, and ancient monasteries like Gelati and Jvari.
Culinary Experiences: Try traditional Georgian dishes like khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), khinkali (dumplings), and mtsvadi (grilled meat). Sample the renowned Georgian wines and chacha (grape brandy).
Main facts
1. Location
Georgia is a country located in the Caucasus region, situated at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It borders the Black Sea to the west, and is situated between Russia to the north, Turkey and Armenia to the south, and Azerbaijan to the east. Georgia’s strategic location makes it a bridge between Europe and Asia.
2. Map References
Georgia is located in the Caucasus region of Eurasia.
3. Area – Comparative
Georgia has a total area of 69,700 square kilometers (26,900 square miles), making it slightly larger than the U.S. state of West Virginia.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Georgia has a total land boundary length of 1,461 kilometers (908 miles), shared with the following countries:
- Armenia: 164 km (102 miles)
- Azerbaijan: 322 km (200 miles)
- Russia: 723 km (449 miles)
- Turkey: 252 km (157 miles)
5. Coastline (if applicable)
Georgia has a coastline along the Black Sea, stretching 310 kilometers (193 miles). This coastal region includes notable features such as the Kolkheti lowlands and the Batumi resort area.
6. Maritime Claims
Georgia’s maritime claims include:
- Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
- Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles
7. Climate
Georgia has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters along the Black Sea coast. In the mountainous regions, the climate is more continental, with colder winters and relatively cool summers.
8. Terrain
Georgia’s terrain is diverse, with the Likhi Range and the Meskheti Range in the west, the Caucasus Mountains in the north, and the Transcaucasian Depression in the central and eastern regions. The country also features numerous river valleys, including the Mtkvari, Rioni, and Enguri rivers.
9. Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Georgia is Mount Shkhara at 5,193 meters (17,037 feet), located in the Greater Caucasus Mountains. The lowest point is the Black Sea, at sea level.
10. Natural Resources
Georgia’s major natural resources include:
- Manganese
- Iron ore
- Copper
- Barite
- Hydropower potential
- Timber
11. Major Bodies of Water
The major bodies of water in Georgia include:
- The Black Sea
- The Mtkvari River (shared with Turkey and Azerbaijan)
- The Rioni River
- The Enguri River
- Lake Paravani
- Lake Tabatskuri
12. Natural Hazards
Georgia is prone to the following natural hazards:
- Earthquakes
- Landslides
- Floods
- Droughts
13. Geography – Notes
Georgia’s unique geographical location, situated between Europe and Asia, has played a significant role in the country’s history and cultural influences. Its diverse landscapes, ranging from the Black Sea coast to the Caucasus Mountains, contribute to its rich biodiversity. Additionally, Georgia’s location along important trade routes has historically made it a strategic region for various empires and civilizations.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 40.60%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 10,128. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 34.50%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 42.31540743.356892.
- Capital: The capital of Georgia is Tbilisi
- Major Cities:
- Tbilisi – Population: 1,108,717
- Kutaisi – Population: 147,635
- Batumi – Population: 129,113
- Rustavi – Population: 125,103
- Population: 3,720,382
- Area(Km2): 69700
- Population Density( P/Km²):57. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:995
- Official Language(s):Georgia is Georgian 87.6% spoken.
- Currency: GEL
Main Economic Indicators
Georgia has a small, open economy with a GDP of around $17 billion. Its economy is driven primarily by services, which account for over 60% of GDP. Key challenges include a high unemployment rate, income inequality, and reliance on remittances from abroad. The government has pursued pro-business policies and sought deeper integration with the EU and other Western economies.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2021: 9.6% (Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia)
2020: 5.2% (Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: BB (Stable)
Moody’s: Ba2 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: BB (Stable)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 7.7%
Industry: 24.4%
Services: 67.9%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural: Wine, fruits, vegetables, eggs, livestock
Industrial: Iron and steel, machinery, vehicles, chemicals, beverages
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 1.94 million (2020 estimate)
Comparative Ranking: 124th largest labor force globally
Current Account Balance
2021: -$1.3 billion (-7.2% of GDP)
2020: -$1.1 billion (-6.3% of GDP)
Comparative Ranking: 138th in the world
Exports and Imports
Exports: $4.4 billion (2021)
Key Partners: Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bulgaria, Ukraine
Main Commodities: Vehicles, iron and steel, fertilizers, beverages, gold
Imports: $10.3 billion (2021)
Key Partners: Turkey, Russia, China, Azerbaijan, Germany
Main Commodities: Vehicles, machinery, oils, iron and steel, cereals
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $4.1 billion (as of December 2022)
Gold Reserves: 3.4 tonnes (as of December 2022)
- GDP (Current US$):$17,743,195,770. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 21.70%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 9.90%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.76. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $0.05. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 14.40%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Nationality (noun): Georgian
Nationality (adjective): Georgian
2. Ethnic Groups
- Georgian: 86.8%
- Azeri: 6.3%
- Armenian: 4.5%
- Other: 2.4%
3. Religions
- Orthodox Christian: 83.4%
- Muslim: 10.7%
- Armenian Apostolic: 2.9%
- Other: 3%
4. Age Structure
- 0-14 years: 18.1%
- 15-64 years: 66.2%
- 65 years and over: 15.7%
5. Dependency Ratios
Total dependency ratio: 50.9
Youth dependency ratio: 25.3
Elderly dependency ratio: 25.6
6. Median Age
Total median age: 38.6 years
Male median age: 36.3 years
Female median age: 41 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
- Obesity rate: 21.7%
- Alcohol consumption per capita: 5.4 liters
- Smoking prevalence: 29.3%
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 73.6. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 99.8%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:13.47. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:15. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 2.1. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 91.7%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 2,196,476. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):57.30%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
The Georgian Armed Forces consist of the following branches:
- Army
- Air Force
- National Guard
Key special units include the Special Operations Forces (Counter-Terrorist Unit) and the Georgian Coast Guard. The Ministry of Internal Affairs oversees the national police and border police forces, responsible for maintaining internal security.
Military Expenditures
Georgia’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2022: 2.1%
- 2021: 2.0%
- 2020: 2.3%
- 2019: 2.2%
- 2018: 2.0%
Georgia ranks 75th globally in terms of military spending.
Personnel Strengths
Georgia has approximately 20,650 active-duty military personnel, with the following breakdown:
- Army: 15,000
- Air Force: 2,150
- National Guard: 3,500
The national police and border police forces have a combined strength of around 25,000 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Georgia’s military equipment includes:
- Armored vehicles and artillery systems (domestically produced and imported)
- Fighter jets and transport aircraft (imported)
- Naval vessels (domestically produced and imported)
Future acquisitions include modernizing the Air Force with new multirole combat aircraft and procuring additional armored vehicles for the Army.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Georgia has a mandatory military service obligation for men aged 18-27. The service period is 12 months.
Military Deployments
Georgia currently has the following overseas military deployments:
- Afghanistan (NATO Resolute Support Mission)
- Central African Republic (EU Training Mission)
- Mali (EU Training Mission)
Georgia is also a significant contributor to international peacekeeping missions, including those under the United Nations and European Union.
Strategic Military Notes
Georgia’s defense strategy focuses on territorial defense, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflicts with Russia over the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The country is a member of NATO’s Partnership for Peace program and actively seeks closer integration with Euro-Atlantic security structures.
The Georgian military plays a key role in international security operations, contributing troops and expertise to various peacekeeping and training missions worldwide. Georgia maintains strong defense partnerships with the United States, Turkey, and other NATO member states.
- Armed Forces Size: 20700. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 7.12
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 68.30%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.