🌲 Forest Cover in Georgia

Forest Cover in Georgia

The Forest Cover indicator measures the percentage of land covered by forest as a proxy for ecological health, biodiversity, and natural carbon storage. With a score of 50/100, a raw value of 40% forest coverage, and world rank 72 out of 231, Georgia sits in the global middle range – and is in fact a surprisingly forested small country.

Georgia's Forest Landscape

40% forest coverage across a land area of approximately 69,700 km² means around 28,000 km² of forest – predominantly in western Georgia and along the Greater Caucasus. The key forest areas:

• Western Georgia / Rioni basin: Colchic primeval forest (UNESCO World Heritage 2021), one of the oldest temperate rainforests and broadleaf forests in the world
• Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park: Georgia's largest national park, with dense conifer forests
• Greater Caucasus: Beech forest belt at elevations of 600–1,800 m

The Colchic primeval forest is an ecological jewel: it harbours species such as the Caucasian leopard, bears, and lynxes, and belongs to the most species-rich temperate forests on Earth.

Deforestation Issues

Illegal logging and firewood use (particularly in impoverished rural regions) are a problem. The Georgian government has strengthened forest controls in recent years; NGOs such as NACRES (Nature and Cultural Research Society) are engaged in conservation work.

Comparison

• Finland (90) = 73% forest cover, Estonia (66) = 52%: Northern European forest countries
• Canada (52) = 39%, Portugal (48) = 37%: Comparable to Georgia
• United States (44) = 34%, Georgia (50) = 40%: Georgia has more forest cover than the United States (in percentage terms)
• Armenia (12) = 9%, Turkey (19) = 15%: Significantly less forest

Relevant for Expats

Georgia's high forest coverage is a genuine quality-of-life advantage: hiking trails, national parks, and mountain forests are easily accessible. The Colchic primeval forest and the national parks of Borjomi, Kazbegi, and Lagodekhi are world-class outdoor destinations.

Conclusion: 50/100 reflects Georgia's solid forest landscape. With 40% forest coverage, Georgia is among the greener countries in the region – with a UNESCO World Heritage jewel and excellent outdoor opportunities.

This article was created on April 13, 2026