International Labor Organisation reports new historic low for Georgia in Working Poverty Index

The International Labor Organisation (ILO) released the Working Poverty Index, marking a new historic low for Georgia.

The index is an indicator of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and measures the number of employed people below the international poverty line.

According to ILO estimates, in 2025, the level of persons below the international poverty line among the employed in Georgia decreased to a new historical minimum and equaled 1.4 percent.

The published data show that working poverty in Georgia has declined sharply in recent years. Over the past two years alone, the rate has dropped 2.5 times, while compared to 2012, it has decreased by tenfold.

The organisation published indicators from 2000 to 2024, showing that a significant decrease in working poverty in Georgia began in 2012.

In 2000-2003, an average of 19 percent of the employed were below the international poverty line, the situation practically did not change between 2004 and 2012, when 17 percent, or on average every sixth employed person, was below the international poverty line.

A significant shift occurred during 2013–2024, when the working poverty rate declined substantially, averaging 6% over the period.

The most recent estimate for 2025 confirms further progress, with only 1.4% of Georgia’s employed population remaining below the international poverty line - setting a new record low for the country.