Smoking in Georgia
In Georgia, the prevalence and impact of tobacco smoking present significant public health challenges. As of 2024, an estimated 834,000 individuals aged 15 years and older were current smokers. The current prevalence of smoking among adult males was reported to be 52.4%, substantially higher than the 7.8% prevalence among females, and an overall adult smoking prevalence of 29%. The adult daily smoking prevalence in 2021 was 24.2%, with 7.7% among females and 43.3% among males. Data from 2021 highlight the grave health consequences of smoking, with 12,018 annual deaths. These data indicate that 10.95% of all deaths in Georgia were smoking-related, with this figure reaching 18.23% among males and 3.59% among females. These data provide a critical backdrop for public health initiatives and regulatory measures aimed at curbing tobacco smoking and mitigating its health impacts in Georgia.
Read articles from Georgia
January 21, 2026 by georgiatoday.ge
Georgia targets tobacco-free status by 2040 amid surge in e-cigarette
Georgia aims to be tobacco-free by 2040 but faces challenges due to increasing use of e-cigarettes. Despite progress in reducing tobacco use, consumption rates are high. The Tobacco Control Alliance urges action, emphasizing the need to curb alternative nicotine product use, particularly among the youth. To achieve the tobacco endgame policy, measures include taxing all tobacco equally, joining the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, and implementing plain packaging. Other recommendations involve restricting flavors, raising the legal age for tobacco purchase, and enforcing stricter regulations. Public support for these actions is high, emphasizing the need for political commitment to prioritize public health over tobacco industry interests.
January 21, 2026 by georgiatoday.ge
Georgia targets tobacco-free status by 2040 amid surge in e-cigarette
Georgia aims to be tobacco-free by 2040 but faces challenges due to increasing use of e-cigarettes. Despite progress in reducing tobacco use, consumption rates are high. The Tobacco Control Alliance urges action, emphasizing the need to curb alternative nicotine product use, particularly among the youth. To achieve the tobacco endgame policy, measures include taxing all tobacco equally, joining the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, and implementing plain packaging. Other recommendations involve restricting flavors, raising the legal age for tobacco purchase, and enforcing stricter regulations. Public support for these actions is high, emphasizing the need for political commitment to prioritize public health over tobacco industry interests.
March 11, 2025 by georgiatoday.ge
The Smoking Paradox in Georgia: Rising Numbers amidst Stricter Regulations
Georgia faces a concerning rise in smoking rates despite strict anti-tobacco laws, with daily smokers now at nearly 35%. Cultural norms and societal behaviors play a significant role, as smoking is deeply ingrained in Georgian culture. Urban men are more likely to smoke due to lifestyle and societal pressures. The popularity of alternative tobacco products among youth complicates efforts to reduce smoking. While public sentiment against smoking is strong, personal habits persist. Effective strategies must combine legislative actions with cultural shifts and support systems to combat smoking effectively in Georgia.
July 04, 2023 by worldvapersalliance.com
Harm Reduction in Georgia
If you have been following harm reduction globally, you might have noticed that developing countries often struggle with both factors – high smoking rates and a lack of sensible harm reduction approaches or policies.
This is true for many countries, and Georgia is not an exception. According to the Healthy Initiatives (an NGO) survey conducted in 2022, 26.4% of the adult population smokes conventional cigarettes in Georgia, and sadly, 51% do not even consider quitting. Only 2.8% of smokers quit through safer alternative nicotine products.