The Great Azerbaijani Census Caper: How Many Azeris Live in Georgia (and Why Counting Sheep is Easier)?
Ah, Georgia! Land of delicious khachapuri, breathtaking Caucasus Mountains, and...a population puzzle! We're talking about the Azeri population, folks. These guys are the largest ethnic minority in Georgia, but pinning down an exact number can feel like counting fireflies on a stormy night.
Here's the TL;DR: The latest official census (conducted in 2014) says there are around 233,000 Azeris living in Georgia. That's roughly 6.3% of the total population.
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
But wait, there's more! Some folks reckon the actual number might be higher. Why the discrepancy? Well, let's just say censuses aren't exactly Tinder dates - not everyone's always forthcoming with the details.
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Where are these Azeri folks living, you ask? Think of them as Georgia's hidden gems, scattered across the country. You'll find sizeable communities in the southeastern region of Kvemo Kartli (which conveniently borders Azerbaijan), as well as pockets in Kakheti, Shida Kartli, and Mtskheta-Mtianeti. Tbilisi, the capital city, boasts a historic Azerbaijani community too.
QuickTip: Skim the first line of each paragraph.
Bonus Fun Fact: Apparently, young Georgian Azeris often head to universities in Azerbaijan for higher education. This can be a double-edged sword - great for getting those academic qualifications, but not so fantastic for career prospects back home in Georgia.
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
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So, why is counting Azeris in Georgia such a head-scratcher? Well, there could be a few reasons:
- Family Matters: Big families are a thing in Azerbaijan, so tracking everyone down can be like trying to herd rambunctious sheep.
- Lingual Limbo: Not everyone speaks Georgian fluently. This can make communication during the census a bit of a hurdle.
- The Moving Maze: People move around, folks! Keeping track of who's where can be a logistical nightmare.
The End Result? We have a pretty good estimate, but the actual number of Azeris in Georgia might be a bit higher. Still, 233,000 is a significant chunk of the population, making them a vibrant and important part of Georgia's cultural tapestry.
How To FAQs:
- How to tell if you're an Azeri living in Georgia? Easy! If you love delicious dolma (stuffed grape leaves) and can hold your own in a heated backgammon match, you might just be Azeri.
- How to learn more about Georgian Azeris? Hit the books! Or, better yet, head to Georgia and experience their culture firsthand.
- How to pronounce "Azeri"? "Ah-ZEHR-ee" with a rolling "r." Now go impress your friends!
- How to avoid an awkward census encounter? Be prepared to answer questions about yourself and your family. Just be honest (and maybe have some khachapuri ready for the census taker - bribery never hurts, right?)
- How to appreciate Georgia's diversity? Embrace the different cultures and ethnicities that make Georgia such a fascinating place!
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