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Mkhare — the regions of Georgia

Mkhare (singular and plural use in Georgian) are the top-level regions of the country of Georgia, used for administrative coordination and regional planning, distinct from autonomous republics and Tbilisi.

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Mkhare (Georgian: მხარე) is the term most often translated into English as "region" and denotes a primary administrative division of the country of Georgia. Mkhare function as territorial groupings used by the central government for administration, development planning and coordination between local municipalities.

Structure and role

Each mkhare is typically headed by a state-appointed official and contains a number of lower-level local governments. Although not autonomous units of state power like the two autonomous republics, mkhare provide a framework for regional public services, statistical reporting and implementation of national programs.

List of regions

  • Guria
  • Imereti
  • Kakheti
  • Kvemo Kartli
  • Mtskheta-Mtianeti
  • Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti
  • Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti
  • Samtskhe-Javakheti
  • Shida Kartli

The nine regions above are commonly listed as the mkhare of Georgia. They differ from the two autonomous republics (Adjara and Abkhazia) and the special status city of Tbilisi, which are separate constitutional categories.

Subdivisions and terminology

Regions are further divided into municipalities and, historically, into raionis (districts). Today the municipalities are the main units of local self-government, while mkhare serve a coordinating and supervisory role.

Most mkhare boundaries reflect geography, economic links and historic provinces. Some areas within certain regions are affected by unresolved territorial disputes and de facto separation, which influences administration and service delivery. For an overview of administrative concepts, see administrative division.

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AlegsaOnline.com Mkhare — the regions of Georgia

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