ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION, REGIONS OF GEORGIA AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS

Abstract

Georgia has a one-level system of governance. Regional level of governance is not defined by law. However, historical areas/regions are objects for policy planning (Jibuti, 2018:526-529). Effectiveness of country’s regional division had not been assessed or studied in terms of economic development planning purpose. Our research aimed to define criteria for such assessment and make an evaluation. These criteria were formed based on study of different scientific approaches, theories and models. Criteria which were used to assess effectiveness of regional division in Georgia are following: (1) Regions have central places, “core/leading centers”; (2) Each region has settlements with high demand and settlements with relatively low demand; (3) Human, capital and product flows are more intensive within the region rather than with other regions; (4) Influence of internal or external factors are similar within the territory of a region; (5) Intensity of commuting is high within a region; (6) Regions are administrative units; (7) Natural resources, ecosystem or other geographical characteristics are similar within a region; (8) Economic conditions are somewhat similar within a region; (9) It is possible to manage or govern a region (Kharaishvili, 2003: 88). In order to make an assessment based on the above- mentioned criteria we studied development strategies of all regions (that are under control of Georgian government, excluding the capital) in Georgia for 2014-2021, and analyzed regional statistics. Study results show that 5 criteria out of 9 are not true for Georgian regions. Effectiveness of the regional policy will increase if the Georgian government establishes functional regions, taking into account basic needs of people inhabited in the specific areas (Bedianashvili, 2013: 38).