Georgian Community in Birmingham

Where they come from

Georgia lies in the Caucasus Mountains, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, and has its own ancient alphabet and language. It is one of the oldest wine-making regions in the world. Georgians in Birmingham include professionals, students and families who have come for work and study.

The community in numbers

At the 2021 Census, out of a city population of 1,144,919, 42 Birmingham residents described their ethnic group as Georgian.

Working for Birmingham

Georgian residents work in construction, healthcare, hospitality, business and technology, and Georgian students study at the city's universities. Georgian restaurants and bakeries have started to appear in British cities, and the community brings a strong work ethic and a warm welcome to its jobs and neighbourhoods.

Healthcare, education and the skilled trades are three of the pillars of the city's economy. The NHS is one of Birmingham's biggest employers, its universities teach tens of thousands of students, and there is steady demand for electricians, plumbers, carpenters, decorators and handymen in every neighbourhood, alongside business, transport, hospitality, retail and the city's growing digital and creative industries. People from every background keep these sectors running, and the Georgian community shares in that effort.

Culture and community life

The supra, a traditional feast led by a toastmaster called a tamada, is the heart of Georgian hospitality. Georgian polyphonic singing is recognised by UNESCO, and khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread, and khinkali dumplings are national favourites. The Georgian Orthodox Church is central to many families' lives.

Like so many of the communities that make up modern Birmingham, the Georgian community shows how a city can be home to many cultures at once. Its members are proud of where they come from, and just as proud to be Brummies.