Survey: Around 1.4 mln Georgians Left in 2002-2017

Around 1.4 million people left Georgia in 2002-2017, out of which 20% had higher education.

The information was released by the non-governmental organization Society & Banks, which conducted the survey with the Financial Education Center of the University.

The survey added that 20% of those who left are characterized by high human resources and are capable of contributing to the country's economic growth.

The research also reads that the birth rate had been decreasing by 3% each year from 1995 to 2002, which resulted in a reduced number of people involved in economic activities.

Moreover, in 2010-2017, the share of 65 years and older people in the population grew by 0.4% annually and reached 14.6% by 2017, while the average rate is 8.7% for the rest of the world.

"Increased migration, decreased birth rate and high rate of aging reduce the workforce in the country. This is a big challenge and if the trend continues, the country's productivity and economic growth will be slowed down, not to mention the grave demographic situation," the research reads.

NGO Society & Banks recommended the state promote the return of Georgian youth to their homeland after they graduate from foreign universities.

It also believes that it is necessary to create jobs that will be competitive in the international arena to solve the problems identified as a result of the survey.

By Thea Morrison