Laz (ლაზი Lazi) is an ethnic group from the Black Sea coastal regions of Turkey and Georgia, particularly in areas like Rize and Artvin. They speak the Laz language, a South Caucasian language related to Mingrelian. Most Laz people today are bilingual, speaking both Laz and Turkish.

Population estimates: Accurate numbers are difficult due to limited demographic studies, but estimates suggest tens of thousands, mostly in Turkey and Georgia.

Population

Traditional Settlements:

• Turkey: Mainly in Rize and Artvin provinces
• Georgia: Mostly in Adjara region

Diaspora:

Smaller Laz communities exist in countries such as

• Germany 🇩🇪
• France 🇫🇷
• United States 🇺🇸