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A Surprising Census Result Reveals Scotland's Fourth Largest Religion

Remember thinking how funny it'd be to answer "Jedi" to the census question asking your religion? You weren't alone: Jedi - the religion that stemmed from the Star Wars films - constitutes Scotland's fourth largest religion.

An Unprecedented Count

A recount of the 2001 census, paid for by the Pagan Federation, which was curious about the size of its official membership, has shown there are 14,052 Jedis in Scotland, more than the Sikh and Jewish communities put together.

The Force Behind the Numbers

The high number of Jedis is the result of an e-mail campaign that ran during 2001, under the false belief that if just 10,000 people pledged allegiance to the Force, then it would become an official religion. In England and Wales, 390,000 people - 0.7% of the population - entered Jedi in the "other religion" category. However, officials across the UK counted Jedis with atheists and took the high numbers in the spirit they were intended - not seriously.

Recounting the Numbers

The Pagan Federation had to pay for the recount itself, at a cost of £2000, after pleas to the General Registry Office (GRO) and the Executive were not met. Spokesman John Macintyre said: "There was simply no accurate information about the numbers of pagans in Scotland, and we felt that information collected by the census should be published as fully as possible. The recount has also provided an insight into other minority religions in Scotland."

Exploring the Diversity

The breakdown shows that, aside from Jedis, there are 1,930 pagans, 421 Baha'i members, 25 official Hare Krishnas, 58 Scientologists, and 11 Brahma Kumaris. The number of pagans is fewer than the 4,000 to 5,000 expected by the Pagan Federation, which was hoping the Scottish Executive would give paganism a higher stature, perhaps even recognizing marriage with pagan blessings.

Macintyre added: "Despite the fact the actual number was less than my estimate, I think the number may rise by the time of the next census." In February last year, MSPs turned down a public petition to extract the data from the census because of "technical difficulties".

Development officer of the Scottish Interfaith Council Maureen Sier said having an accurate picture of Scotland's religions was "a great thing". "It is informative for not just the Pagan Federation but also other religious groups to see what a true reflection of their numbers are. It does give a sense of what's going on in Scotland, and I think it will be useful for the Executive to see what diversity exists."

A spokesman for the Executive would not comment on the cultural significance of the number of Jedis, but said the information was valuable. "The pagans had to pay for the information because they were looking for information beyond the standard area statistics. That incurs cost since every census form with the 'other religion' box ticked needs to be checked, taking up a substantial amount of GRO staff time."

Exploring Realms and Resorts: Hotels that Embrace Theme-Based Experiences

What if you could immerse yourself in your favorite fantasy world while enjoying the luxury of a hotel stay? Theme-based hotels are on the rise, offering guests unique and unforgettable experiences. Let's take a look at some of the top hotels that embrace this trend:

1. The Wizarding World Hotel - London, England

Step into the enchanting world of Harry Potter at The Wizarding World Hotel in London. From the moment you enter, you'll be greeted by the magical ambiance of the Great Hall. Each room comes with its own wand and spellbook, allowing guests to truly feel like students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

2. The Fairy Tale Castle Resort - Bavaria, Germany

Live out your childhood dreams at The Fairy Tale Castle Resort nestled in the beautiful Bavarian countryside. Modeled after classic fairy tale castles, this hotel offers luxurious rooms with breathtaking views of the surrounding forests. Guests can enjoy medieval feasts, knight tournaments, and even have the chance to wear authentic period costumes.

3. The Sci-Fi Space Station - Tokyo, Japan

For science fiction enthusiasts, The Sci-Fi Space Station in Tokyo is a must-visit. This futuristic hotel features sleek and futuristic designs, with rooms that resemble space pods. Get ready to explore the galaxy as you step into a world straight out of your favorite sci-fi movies.

4. The Pirate Cove Retreat - Nassau, Bahamas

Embark on a swashbuckling adventure at The Pirate Cove Retreat in Nassau, Bahamas. This pirate-themed resort offers guests the chance to sail on replica pirate ships, search for buried treasure, and even participate in thrilling mock battles on the high seas. Ahoy, matey!

These are just a few examples of the many theme-based hotels popping up around the world. Whether you're a fan of fantasy, history, or science fiction, there's a hotel out there that caters to your passions. So, the next time you're planning a getaway, why not consider immersing yourself in a whole new world at a theme-based hotel?