Azerbaijan Facts

Azerbaijan, state of the South Caucasus, western Asia; 87,000 km², 9.9 million residents (2019).Azerbaijan borders east to the Caspian Sea, south to Iran, west to Armenia, and north to Georgia and the Russian Federation. Azerbaijan also includes the Autonomous Republic of Nachichevan and the Autonomous Region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The latter is militarily controlled by Armenia since 1993. The capital is Baku (1.2 million residents, 2015).

Country facts

• Azerbaijan Republic / Azerbaijan Republic
• Country abbreviation: AZ
• Area: 87 000 km²
• Population (2019): 9.9 million residents
• Capital: Baku
• Main languages: Azerbaijani
• State: Republic
• Head of State: Ilham Alijev (President)
• Head of Government: Ali Asadov
• Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 4,721
• GNI per capita (2018): 4,050 US dollars
• Currency unit: 1 manat = 100 gopik
• Currency code: AZM
• Country number (telephony): 994
• Internet domain name: az
• Time difference compared to Sweden: +3
• National Day: May 28 (Founding of the Republic, 1918)
• Independence Day: December 25, 1991

Nature

• Land use: forest (11%), agricultural land (48%), other (41%)
• Highest mountain: Bazardjuzi (4,466 m asl)
• Longest river: Kura (1,515 km)

Population

• Population density (2019): 114 residents per km²
• Natural population growth (2019): 0.5%; birth rate 14 ‰, death rate 9 ‰
• Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (22%), 15-64 (69%), 65- (9%)
• Average life expectancy (2019): men 73 years, women 78 years
• Infant mortality (2019): 11 per 1,000 live births
• Population forecast 2050: 11 million residents
• HDI (2017): 0.757 (place 80 of 189)
• Urbanization rate (2019): 53%
• Most populous cities (2015): Baku (1.2 million residents), Gjandzja (328,400), Sumgait (290,500)

Business

• Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (6%), industry (54%), service (40%)
• Exports (2017): US $ 15,150 million
• Main export products: oil, natural gas
• Main exporting countries: Italy, Turkey, Israel
• Imports (2017): US $ 9,040 million
• Main import products: machinery, oil products, food
• Main importing countries: Russian Federation, Turkey, China
• Railway network (2017): 2 900 km

Geography

Location and Borders

Azerbaijan is located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, strategically positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. The country lies on the western shore of the Caspian Sea, bordered by Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia to the west, and Iran to the south. It also shares a small border with Turkey through the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, a landlocked exclave separated from the rest of Azerbaijan by Armenia. The country’s geographic coordinates are approximately 40.14°N latitude and 47.58°E longitude, giving it a unique blend of climatic, geological, and cultural influences from both the East and the West.

Topography and Natural Features

Azerbaijan’s landscape is incredibly varied, ranging from the flat plains and arid regions of the Caspian Sea to the towering mountains in the north and west. The country’s topography is shaped by several mountain ranges, including the Caucasus Mountains to the north, which form a natural boundary with Russia and Georgia. The Greater Caucasus mountain range, home to the country’s highest peak, Mount Bazarduzu, rises to 4,466 meters. The Lesser Caucasus Mountains stretch across the southern and western parts of Azerbaijan, while the Kura and Aras River valleys create fertile lowlands, perfect for agriculture.

The Caspian Sea coastline, Azerbaijan’s most prominent feature, provides the country with access to important maritime trade routes. Additionally, Azerbaijan is known for its rich biodiversity, with forests in the northern regions, semi-desert areas in the central regions, and marshlands in the Caspian coastal areas. The country’s mineral resources, including oil and natural gas deposits, have also significantly shaped its economic development.

Climate

Diverse Climate Zones

Azerbaijan’s climate is heavily influenced by its geography, featuring a range of climate zones, including subtropical, semi-arid, and temperate. The coastal areas along the Caspian Sea generally experience a mild, temperate climate, with warm summers and cool winters. However, the climate becomes more continental as you move inland, especially in the lowlands and central regions. In these areas, summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures reaching over 40°C, while winters are cold and dry.

In the higher altitudes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, the climate is alpine, with temperatures dropping below freezing for much of the year. Snowfall in the winter and cooler temperatures in the summer make these regions attractive for winter sports and outdoor activities. The semi-arid steppe regions of Azerbaijan, particularly in the east and south, are characterized by little rainfall and hot, dry summers. This diversity in climate has allowed Azerbaijan to cultivate a wide range of agricultural products and develop various ecosystems across the country.

Seasonal Variations

Azerbaijan experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Spring and autumn are relatively mild, with moderate temperatures and a mix of rainfall and sunshine. Summer can be scorching in the lowland and desert areas, particularly in the central and eastern parts of the country, while the higher regions offer cooler climates. Winter temperatures vary greatly across the country; while the Caspian Sea coast remains relatively mild, the mountainous areas experience harsh winters with significant snowfall.

People

Population

Azerbaijan has a population of around 10 million people, the majority of whom live in urban areas, particularly in the capital city of Baku. The country’s population density is higher in the lowland and coastal regions, where fertile lands and favorable climates have historically supported agricultural development. While Azerbaijan’s population is predominantly Azerbaijani, the country is home to several ethnic minorities, including Russians, Armenians, Lezgins, and Talysh, particularly in the northern and southern regions.

The population has been growing steadily over the past few decades, thanks in part to improvements in healthcare and living standards. Azerbaijan has a relatively young population, with a median age of around 32 years. This youthful demographic, coupled with the country’s increasing urbanization, has contributed to rapid economic and social changes.

Languages

The official language of Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani, a Turkic language closely related to Turkish and other languages in the Turkic family. Azerbaijani is spoken by the vast majority of the population and serves as a key cultural identifier for the people of Azerbaijan. The language has undergone significant reforms since the country gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, particularly in terms of script and vocabulary.

Russian, once the official language during the Soviet era, is still widely spoken, particularly among older generations, and remains an important language in government and business. In addition to Azerbaijani and Russian, several minority languages are spoken, including Lezgian, Talysh, and Kurdish, primarily in specific regions of the country.

Ethnic Composition

The majority of Azerbaijan’s population is ethnically Azerbaijani, a Turkic-speaking group with deep historical ties to the Caucasus region. However, Azerbaijan’s population is also ethnically diverse. Significant minority groups include Lezgins, who live in the northern regions near the Russian border; Talysh, an Iranian ethnic group residing in the southern regions near Iran; and Armenians, who lived in Azerbaijan until the early 1990s when the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict led to their mass displacement.

In addition, there are smaller populations of Russians, Ukrainians, and other ethnic groups who settled in Azerbaijan during the Soviet period. The blending of these various ethnicities has created a rich cultural fabric, contributing to the country’s unique identity.

Economy

Overview

Azerbaijan’s economy is based on a mixture of industries, with significant contributions from energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan made substantial efforts to transition from a state-controlled economy to a market-oriented one. The country is rich in natural resources, including vast oil and natural gas reserves, which have played a central role in its economic development. Azerbaijan is one of the world’s leading oil producers, and the revenues from these exports have been a major source of national wealth.

Energy and Natural Resources

Oil and gas remain the backbone of Azerbaijan’s economy. The country’s oil reserves, located primarily in the Caspian Sea and along its coastline, have drawn international attention and investment. The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, one of the world’s largest oil pipelines, connects Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, with the Turkish Mediterranean port of Ceyhan, facilitating the export of oil to global markets.

In addition to oil and natural gas, Azerbaijan has significant mineral resources, including gold, silver, and aluminum. The country has also made strides in developing renewable energy, particularly in the wind and solar energy sectors. Azerbaijan’s position on the Caspian Sea provides access to a variety of marine resources, including fish and salt.

Agriculture and Manufacturing

Agriculture is a vital sector of Azerbaijan’s economy, particularly in rural areas. The country’s diverse climate and fertile land allow for the production of a wide range of crops, including cotton, tobacco, fruits, vegetables, and grains. Azerbaijan is also known for its production of high-quality wines, particularly in regions like Ganja and Sheki, where viticulture has been practiced for thousands of years.

The manufacturing sector has grown steadily, with significant industries in textiles, food processing, and chemicals. Azerbaijan has also developed a strong construction industry, driven by both domestic demand and foreign investment in infrastructure projects. However, the manufacturing sector still lags behind oil and gas in terms of economic output.

Services and Trade

The service sector has expanded rapidly in Azerbaijan, with finance, banking, tourism, and trade playing increasingly important roles in the economy. Baku, the capital city, is a major financial center in the region and serves as a hub for trade between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Azerbaijan’s geographical location along the Caspian Sea has made it an important trading partner for countries in Central Asia, Russia, and beyond.

The country is also focusing on diversifying its economy to reduce its dependence on oil and gas revenues. Efforts to develop a knowledge-based economy, foster innovation, and improve infrastructure are ongoing, with the government investing in projects aimed at improving education, healthcare, and technology.

Government

Political System

Azerbaijan is a presidential republic with a highly centralized political structure. The president is both the head of state and the head of government, holding significant executive powers. The political system is based on a mix of presidential and parliamentary systems, with a bicameral legislature consisting of the National Assembly and the Council of State.

The president, elected for a seven-year term, has broad authority over domestic and foreign policy, the military, and the judiciary. The prime minister, appointed by the president, heads the executive branch. The legislature is responsible for making laws, approving the budget, and providing oversight of the executive branch, though the president’s powers often dominate the political landscape.

Legal System

Azerbaijan has a civil law legal system, influenced by both Soviet and European legal traditions. The judiciary is officially independent, but in practice, the courts are often seen as lacking full autonomy, with the executive branch maintaining substantial influence over legal matters. Azerbaijan is also a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

Foreign Policy

Azerbaijan’s foreign policy is driven by its geopolitical interests, including maintaining good relations with neighboring countries and balancing its ties between the West and Russia. The country has pursued a policy of neutrality in international conflicts but has actively participated in peacekeeping efforts, particularly in the context of the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute. Azerbaijan has close ties with Turkey and the West, especially in terms of trade and energy cooperation, but it also maintains strong relations with Russia, particularly in military and strategic matters.

Culture

Arts and Music

Azerbaijan has a rich cultural heritage, blending influences from Turkic, Persian, and Russian cultures. The country is famous for its traditional music, particularly Mugham, a genre of classical Azerbaijani music that has deep roots in Persian and Arabic traditions. Instruments like the tar, kamancha, and daf are integral to Azerbaijan’s musical culture. Azerbaijan also has a strong tradition of dance, with folk dances that are often performed during national holidays and festivals.

Azerbaijan is also renowned for its literature, with poets like Nizami Ganjavi, who is regarded as one of the greatest medieval poets of the Persian-speaking world, making significant contributions to world literature. The country’s literary tradition is a blend of Persian and Turkic influences, with themes often revolving around love, heroism, and philosophy.

Cuisine

Azerbaijani cuisine is known for its use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including meats, vegetables, fruits, and spices. Dishes like plov (pilaf), dolma, kebabs, and a variety of stews are staples in Azerbaijani cuisine. Azerbaijani tea, served with jam and sweets, plays a central role in social life, and the country’s rich tradition of winemaking further enriches its culinary heritage.

Festivals and Traditions

Azerbaijan’s cultural life is marked by numerous festivals and holidays that celebrate the country’s history, religion, and seasonal changes. Novruz, the Persian New Year, is one of the most important national holidays, celebrated with music, dancing, and feasts. The holiday marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes renewal. Azerbaijan also celebrates religious holidays like Ramadan and Eid, with special prayers and family gatherings.

History

Ancient and Medieval Periods

Azerbaijan’s history dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human settlement in the region from the Paleolithic era. It was known as Caucasian Albania in antiquity and later became part of the Persian Empire. Over the centuries, the region was influenced by various empires and cultures, including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Persians.

In the medieval period, Azerbaijan was part of the Seljuk Empire and later the Safavid Empire, which played a crucial role in shaping its culture and identity. The region was a center of trade and culture, with cities like Baku and Sheki becoming important hubs of commerce and learning.

Soviet Period

Azerbaijan was incorporated into the Russian Empire in the early 19th century and later became one of the constituent republics of the Soviet Union in 1920. The Soviet period brought significant industrialization and urbanization to Azerbaijan, but also led to political repression and the suppression of Azerbaijani culture and language.

Independence and Modern Period

Azerbaijan declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, but its independence was soon overshadowed by the outbreak of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Armenia. The war, which lasted until 1994, led to the displacement of thousands of people and left the region of Nagorno-Karabakh under Armenian control. Despite this, Azerbaijan has remained an independent country and has worked towards rebuilding its economy, strengthening its military, and asserting its position on the global stage.

Since its independence, Azerbaijan has made significant progress in modernizing its infrastructure, developing its energy sector, and pursuing a foreign policy that balances relations with Russia, Turkey, and Western powers.

Azerbaijan Map