Azerbaijan
Central AsiaAJ December 30, 2025
Background
Azerbaijan -- a secular nation with a majority-Turkic and majority-Shia Muslim population -- was briefly independent (from 1918 to 1920) following the collapse of the Russian Empire; it was subsequently incorporated into the Soviet Union for seven decades.
Beginning in 1988, Azerbaijan and Armenia fought over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which was populated largely by ethnic Armenians but incorporated into Soviet Azerbaijan as an autonomous oblast in the early 1920s. In the late Soviet period, an ethnic-Armenian separatist movement sought to end Azerbaijani control over the region. Fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh escalated after Armenia and Azerbaijan gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. By the time a ceasefire took effect in 1994, separatists with Armenian support controlled Nagorno‑Karabakh and seven surrounding Azerbaijani territories. After decades of cease-fire violations and sporadic flare-ups, a second sustained conflict began in 2020 when Azerbaijan tried to win back the territories it had lost in the 1990s. After significant Azerbaijani gains, Armenia returned the southern part of Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding territories to Azerbaijan. In September 2023, Azerbaijan took military action to regain the rest of Nagorno-Karabakh; after a conflict that lasted only one day, nearly the entire ethnic Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh fled to Armenia.
Since gaining its independence in 1991, Azerbaijan has significantly reduced the poverty rate and has directed some revenue from its oil and gas production to develop the country’s infrastructure. However, corruption remains a burden on the economy, and Western observers and members of the country’s political opposition have accused the government of authoritarianism. The country’s leadership has remained in the ALIYEV family since Heydar ALIYEV, the most highly ranked Azerbaijani member of the Communist Party during the Soviet period, became president during the first Nagorno-Karabakh War in 1993.
Geographic coordinates
40 30 N, 47 30 E
Natural hazards
droughts
Area - comparative
about three-quarters the size of Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than Maine
Environmental issues
severe air, soil, and water pollution; soil pollution from oil spills, pesticides, and toxic defoliants used in producing cotton; surface and underground water pollution from untreated municipal and industrial wastewater and agricultural run-off
International environmental agreements
Party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Climate
dry, semiarid steppe
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
Note: Azerbaijan borders the Caspian Sea (713 km)
Note: Azerbaijan borders the Caspian Sea (713 km)
Land boundaries
Total: 2,468 km
Border countries (5): Armenia 996 km; Georgia 428 km; Iran 689 km; Russia 338 km; Turkey 17 km
Border countries (5): Armenia 996 km; Georgia 428 km; Iran 689 km; Russia 338 km; Turkey 17 km
Land use
Agricultural land: 57.8% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 25.3% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 3.3% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 29.2% (2023 est.)
Forest: 14.4% (2023 est.)
Other: 27.7% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 25.3% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 3.3% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 29.2% (2023 est.)
Forest: 14.4% (2023 est.)
Other: 27.7% (2023 est.)
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
Natural resources
petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, nonferrous metals, bauxite
Geography - note
both the main area of the country and the Naxcivan exclave are landlocked
Terrain
large, flat Kur-Araz Ovaligi (Kura-Araks Lowland, much of it below sea level) with Great Caucasus Mountains to the north, Qarabag Yaylasi (Karabakh Upland) to the west; Baku lies on Abseron Yasaqligi (Apsheron Peninsula) that juts into Caspian Sea
Location
Southwestern Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran and Russia, with a small European portion north of the Caucasus range
Map references
Asia
Irrigated land
14,693 sq km (2022)
Total renewable water resources
34.675 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Population distribution
highest population density is found in the far eastern area of the country, in and around Baku; apart from smaller urbanized areas, the rest of the country has a fairly light and evenly distributed population
Elevation
Highest point: Bazarduzu Dagi 4,466 m
Lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m
Mean elevation: 384 m
Lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m
Mean elevation: 384 m
Major lakes (area sq km)
Salt water lake(s): Caspian Sea (shared with Iran, Russia, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan) - 374,000 sq km
Area
Total : 86,600 sq km
Land: 82,629 sq km
Water: 3,971 sq km
Note: Includes the exclave of Naxcivan Autonomous Republic and the Nagorno-Karabakh region; the final status of the region has yet to be determined
Land: 82,629 sq km
Water: 3,971 sq km
Note: Includes the exclave of Naxcivan Autonomous Republic and the Nagorno-Karabakh region; the final status of the region has yet to be determined
Age structure
0-14 years: 22.3% (male 1,269,241/female 1,104,529)
15-64 years: 68.7% (male 3,659,441/female 3,656,493)
65 years and over: 9% (2024 est.) (male 401,551/female 558,984)
15-64 years: 68.7% (male 3,659,441/female 3,656,493)
65 years and over: 9% (2024 est.) (male 401,551/female 558,984)
Sex ratio
At birth: 1.15 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.15 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
Total population: 1 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.15 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
Total population: 1 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Literacy
Total population: 99.8% (2023 est.)
Male: 99.8% (2023 est.)
Female: 99.7% (2023 est.)
Male: 99.8% (2023 est.)
Female: 99.7% (2023 est.)
Nationality
Noun: Azerbaijani(s)
Adjective: Azerbaijani
Adjective: Azerbaijani
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
Total: 13 years (2023 est.)
Male: 13 years (2023 est.)
Female: 13 years (2023 est.)
Male: 13 years (2023 est.)
Female: 13 years (2023 est.)
Urbanization
Urban population: 57.6% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 1.38% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Note: Data include Nagorno-Karabakh
Rate of urbanization: 1.38% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Note: Data include Nagorno-Karabakh
Drinking water source
Improved:
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 94.5% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 97.6% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 5.5% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 2.4% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 94.5% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 97.6% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 5.5% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 2.4% of population (2022 est.)
Major urban areas - population
2.432 million BAKU (capital) (2023)
Physician density
3.19 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Hospital bed density
3.9 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
24 years (2019 est.)
Dependency ratios
Total dependency ratio: 45.6 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 32.4 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 13.1 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 7.6 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 32.4 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 13.1 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 7.6 (2024 est.)
Sanitation facility access
Improved:
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups
Azerbaijani 91.6%, Lezghin 2%, Russian 1.3%, Armenian 1.3%, Talysh 1.3%, other 2.4% (2009 est.)
Note: Nagorno-Karabakh, which is part of Azerbaijan on the basis of the borders recognized when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, was populated almost entirely by ethnic Armenians; Azerbaijan has over 80 ethnic groups
Note: Nagorno-Karabakh, which is part of Azerbaijan on the basis of the borders recognized when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, was populated almost entirely by ethnic Armenians; Azerbaijan has over 80 ethnic groups
Religions
Muslim 97.3% (predominantly Shia), Christian 2.6%, other <0.1, unaffiliated <0.1 (2020 est.)
Note: Religious affiliation for the majority of Azerbaijanis is largely nominal, percentages for actual practicing adherents are probably much lower
Note: Religious affiliation for the majority of Azerbaijanis is largely nominal, percentages for actual practicing adherents are probably much lower
Languages
Azerbaijani (Azeri) (official) 92.5%, Russian 1.4%, Armenian 1.4%, other 4.7% (2009 est.)
Major-language sample(s):
Dünya fakt kitabı, əsas məlumatlar üçün əvəz olunmaz mənbədir (Azerbaijani)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Note: Russian is widely spoken
Major-language sample(s):
Dünya fakt kitabı, əsas məlumatlar üçün əvəz olunmaz mənbədir (Azerbaijani)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Note: Russian is widely spoken
Health expenditure
4.7% of GDP (2021)
4.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
4.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.79 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
59.7% (2019 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
Total: 13.7% (2024 est.)
Male: 12.3% (2024 est.)
Female: 15.3% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Male: 12.3% (2024 est.)
Female: 15.3% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
-0.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
Total: 34.3 years (2024 est.)
Male: 32.8 years
Female: 36 years
Male: 32.8 years
Female: 36 years
Maternal mortality ratio
18 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Total fertility rate
1.69 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Population
Total: 10,650,239 (2024 est.)
Male: 5,330,233
Female: 5,320,006
Male: 5,330,233
Female: 5,320,006
Infant mortality rate
Total: 10.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
Male: 12.6 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 9 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 12.6 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 9 deaths/1,000 live births
Tobacco use
Total: 18.4% (2025 est.)
Male: 37.9% (2025 est.)
Female: 0.1% (2025 est.)
Male: 37.9% (2025 est.)
Female: 0.1% (2025 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
19.9% (2016)
Death rate
6.4 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
11.2 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
3% (2023 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
Total: 1.38 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 0.36 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.06 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 0.94 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 0.36 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.06 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 0.94 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 75.9 years (2024 est.)
Male: 73.5 years
Female: 78.6 years
Male: 73.5 years
Female: 78.6 years
Education expenditure
3.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
11.9% national budget (2025 est.)
11.9% national budget (2025 est.)
Population growth rate
0.43% (2024 est.)
Total water withdrawal
Municipal: 408 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 598 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 11.962 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 598 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 11.962 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Waste and recycling
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 2.93 million tons (2024 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 14.4% (2022 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 14.4% (2022 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
27.2 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
38.892 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 17,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 13.954 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 24.921 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 17,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 13.954 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 24.921 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
66.467 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Amy CARLON (since 23 June 2025)
Embassy: 111 Azadlig Avenue, AZ1007 Baku
Mailing address: 7050 Baku Place, Washington, DC 20521-7050
Telephone: [994] (12) 488-3300
FAX: [994] (12) 488-3330
Email address and website:
BakuACS@state.gov
https://az.usembassy.gov/
Embassy: 111 Azadlig Avenue, AZ1007 Baku
Mailing address: 7050 Baku Place, Washington, DC 20521-7050
Telephone: [994] (12) 488-3300
FAX: [994] (12) 488-3330
Email address and website:
BakuACS@state.gov
https://az.usembassy.gov/
Administrative divisions
66 districts (rayonlar; singular - rayon), 11 cities (saharlar; sahar - singular)
Districts: Abseron, Agcabadi, Agdam, Agdas, Agstafa, Agsu, Astara, Babak, Balakan, Barda, Beylaqan, Bilasuvar, Cabrayil, Calilabad, Culfa, Daskasan, Fuzuli, Gadabay, Goranboy, Goycay, Goygol, Haciqabul, Imisli, Ismayilli, Kalbacar, Kangarli, Kurdamir, Lacin, Lankaran, Lerik, Masalli, Neftcala, Oguz, Ordubad, Qabala, Qax, Qazax, Qobustan, Quba, Qubadli, Qusar, Saatli, Sabirabad, Sabran, Sadarak, Sahbuz, Saki, Salyan, Samaxi, Samkir, Samux, Sarur, Siyazan, Susa, Tartar, Tovuz, Ucar, Xacmaz, Xizi, Xocali, Xocavand, Yardimli, Yevlax, Zangilan, Zaqatala, Zardab
Cities: Baku, Ganca, Lankaran, Mingacevir, Naftalan, Naxcivan (Nakhichevan), Saki, Sirvan, Sumqayit, Xankandi, Yevlax
Districts: Abseron, Agcabadi, Agdam, Agdas, Agstafa, Agsu, Astara, Babak, Balakan, Barda, Beylaqan, Bilasuvar, Cabrayil, Calilabad, Culfa, Daskasan, Fuzuli, Gadabay, Goranboy, Goycay, Goygol, Haciqabul, Imisli, Ismayilli, Kalbacar, Kangarli, Kurdamir, Lacin, Lankaran, Lerik, Masalli, Neftcala, Oguz, Ordubad, Qabala, Qax, Qazax, Qobustan, Quba, Qubadli, Qusar, Saatli, Sabirabad, Sabran, Sadarak, Sahbuz, Saki, Salyan, Samaxi, Samkir, Samux, Sarur, Siyazan, Susa, Tartar, Tovuz, Ucar, Xacmaz, Xizi, Xocali, Xocavand, Yardimli, Yevlax, Zangilan, Zaqatala, Zardab
Cities: Baku, Ganca, Lankaran, Mingacevir, Naftalan, Naxcivan (Nakhichevan), Saki, Sirvan, Sumqayit, Xankandi, Yevlax
Capital
Name: Baku (Baki, Baky)
Geographic coordinates: 40 23 N, 49 52 E
Time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Daylight saving time: Does not observe daylight savings time
Etymology: The name may derive from the Old Persian word badkuba, meaning "windward" and referring to its windy location on the shore of the Caspian Sea
Note: At approximately 28 m below sea level, Baku's elevation makes it the lowest capital city in the world
Geographic coordinates: 40 23 N, 49 52 E
Time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Daylight saving time: Does not observe daylight savings time
Etymology: The name may derive from the Old Persian word badkuba, meaning "windward" and referring to its windy location on the shore of the Caspian Sea
Note: At approximately 28 m below sea level, Baku's elevation makes it the lowest capital city in the world
Constitution
History: Several previous; latest adopted 12 November 1995
Amendment process: Proposed by the president of the republic or by at least 63 members of the National Assembly; passage requires at least 95 votes of Assembly members in two separate readings of the draft amendment six months apart and requires presidential approval after each of the two Assembly votes, followed by presidential signature; constitutional articles on the authority, sovereignty, and unity of the people cannot be amended
Amendment process: Proposed by the president of the republic or by at least 63 members of the National Assembly; passage requires at least 95 votes of Assembly members in two separate readings of the draft amendment six months apart and requires presidential approval after each of the two Assembly votes, followed by presidential signature; constitutional articles on the authority, sovereignty, and unity of the people cannot be amended
Executive branch
Chief of state: President Ilham ALIYEV (since 31 October 2003)
Head of government: Prime Minister Ali ASADOV (since 8 October 2019)
Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the National Assembly
Election/appointment process: President directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds (if needed) for a 7-year term; a single individual is eligible for unlimited terms; prime minister and first deputy prime minister appointed by the president and confirmed by the National Assembly
Most recent election date: 7 February 2024
Election results:
2024: Ilham ALIYEV reelected president; percent of vote - Ilham ALIYEV (YAP) 92.1%, Zahid ORUJ (independent) 2.2%; on 16 February 2024, Ali ASADOV reappointed prime minister by parliamentary vote, 105-1
2018: Ilham ALIYEV reelected president in first round; percent of vote - Ilham ALIYEV (YAP) 86%, Zahid ORUJ (independent) 3.1%, other 10.9%
Expected date of next election: 2031
Head of government: Prime Minister Ali ASADOV (since 8 October 2019)
Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the National Assembly
Election/appointment process: President directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds (if needed) for a 7-year term; a single individual is eligible for unlimited terms; prime minister and first deputy prime minister appointed by the president and confirmed by the National Assembly
Most recent election date: 7 February 2024
Election results:
2024: Ilham ALIYEV reelected president; percent of vote - Ilham ALIYEV (YAP) 92.1%, Zahid ORUJ (independent) 2.2%; on 16 February 2024, Ali ASADOV reappointed prime minister by parliamentary vote, 105-1
2018: Ilham ALIYEV reelected president in first round; percent of vote - Ilham ALIYEV (YAP) 86%, Zahid ORUJ (independent) 3.1%, other 10.9%
Expected date of next election: 2031
Flag
Description: Three equal horizontal bands of sky blue (top), red, and green; a vertical crescent moon and an eight-pointed star in white are centered in the red band
Meaning: The blue band stands for Azerbaijan's Turkic heritage, red for modernization and progress, and green for Islam; the crescent moon and star are a Turkic insignia; the eight star points represent the eight Turkic peoples of the world
Meaning: The blue band stands for Azerbaijan's Turkic heritage, red for modernization and progress, and green for Islam; the crescent moon and star are a Turkic insignia; the eight star points represent the eight Turkic peoples of the world
Independence
30 August 1991 (declared from the Soviet Union); 18 October 1991 (adopted by the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan)
Judicial branch
Highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chairman, vice chairman, and 23 judges in plenum sessions and organized into civil, economic affairs, criminal, and rights violations chambers); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 judges)
Judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the president and appointed by the Milli Majlis; judges appointed for 10 years; Constitutional Court chairman and deputy chairman appointed by the president; other court judges nominated by the president and appointed by the Milli Majlis to serve single 15-year terms
Subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal (replaced the Economic Court in 2002); district and municipal courts
Judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the president and appointed by the Milli Majlis; judges appointed for 10 years; Constitutional Court chairman and deputy chairman appointed by the president; other court judges nominated by the president and appointed by the Milli Majlis to serve single 15-year terms
Subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal (replaced the Economic Court in 2002); district and municipal courts
Legal system
civil law system
Legislative branch
Legislature name: National Assembly (Milli Majlis)
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Number of seats: 125 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Plurality/majority
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 9/1/2024
Parties elected and seats per party: New Azerbaidjan Party (YAP) (68); Independents (44); Other (13)
Percentage of women in chamber: 20.8%
Expected date of next election: November 2029
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Number of seats: 125 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Plurality/majority
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 9/1/2024
Parties elected and seats per party: New Azerbaidjan Party (YAP) (68); Independents (44); Other (13)
Percentage of women in chamber: 20.8%
Expected date of next election: November 2029
International organization participation
ADB, BSEC, CD, CE, CICA, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, GCTU, GUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)
National holiday
Republic Day (founding of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan), 28 May (1918)
Political parties
Azerbaijan Hope Party or ÜMİD
Azerbaijan Democratic Enlightenment Party or ADMP
Azerbaijan National Independence Party or AMİP
Civic Solidarity Party or VHP
Democratic Reforms Party or DiP
Great Order Party or BAP
Justice, Law, Democracy Party or ƏHD
Great Order Party or BQP
Motherland Party or AVP
National Front Party or MCP
National Revival Movement Party or MDHP
New Azerbaijan Party or YAP
Republican Alternative Party or REAL
Unity Party or VƏHDƏT
Azerbaijan Democratic Enlightenment Party or ADMP
Azerbaijan National Independence Party or AMİP
Civic Solidarity Party or VHP
Democratic Reforms Party or DiP
Great Order Party or BAP
Justice, Law, Democracy Party or ƏHD
Great Order Party or BQP
Motherland Party or AVP
National Front Party or MCP
National Revival Movement Party or MDHP
New Azerbaijan Party or YAP
Republican Alternative Party or REAL
Unity Party or VƏHDƏT
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Government type
presidential republic
Country name
Conventional long form: Republic of Azerbaijan
Conventional short form: Azerbaijan
Local long form: Azarbaycan Respublikasi
Local short form: Azarbaycan
Former: Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic
Etymology: The name can be translated as "Fire Keeper" or "The Land of Fire," from the local word azer, or "fire," and baydjan, a word derived from the Iranian word baykan, or "guardian;" may refer to fire worshippers who lived in the region
Conventional short form: Azerbaijan
Local long form: Azarbaycan Respublikasi
Local short form: Azarbaycan
Former: Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic
Etymology: The name can be translated as "Fire Keeper" or "The Land of Fire," from the local word azer, or "fire," and baydjan, a word derived from the Iranian word baykan, or "guardian;" may refer to fire worshippers who lived in the region
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Khazar IBRAHIM (since 15 September 2021)
Chancery: 2741 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 337-3500
FAX: [1] (202) 337-5911
Email address and website:
Azerbaijan@azembassy.us
https://washington.mfa.gov.az/en
Consulate(s) general: Los Angeles
Chancery: 2741 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 337-3500
FAX: [1] (202) 337-5911
Email address and website:
Azerbaijan@azembassy.us
https://washington.mfa.gov.az/en
Consulate(s) general: Los Angeles
National anthem(s)
Title: "Azerbaijan Marsi" (March of Azerbaijan)
Lyrics/music: Ahmed JAVAD/Uzeyir HAJIBEYOV
History: Adopted 1992; originally written in 1919 during a brief period of independence, but did not become the official anthem until after the dissolution of the Soviet Union
Lyrics/music: Ahmed JAVAD/Uzeyir HAJIBEYOV
History: Adopted 1992; originally written in 1919 during a brief period of independence, but did not become the official anthem until after the dissolution of the Soviet Union
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
National symbol(s)
flames of fire
Citizenship
Citizenship by birth: Yes
Citizenship by descent only: Yes
Dual citizenship recognized: No
Residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Citizenship by descent only: Yes
Dual citizenship recognized: No
Residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
National heritage
Total World Heritage Sites: 5 (4 cultural, 1 natural)
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Walled City of Baku; Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape; Historic Center of Sheki; Cultural Landscape of Khinalig People and "Koc Yolu" Transhumance Route
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Walled City of Baku; Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape; Historic Center of Sheki; Cultural Landscape of Khinalig People and "Koc Yolu" Transhumance Route
National color(s)
blue, red, green
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, natural gas, refined petroleum, plastics, electricity (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
Italy 37%, Turkey 19%, Israel 5%, Greece 4%, Russia 4% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Agricultural products
milk, wheat, barley, potatoes, tomatoes, watermelons, onions, apples, maize, cotton (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Budget
Revenues: $30.966 billion (2022 est.)
Expenditures: $22.95 billion (2022 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Expenditures: $22.95 billion (2022 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Imports - commodities
cars, crude petroleum, refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, garments (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
Azerbaijani manats (AZN) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
1.7 (2024 est.)
1.7 (2023 est.)
1.7 (2022 est.)
1.7 (2021 est.)
1.7 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates:
1.7 (2024 est.)
1.7 (2023 est.)
1.7 (2022 est.)
1.7 (2021 est.)
1.7 (2020 est.)
Industries
petroleum and petroleum products, natural gas, oilfield equipment; steel, iron ore; cement; chemicals and petrochemicals; textiles
Economic overview
Upper-middle income, oil-dependent Caucasus economy; minimal economic diversification and dominance of state-owned enterprises; growth and fiscal consolidation supported by oil revenues, but risks remain from demand shocks; potential economic gains from Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire; education investments to diversify and retain human capital
GDP (official exchange rate)
$74.316 billion (2024 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
GDP - composition, by end use
Household consumption: 55.4% (2024 est.)
Government consumption: 14.4% (2024 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 16.8% (2024 est.)
Investment in inventories: 4.3% (2024 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 45.9% (2024 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -36.8% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Government consumption: 14.4% (2024 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 16.8% (2024 est.)
Investment in inventories: 4.3% (2024 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 45.9% (2024 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -36.8% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Imports - partners
Russia 17%, China 16%, Turkey 14%, Georgia 4%, Germany 4% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Average household expenditures
On food: 42.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Remittances
1.8% of GDP (2024 est.)
2.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
5% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
2.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
5% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
5.02 million (2024 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Debt - external
$12.378 billion (2023 est.)
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$12.699 billion (2024 est.)
$13.749 billion (2023 est.)
$11.338 billion (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$13.749 billion (2023 est.)
$11.338 billion (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Public debt
16.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Unemployment rate
5.6% (2024 est.)
5.7% (2023 est.)
5.7% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
5.7% (2023 est.)
5.7% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Taxes and other revenues
15.4% (of GDP) (2022 est.)
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$225.198 billion (2024 est.)
$216.388 billion (2023 est.)
$213.497 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$216.388 billion (2023 est.)
$213.497 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
2.2% (2024 est.)
8.8% (2023 est.)
13.9% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
8.8% (2023 est.)
13.9% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
$4.671 billion (2024 est.)
$8.329 billion (2023 est.)
$23.478 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
$8.329 billion (2023 est.)
$23.478 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$22,100 (2024 est.)
$21,300 (2023 est.)
$21,100 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$21,300 (2023 est.)
$21,100 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Imports
$27.339 billion (2024 est.)
$25.016 billion (2023 est.)
$21.274 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$25.016 billion (2023 est.)
$21.274 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$34.113 billion (2024 est.)
$35.487 billion (2023 est.)
$47.274 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$35.487 billion (2023 est.)
$47.274 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Real GDP growth rate
4.1% (2024 est.)
1.4% (2023 est.)
4.7% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
1.4% (2023 est.)
4.7% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
2.1% (2024 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
Agriculture: 5.7% (2024 est.)
Industry: 42.6% (2024 est.)
Services: 42.3% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Industry: 42.6% (2024 est.)
Services: 42.3% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Electricity access
Electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
Coal
Consumption: 6,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 10,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 10,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
Fossil fuels: 93.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Wind: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 5.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Wind: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 5.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Natural gas
Production: 35.775 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Consumption: 12.703 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Exports: 23.65 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Imports: 2.173 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Proven reserves: 1.699 trillion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Consumption: 12.703 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Exports: 23.65 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Imports: 2.173 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Proven reserves: 1.699 trillion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Petroleum
Total petroleum production: 618,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 109,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Crude oil estimated reserves: 7 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 109,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Crude oil estimated reserves: 7 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Electricity
Installed generating capacity: 8.383 million kW (2023 est.)
Consumption: 23.857 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Exports: 3.246 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 212 million kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 2.197 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Consumption: 23.857 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Exports: 3.246 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 212 million kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 2.197 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Internet users
Percent of population: 89% (2023 est.)
Internet country code
.az
Broadcast media
TV is the most popular medium; many homes are hooked up to satellite; all Azerbaijan-based channels promote government positions; state-owned AzTV runs three national channels, and state-funded iTV is a national public service broadcaster; 4 national privately-owned stations; Turkish, Russian, and western TV is available on cable; analog terrestrial TV was phased out in 2016-17; radio outlets focus on entertainment, with around a dozen stations on FM in Baku; newspaper distribution is largely limited to Baku (2023)
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 11 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 107 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 107 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 2.15 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 21 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 21 (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 1.635 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2023 est.)
Railways
Total: 2,944.3 km (2017)
Broad gauge: 2,944.3 km (2017) 1.520-m gauge (approx. 1,767 km electrified)
Broad gauge: 2,944.3 km (2017) 1.520-m gauge (approx. 1,767 km electrified)
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
4K
Airports
32 (2025)
Merchant marine
Total: 312 (2023)
By type: General cargo 40, oil tanker 44, other 228
By type: General cargo 40, oil tanker 44, other 228
Heliports
5 (2025)
Military expenditures
5.1% of GDP (2024 est.)
4.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
4.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
5% of GDP (2021 est.)
5% of GDP (2020 est.)
4.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
4.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
5% of GDP (2021 est.)
5% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security forces
Azerbaijan Armed Forces: Land Forces, Air Forces, Navy Forces, Special Forces, State Border Service, Coast Guard
Ministry of Internal Affairs: Internal Troops, local police forces; Special State Protection Service (SSPS): National Guard (2025)
Note: The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Security Service (intelligence, counterterrorism) are responsible for internal security; the SSPS is under the president and provides protective services to senior officials, foreign missions, significant state assets, government buildings, etc; the National Guard also serves as a reserve for the Army
Ministry of Internal Affairs: Internal Troops, local police forces; Special State Protection Service (SSPS): National Guard (2025)
Note: The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Security Service (intelligence, counterterrorism) are responsible for internal security; the SSPS is under the president and provides protective services to senior officials, foreign missions, significant state assets, government buildings, etc; the National Guard also serves as a reserve for the Army
Military and security service personnel strengths
information varies widely; estimated 100,000 active Armed Forces personnel (2025)
Military - note
the Azerbaijani military was established in 1991, although its origins go back to 1918; much of the military’s original equipment was acquired from former Soviet military forces that departed Azerbaijan by 1992; territorial defense is the military’s primary focus, particularly with regards to neighboring Armenia; a secondary focus is guarding against Iran; Armenia and Azerbaijan engaged in open conflicts over the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave in 1991-94 and 2020; tensions continued following the 2020 conflict, and Azerbaijan seized the entire enclave in 2023
Key bilateral security relationships include Israel, Russia, and Turkiye; Azerbaijan's ties with Turkiye have included weapons transfers, technical advice, bilateral training exercises, and military support during its conflicts with Armenia; Azerbaijan is not part of NATO but has had a cooperative relationship with it dating back to when it joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace program in 1994 and has provided troops to NATO-led missions in Kosovo (1999-2008) and Afghanistan (2002-2014) (2025)
Key bilateral security relationships include Israel, Russia, and Turkiye; Azerbaijan's ties with Turkiye have included weapons transfers, technical advice, bilateral training exercises, and military support during its conflicts with Armenia; Azerbaijan is not part of NATO but has had a cooperative relationship with it dating back to when it joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace program in 1994 and has provided troops to NATO-led missions in Kosovo (1999-2008) and Afghanistan (2002-2014) (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
Baku has been actively upgrading the military's inventory for over a decade with equipment acquisitions from several sources, including Belarus, China, Israel, Russia, and Türkiye; while most of the military's equipment was once Soviet-era material, it now fields quantities of modern armaments, including armored vehicles, artillery systems, air defense systems, fighter aircraft, tanks, and UAVs (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-30 years of age for compulsory military service for men; 18-35 years of age voluntary/contractual service for men (18-40 for women volunteers); 18 months service for conscripts, 36 months for voluntary/contractual service (2025)
Refugees and internally displaced persons
Refugees: 6,698 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 657,996 (2024 est.)
Stateless persons: 271 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 657,996 (2024 est.)
Stateless persons: 271 (2024 est.)
Terrorist group(s)
Terrorist group(s): Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS); Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)/Qods Force
Note: Details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Note: Details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Space program overview
largely focused on the acquisition and operation of satellites; operates foreign-built communications and remote sensing (RS) satellites; cooperates with a variety of foreign space agencies and commercial entities, including those of China, the ESA (bilaterally with individual member states such as France), Israel, Russia, Turkey, and the US; Azercosmos is the largest satellite operator in the Caucasus region (2025)
Space agency/agencies
Space Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Azercosmos; established 2010 as a state-owned satellite operating company); Azerbaijan National Aerospace Agency (NASA; Azərbaycan Milli Aerokosmik Agentliyi, MAKA; established 1992; since 2006, has operated under the Ministry of Defense Industry) (2025)
Key space-program milestones
2013 - first communications satellite (Azerspace-1) built by US company and launched on European rocket
2014 - took operational control over remote sensing (RS) satellite (SPOT-7, now Azersky) from a French company (satellite ceased operations in 2023)
2017 - second communications satellite (Azerspace-2) built by US company and launched on European rocket
2023 - agreed to participate in China's International Lunar Research Station Cooperation project, which aims to establish a base on the Moon in the 2030s; signed agreement with Israel to jointly develop two multi-spectral RS satellites (Azersky-2 program) for scheduled launches in 2026 and 2028 (2025)
2014 - took operational control over remote sensing (RS) satellite (SPOT-7, now Azersky) from a French company (satellite ceased operations in 2023)
2017 - second communications satellite (Azerspace-2) built by US company and launched on European rocket
2023 - agreed to participate in China's International Lunar Research Station Cooperation project, which aims to establish a base on the Moon in the 2030s; signed agreement with Israel to jointly develop two multi-spectral RS satellites (Azersky-2 program) for scheduled launches in 2026 and 2028 (2025)
Methane emissions
Energy: 268.8 kt (2022-2024 est.)
Agriculture: 188.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste: 93.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Other: 1 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Agriculture: 188.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste: 93.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Other: 1 kt (2019-2021 est.)