Azerbaijan

A Nation of Fire, Oil, and Ancient Heritage

Azerbaijan, officially the Republic of Azerbaijan, is a transcontinental country in the South Caucasus, located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, bordered by Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, and the Caspian Sea. Known for its rich petroleum resources, modern capital Baku, and ancient fire-worshipping culture, Azerbaijan is a growing economic and cultural power in the region.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Inhabited since ancient times by the Caucasian Albanians, and later ruled by Persian, Arab, Turkic, and Russian empires.

  • Became the first secular Muslim-majority democratic republic in 1918 but was incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1920.

  • Regained independence on 30 August 1991 after the USSR collapse.

  • Has experienced territorial conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia, including major wars in the 1990s and 2020.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Official Name Republic of Azerbaijan (Azərbaycan Respublikası)
Capital Baku (Bakı)
Official Language Azerbaijani (Azeri)
Currency Azerbaijani Manat (AZN)
Area Approx. 86,600 sq. km
Population Approx. 10.3 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone AZT (UTC+4)
ISO Code AZ
Internet TLD .az
Calling Code +994
Independence Day 30 August (1991)

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2024)
President Ilham Aliyev (since 2003)
First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva
Prime Minister Ali Asadov
Government Type Presidential republic
Legislature National Assembly (Milli Majlis)
Judiciary Constitutional Court, Supreme Court

Administrative Divisions (Economic Regions)

As of 2021, Azerbaijan is officially divided into 14 Economic Regions (İqtisadi Rayonlar), replacing the previous 10 regions + Nakhchivan. These economic zones include cities and districts (rayons), and are structured for administrative and economic planning.

Economic Region Key Areas Included
Absheron–Khizi Baku, Sumqayit, Absheron, Khizi
Mountainous Shirvan Shamakhi, Ismayilli, Agsu
Ganja–Gazakh Ganja, Gazakh, Goygol, Tovuz
Karabakh Khojaly, Shusha, Lachin, Fuzuli
East Zangazur Jabrayil, Zangilan, Gubadli
Central Aran Kurdamir, Agdash, Yevlakh
Lankaran Lankaran, Astara, Lerik
Guba–Khachmaz Quba, Khachmaz, Shabran
Sheki–Zagatala Sheki, Zagatala, Balakan
Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Nakhchivan City, Ordubad, Sharur
Mil–Mughan Imishli, Beylagan, Saatli
Shirvan–Salyan Salyan, Neftchala, Shirvan
Kalbajar–Lachin Kalbajar, Lachin, other liberated territories
Upper Karabakh Agdam, Tartar, Barda

Note: Some areas, especially in Karabakh, are newly reintegrated under Azerbaijani control and are under reconstruction and resettlement planning.

Local Government Structure

  • Local self-governing bodies: municipal councils

  • Executive power in each rayon or city is appointed by the President.

  • The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic has its own Supreme Assembly and executive authority.

Leadership & Governance

  • President holds strong executive power.

  • Political stability under New Azerbaijan Party (YAP).

  • Focus areas include:

    • Post-war reconstruction

    • Regional transportation hubs

    • Energy diplomacy (Caspian–Europe corridor)

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Agencies:

    • Ministry of Internal Affairs

    • State Security Service

    • State Border Service

  • Azerbaijan is generally safe, though landmines remain a risk in liberated territories.

  • Emergency Numbers:

    • 102 – Police

    • 103 – Ambulance

    • 101 – Fire

Economy & Industry

  • Energy-driven economy: oil, gas, petrochemicals

  • Diversification in agriculture, ICT, tourism

  • Strategic projects:

    • Southern Gas Corridor (SGC)

    • Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway

  • GDP (2023): Approx. USD 70 billion

  • Growing partnerships with EU, Turkey, China, Central Asia

Education & Institutions

  • Literacy rate: over 99%

  • Top universities:

    • Baku State University

    • Azerbaijan Technical University

    • ADA University (diplomatic and public affairs)

  • Reforms ongoing to match EU and international standards

Healthcare

  • State and private hospitals available in urban areas

  • Modernization underway with Turkish, Iranian, and European cooperation

  • Major institutions:

    • Central Clinic Hospital

    • Azerbaijan Medical University Clinic

    • Nakhchivan Central Hospital

Transport & Connectivity

  • Airports:

    • Heydar Aliyev International Airport (Baku)

    • Nakhchivan, Ganja, Lankaran airports

  • Rail:

    • North–South and East–West transit corridors

  • Ports:

    • Baku International Sea Trade Port

  • Roads expanding under Silk Road and reconstruction initiatives

Tourism & Attractions

  • Natural:

    • Caspian Sea coast, Guba forests, Shahdag Mountain Resort

  • Historical:

    • Maiden Tower, Gobustan Petroglyphs (UNESCO), Sheki Khan’s Palace

  • Religious:

    • Ancient mosques, Zoroastrian Ateshgah Fire Temple

  • Cultural:

    • Baku Old City, Carpet Museum, Formula 1 Grand Prix

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Blend of Turkic, Persian, Caucasian, and Islamic influences

  • Cuisine: plov, dolma, kebabs, pakhlava, black tea

  • Traditional music: mugham, ashiq storytelling

  • Celebrations: Novruz (New Year), Republic Day, Baku Jazz Festival

  • Strong family values, hospitality, and national pride

Summary

Azerbaijan is a nation where fire meets future — a blend of ancient spirituality and modern ambition. From its oil-rich plains to its mountain fortresses, and from post-conflict revival to strategic integration with Asia and Europe, Azerbaijan stands as a rising Eurasian power.