Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Azerbaijan
Azərbaycan Respublikası
CapitalBaku
Population10,246,996
GDP$75.9bn
Area86,600 km²
RegionEurope & Central Asia
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
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.
Reference: 2023, 2020, 1994, 1993Beginning 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.
Geography
Location
Southwestern Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran and Russia, with a small European portion north of the Caucasus range
Map references
Asia
Area
total: 86,600 sq km
land: 82,629 sq km
water: 3,971 sq km
note: 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: note: includes the exclave of Naxcivan Autonomous Republic and the Nagorno-Karabakh region; the final status of the region has yet to be determined
Area - comparative
about three-quarters the size of Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than Maine
Land boundaries
total: 2,468 km
border countries: Armenia 996 km; Georgia 428 km; Iran 689 km; Russia 338 km; Turkey 17 km
border countries: Armenia 996 km; Georgia 428 km; Iran 689 km; Russia 338 km; Turkey 17 km
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
note: note: Azerbaijan borders the Caspian Sea (713 km)
note: note: Azerbaijan borders the Caspian Sea (713 km)
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
Climate
dry, semiarid steppe
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
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
Natural resources
petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, nonferrous metals, bauxite
Land use
agricultural land: 57.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 25.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 3.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 29.2% (2023 est.)
forest: 14.4% (2023 est.)
other: 27.7% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 25.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 3.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 29.2% (2023 est.)
forest: 14.4% (2023 est.)
other: 27.7% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
14,693 sq km (2022)
Reference: 2022Major lakes (area sq km)
salt water lake(s): Caspian Sea (shared with Iran, Russia, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan) - 374,000 sq km
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
Natural hazards
droughts
Geography - note
both the main area of the country and the Naxcivan exclave are landlocked
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Azerbaijani(s)
adjective: Azerbaijani
adjective: Azerbaijani
Ethnic groups
Azerbaijani 91.6%, Lezghin 2%, Russian 1.3%, Armenian 1.3%, Talysh 1.3%, other 2.4% (2009 est.)
note: 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
Reference: 2009, 1991note: 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
Languages
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: note: Russian is widely spoken
Reference: 2009major-language sample(s): Dünya fakt kitabı, əsas məlumatlar üçün əvəz olunmaz mənbədir (Azerbaijani)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: note: Russian is widely spoken
Religions
Muslim 97.3% (predominantly Shia), Christian 2.6%, other
note: note: religious affiliation for the majority of Azerbaijanis is largely nominal, percentages for actual practicing adherents are probably much lower
note: note: religious affiliation for the majority of Azerbaijanis is largely nominal, percentages for actual practicing adherents are probably much lower
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)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 68.7% (male 3,659,441/female 3,656,493)
65 years and over: 9% (2024 est.) (male 401,551/female 558,984)
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.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 32.4 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 13.1 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 7.6 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 34.3 years (2024 est.)
male: 32.8 years
female: 36 years
Reference: 2024male: 32.8 years
female: 36 years
Population growth rate
0.43% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
11.2 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
6.4 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population 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
Major urban areas - population
2.432 million BAKU (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex 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.)
Reference: 20240-14 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.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
24 years (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Maternal mortality ratio
18 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.79 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 94.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 97.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 5.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 2.4% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 94.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 97.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 5.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 2.4% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 4.7% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 4.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 4.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
3.19 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Hospital bed density
3.9 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
19.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol 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.)
Reference: 2019beer: 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.)
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.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Currently married women (ages 15-49)
62.9% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 13 years (2023 est.)
male: 13 years (2023 est.)
female: 13 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 13 years (2023 est.)
female: 13 years (2023 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 6,698 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 657,996 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 271 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 657,996 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 271 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of government | Ali Asadov | — | 2018-10-08 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | Ilham Aliyev | — | 2003-10-31 | Current | Reported |
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
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: 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: note: at approximately 28 m below sea level, Baku's elevation makes it the lowest capital city in the world
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
Legal system
civil law system
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
Reference: 1995amendment 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
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
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
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
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
Reference: 2031, 2024, 2019, 2018head 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
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
Reference: 2029, 2024legislative 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
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
Reference: 2002judge 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
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
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
Reference: 2021chancery: 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
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/
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, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)
Independence
30 August 1991 (declared from the Soviet Union); 18 October 1991 (adopted by the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan)
Reference: 1991National holiday
Republic Day (founding of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan), 28 May (1918)
Reference: 1918Flag
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
National symbol(s)
flames of fire
National color(s)
blue, red, green
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
Reference: 1992, 1919lyrics/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
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
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azerbaijan official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Assembly of Azerbaijan | — | 125 | — |
Economy
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
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $225.198 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $216.388 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $213.497 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $216.388 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $213.497 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $22,100 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $21,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $21,100 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $21,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $21,100 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 5.7% (2024 est.)
industry: 42.6% (2024 est.)
services: 42.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 42.6% (2024 est.)
services: 42.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
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: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2024government 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: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
milk, wheat, barley, potatoes, tomatoes, watermelons, onions, apples, maize, cotton (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
petroleum and petroleum products, natural gas, oilfield equipment; steel, iron ore; cement; chemicals and petrochemicals; textiles
Industrial production growth rate
2.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
5.02 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 13.7% (2024 est.)
male: 12.3% (2024 est.)
female: 15.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 12.3% (2024 est.)
female: 15.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Average household expenditures
on food: 42.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 1.8% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 2.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 5% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 2.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 5% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $30.966 billion (2022 est.)
expenditures: $22.95 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2022expenditures: $22.95 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2021: 16.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2021note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
15.4% (of GDP) (2022 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2022note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $4.671 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $8.329 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $23.478 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: $8.329 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $23.478 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $34.113 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $35.487 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $47.274 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $35.487 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $47.274 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Italy 37%, Turkey 19%, Israel 5%, Greece 4%, Russia 4% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, natural gas, refined petroleum, plastics, electricity (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $27.339 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $25.016 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $21.274 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $25.016 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $21.274 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Russia 17%, China 16%, Turkey 14%, Georgia 4%, Germany 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
cars, crude petroleum, refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, garments (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $12.699 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $13.749 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $11.338 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $13.749 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $11.338 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $12.378 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: Azerbaijani manats (AZN) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 1.7 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 1.7 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 1.7 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 1.7 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 1.7 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 1.7 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 1.7 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 1.7 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 1.7 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 1.7 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $4.671 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $8.329 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $23.478 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: $8.329 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $23.478 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $34.113 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $35.487 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $47.274 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $35.487 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $47.274 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Italy 37%, Turkey 19%, Israel 5%, Greece 4%, Russia 4% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, natural gas, refined petroleum, plastics, electricity (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $27.339 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $25.016 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $21.274 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $25.016 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $21.274 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Russia 17%, China 16%, Turkey 14%, Georgia 4%, Germany 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
cars, crude petroleum, refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, garments (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
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.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 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.)
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.)
Reference: 2023solar: 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.)
Coal
consumption: 6,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 10,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023imports: 10,000 metric tons (2023 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.)
Reference: 2023, 2021refined petroleum consumption: 109,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 7 billion barrels (2021 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.)
Reference: 2023, 2021consumption: 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.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 66.467 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 1.635 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
18 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 4.7% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 4.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 4.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
3.19 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Hospital bed density
3.9 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Obesity - adult prevalence rate
19.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco 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.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 13 years (2023 est.)
male: 13 years (2023 est.)
female: 13 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 13 years (2023 est.)
female: 13 years (2023 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
civil law system
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
Reference: 2002judge 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
Military & Security
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: 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: 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 expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 5.1% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 4.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 4.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 5% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 4.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 4.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 5% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
information varies widely; estimated 100,000 active Armed Forces personnel (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 Turkey; while most of the military's equipment was once Soviet-era material, it now fields quantities of advanced equipment, including armored vehicles, artillery systems, air defense systems, fighter aircraft, tanks, and UAVs (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18-25 years of age for compulsory military service for men; 18-35 years of age for voluntary/contractual service for men and women; 18 months service for conscripts, 36 months for voluntary/contractual service (2023)
Reference: 2023Military - 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)
Reference: 2025, 2023, 2020, 2014key 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)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
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
Reference: 2021chancery: 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
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/
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, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) | member | — |
| Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) | member | — |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1991-09-17 |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
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, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 6,698 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 657,996 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 271 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 657,996 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 271 (2024 est.)
Terrorist group(s)
Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS); Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)/Qods Force
note: 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: 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
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
4K
Airports
32 (2025)
Heliports
5 (2025)
Railways
total: 2,944.3 km (2017)
broad gauge: 2,944.3 km (2017) 1.520-m gauge (approx. 1,767 km electrified)
Reference: 2017broad gauge: 2,944.3 km (2017) 1.520-m gauge (approx. 1,767 km electrified)
Merchant marine
total: 312 (2023)
by type: general cargo 40, oil tanker 44, other 228
Reference: 2023by type: general cargo 40, oil tanker 44, other 228
Environment
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
Land use
agricultural land: 57.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 25.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 3.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 29.2% (2023 est.)
forest: 14.4% (2023 est.)
other: 27.7% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 25.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 3.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 29.2% (2023 est.)
forest: 14.4% (2023 est.)
other: 27.7% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 57.6% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.38% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
note: note: data include Nagorno-Karabakh
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 1.38% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
note: note: data include Nagorno-Karabakh
Carbon dioxide emissions
total 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.)
Reference: 2023from 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.)
Particulate matter emissions
27.2 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Methane 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.)
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019agriculture: 188.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 93.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 1 kt (2019-2021 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.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 14.4% (2022 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.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 598 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 11.962 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
34.675 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 1.635 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2023 est.)
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)
Reference: 2023, 2016Internet country code
.az
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 9,757,812 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 9,854,033 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 9,939,771 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 10,024,283 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 10,093,121 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 10,137,750 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 10,141,756 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 10,153,958 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 10,202,830 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 10,246,996 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $37,866,996,883 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $40,866,627,352 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $47,112,470,052 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $48,174,235,294 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $42,693,000,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $54,825,411,765 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $78,807,470,588 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $72,428,470,588 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $74,426,000,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $75,937,647,059 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 198,894 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 218,460 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 1,334,492 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 1,517,896 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 1,466,589 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 1,350,981 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 1,050,055 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 860,748 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 790,122 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 810,116 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 4,671 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -11,324 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -37,559 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 384 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 1,073 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 1,073 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 9,086 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -84,122 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 10,864 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 8,731 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,246,996 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 10,454,855 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 10,180,770 | 2023 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 218,460 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 2.1% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 810,116 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | 8,731 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 1,727 | 2011 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 42 | 2011 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 130,983 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 6,242 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.092 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | -2.273 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | -1.350 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | -2.282 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | -2.146 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | -1.562 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | -1.346 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Yes Legal since 2000 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $75,937,647,059 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $7,411 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 1.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 5.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 5.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Upper middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 74.6 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.4 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 58.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 90.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 43.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 36.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 79.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 99.8% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 91.1% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 3.7% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 2,367 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 1.3% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 4.3% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 12.5 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 14.1% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 109.5 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 21.8 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 541 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 40.3834° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 49.8932° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 40.3000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 47.7000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+04:00 | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | republic, unitary state, semi-presidential system | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:12