Your guide to being an expatriate in Azerbaijan

Demographics of Azerbaijan:

Religion Overview

The majority of the population follows the Muslim religion, adhering to the Shia branch of Islam.

Major Religions

Climate

Azerbaijan has a continental climate, with harsh winters and hot summers. The average temperature in January is -3.3°C, and in July, it is 20.7°C. The country experiences relatively little rainfall, with the lowest rainfall in August.

Economy Overview

Azerbaijan's economy has experienced significant growth in recent years due to vast oil and gas reserves. The non-oil sectors, such as agriculture, construction, and services, are gradually expanding and contributing to the country's diversification efforts.

Key Industries

• Oil and Gas
• Construction
• Agriculture
• Trade
• Finance
• Tourism

Major Companies

• SOCAR

Culture and Language Overview

Azerbaijan's culture is a fusion of Turkish, Persian, and Caucasian influences. Traditional Azerbaijani cuisine includes plates such as plov, dolma, and sheep's head. Music and dance, such as mugam and lezginka, remain significant parts of Azerbaijani culture.

Cultural Highlights

• Yanar Dag: The burning mountain
• Ateshgah: The Fire Temple
• Sheki: Unesco World Heritage Site
• Baku Medieval City: Icheri Sheher
• Azerbaijani VIllages: Local Tribes and Traditional Participation

Geography and Landmarks Overview

Azerbaijan's territory includes the Caspian Sea, presenting access to a wealth of marine resources. The country's topography is characterized by a chain of mountain ranges, separating plateaus and low-lying areas.

Notable Landmarks

• Ateshgah: The Fire Temple
• Yanar Dag: The Burning Mountain
• Mingechaur Lake: 11th deepest lake in the world
• Sheki: Unesco World Heritage Site
• Baku Medieval City: Icheri Sheher

National Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• International Women's Day (March 8)
• Novruz (March 21)
• Labor Day (May 1)
• Victory Day (May 9)
• Republic Holiday (May 28)
• International Children's Day (June 1)
• Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan)
• Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)

Political Stability

Azerbaijan is a presidential republic, and the current president has been in power since 2003. Although some concerns regarding freedom of speech and human rights have been raised, significant progress has been made in combating corruption and promoting economic prosperity.