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Communications

Internet users (Internet Service Providers (ISPs)) [time series]

2 (1999)

Broadcast media (Radio broadcast stations) [time series]

AM 10, FM 17, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios [time series]

175,000 (1997)

Telecommunication systems (Telephone system) [time series]

Azerbaijan's telephone system is a combination of old Soviet era technology used by Azerbaijani citizens and small- to medium-size commercial establishments, and modern cellular telephones used by an increasing middle class, large commercial ventures, international companies, and most government officials; the average citizen waits on a 200,000-person list for telephone service; Internet and e-mail service are available in Baku domestic: local - the majority of telephones are in Baku or other industrial centers - about 700 villages still do not have public telephone service; intercity; all long distance service must use Azertel's (Ministry of Communications) lines; satellite service connects Baku to a modern switch in its separated enclave of Naxcivan international: the old Soviet system of cable and microwave is still serviceable; satellite service between Baku and Turkey provides access to 200 countries; additional satellite providers supply services between Baku and specific countries; Azerbaijan is a signator of the Trans-Asia-Europe Fiber-Optic Line (TAE); their lines are not laid but a Turkish satellite and a microwave link between Azerbaijan and Iran could provide Azerbaijan worldwide access

Telephones - fixed lines (Telephones - main lines in use) [time series]

640,000 (1995)

Telephones - mobile cellular [time series]

6,000 (1995)

Broadcast media (Television broadcast stations) [time series]

2 (1997)

Televisions [time series]

170,000 (1997)

Economy

Agricultural products (Agriculture - products) [time series]

cotton, grain, rice, grapes, fruit, vegetables, tea, tobacco; cattle, pigs, sheep, goats

Budget [time series]

revenues: $565 million expenditures: $682 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1996 est.)

Exchange rates (Currency) [time series]

1 manat = 100 gopiks

Debt - external [time series]

$684 million (1998)

Economic aid (Economic aid - recipient) [time series]

ODA, $113 million (1996)

Economic overview (Economy - overview) [time series]

Azerbaijan is less developed industrially than either Armenia or Georgia, the other Caucasian states. It resembles the Central Asian states in its majority Muslim population, high structural unemployment, and low standard of living. The economy's most prominent products are oil, cotton, and natural gas. Production from the Caspian oil field declined through 1997 but registered an increase in 1998-99. Negotiation of 19 production-sharing arrangements (PSAs) with foreign firms, which have thus far committed $60 billion to oil field development, should generate the funds needed to spur future industrial development. Oil production under the first of these PSAs, with the Azerbaijan International Operating Company, began in November 1997. Azerbaijan shares all the formidable problems of the former Soviet republics in making the transition from a command to a market economy, but its considerable energy resources brighten its long-term prospects. Baku has only recently begun making progress on economic reform, and old economic ties and structures are slowly being replaced. An obstacle to economic progress, including stepped up foreign investment, is the continuing conflict with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Trade with Russia and the other former Soviet republics is declining in importance while trade is building up with Turkey, Iran, UAE, and the nations of Europe. Growth in 2000 should match growth in 1999. Long-term prospects will depend on world oil prices and the location of new pipelines in the region.

Electricity - consumption [time series]

15.508 billion kWh (1998)

Electricity - exports [time series]

1 billion kWh (1998)

Electricity - imports [time series]

1.2 billion kWh (1998)

Electricity - production [time series]

18.062 billion kWh (1999)

Electricity - production by source [time series]

fossil fuel: 90.98% hydro: 9.02% nuclear: 0% other: 0% (1998)

Exchange rates [time series]

manats per US$1 - 4,342 (October 1999), 4,373 (1999), 3,869 (1998), 3,985.38 (1997), 4,301.26 (1996), 4,413.54 (1995)

Exports [time series]

$885 million (f.o.b., 1999 est.)

Exports - commodities [time series]

oil and gas 70%, machinery, cotton, foodstuffs

Exports - partners [time series]

Turkey, Russia, Georgia, Italy, Iran

Fiscal year [time series]

calendar year

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) (GDP) [time series]

purchasing power parity - $14 billion (1999 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin (GDP - composition by sector) [time series]

agriculture: 22% industry: 18% services: 60% (1997 est.)

Real GDP per capita (GDP - per capita) [time series]

purchasing power parity - $1,770 (1999 est.)

Real GDP growth rate (GDP - real growth rate) [time series]

7% (1999 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share [time series]

lowest 10%: NA% highest 10%: NA%

Imports [time series]

$1.62 billion (c.i.f., 1999 est.)

Imports - commodities [time series]

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, metals, chemicals

Imports - partners [time series]

Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, UAE, Iran

Industrial production growth rate [time series]

3% (1999 est.)

Industries [time series]

petroleum and natural gas, petroleum products, oilfield equipment; steel, iron ore, cement; chemicals and petrochemicals; textiles

Inflation rate (consumer prices) [time series]

-6.8% (1999 est.)

Labor force [time series]

2.9 million (1997)

Labor force - by occupation [time series]

agriculture and forestry 32%, industry and construction 15%, services 53% (1997)

Population below poverty line [time series]

60% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate [time series]

20% (1999 est.)

Geography

Area [time series]

total: 86,600 sq km land: 86,100 sq km water: 500 sq km note: includes the exclave of Naxcivan Autonomous Republic and the Nagorno-Karabakh region; the region's autonomy was abolished by Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet on 26 November 1991

Area - comparative [time series]

slightly smaller than Maine

Climate [time series]

dry, semiarid steppe

Coastline [time series]

0 km (landlocked) note: Azerbaijan borders the Caspian Sea (800 km, est.)

Elevation (Elevation extremes) [time series]

lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m highest point: Bazarduzu Dagi 4,485 m

Environment - current issues [time series]

local scientists consider the Abseron Yasaqligi (Apsheron Peninsula) (including Baku and Sumqayit) and the Caspian Sea to be the ecologically most devastated area in the world because of severe air, water, and soil pollution; soil pollution results from the use of DDT as a pesticide and also from toxic defoliants used in the production of cotton

International environmental agreements (Environment - international agreements) [time series]

party to: Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Biodiversity

Geographic coordinates [time series]

40 30 N, 47 30 E

Geography - note [time series]

landlocked

Irrigated land [time series]

10,000 sq km (1993 est.)

Land boundaries [time series]

total: 2,013 km border countries: Armenia (with Azerbaijan-proper) 566 km, Armenia (with Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave) 221 km, Georgia 322 km, Iran (with Azerbaijan-proper) 432 km, Iran (with Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave) 179 km, Russia 284 km, Turkey 9 km

Land use [time series]

arable land: 18% permanent crops: 5% permanent pastures: 25% forests and woodland: 11% other: 41% (1993 est.)

Location [time series]

Southwestern Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran and Russia

Map references [time series]

Commonwealth of Independent States

Maritime claims [time series]

none (landlocked)

Natural hazards [time series]

droughts; some lowland areas threatened by rising levels of the Caspian Sea

Natural resources [time series]

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, nonferrous metals, alumina

Terrain [time series]

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) in west; Baku lies on Abseron Yasaqligi (Apsheron Peninsula) that juts into Caspian Sea

Government

Administrative divisions [time series]

59 rayons (rayonlar; rayon - singular), 11 cities* (saharlar; sahar - singular), 1 autonomous republic** (muxtar respublika); Abseron Rayonu, Agcabadi Rayonu, Agdam Rayonu, Agdas Rayonu, Agstafa Rayonu, Agsu Rayonu, Ali Bayramli Sahari*, Astara Rayonu, Baki Sahari*, Balakan Rayonu, Barda Rayonu, Beylaqan Rayonu, Bilasuvar Rayonu, Cabrayil Rayonu, Calilabad Rayonu, Daskasan Rayonu, Davaci Rayonu, Fuzuli Rayonu, Gadabay Rayonu, Ganca Sahari*, Goranboy Rayonu, Goycay Rayonu, Haciqabul Rayonu, Imisli Rayonu, Ismayilli Rayonu, Kalbacar Rayonu, Kurdamir Rayonu, Lacin Rayonu, Lankaran Rayonu, Lankaran Sahari*, Lerik Rayonu, Masalli Rayonu, Mingacevir Sahari*, Naftalan Sahari*, Naxcivan Muxtar Respublikasi**, Neftcala Rayonu, Oguz Rayonu, Qabala Rayonu, Qax Rayonu, Qazax Rayonu, Qobustan Rayonu, Quba Rayonu, Qubadli Rayonu, Qusar Rayonu, Saatli Rayonu, Sabirabad Rayonu, Saki Rayonu, Saki Sahari*, Salyan Rayonu, Samaxi Rayonu, Samkir Rayonu, Samux Rayonu, Siyazan Rayonu, Sumqayit Sahari*, Susa Rayonu, Susa Sahari*, Tartar Rayonu, Tovuz Rayonu, Ucar Rayonu, Xacmaz Rayonu, Xankandi Sahari*, Xanlar Rayonu, Xizi Rayonu, Xocali Rayonu, Xocavand Rayonu, Yardimli Rayonu, Yevlax Rayonu, Yevlax Sahari*, Zangilan Rayonu, Zaqatala Rayonu, Zardab Rayonu

Capital [time series]

Baku (Baki)

Constitution [time series]

adopted 12 November 1995

Country name [time series]

conventional long form: Azerbaijani Republic conventional short form: Azerbaijan local long form: Azarbaycan Respublikasi local short form: none former: Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic

Data code [time series]

Diplomatic representation from the US [time series]

chief of mission: Ambassador Stanley T. ESCUDERO embassy: Azadliq Prospekt 83, Baku 370007 mailing address: American Embassy Baku, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-7050 telephone: [9] (9412) 98-03-35, 36, 37 FAX: [9] (9412) 90-66-71

Diplomatic representation in the US [time series]

chief of mission: Ambassador Hafiz Mir Jalal PASHAYEV chancery: (temporary) Suite 700, 927 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005 or P. O. Box 28790, Washington, DC 20038-8790 telephone: [1] (202) 842-0001 FAX: [1] (202) 842-0004

Executive branch [time series]

chief of state: President Heydar ALIYEV (since 18 June 1993) head of government: Prime Minister Artur RASIZADE (since 26 November 1996) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the National Assembly elections: president elected by popular vote to a five-year term; election last held 11 October 1998 (next to be held October 2003); prime minister and first deputy prime ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the National Assembly election results: Heydar ALIYEV reelected president; percent of vote - Heydar ALIYEV 76%

Flag (Flag description) [time series]

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), red, and green; a crescent and eight-pointed star in white are centered in red band

Government type [time series]

republic

Independence [time series]

30 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)

International organization participation [time series]

BSEC, CCC, CE (guest), CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (observer)

Judicial branch [time series]

Supreme Court

Legal system [time series]

based on civil law system

Legislative branch [time series]

unicameral National Assembly or Milli Mejlis (125 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) elections: last held 12 and 26 November 1995 (next to be held NA 2000) election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NAP and allies 115, APF 4, PNIA 3, Musavat Party 1, vacant 2

National holiday [time series]

Independence Day, 28 May (1918)

Political parties (Political parties and leaders) [time series]

Azerbaijan Democratic Party or ADP [Ilyas ISMAYLOV]; Azerbaijan Popular Front or APF [Abulfaz ELCHIBEY, chairman]; Civic Solidarity [Sabir RUSTAMXANLI]; Communist Party of Azerbaijan or CPA-2 [Firudin HASANOV]; Democratic Party of Independence of Azerbaijan [Vagit KERIMOV]; Liberal Party of Azerbaijan [Lala HAJIYEVA]; Motherland Party [Fazail AGAMALI]; Musavat Party [Isa GAMBAR, chairman]; New Azerbaijan Party or NAP [Heydar ALIYEV, chairman]; Party for National Independence of Azerbaijan or PNIA [Etibar MAMMADOV, chairman]; People's Democratic Party of Azerbaijan [Rafig TURABXANLY]; Social Democratic Party of Azerbaijan or SDP [Zardusht ALIZADE, chairman]; Vahdat Party [Leyla YUNUSOV, Jabrayil ALIZADE]

Political parties (Political pressure groups and leaders) [time series]

Sadval, Lezgin movement; self-proclaimed Armenian Nagorno-Karabakh Republic; Talysh independence movement

Suffrage [time series]

18 years of age; universal

Introduction

Background [time series]

Azerbaijan - a nation of Turkic Muslims - has been an independent republic since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Despite a cease-fire, in place since 1994, Azerbaijan has yet to resolve its conflict with Armenia over the Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh enclave (largely Armenian populated). Azerbaijan has lost almost 20% of its territory and must support some 750,000 refugees as a result of the conflict. Corruption is ubiquitous and the promise of wealth from Azerbaijan's undeveloped petroleum resources remains largely unfulfilled.

Military

Military and security forces (Military branches) [time series]

Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Border Guards

Military expenditures - dollar figure [time series]

$121 million (FY99)

Military expenditures (Military expenditures - percent of GDP) [time series]

2.6% (FY99)

Military manpower - availability [time series]

males age 15-49: 2,073,067 (2000 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service [time series]

males age 15-49: 1,662,435 (2000 est.)

Military manpower - military age [time series]

18 years of age

Military manpower - reaching military age annually [time series]

males: 74,496 (2000 est.)

People

Age structure [time series]

0-14 years: 30% (male 1,172,944; female 1,127,624) 15-64 years: 63% (male 2,388,737; female 2,525,797) 65 years and over: 7% (male 210,774; female 322,287) (2000 est.)

Birth rate [time series]

18.08 births/1,000 population (2000 est.)

Death rate [time series]

9.47 deaths/1,000 population (2000 est.)

Ethnic groups [time series]

Azeri 90%, Dagestani 3.2%, Russian 2.5%, Armenian 2%, other 2.3% (1998 est.) note: almost all Armenians live in the separatist Nagorno-Karabakh region

Infant mortality rate [time series]

83.41 deaths/1,000 live births (2000 est.)

Languages [time series]

Azeri 89%, Russian 3%, Armenian 2%, other 6% (1995 est.)

Life expectancy at birth [time series]

total population: 62.87 years male: 58.51 years female: 67.45 years (2000 est.)

Literacy [time series]

definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 97% male: 99% female: 96% (1989 est.)

Nationality [time series]

noun: Azerbaijani(s) adjective: Azerbaijani

Net migration rate [time series]

-5.92 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2000 est.)

Population [time series]

7,748,163 (July 2000 est.)

Population growth rate [time series]

0.27% (2000 est.)

Religions [time series]

Muslim 93.4%, Russian Orthodox 2.5%, Armenian Orthodox 2.3%, other 1.8% (1995 est.) note: religious affiliation is still nominal in Azerbaijan; percentages for actual practicing adherents are much lower

Sex ratio [time series]

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.65 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2000 est.)

Total fertility rate [time series]

2.19 children born/woman (2000 est.)

Transnational Issues

Disputes - international [time series]

Armenia supports ethnic Armenians in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan in the longstanding, separatist conflict against the Azerbaijani Government; Caspian Sea boundaries are not yet determined among Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan

Illicit drugs [time series]

limited illicit cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy, mostly for CIS consumption; limited government eradication program; transshipment point for opiates via Iran, Central Asia, and Russia to Western Europe [Country Listing] [ The World Factbook Home]

Transportation

Airports [time series]

69 (1996 est.)

Airports - with paved runways [time series]

total: 29 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6 1,524 to 2,437 m: 17 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 1 (1996 est.)

Airports - with unpaved runways [time series]

total: 40 914 to 1,523 m: 7 under 914 m: 33 (1996 est.)

Roadways (Highways) [time series]

total: 24,981 km paved: 23,057 km unpaved: 1,924 km (1998 est.)

Merchant marine [time series]

total: 55 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 248,155 GRT/304,215 DWT ships by type: cargo 12, petroleum tanker 40, roll-on/roll-off 2, short-sea passenger 1 (1999 est.)

Pipelines [time series]

crude oil 1,130 km; petroleum products 630 km; natural gas 1,240 km

Ports (Ports and harbors) [time series]

Baku (Baki)

Railways [time series]

total: 2,125 km in common carrier service; does not include industrial lines broad gauge: 2,125 km 1.520-m gauge (1,278 km electrified) (1993)