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People and Politics

  • Population:
    • The population of Azerbaijan, according to the latest census statistics dated October 01, 2016 is almost 9784600 (nine million seven hundred eighty-four thousand and six hundred people).
    • In terms of percent population growth Azerbaijan is ranked in the 89th place among the world countries.
    • Population density is defined 103 people per square kilometer.
    • Ethnic Turks are majority in Azerbaijan, with the majority of Muslims, the percentage of adherents to Islam is 96% and the rest is distributed between Christians (2%), atheists (1.5%), Jews, Buddhists (0,5%) and etc.
    • Baku is the capital of the country and the largest city in Azerbaijan. Its population is approximately 2,225,800 people.

  • language: Azerbaijani is the official language. It belongs to the Turkic language family. The 32-letters alphabet is in use.

  • Religion: Azerbaijan has a state of peaceful coexistence and harmony between different faiths. The percentage of Muslims more than 96% of total population, while the percentage of Christians is around 2% and the rest are other beliefs.

  • Culture and Heritage: Despite its small area and population, it is rich in historical, cultural and civilizational heritage.

  • People and Politics:
    • The constitution states that the Azerbaijan is a secular and unitary republic; the state power in based on the principle of division of legislative, executive and judicial powers. The State guarantees the freedom to set up any political parties which respect democratic principles. The law prohibits the establishment of political parties and other unions, programs or activities based on the principles of universality, those which encourage and support racial, religious, regional and ethnic hatred, or use violence to seize power or influence the state policy, as well as parties that keep confidential.
    • The Constitution guarantees freedom of expression in public life. Armed Forces ensure the State’s independence and the protection of its territorial integrity and constitutional order.
    • Parliament has 125 members elected through free and direct electoral system for five years.
    • The President is the head of the State and represents the unity of the people. Presidential nominee has to be an Azerbaijani citizen.  The President of the Republic is elected for 7 years and can run for re-election to others term in office.

  • The leading political parties in Azerbaijan
    • The ruling party ‘New Azerbaijan’ (Yeni Azerbayjan): Founded in 1992 with the blessing of the former President Heydar Aliyev, who took power in 1993. It has the majority of overall seats in the parliament. In the 2015 elections ‘New Azerbaijan’ party won 70 out of 125 in the parliament. According to the party reports it has more than 600 thousand members. The Chairman of the party is Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
    •  ‘Khalg cebhesi’ -  The main Opposition Party: The leading opposition party was established in 1993 and at present is headed by Mr. Ali Karimli. The party heartily believes that the future of Azerbaijan depends on the impact of the European Union to demand the current authority to change its policy or make radical changes of the ruling regime. The Chairman of the party is Mr. Ali Karimli. A periodical published by the party is ‘Azadlig’ (Freedom).
    • ‘Musavat’ Party: The actual founder of the ‘Musavat’ party formed in early 20th century as a swallow of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan led by Muhammad Amin Rasul Zadeh in 1918. After gaining independence in 1991 Mr. Isa Gambar took over the presidency of the party. The party has its periodical publishing under the title ‘Yeni Musavat (New Musavat). The Chairman of the party is Mr. Arif Hajili.
    • The Azerbaijani Opposition National Council of Democratic Forces (AONCDF): National Council of the Azerbaijani Opposition was established on May 28, 2013. According to the statement issued by the National Council on the day of its establishment the Azerbaijani opposition reached after consultations and talks spanning several months between the various political parties and organizations to agree on the establishment of the National Council for the opposition to unite efforts against the ruling regime. The National Council has gathered together peoples of different ranks, such as various parties, intellectuals and civil society organizations, religious leaders and other representatives. The main aim of establishing the National Council is unification of the efforts of the opposition ahead of presidential elections and the nomination of an opposition candidate running for the office of President of Azerbaijan Republic.