What is Azerbaijan?
Azerbaijan is a transcontinental country located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, bordered by the Caspian Sea, Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Iran. Known as the “Land of Fire,” Azerbaijan boasts a rich cultural heritage, unique landscapes, and a rapidly growing economy fueled by its vast oil and gas reserves.
Provinces and Territories
Azerbaijan is divided into 66 districts (rayons), 11 cities, and the autonomous region of Nakhchivan.
Notable divisions include:
- Baku (Capital and largest city)
- Ganja
- Sumgait
- Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic
Currency Details
- Currency Name: Azerbaijani Manat (AZN)
- Symbol: ₼
- Subunit: Qepik (1 Manat = 100 Qepik)
- Central Bank: Central Bank of Azerbaijan
Type of Government
Azerbaijan is a unitary semi-presidential republic, combining a strong executive branch with elements of parliamentary governance.
Detailed Hierarchy of Government Roles
Executive Branch Hierarchy
| Position | Role Description | Power & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| President | Head of State | Holds supreme authority in domestic and foreign policies; commander-in-chief of the armed forces. |
| Vice President | Deputy to the President | Assists in governance and oversees special portfolios as delegated by the President. |
| Prime Minister | Head of Government | Coordinates executive functions and supervises ministries. |
| Ministers | Heads of Ministries | Manage specific areas such as defense, education, and health. |
| State Advisors | Presidential Appointees | Provide policy advice on various strategic areas. |
Legislative Branch Hierarchy
| Position | Role Description | Power & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Milli Majlis (National Assembly) | Unicameral Legislature | Composed of 125 deputies elected for five-year terms, responsible for passing laws and overseeing the government. |
| Chairperson of Milli Majlis | Leader of the Parliament | Manages legislative sessions and represents the legislature in state affairs. |
| Deputies | Members of the Assembly | Debate and vote on legislation, represent constituencies. |
Judicial Branch Hierarchy
| Position | Role Description | Power & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Court | Highest constitutional authority | Ensures laws comply with the Constitution. |
| Supreme Court | Highest judicial body | Handles civil, criminal, and administrative appeals. |
| Appeal Courts | Regional courts | Hear cases from lower courts. |
| District Courts | Local courts | Handle criminal and civil cases within their jurisdictions. |
| Prosecutors | Legal representatives of the state | Ensure the enforcement of laws and prosecute offenders. |
International Memberships
- United Nations (UN)
- Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
- Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
- Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
- Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
Military Structure
Azerbaijan has a robust military structure, comprising:
- Azerbaijan Armed Forces: Army, Navy, and Air Force
- State Border Service: Protects national borders
- Special Forces: Elite units for counterterrorism and strategic operations
Secret Agencies
- State Security Service (SSS): Responsible for intelligence gathering and counterterrorism.
- Foreign Intelligence Service (FIS): Handles foreign intelligence and international security threats.
Stock Markets
Azerbaijan’s financial market is represented by the Baku Stock Exchange (BSE). The exchange facilitates trading in securities, corporate bonds, and government debt instruments.
Emergency Numbers
- General Emergency: 112
- Police: 102
- Fire Department: 101
- Ambulance: 103
SWOT Analysis of Azerbaijan
Strengths
- Rich natural resources (oil and gas)
- Strategic location connecting Europe and Asia
- Growing tourism and cultural heritage
Weaknesses
- Dependence on energy exports
- Limited political freedoms
- Vulnerability to regional conflicts
Opportunities
- Expansion of non-oil sectors like agriculture and tourism
- Strengthening infrastructure projects like the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline
- Participation in global trade initiatives
Threats
- Geopolitical tensions with Armenia
- Environmental challenges from energy extraction
- Global economic fluctuations affecting energy prices
Additional Information
- Official Language: Azerbaijani
- Time Zone: Azerbaijan Standard Time (AZT, UTC +4)
- National Anthem: “Azərbaycan Marşı” (March of Azerbaijan)