Exploring Azerbaijan: Districts And Diversity

Azerbaijan is a transcontinental country in Eastern Europe and Western Asia, with a rich history and diverse culture. The country has gone through various administrative divisions and reforms throughout its history, with the most recent changes occurring in 2021 and 2023. As of 2021, Azerbaijan is divided into 14 economic regions, 66 to 69 districts, and 11 cities. These administrative divisions serve as the largest subdivisions of the country and are crucial for its governance and development. The districts are further divided into municipalities for more localized administration.

Azerbaijan is divided into 14 economic regions, including the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic

The economic regions were restructured in 2021 when President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on July 7, 2021. This reorganisation aimed to optimise regional planning and economic efficiency across Azerbaijan.

The economic regions vary in size, population, and industry. For example, the Baku Economic Region is the smallest in terms of area but also the most significant for the country's economy, while the Mountainous Shirvan Economic Region is the least populated. Baku is the country's capital and largest city and is known for its oil industry.

The economic regions of Azerbaijan are as follows:

• Baku Economic Region
• Absheron-Khizi Economic Region
• Central Aran Economic Region
• Mil-Mughan Economic Region
• Shirvan-Salyan Economic Region
• Mountainous Shirvan Economic Region
• Nakhchivan Economic Region
• Shaki-Zagatala Economic Region
• Guba-Khachmaz Economic Region
• Ganja-Dashkasan Economic Region
• Gazakh-Tovuz Economic Region
• Karabakh Economic Region
• Lankaran-Astara Economic Region
• East Zangezur Economic Region

The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is a landlocked exclave of Azerbaijan, bordering Armenia, Iran, and Turkey. It has a unique geographical position and is strategically important for the country.

There are 66-69 districts, which are the largest administrative divisions

Azerbaijan is divided into 66–69 districts, which are the largest administrative divisions of the country. These districts are grouped into 14 economic regions.

The number of districts varies across sources, with one source stating there are 59 districts, while another states there are 67. However, the most recent information indicates that there are 69 districts in total.

The districts of Azerbaijan are further divided into municipalities. In addition to the districts, Azerbaijan also has 11 cities that are subordinate to the Republic.

The economic regions were restructured in 2021 when President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree, increasing the number of economic regions from 10 to 14.

The economic regions include the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, which is an exclave of Azerbaijan and is bordered by Armenia, Iran, and Turkey.

The districts and economic regions of Azerbaijan reflect the country's diverse geography, natural resources, and economic activities. The administrative divisions play a crucial role in managing and developing the country's economy and infrastructure.

The districts are further divided into municipalities

Azerbaijan is divided into 67 districts (or 59, according to another source) which are further divided into municipalities. The districts are also grouped into 14 Economic Regions. The municipalities are not to be confused with the 11 cities that are subordinate to the Republic.

The municipalities are a level of administrative division in Azerbaijan, which is a unitary semi-presidential republic. The municipalities are led by a mayor, who is elected by the municipality's citizens. The municipalities are responsible for a range of functions, including urban planning, local roads, and public utilities. They also have some responsibilities related to education, healthcare, and social services.

The municipalities in Azerbaijan vary in size and population, and they can include multiple towns or villages. The municipalities are further divided into smaller administrative units, called communes. The communes are the lowest level of administrative division in Azerbaijan and are typically led by a council of elders.

The municipalities play an important role in local governance and are responsible for implementing national policies at the local level. They also serve as a link between the central government and the local population, ensuring that the needs and concerns of the citizens are addressed.

The country is bordered by Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, and Turkey

Azerbaijan is bordered by Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, and Turkey. The country is located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, straddling West Asia and Eastern Europe. It has a landlocked exclave, the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, which also borders Turkey.

The perimeter of Azerbaijan's land borders is 2,648 km (1,645 mi), with the following breakdown: 1,007 km (626 mi) with Armenia; 756 km (470 mi) with Iran; 480 km (300 mi) with Georgia; 390 km (242 mi) with Russia; and 15 km (9 mi) with Turkey.

The country's coastline stretches for 800 km (497 mi), and the length of the widest area of the Azerbaijani section of the Caspian Sea is 456 km (283 mi). The Caspian Sea forms a natural boundary to the east of the country.

Three physical features dominate Azerbaijan: the Caspian Sea, the Greater Caucasus mountain range to the north, and extensive flatlands at the country's center. There are three mountain ranges in total: the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, and the Talysh Mountains, together covering approximately 40% of the country.

The country's largest river is the Kur, which is transboundary with Armenia and runs through the Kura-Aras lowland. The Kura-Aras lowland is also where the Aras, the second-largest river, flows. The Aras river forms part of the border between Azerbaijan and Iran.

Azerbaijan has several islands along the Caspian Sea, mostly located in the Baku Archipelago.

The capital, Baku, is the largest city and has been divided into 10 districts and 48 municipalities

Azerbaijan is administratively divided into 67 districts (rayon) and 11 cities (şəhər) that are subordinate to the Republic. The districts are further divided into municipalities (bələdiyyə). The capital, Baku, is the largest city in Azerbaijan and has been divided into 10 districts and 48 municipalities.

Baku is the capital and the largest city of Azerbaijan, with a population of 2,725,000 inhabitants. It is the main economic centre of the country. The main industries in Baku are international trade, oil refining, chemical, machine-building, food, tourism, and textiles. The military industry, high-tech industries, and information technologies are also being developed in the city.

Baku has an ancient history and was first ruled by Caucasian Albania and later by various Persian empires. The city's name, Azerbaijan, is derived from Atropates, a Persian satrap under the Achaemenid Empire. The name evolved over time from Āterepātahe to Azerbaijan.

Baku is located on the Caspian Sea, which forms the natural boundary of Azerbaijan to the east. The country is bounded by Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia and Turkey to the west, and Iran to the south. Azerbaijan is a transcontinental country at the boundary of Eastern Europe and West Asia and is officially called the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The territory of Azerbaijan has a rich history and has been influenced by various cultures and empires. The country has a diverse landscape, including the Caspian Sea, the Greater Caucasus Mountain range, and extensive flatlands. Baku, as the largest city and the capital, plays a crucial role in the country's economy and cultural life.

The city of Baku is twinned with Naples, Italy, and has a well-developed system of municipalities and districts that contribute to its efficient administration and management. The 10 districts and 48 municipalities of Baku work together to make the city a thriving centre of economic and cultural activity in Azerbaijan.

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