Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan, a country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. It is the largest city in the Caucasus region, with a population of over 2 million as of 2009. Baku is the country's primate city, with about 25% of Azerbaijan's population living in its metropolitan area. Baku stands as a testament to Azerbaijan's development since its independence in 1991, boasting a modern cityscape, efficient metro system, extensive public transport network, luxury hotels, and unique architectural designs.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Population | 2,122,300 as of January 2012 |
Urban Population | 2 million as of 2009 |
Metropolitan Population | 25% of Azerbaijan's population |
Twinned Cities | St Petersburg, Rio de Janeiro, Tashkent, Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu province, East Azerbaijan Province, and Bosnia and Herzegovina |
Location | Coast of the Caspian Sea, Southern tip of the Absheron Peninsula |
Elevation | 28 metres (92 ft) below sea level |
Climate | Cold semi-arid |
Annual Precipitation | 200 mm (8 in) |
Temperature | Daily mean in January and February: 4.3 °C (39.7 °F). Daily mean in July and August: 26.4 °C (79.5 °F) |
Crime Rate | Relatively low |
Cost of Living | High for many residents |
Transport | Metro, bus and minibus network |
Divisions | İçəri Şəhər (the Old Town), the Soviet-built city, and the newest part of the city |
What You'll Learn
Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan and its primate city
Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan, and its primate city. Baku is the largest city in Azerbaijan and the largest city on the Caspian Sea. It is also the largest city in the Caucasus region, with an estimated population of two million as of 2009. Baku is 28 metres (92 ft) below sea level, making it the lowest-lying national capital in the world.
Baku is divided into twelve administrative regions and 48 townships. The city is Azerbaijan's scientific, cultural, and industrial centre, with many sizeable institutions headquartered there. Baku is known for its harsh winds, reflected in its nickname, the "City of Winds".
Baku has a rich history, with traces of human settlement in the region dating back to the Stone Age. The city has been under Persian, Russian, Ottoman, and Soviet rule at various points in its history. It was the major oil city of the Soviet Union and continues to be known for its petroleum industry today.
Today, Baku is a modern city with a mix of architectural styles, ranging from the Old City to contemporary buildings. It has a well-developed public transport system, including a metro, bus, and mini bus network. Baku stands out for its low living costs compared to other cities, with affordable housing options. The city also offers cultural attractions, such as museums, art galleries, and historical sites like the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower.
Baku is a cosmopolitan city, having been influenced by various cultures throughout its history. It is known for its hospitality and diverse population, with ethnic Azerbaijanis forming the majority. The city has a thriving tourism industry and is known for its unique cuisine, making it a popular destination for expats and tourists alike.
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Baku is the largest city in the Caucasus region
Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan and the largest city in the Caucasus region. It is also the largest city on the Caspian Sea, upon whose shores it sits. Baku's population was estimated at two million in 2009, with about 25% of Azerbaijan's inhabitants living in Baku's metropolitan area. The city is divided into 12 administrative raions and 48 townships.
Baku is a modern city with efficient transport links, including a metro system, a well-developed bus and minibus network, and a large pedestrianised area. Baku stands out for its unique architectural designs, including the Heydar Aliyev Centre and the three Flame Towers, which reflect the country's motto, the "Land of Fire". The city's modern attractions contrast with those in the Old City, or Icherisheher, which includes the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the 12th-century Maiden Tower.
Baku has a diverse economy, with opportunities for expats in teaching, construction, humanitarian aid, and the energy sector. The city has a reputation as a cultural hub, having hosted major international events such as the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012, the European Games in 2015, and the final of the 2018-19 UEFA Europa League. Baku is also known for its harsh winds, reflected in its nickname, the "City of Winds".
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Baku's population was estimated at two million in 2009
Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is a city with a rich history and a diverse cultural heritage. Baku's urban population was estimated at two million people as of 2009. Baku is the largest city in Azerbaijan and the largest city on the Caspian Sea. It is also the largest city in the world below sea level, as it lies 28 metres (92 feet) below sea level.
Baku has been a significant city for international trade throughout its history, especially due to its oil industry. Baku's oil fields were the largest in the world at the beginning of the 20th century, and the city has been a focal point for traders and investors from around the world. The city's population growth has been influenced by its economic development and the influx of workers in the energy sector.
Baku is divided into twelve administrative raions and 48 townships, with about 25% of Azerbaijan's population living in Baku's metropolitan area. The city has a modern cityscape, efficient metro system, and unique architectural designs, including the Heydar Aliyev Centre and the Flame Towers. Baku's Old City, dating back to the Stone Age, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 and features the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the 12th-century Maiden Tower.
The population of Baku has grown significantly over the years, with an estimated population of 2.5 million in 2024, reflecting the city's importance as a cultural, scientific, and industrial centre in Azerbaijan.
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Baku is divided into 12 administrative raions and 48 townships
Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is divided into 12 administrative raions (or rayonlar in Azerbaijani) and 48 townships. The city is the largest in Azerbaijan and the largest city on the Caspian Sea. Baku's urban population was estimated to be two million people as of 2009, with about 25% of Azerbaijan's population living in Baku's metropolitan area.
The 12 administrative raions of Baku are:
- Binagadi
- Garadagh
- Khatai
- Khazar
- Narimanov
- Nasimi
- Pirallahi
- Sabail
- Sabunchu
- Surakhani
The townships include those on the Baku Archipelago, as well as the industrial settlement of Neft Daşları, which is built on oil rigs in the Caspian Sea. The Old City of Baku, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also within the city's boundaries.
Baku is the scientific, cultural, and industrial centre of Azerbaijan, and many sizeable institutions have their headquarters there. The city has hosted several major international events, including the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012, the European Games in 2015, and the European Grand Prix in 2016.
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Baku is Azerbaijan's scientific, cultural, and industrial centre
Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is the country's scientific, cultural, and industrial centre. It is the largest city in Azerbaijan and on the Caspian Sea, with a population of around two million people as of 2009. Baku is the country's primate city, with about 25% of Azerbaijan's population living in its metropolitan area.
Baku has been a significant city throughout history, playing a role in the Silk Road network and serving as a focal point for international trade. The city is known for its harsh winds, reflected in its nickname, the "City of Winds".
Scientific Centre
Baku is home to many sizeable Azerbaijani institutions, including the Azerbaijan Science Academy. The city has a long history of human settlement, dating back to the Stone Age. Over the years, Baku has been a centre of scientific discovery, with archaeological excavations revealing various prehistoric settlements, native temples, statues, and other artefacts.
Cultural Centre
Baku is a cultural melting pot, with a rich history influenced by its location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. The city boasts a unique architectural landscape, ranging from the ancient Old City to modern buildings and a spacious port layout. Baku's cultural venues include the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall, and the Azerbaijan State Academic Drama Theatre, among others. The city has also been a filming location for movies such as "The World Is Not Enough" and "The Diamond Arm".
Baku is known for its music scene, particularly meykhana and mugham, and has produced several renowned musicians and performers, including Vagif Mustafazadeh, Aziza Mustafa Zadeh, and Garry Kasparov. The city has hosted major international events, including the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012 and the European Games in 2015.
Industrial Centre
Baku is an industrial powerhouse, particularly in the petroleum industry. The city's largest industry is petroleum, and its exports make a significant contribution to Azerbaijan's economy. Baku has a long history of oil exploration and production, dating back to the 19th century. The city has also diversified its economy, attracting foreign investment and offering work opportunities in various sectors.
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Frequently asked questions
Baku's population was estimated to be two million as of 2009.
Baku is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan. It is also the largest city on the Caspian Sea and in the Caucasus region. Baku is the scientific, cultural, and industrial centre of Azerbaijan.
Baku has a modern cityscape, an efficient metro system, and an extensive public transport network. Baku also has a unique architectural landscape, with buildings such as the Heydar Aliyev Centre and the Flame Towers. The cost of living in Baku is relatively affordable, with low living costs and housing expenses. However, healthcare facilities are limited outside the city. Crime rates are also relatively low in Baku.