Exploring Azerbaijan's Administrative Divisions: Rayons And Beyond

Azerbaijan is divided into several administrative units, including rayons, or districts. There are different views on the exact number of rayons in Azerbaijan, with sources citing 66 or 67 rayons, not including the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. This autonomous republic adds a further seven rayons and one municipality to the count. In addition to the rayons, Azerbaijan is also divided into 11 or 12 cities and 14 economic regions.

Azerbaijan has 66 or 67 rayons, or districts

Azerbaijan is divided into rayons, or districts, and cities. The rayons are further divided into municipalities. There is some discrepancy over the exact number of rayons in Azerbaijan. Some sources state that there are 66 rayons, while others state there are 67. The difference in figures may be due to the complex administrative history of the country.

The rayons are grouped into 14 Economic Regions. In 2021, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, signed a decree regarding the new division of economic regions in the country.

Azerbaijan's administrative divisions also include 11 cities that are subordinate to the Republic. One of these cities is located within the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, which consists of seven districts and one municipality. The Autonomous Republic is separated from the rest of Azerbaijan by a strip of Armenian territory and includes small exclaves inside Armenia.

The rayons of Azerbaijan have a variety of industries, including agriculture, light manufacturing, tourism, food production, petrochemicals, chemicals, heavy industry, and metallurgy.

There are 11 or 12 cities in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is divided into administrative districts known as rayons, and there are either 66 or 67 of them. In addition to these rayons, there are 11 or 12 cities in Azerbaijan. The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, a landlocked exclave of Azerbaijan bordering Armenia, Turkey, and Iran, is made up of seven districts and one city.

The number of cities in Azerbaijan depends on how you classify Sumqayıt. It is considered a rayon according to FIPS (the Federal Information Processing Standard) but is also considered a city by other sources.

The rayons of Azerbaijan are further divided into municipalities. These districts are also grouped into 14 Economic Regions. The capital and largest city of Azerbaijan is Baku, which is also the country's main economic centre.

The administrative divisions of Azerbaijan have changed over time. For example, in 2008, the name of the city of Ali-Bairamly was changed to Shirvan, and in 2010, the name of Devechi rayon and its capital were changed to Shabran.

The rayons are further divided into municipalities

Azerbaijan is divided into 66 or 67 rayons, or districts, and 11 or 12 cities. These districts are further divided into municipalities. The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, a landlocked exclave of Azerbaijan bordering Armenia, Turkey, and Iran, is made up of seven districts and one municipality.

The municipalities are the smallest administrative units in Azerbaijan. They are typically led by a mayor and council, who are responsible for local governance and providing services to residents. The municipalities are responsible for a variety of functions, including urban planning, public utilities, and local infrastructure development. They also play a crucial role in maintaining public order, managing emergency services, and promoting economic development within their jurisdictions.

The municipalities within the rayons vary in size and population. Some may encompass entire districts, while others may only cover a small portion of a district. The size and population of a municipality can influence the range of services it provides and the administrative structure it adopts. Larger municipalities may have more resources and a greater capacity to deliver services, while smaller municipalities may focus on more specialised or localised functions.

The division of rayons into municipalities allows for more effective local governance and ensures that the specific needs of different communities within a district are addressed. This structure enables decentralised decision-making, empowering local leaders and community members to have a more direct impact on the issues that affect their daily lives. It also facilitates better representation and participation in the democratic process, as the smaller geographic areas allow for more direct engagement between elected officials and their constituents.

The districts of Azerbaijan are grouped into 14 Economic Regions

Azerbaijan is divided into 14 economic regions, which are distinct from the country's 67-69 districts. These economic regions were formed to increase the efficiency of economic management and are characterised by their economic and geographical position, territorial and economic unity, the diversity of natural and economic conditions, and industrial specialisation.

Prior to 2021, there were only 10 economic regions in Azerbaijan. On July 7, 2021, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, signed a decree that reorganised the economic regions, abolishing some former regions and creating new ones.

The 14 economic regions of Azerbaijan are:

• Baku Economic Region: Includes Baku, the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, along with the Absheron Peninsula. Baku is the main economic centre of the country, with key sectors including oil and gas extraction, refining, information technology, and tourism.
• Nakhchivan Economic Region: An Azerbaijani exclave, bordering Iran, Turkey, and Armenia. This region covers an area of 5,500 square kilometres and includes the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, with districts such as Babek, Julfa, Kangarli, and Sharur.
• Absheron-Khizi Economic Region: Previously part of the larger Absheron Economic Region, it covers 3,730 square kilometres and includes the districts of Absheron and Khizi, along with the city of Sumgait. The main industries include petrochemicals, construction, and heavy industry.
• Mountainous Shirvan Economic Region: Known for its diverse climate and geography, bordering several other economic regions. It covers an area of 6,130 square kilometres and includes districts such as Agsu, Ismayilli, and Shamakhi. The economy is diverse, with a small manufacturing industry and agricultural machinery repair.
• Ganja-Dashkasan Economic Region: Encompasses an area of 5,270 square kilometres and borders Georgia and Armenia. It includes the Dashkasan, Goranboy, Goygol, and Samukh districts, along with the cities of Ganja and Naftalan.
• Karabakh Economic Region: The largest economic region by area, spanning 8,990 square kilometres. It is located in south-central Azerbaijan, bordering Iran. This region includes districts such as Agjabadi, Aghdam, and Tartar, and the city of Khankendi.
• Gazakh-Tovuz Economic Region: Spanning 7,030 square kilometres, this region borders Georgia and Armenia and shares a boundary with the Ganja-Dashkasan region. It includes the districts of Aghstafa, Gadabay, Gazakh, Shamkir, and Tovuz.
• Guba-Khachmaz Economic Region: Known for its scenic beauty and agricultural prowess, it covers 6,960 square kilometres and borders Russia. The region includes the Shabran, Khachmaz, Guba, Qusar, and Siyazan administrative districts.
• Lankaran-Astara Economic Region: Established in July 2021, this region covers 6,070 square kilometres and borders Iran and the Caspian Sea. It is predominantly agricultural and renowned for tea-growing, contributing to most of Azerbaijan's tea production.
• Central Aran Economic Region: One of Azerbaijan's pivotal economic areas, stretching over 6,690 square kilometres. This region is characterised by fertile plains and includes districts such as Ujar, Goychay, and Yevlakh, along with the city of Mingachevir. Central Aran is known for its diverse agricultural output, including fruit and cotton cultivation.
• Mil-Mughan Economic Region: Borders Iran and is connected to several other economic regions, including Central Aran and Karabakh. It comprises the districts of Beylagan, Imishli, Saatly, and Sabirabad, with a population of approximately 522,600 as of January 2021.
• Shaki-Zagatala Economic Region: Known for its diverse landscape, including the Greater Caucasus mountains and Central Kur Highland. It covers an area of 8,840 square kilometres and has a population of about 630,400 as of 2021. The economy is primarily based on agriculture, with a significant tourism industry as well.
• East Zangezur Economic Region: Among the largest regions, covering approximately 7,470 square kilometres in southeastern Azerbaijan. It includes the districts of Kalbajar, Lachin, Qubadli, Zangilan, and Jabrayil, known for their rich cultural and historical heritage. The economy is mainly agricultural, but there is also potential for tourism development.
• Shirvan-Salyan Economic Region: Established in July 2021, this region covers 6,080 square kilometres and is bordered by Iran. It was previously part of the larger Aran Economic Region and now includes the districts of Bilasuvar, Hajigabul, Neftchala, and Salyan, along with the city of Shirvan.

The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic has 7 rayons and 1 municipality

Azerbaijan is divided into 66 or 67 rayons (districts) and 11 or 12 cities. The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is a landlocked exclave of Azerbaijan, with a population of 459,600 and an area of 5,502.75 km2 (2,124.62 sq mi). It is the only autonomous republic in Azerbaijan and has its own elected legislature.

Nakhchivan has eight administrative divisions in total, seven of which are rayons (districts) and one is a municipality (city). The seven rayons are Babek, Julfa, Kangarli, Ordubad, Sedarak, Shahbuz, and Sherur. The municipality is Nakhchivan City, which is treated separately from the rayons.

The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic has a rich history, dating back to ancient times. It was once part of the Persian and Ottoman empires and later became an autonomous republic within the Soviet Union. Today, it is an integral part of Azerbaijan, with its own unique cultural and historical significance.

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