Exploring Life In Azerbaijan: An Insider's View

Life in Azerbaijan varies greatly depending on where you live and your financial situation. The country is divided between abject poverty and extreme wealth, with the majority of the wealth being held by five main ruling families. The country has a high literacy rate, a rich history, and a highly regarded local cuisine. However, it also has a high level of corruption, poor infrastructure, and limited freedom of speech.

Healthcare in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan has a mixed public-private healthcare system. Healthcare is provided by both public and private institutions and is regulated by the Ministry of Healthcare. The country has made significant structural changes to its healthcare system in recent years, with the full implementation of mandatory health insurance in 2021. The insurance scheme covers primary, inpatient, emergency, and specialised outpatient care, as well as laboratory services, physiotherapy, and invasive radiology.

The Azerbaijani government's mandatory insurance program has shifted the focus of government investment from modernising and subsidising equipment for public hospitals to ensuring broad access to basic healthcare. This has resulted in a rise in the number of private hospitals for those who can afford to pay. As of 2020, there were 1,174 hospitals in Azerbaijan, 656 of which were private.

Azerbaijan's healthcare system has faced economic difficulties since the country gained independence in 1991, and the quality and access to medical services have suffered as a result. The system still deals with inefficiencies and a lack of funding, and the government is working to address these issues through various reforms and projects, with support from international organisations like the World Bank. New medical facilities are being constructed, medical equipment is being upgraded, and medical staff are receiving training.

Azerbaijan is also a target for health tourists from countries like Iran, Turkey, Georgia, and Russia. The Bona Dea International Hospital in Baku, built in 2018, caters to international patients and employs staff from various European countries.

Education in Azerbaijan

Before the Soviet period (1945-1991), the nation's education system placed a strong emphasis on Islamic training. Children often began their formal religious training around the age of five in institutions with close links to mosques. Secular elementary schools for Azerbaijanis did not begin appearing until the late nineteenth century, and most children did not have access to education during this period. As a result, the country's literacy rate was low, particularly among women, as few were permitted to attend classes.

During the Soviet era, the education system in Azerbaijan underwent significant improvements. The system became modeled after Moscow's, imposing state control of every educational institution. Literacy rates and education levels increased, even with changes in the script from Arabic to Latin and then to Cyrillic.

Since gaining independence, Azerbaijan has made few structural changes to its education system other than changing the script to a modified Latin alphabet. The system remains relatively unchanged, with a continued emphasis on the Azerbaijani language and the reintroduction of religious education.

Primary education in Azerbaijan generally begins at the age of six and spans the first four years of a child's schooling. It emphasizes reading, writing, and computing, as well as basic understandings about society and logical reasoning.

General secondary education is compulsory and covers ages 10 to 14. It aims to develop proficient writing skills, oral presentation abilities, logical thinking, and the use of technology and communication tools. All students are formally evaluated at the end of their general secondary schooling, and successful students receive a certificate indicating their eligibility to proceed to the next level.

Full secondary education comprises the 10th and 11th years of classes and ages 15 to 16. During this stage, students may begin specializing in technical, humanitarian, or natural subjects. They are also expected to gain proficient communication skills in one or more foreign languages. A final assessment determines their eligibility to continue on to higher education, and successful students receive a state certificate of education upon graduation.

Higher education institutions in Azerbaijan include both private and state universities, academies, colleges, institutes, and conservatoires. An important reform began in 2009, with the country aligning its higher education system with the European Education area and the Bologna Process. This has led to improvements in teacher training and the expansion of programs that encourage young specialists to work in rural areas.

Overall, while Azerbaijan's education system has made strides since the Soviet era, it still faces challenges in fully meeting international standards and ensuring equal access to quality education for all.

Safety and security in Azerbaijan

Safety and security are important considerations for anyone thinking of living in Azerbaijan. While the country has a generally low crime rate, there are several factors to be aware of.

Firstly, terrorism is a concern, with a high threat of terrorist attacks globally affecting UK interests and British nationals. These attacks could be indiscriminate and target civilian locations, including places frequented by foreign nationals such as international hotels, restaurants, and pubs. Therefore, it is essential to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.

Additionally, crime levels in Baku, the capital city, are generally low, but it is important to be cautious of possible bag-snatching or mugging, especially if carrying large amounts of cash or valuables. This risk is higher at night in the city centre, so it is recommended to avoid displaying large sums of money or expensive-looking items, and to refrain from walking alone after dark.

When it comes to road safety, Azerbaijan has poor road conditions and erratic driving standards, leading to a higher risk of accidents, especially outside major cities. Visitors should exercise caution when driving or crossing roads and be aware of potential hazards such as potholes, livestock, and pedestrians who may not follow traffic rules.

Another important consideration is the presence of unexploded ordnance near the border with Armenia due to past conflicts. Travellers should stick to marked roads and avoid venturing into unmarked areas.

Azerbaijan is a largely secular society, although the majority of the population is Muslim. It is important to respect religious sites and dress modestly when visiting them. While same-sex sexual activity is not illegal, LGBT+ individuals tend to keep a low profile, and public displays of affection between same-sex couples may be frowned upon, especially outside of Baku and among the older generation.

In terms of cultural and social issues, it is important to be mindful of local customs and dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites. Alcohol consumption should be done in moderation and in appropriate settings.

Overall, while Azerbaijan has a low crime rate and the government has implemented various security measures, it is always important to stay vigilant and follow official travel advisories and warnings.

The economy and poverty in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan's economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas production, which has brought wealth to the country but has also led to economic instability. Oil and gas make up two-thirds of the country's GDP, and the country is one of the top ten most fossil fuel-dependent economies globally. This reliance on fossil fuels has made Azerbaijan susceptible to economic crashes, such as the one that occurred in 2015-16, when GDP decreased from 74.19 billion USD in 2014 to 34.9 billion USD in 2015. While the country has experienced rapid economic growth due to oil production, with a projected GDP of $78.7 billion in 2022, the transition to a less oil-dependent economy is necessary to reduce the risk of future economic shocks.

Azerbaijan has the largest agricultural basin in the region, with about 54.9% of its land being agricultural. The government heavily subsidizes machinery and other agricultural inputs, targeting crops such as hazelnuts, rice, citrus fruits, tea, tobacco, and cotton. Azerbaijan also has a weak private sector, with more than half of the formal labour force working for the government. The country's economy is also characterised by corruption and inequality, with the country's oil wealth strengthening the current regime and enriching the ruling elites.

In terms of poverty, Azerbaijan has made significant progress in reducing extreme poverty, with an estimated 5.4% of the population living below the poverty line in 2017, according to the Asian Development Bank. This is a sharp decline from 2001, when the State Statistical Committee of Azerbaijan estimated that 49% of the population was below the national poverty line. However, the country still deals with poverty, and the economic shocks of 2015-16 likely increased poverty rates. People living in rural areas tend to have lower incomes, and the country's economic dependence on oil makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in the oil market, which can impact poverty levels.

Azerbaijan has taken steps towards economic reform and diversification, with a focus on expanding the green energy, agriculture, logistics, tourism, and information/communication technology (ICT) sectors. The government has also invested in reconstruction and infrastructure development, including the restoration of cultural and historical monuments. While the country faces challenges, its energy resources and strategic location brighten its long-term economic prospects.

Infrastructure in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a country east of Turkey, located between the Black and Caspian Seas. Its infrastructure has been improving, and the poverty rate is decreasing. However, the country still faces challenges due to its recent independence from Russia and a history of political subjugation and wars.

Transportation Infrastructure

Azerbaijan has a total of 24,981 kilometres (15,523 miles) of roads and 2,125 kilometres (1,320 miles) of railways. In the last ten years, the country has built more than 6,000 miles of roads and 300 bridges, significantly improving ground transportation. President Aliyev has also prioritised air transportation, with 69 airports in the country, including international airports in Baku, Ganja, and Nakhichevan. However, the roads and railways are poorly maintained and require additional investment for overhaul and repairs.

Energy and Natural Resources

Azerbaijan has an extensive natural gas distribution system, with a network that extends to over 80% of the population. The country also has a large oil supply, which has contributed to its growing wealth and infrastructure development. However, oil and gas production have declined in recent years, leading to a need for substantial gas imports.

Telecommunications and Internet

Azerbaijan's telecommunications system is underdeveloped, with Baku having the most telephones, while about 700 villages lack public telephone service. Mobile phone usage is increasing, especially among the growing middle class and international companies. Internet access has historically been expensive, slow, and strictly controlled by the government. However, the government has taken steps to improve broadband infrastructure and reduce access costs.

Water Infrastructure

Azerbaijan has made strides in improving access to clean water with the opening of water purification facilities. However, providing clean water to the entire country remains a challenge, particularly in rural areas, due to the high costs of purification technologies.

Frequently asked questions