Computer Ownership In Azerbaijan: Rates And Statistics

Azerbaijan's rate of computer ownership is low, with 2.4 units per 100 inhabitants as of 2010. This is reflected in the country's desktop computer market, which decreased by X% in 2023, falling for the third consecutive year. However, the country's overall consumption of desktop computers has remained relatively flat, and exports of these computers from Azerbaijan surged in 2023, rising by X% against 2022 figures. In terms of internet usage, 85% of the population was online in 2013, and as of 2021, internet penetration in Azerbaijan was at 86%.

How does computer ownership in Azerbaijan compare to other countries in the Asia-Pacific region?

Azerbaijan has a low rate of computer ownership, with 2.4 units per 100 inhabitants as of June 2010. This is in contrast to other countries in the Asia-Pacific region, where computer ownership rates are generally higher. For example, in 2023, 79% of respondents in New Zealand owned a laptop, and China had the highest share of respondents who owned a tablet at 70%. South Korea, another country in the region, had high enough desktop PC prices to lead the ranking in the Asia-Pacific region in 2023.

The demand for desktop PCs in Azerbaijan remains steady due to the country's preference for traditional workstations, despite the rising popularity of laptops and mobile devices. This is reflected in the revenue figures for the desktop PC market in Azerbaijan, which is projected to experience an annual growth rate of 1.38% from 2024 to 2029. In comparison, the Indian computer market was the second biggest by revenue in the Asia-Pacific region in 2021, after China.

The low rate of computer ownership in Azerbaijan may be due to economic and educational barriers. As of 2007, 31.4% of respondents in a survey blamed the high cost of computer equipment, and 21.8% indicated a lack of necessary skills as reasons for not owning a computer. Internet usage in homes is also moderate, accounting for 41.6% of total usage in 2007, up from 36.4% in 2006.

The government of Azerbaijan has stated its intention to create a high-tech sector in the country and develop it as an elite tourist destination. However, the country's telecommunications sector is embroiled in corruption, with the ruling Aliyev family owning two of the three largest mobile providers in the country. This has resulted in consolidated control of the mobile market and a lack of competition, leading to relatively expensive call rates compared to other countries.

What is the rate of computer ownership in Azerbaijan's capital, Baku?

The rate of computer ownership in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is difficult to determine. However, some sources suggest that internet penetration in Baku is relatively high. In 2010, it was estimated that 44% of the population of Azerbaijan used the internet, and this figure had risen to 85% by 2013 according to the government. This is likely due to the fact that Baku is the scientific, cultural and industrial centre of Azerbaijan, with many sizeable Azerbaijani institutions headquartered there.

The rate of computer ownership in Baku may also be inferred from the fact that mobile usage rates in Azerbaijan reached 100% as early as 2011. In addition, the number of fixed-line telephone subscriptions in the country was 1.64 million in 2022, with 16 fixed-line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants. Furthermore, the number of internet users in Azerbaijan grew from 3.7 million in 2010 to 8.6 million in 2021, representing 86% of the population.

However, it is important to note that internet access in Azerbaijan is vulnerable to government monitoring and censorship. The ruling Aliyev family owns two of the three largest mobile operators in the country, and the ownership of the third is unknown as it is registered to an offshore company. The government has a history of blocking websites that criticise it, and there have been several cases of bloggers and journalists being arrested for their online activity.

How does the rate of computer ownership in Azerbaijan vary across urban and rural areas?

The rate of computer ownership in Azerbaijan is low, at 2.4 units per 100 inhabitants. However, there are disparities in computer ownership rates between urban and rural areas in the country.

Azerbaijan's urban population accounts for approximately 57% of the total population, with the highest population density found in the capital, Baku, and its surrounding eastern region. Urban areas in Azerbaijan have better access to the internet and technological infrastructure, with many residents accessing the internet from their workplaces or educational institutions. The number of internet users in the country has grown in recent years, reaching 44% of the population in 2010. The increasing internet penetration is likely to have a positive impact on computer ownership rates over time, especially in urban areas.

In contrast, rural areas in Azerbaijan often have poor fixed-line infrastructure, and residents in these areas are more likely to rely on mobile services for internet access. Mobile telephony is becoming increasingly popular, especially among the younger population in rural regions. While mobile services provide internet access, the cost of mobile data remains high, and most users rely on dial-up services as their primary means of connectivity. The high costs of computer equipment and a lack of necessary skills are also contributing factors to the low computer ownership rates in rural Azerbaijan.

Overall, the rate of computer ownership in Azerbaijan is expected to remain relatively low compared to other regions, with access centered on major cities, particularly Baku. The government's efforts to liberalize the ISP market and decrease internet costs could help improve computer ownership rates across the country, but it is challenging to determine the exact impact on urban and rural areas without further data.

How has the rate of computer ownership changed over time in Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan's rate of computer ownership has changed over time, with a mix of fluctuations and steady periods. As of 2023, the country's desktop computer market experienced a decline for the third consecutive year, following three years of growth. This decrease in the market size is reflected in the low rate of computer ownership, which was 2.4 units per 100 inhabitants as of 2010.

Historically, Azerbaijan has had a well-developed technical infrastructure for IT, dating back to the Soviet era. However, the rate of computer ownership in the country is influenced by economic and educational barriers. The high cost of computer equipment and a lack of necessary skills are contributing factors to the relatively low ownership rate.

Despite these challenges, the demand for desktop computers in Azerbaijan remains steady, and the country's overall consumption pattern has been relatively flat. The revenue in the desktop PCs market in Azerbaijan is projected to experience an annual growth rate of 1.38% from 2024 to 2029. This steady demand is attributed to the country's preference for traditional workstations, even amidst the rising popularity of laptops and mobile devices.

Azerbaijan's import and export dynamics for desktop computers have also fluctuated over time. In 2023, desktop computer exports from Azerbaijan surged, increasing by X% compared to 2022 figures. On the other hand, imports of desktop computers into Azerbaijan declined for two consecutive years before finally rising again in 2023.

In summary, while the rate of computer ownership in Azerbaijan is low compared to other countries, the market is showing signs of growth, and the demand for desktop computers remains steady. The country's economic situation and educational factors play a significant role in influencing the rate of computer ownership over time.

What are the main reasons for the current rate of computer ownership in Azerbaijan?

The rate of computer ownership in Azerbaijan is low, with 2.4 units per 100 inhabitants. The country's economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas exports, with the industry making up two-thirds of Azerbaijan's GDP. The country has the largest agricultural basin in the region, with 57.6% of its land being used for agriculture.

The low rate of computer ownership in Azerbaijan can be attributed to several factors:

• Economic barriers: The high cost of computer equipment is a significant factor, with 31.4% of people citing this as the main reason for not owning a computer. The cost of internet service has also been decreasing, but it still remains expensive for some.
• Lack of skills: 21.8% of people reported a lack of necessary skills as a reason for not owning a computer.
• Limited access: Internet development in Azerbaijan follows the pattern of many developing countries, with access concentrated in major cities, particularly the capital, Baku. Many people access the internet from shared connections at work, school, or internet cafes.
• Alternative devices: The increasing popularity of laptops and mobile devices offers more affordable and portable options for people, which may contribute to the lower demand for desktop computers.
• Government control: The government of Azerbaijan has a history of blocking websites that criticize its policies and has considered introducing laws to restrict online content further. This may create a perception of risk among citizens when it comes to computer and internet usage.
• Other factors: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region may also have influenced the rate of computer ownership in Azerbaijan.

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