Urbanization In Azerbaijan: Rapid Growth And Development

Azerbaijan's urbanization rate has been on an upward trajectory in recent years, with around 57% to 58% of its population living in urban areas as of 2023. This translates to approximately 5.8 million people in urban centers, with the capital city of Baku being the most populous urban area in the country. The urbanization rate in Azerbaijan has witnessed a steady increase, with a 0.42% rise in the urban population from 2022 to 2023. However, it is important to note that the definition of urban can vary between countries, making direct international comparisons challenging.

Azerbaijan's urban population in 2023

The definition of "urban" varies from country to country, so international comparisons may not be consistent. In Azerbaijan, an area's classification as "urban" may depend on population size, area, or space between dwellings.

The urbanization rate in Azerbaijan has been steadily increasing over the years, with 2023 marking a peak in the country's history. This trend reflects the ongoing process of urbanization, where people migrate from rural areas to cities and towns in search of better economic opportunities, access to services, and a different lifestyle.

While the urbanization rate in Azerbaijan is significant, it is important to note that a large portion of the population still resides in rural areas. This rural population faces unique challenges and opportunities, such as a different pace of life, closer connection to traditional culture, and potential issues with access to infrastructure and services.

Overall, the urbanization rate in Azerbaijan in 2023 highlights the country's ongoing transformation and the increasing importance of urban centres in shaping the social, economic, and cultural landscape of the nation.

Azerbaijan's urban population in 2022

Azerbaijan's urban population is concentrated in a few major cities, with the largest being the capital, Baku, which has a population of approximately 2.15 million people. Other major cities include Sumqayit and Ganja, with populations of 325,000 and 323,000, respectively. Approximately 45% of the population lives in rural areas, with higher birth rates than in urban areas—13.8 per thousand, compared to 10.8 per thousand in urban areas.

The country's overall population growth rate has been declining since 2015 and is expected to continue doing so until it plateaus around 2045. The current growth rate is 0.91%, with a fertility rate of 2.08 births per woman, just below the replacement level of 2.1. As the fertility rate continues to decrease, Azerbaijan's population will age, which could negatively impact economic productivity due to a reduction in the number of working-age people.

Azerbaijan's population is expected to increase slowly over the next 25 years, reaching a peak of 11.1 million before gradually declining to 9.24 million by the end of the century. The population density is currently 125 people per square kilometer (324 people per square mile), with a total land area of 82,658 square kilometers (31,914 square miles).

Baku, Azerbaijan's capital and largest city

Baku is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, as well as the largest city on the Caspian Sea and in the Caucasus region. It is located on the western shore of the Caspian Sea and the southern side of the Absheron Peninsula, around the wide curving sweep of the Bay of Baku. Baku is 28 metres (92 feet) below sea level, making it the lowest-lying national capital in the world and the largest city in the world below sea level. The city is divided into twelve administrative raions and 48 townships, and in 2009, its urban population was estimated at two million people. Baku is the primate city of Azerbaijan, with about 25% of the country's inhabitants living in its metropolitan area.

Baku is the scientific, cultural, and industrial centre of Azerbaijan, and many sizeable Azerbaijani institutions have their headquarters there. It is renowned for its harsh winds, reflected in its nickname, the "City of Winds". The city's economy is based on its petroleum industry, and its administrative functions. The presence of oil has been known since antiquity, and by the 15th century, oil for lamps was obtained from surface wells. Modern commercial exploitation began in 1872, and by the beginning of the 20th century, the Baku oil fields were the largest in the world.

The core of present-day Baku is the old town, or fortress, of Icheri-Shekher. Most of the walls, strengthened after the Russian conquest in 1806, survive, as does the 90-foot (27-metre) tower of Kyz-Kalasy (Maiden's Tower, 12th century). The old town is highly picturesque, with its maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings, including the Palace of the Shīrvān-Shāhs (now a museum), the oldest part of which dates from the 11th century. Baku has wildly varying architecture, ranging from the Old City core to modern buildings and the spacious layout of Baku port. The city joined UNESCO's Network of Creative Cities as a Design City in 2019.

Azerbaijan's urban population growth rate

The urban population growth rate in Azerbaijan refers to the number of people living in urban areas as defined by national statistical offices. It is calculated using World Bank population estimates and urban ratios from the United Nations World Urbanization Prospects.

The share of the urban population in Azerbaijan was around 57.58% in 2023, which represented a peak for the country. This means that approximately 57% of the country's inhabitants live in urban areas, with the highest population density found in the far eastern area of the country, specifically in and around Baku. The rest of the country has a fairly light and evenly distributed population, with smaller urbanized areas scattered throughout.

The total population of Azerbaijan in 2024 is estimated to be 10,336,577 people, with 58.3% living in urban areas. This translates to 6,022,102 people in urban centers.

Azerbaijan's rural population

Azerbaijan's population is estimated to be around 10.3 million people in 2024, with 58.3% of the population living in urban areas. The country's urbanization rate has seen little change in recent years, remaining at around 57.58% in 2022 and 2023. This rate refers to the share of the total population living in urban centers, which can be defined by each country based on population size, area, or space between dwellings.

The distribution of Azerbaijan's population is fairly light and evenly spread out, except for the far eastern area of the country, particularly in and around Baku, which has the highest population density. Smaller urbanized areas are also found throughout the country.

The median age in Azerbaijan is 33.1 years, and the population is continuing to grow, although it is aging. The fertility rate has decreased over time and is now below the replacement level, while life expectancy has increased. As a result, the elderly now make up a larger share of the population, and the working-age population is expected to shrink, which could put pressure on the country's pension and healthcare systems.

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