World Happiness Report for Azerbaijan 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Azerbaijan: 101
- Happiness Score Azerbaijan:4.893
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Azerbaijan. AZ.
Azerbaijan is a country located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, known for its rich cultural heritage and economic significance.
- One interesting fact is that Azerbaijan is one of the earliest centers of human civilization, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Stone Age.
- The country is also known for its traditional music, which includes the haunting sounds of the mugham, a form of classical music.
- Azerbaijan is a major producer of oil and natural gas, and its economy has been rapidly developing in recent years.
Azerbaijan – A Comprehensive Overview
Early History: The territory of modern-day Azerbaijan has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the Paleolithic era. The region was home to various ancient civilizations, including the Caucasian Albanian kingdom, which thrived from the 4th century BC to the 8th century AD.
Kingdoms and Empires: Over the centuries, Azerbaijan has been part of several powerful empires, including the Sassanid Persian Empire, the Arab Caliphate, the Seljuk Empire, and the Safavid Dynasty. Each of these empires left an indelible mark on the region’s culture and architecture.
Colonial Period: In the early 19th century, Azerbaijan became part of the Russian Empire, marking the beginning of its colonial period. During this time, the region experienced significant economic and cultural changes, as well as waves of migration.
Independence and Modern Era: After the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, Azerbaijan briefly gained independence before becoming part of the Soviet Union in 1920. The country regained its independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The transition to independence was marked by political instability, economic challenges, and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Armenia.
Current Political Situation: Azerbaijan is a semi-presidential republic with a democratically elected president and parliament. The current president, Ilham Aliyev, has been in power since 2003. The country has faced criticism from international observers regarding human rights and democratic freedoms.
International Relations: Azerbaijan has developed strong economic and political ties with Turkey, Russia, and other regional powers. The country’s energy resources, particularly its oil and natural gas reserves, have played a significant role in shaping its foreign relations.
Human Development and Economy: Azerbaijan has a rapidly developing economy, driven primarily by the energy sector. The country has made significant progress in reducing poverty and improving human development indicators, but income inequality and corruption remain challenges.
Cultural Highlights: Azerbaijan boasts a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its diverse history and geographical location at the crossroads of East and West. The country is known for its traditional music, literature, and cuisine, as well as its ancient architectural marvels, such as the Maiden Tower and the Palace of Shaki Khans.
Challenges and Opportunities: Azerbaijan faces challenges related to democratic governance, human rights, and the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. However, the country also has opportunities to leverage its strategic location, energy resources, and cultural heritage to further its economic development and strengthen its regional and global influence.
Travel Tips for Azerbaijan
Essential travel tips for tourists visiting Azerbaijan:
– Best times to visit: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
– Cultural etiquette: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Remove shoes when entering homes and mosques.
– Safety precautions: Azerbaijan is generally safe, but be cautious in crowded areas and avoid political demonstrations.
– Must-see landmarks: Old City of Baku (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Maiden Tower, Palace of Shaki Khans, Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape.
– Culinary experiences: Try national dishes like plov (rice with meat and vegetables), qutab (stuffed flatbread), and traditional Azerbaijani tea.
Living in Azerbaijan
Practical tips for someone considering moving to Azerbaijan:
– Cost of living: Relatively affordable compared to Western countries, especially for housing and utilities.
– Housing: Apartments and houses are available for rent or purchase in urban areas like Baku and Ganja.
– Healthcare: Azerbaijan has a universal healthcare system, but private healthcare facilities are also available.
– Education: Public education is free, but private international schools offer education in English and other languages.
– Lifestyle: Azerbaijanis value family, hospitality, and cultural traditions. Expat communities exist in major cities.
Main facts
Location
Azerbaijan is a transcontinental country located at the boundary of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is situated in the South Caucasus region, bordering the Caspian Sea to the east. Azerbaijan shares borders with Russia in the north, Georgia in the northwest, Armenia in the west, and Iran in the south.
Map References
Azerbaijan is located in the Caucasus region, at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia.
Area – Comparative
With an area of approximately 86,600 square kilometers (33,400 square miles), Azerbaijan is slightly smaller than Portugal or the state of Maine in the United States.
Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Azerbaijan shares land borders with the following countries:
Coastline
Azerbaijan has a coastline of approximately 800 kilometers (497 miles) along the Caspian Sea, the largest inland body of water in the world.
Maritime Claims
Azerbaijan claims territorial waters up to 12 nautical miles and an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles in the Caspian Sea.
Climate
Azerbaijan has a diverse climate ranging from subtropical and dry to cold semi-arid. The climate is influenced by the country’s location between the Black and Caspian Seas, as well as the presence of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus mountain ranges.
Terrain
Azerbaijan’s landscape is characterized by a complex topography with mountains, valleys, and lowlands. The Greater Caucasus Mountains dominate the northern part of the country, while the Lesser Caucasus Mountains run through the west and southwest. The central and eastern regions are predominantly lowlands and plains.
Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Azerbaijan is Mount Bazarduzu, at an elevation of 4,485 meters (14,715 feet), located in the Greater Caucasus Mountains. The lowest point is the Caspian Sea, at 28 meters (92 feet) below sea level.
Natural Resources
Azerbaijan’s major natural resources include oil, natural gas, iron ore, non-ferrous metals, and alumina.
Major Bodies of Water
The Caspian Sea is the largest body of water in Azerbaijan, shared with Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. Major rivers include the Kura, Aras, and Samur.
Natural Hazards
Azerbaijan is prone to droughts and some of the natural hazards include earthquakes, floods, and landslides.
Geography – Notes
Azerbaijan is located in a geopolitically important region, serving as a crucial energy corridor between the Caspian Sea and Western markets. Its strategic location and rich oil and natural gas resources have significantly shaped the country’s economic and political landscape.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 14.10%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 37,62. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 57.70%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 40.14310547.576927.
- Capital: The capital of Azerbaijan is Baku
- Major Cities:
- Baku – 2,262,600
- Ganja – 332,600
- Sumqayit – 274,900
- Mingachevir – 97,800
- Lankaran – 71,500
- Population: 10,023,318
- Area(Km2): 86600
- Population Density( P/Km²):123. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:994
- Official Language(s):Azerbaijan is predominantly Azerbaijani, spoken by approximately 90% of the population.
- Currency: AZN
Main Economic Indicators
Azerbaijan has a transition economy that has seen significant growth and development since the late 20th century, driven primarily by the energy sector and rising oil and natural gas exports. Although the economy has diversified in recent years, the hydrocarbon industry remains a dominant force, accounting for a substantial portion of GDP and state revenue. Azerbaijan faces challenges in reducing its dependence on the energy sector, enhancing economic diversification, and combating corruption.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
- 2021: 6.7% (Source: State Statistical Committee of Azerbaijan)
- 2020: 2.8% (Source: State Statistical Committee of Azerbaijan)
Credit Ratings
Credit ratings:
- Fitch: BB+ (Stable Outlook)
- Moody’s: Ba2 (Stable Outlook)
- Standard & Poor’s: BB+ (Stable Outlook)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Composition of GDP by sector of origin:
- Agriculture: 5.4%
- Industry: 51.6% (including oil and gas sector)
- Services: 43%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Key agricultural products: cotton, grain, rice, grapes, fruit, vegetables, tea, tobacco, cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats.
Key industrial products: petroleum and natural gas, machinery, chemicals, rubber, plastics, construction materials, textiles, food processing, furniture, and mining.
Labor Force
Total labor force: 5.1 million (2021 est.)
Labor force ranking: 81st in the world (2021 est.)
Current Account Balance
Current account balance:
- 2021: $6.23 billion (surplus)
- 2020: -$1.01 billion (deficit)
Current account balance ranking: 27th in the world (2021 est.)
Exports and Imports
Exports:
- Total value: $22.58 billion (2021 est.)
- Key partners: Italy, Turkey, Russia, Israel, and India
- Main commodities: crude oil, natural gas, petroleum products, fruits and vegetables, cotton, and aluminum
Imports:
- Total value: $13.33 billion (2021 est.)
- Key partners: Russia, Turkey, China, Germany, and the United States
- Main commodities: machinery and equipment, vehicles, foodstuffs, metals, and chemicals
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
- Foreign exchange reserves: $7.1 billion (as of December 2021)
- Gold reserves: 30.17 tons (as of December 2021)
- GDP (Current US$):$39,207,000,000. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 13.00%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 40.70%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.56. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $0.47. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 5.51%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
Nationality (noun): Azerbaijani(s)
Adjective: Azerbaijani
Ethnic Groups
- Azerbaijani: 91.6%
- Lezgin: 2%
- Russian: 1.3%
- Armenian: 1.3%
- Talysh: 1.3%
- Other: 2.4%
Religions
- Muslim: 96.9%
- Shia Muslim: 85%
- Sunni Muslim: 15%
- Christian: 3%
- Other: 0.1%
Age Structure
- 0-14 years: 22.8%
- 15-64 years: 71.1%
- 65 years and over: 6.1%
Dependency Ratios
Total dependency ratio: 40.7
Youth dependency ratio: 32.1
Elderly dependency ratio: 8.6
Median Age
Total: 31.8 years
Male: 30.5 years
Female: 33.2 years
Lifestyle Indicators
- Obesity rate: 19.9% of the adult population
- Alcohol consumption: 1.3 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year
- Tobacco use: 22.3% of adults smoke tobacco
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 72.9. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 99.8%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:14. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:8. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 1.73. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 80.7%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 5,616,165. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):78.60%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
Azerbaijan’s military and security forces consist of the following main branches:
- Army: Includes Land Forces, Air Defense Forces, and Special Forces
- Air Force: Operates combat aircraft, transport planes, and helicopters
- Navy: Comprised of coastal defense and maritime patrol vessels
- National Guard: A paramilitary force responsible for internal security and border protection
- State Border Service: Tasked with protecting Azerbaijan’s borders and territorial integrity
- Ministry of Internal Affairs: Oversees the national police and other security agencies
Military Expenditures
Azerbaijan’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2022: 4.1%
- 2021: 4.0%
- 2020: 4.2%
- 2019: 4.0%
- 2018: 3.8%
Azerbaijan’s military spending ranks among the highest globally, placing it in the top 20 countries by total expenditure.
Personnel Strengths
Azerbaijan’s total active-duty military personnel is estimated at around 126,000, with the following breakdown by service branch:
- Army: 85,000
- Air Force: 15,000
- Navy: 4,000
Additional security services include the National Guard (15,000) and the State Border Service (12,000).
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Azerbaijan’s military equipment includes:
- Main Battle Tanks (domestically produced and imported from Russia and Ukraine)
- Armored Personnel Carriers and Infantry Fighting Vehicles
- Towed and Self-Propelled Artillery
- Combat Aircraft (primarily Su-25 and MiG-29)
- Attack and Transport Helicopters
- Naval Patrol and Coastal Defense Vessels
Future acquisitions and development programs include plans to modernize and expand Azerbaijan’s air defense capabilities, as well as procure advanced drone and missile systems.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Military service in Azerbaijan is mandatory for males aged 18-35, with a service obligation of 18-24 months. The country also has a voluntary military service program for both men and women.
Military Deployments
Azerbaijan currently has military personnel deployed in the following international missions:
- NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan (around 120 personnel)
- UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) (around 35 personnel)
Strategic Military Notes
Azerbaijan’s defense strategy is focused on maintaining its territorial integrity and addressing potential threats, particularly in the context of the long-standing conflict with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The military plays a crucial role in this regard, with a strong emphasis on modernization and readiness.
Azerbaijan is an active participant in various international security frameworks, including the NATO Partnership for Peace program and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The country has also developed bilateral military partnerships and cooperation agreements with several nations, including Turkey, Pakistan, and Israel.
- Armed Forces Size: 127000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 3.45
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 66.50%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.