It is bordered by several countries, including Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia to the west, Iran to the south, and shares a maritime border with Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan across the Caspian Sea to the east.

The capital and largest city of Azerbaijan is Baku. It is a major cultural, economic, and industrial hub in the country.

Baku is known for its beautiful architecture, including the Flame Towers and the UNESCO-listed Old City, which is home to the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower.

The official language of Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani, also known as Azeri. It is a Turkic language and is spoken by the majority of the population.

Russian and English are also widely spoken, particularly in urban areas and among the younger generation.

Azerbaijan has a rich history and cultural heritage. It has been influenced by various empires and civilizations, including the Persian Empire, the Seljuks, the Mongols, and the Russian Empire.

The country gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

The economy of Azerbaijan is largely based on oil and gas production. It possesses significant oil reserves and has been a major exporter of oil since the late 20th century.

The oil industry has played a crucial role in shaping the country’s economic and political landscape.

Azerbaijan is known for its natural beauty, including the Caspian Sea coastline, the Caucasus Mountains, and the Gobustan National Park, which is famous for its ancient rock carvings.

The country is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah’s Palace and Maiden Tower.

The people of Azerbaijan are known as Azerbaijanis or Azeris. The majority of the population follows Islam, predominantly Shia Islam, with a significant Sunni Muslim minority.

However, Azerbaijan has a long history of religious tolerance and diverse cultural traditions.

Azerbaijan is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

The country has also hosted several international events, including the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012 and the inaugural European Games in 2015.

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Living in Azerbaijan advantages

Safe

Azerbaijan’s a surprisingly safe country, with low crime rates across the board – apart from corruption and bribery
Low cost of living

Living on a budget is perfectly viable in Azerbaijan, and with an income of $1,000 a month you should be able to live here
Strategic Geographical Location

Azerbaijan is situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, serving as a bridge between East and West. Its proximity to major markets such as Russia, Turkey, Iran, and the European Union makes it an ideal transit and trade hub.
Abundant Energy Resources

Azerbaijan is rich in oil and natural gas reserves. The country's oil fields, including the offshore Caspian Sea fields, contribute significantly to its economy. The presence of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline and the South Caucasus Pipeline enhances Azerbaijan's importance in the global energy sector.
Diversified Economy

Apart from the energy sector, Azerbaijan has made efforts to diversify its economy. Industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, construction, tourism, and information technology have been growing steadily, contributing to employment and economic stability.
Infrastructure Development

Azerbaijan has invested heavily in infrastructure development, including modern transportation networks, such as roads, railways, and airports. The country has also focused on developing the Baku International Sea Trade Port, which facilitates regional trade and logistics.
Cultural Heritage

Azerbaijan has a rich cultural heritage with influences from various civilizations. The country is known for its historical sites, including the Walled City of Baku, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has a vibrant arts scene, traditional music, dance forms like mugham, and a diverse cuisine.
Political Stability

Azerbaijan has maintained relative political stability, which fosters a favorable environment for economic growth and investments. The government has implemented reforms to attract foreign direct investment and promote business-friendly policies.

Living in Azerbaijan disadvantages

Russia

Azerbaijan unfortunately borders Russia, and Russia is prone to invade neighboring countries. This is a pretty significant factor for me, because even though it is unlikely, it was also unlikely that Ukraine would get invaded
Cold Climate

Azerbaijan’s pretty chilly, with low average temperatures and not many hours of sunshine per day
Corruption and bribery

As can be expected from a former Soviet Union state, corruption and bribery run rampant in this country
Dependence on Oil and Gas

While Azerbaijan's energy resources have been advantageous, they also present a challenge in terms of economic diversification. The country's economy has been heavily reliant on oil and gas revenues, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy prices. Efforts to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on the energy sector are ongoing
Limited Freedom of Expression

Azerbaijan has faced criticism for its limited freedom of expression and restrictions on the media. Independent journalists and activists have experienced harassment, imprisonment, and limitations on their work. These restrictions can hinder the development of a fully transparent and open society
Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

One of the significant disadvantages for Azerbaijan is the unresolved Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Armenia. The conflict, which dates back to the late 1980s, resulted in the occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenian forces. The ongoing territorial dispute creates political tensions and poses challenges for stability and development in the region
Infrastructure Development in Rural Areas

While Azerbaijan has made significant progress in developing infrastructure, including in urban areas, there is still a need for further development in rural regions. Some rural communities lack access to basic amenities, healthcare facilities, and quality education, leading to disparities between urban and rural areas.
Environmental Concerns

Azerbaijan faces environmental challenges, particularly in relation to oil and gas extraction and industrial activities. These activities can impact ecosystems, air quality, and water resources. Efforts to mitigate environmental impacts and promote sustainable development are important for the country's long-term well-being.

Moving to Azerbaijan - by the numbers

Azerbaijan Score

Shithole Paradise

Climate: 6.8/10

Temperature (10/10)	Hours of sunshine (5/10)	Rainy days (10/10)	Humidity (5/10)
7.3	23 C – 73 F	8	75%

Level of English: 2/10

Very Low Proficiency

Cost of Living: 9.5/10

Minimum Annual Wage	Average monthly cost single person
$2,436	$494 (+$304 rent 1 BR)

Taxes on international income: 5/10

0-25%

In Azerbaijan, an individual is considered a tax resident if they meet one of the following conditions:

They have a permanent home in Azerbaijan.
They reside in Azerbaijan for a period or periods exceeding 182 days in a calendar year.
They are a citizen of Azerbaijan and work for the government abroad.

Tax residents of Azerbaijan are generally subject to taxation on their worldwide income, including income derived from foreign sources. This means that if you are considered a tax resident of Azerbaijan, you would be required to report and pay taxes on your foreign-sourced income.

Economic growth: 3/10

Average GDP growth over the last 10 years: 1.4%

Safety: 9.3/10

Global Terrorism Index (10/10)	Intentional homicide rate (8/10)	Rape rate (10/10)
	2.3	0.3

Logistics: 6/10

Visa (8/10)

Citizens of most Western nations do not need a visa to travel to Azerbaijan, for 30 to 90 days. This can be extended for another 60 days.
Permanent Residence (7/10)

Investing around $300,000 in the country, depositing in a bank or owning real estate worth at least $60,000 can get you temporary residence in the country. Likewise if you’re a highly qualified specialist, have some familial connection, start a business there and so on. After 2 years, you can apply for permanent residency
Citizenship (3/10)

Possible after 5 years, need to speak the language, have a legal source of income – however, dual nationality is not allowed.

Is Azerbaijan a good place to live?

Life for expats in Azerbaijan is pretty much as expected, honestly.

It’s cheap to live there, and the nature can be breath-taking. It’s relatively safe, and there are several other good things to be said about it, but they honestly pale in comparison to the red flags.

Having to pay taxes on your international income if you move there, bordering Russia, high levels of corruption and the cold climate all lead to the inevitable conclusion that Azerbaijan is a mediocre country at best, and should generally be avoided for anything but a brief visit.

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