HOT LINE
|
To the submitted addresses it is possible to receive legal, psychological and medical aid:
The Crisis Center:
t: 4943376
wcc@online.az
legal consultation. pre-judicial preparation of the documentation . psychological rehabilitation, consultations of the gynecologist. psychiatrist, neuropathologist.
MHAIDS Azerbaijan:
t: 5106614
mhaids@initiative.az
consultations of the gynecologist. psychiatrist, neuropathologist. venereologist, the organization of the specialized analyses
Research Center «AREAT»
t: 438 15 77:
areat@azeronline.com
Consultations in registry offices about an opportunity of the conclusion of the marriage contract at registration of a marriage as precautionary measure against economic violence over family.
LTD “Law and Order”:
ò: (050) 341 06 60
law_order@gender-az.org
legal consultation, drawing up of judicial claims , pre-judicial preparation of the documentation, participation in judicial sessions as the public defender (prosecutor)
«Clean World» Social Union
ò: 497 10 58
Support to victims of human trafficking shelter for victims of human trafficking
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|
Country profile
Geography
Azerbaijan Republic is situated in the eastern part of the South
Caucasus in the South-North of Europe. The mountains from three sides
surround Azerbaijan territory. The mountains occupying near the half of
its square. The Large Caucasus with the highest top named Bazar-Dhuzu
(4480 m), raised its bulk in the North (only the South-East part of the
Large Caucasus is in the boundaries of AR). In the Southwest, the
massive Tran Caucasian plateau running into Armenia and Georgia, is
restricted by the ridges of the Small Caucasus. This plateau joins the
Talysh Mountains in the South. All the space between these mountains is
occupied by Kure-Araz lowlands that is the largest in Azerbaijan.
The sloping plains and low mountains edge it. From the East,
Azerbaijan is washed by the Caspian Sea (the shore length makes 173
km). Thus, the surface of Azerbaijan looks like the giant vat with the
steep mountain rims straightly tilted to the Caspian Sea. All the
rivers of Azerbaijan belong to the basin of the Caspian. Kure River the
largest river is used for the local navigation with its lower flow.
Azerbaijan borders on the Russian Federation, in particular on
Dagestan (390 km) in the North, on Armenia (1007 km) in the West, on
Georgia (480 km) in the Northwest, on Turkey (15 km) in the Southwest
and on Iran (765 km) in the South. The square of Azerbaijan Republic in
which Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic enters, it is 86600 sq. km. The
numerous small islands (Baku and Absheron archipelago) are amongst
given above. Azerbaijan Republic is divided out among 65 administrative
- territorial regions. The capital of Azerbaijan is Baku-city having
about 2-million population. This largest country's city occupies 192
thousand hectares.
Occupation of territories of Azerbaijan by Armenian armed forces
As a result of the planned and implemented last etnic cleansing
policy by Armenia during 1988-1992 years, 250 thousand Azerbaijanis,
who historically lived in its territory, violently were exiled till the
last person from their native lands and came for protection to
Azerbaijan. At the same time, also 50 thousand Ahiska (Mesketian)
Turks, which were exiled from Central Asia in 1990, came and found
refugee in Azerbaijan.
Following military aggression of Armenian armed forces against our
country in 1988-1993, 20 percent of Azerbaijan territory Nagorny
Karabakh, as well as 7 regions adjoining to Nagorny Karabakh were
occupied, 60 thousand persons from Nagorny Karabakh, and about 700
thousan compatriots from environed territories lost their constant
living residences and became IDPs, and temporarily settled in 1600
living residences of 62 cities and regions of the republic.
In addition to Nagorny Karabakh and territories joint to this place,
one village of two occupied villages of the Nakhchivan Autonomous
Republic, 80 villages of 81 occupied villages of Aghdam region, 54
villages of occupied 76 villages of Fuzuli region, 13 villages of
Terter region and 6 villages of occupied 12 villages of Gazakh region
are still under occupation.
Advantages
- Being between Europe and Asia, since ancient times Azerbaijan was
situated on the fork of the sea and caravan ways that was one of key
links of the Great Silk Way. And today Azerbaijan is sure not to lose
the same connecting role. In 1993 Europe Council passed special program
of creating the transport corridor from Europe across the Black Sea and
Caucasus into the Central Asia. This program result in expanding the
regional trade and restoring the connections lost after USSR
disintegrating. In 1998 12 states within the framework of this program
signed the multilateral agreement named Baku Agreement that meant the
economical cooperation for the purpose of developing the transport
infrastructure. New "Silk Road" turned into the reality and trade
amount exceeded the original plans.
- In republic all the kind of transport means (land, air, railway,
automobile) are developed very well. Considering the numerous transport
and communicating lines, coming through the Azerbaijan territory and
connecting Asia and Europe (Eurasian corridor) one can confidently
demand that strategic situation of Azerbaijan turns it into
geographically more important country of that region. Azerbaijan is
already significant point in the relation of the West-East and can play
no less important role in the relations of the South-North. Azerbaijan
is rich of natural resources among which oil has the main place. The
prospected and proposed resources of oil in Azerbaijan, of cause will
play the important role on the world oil market in XXI century.
- On the Azerbaijan territory there are 9 from 11 existing in the
global climatic zones from the climate of mountain tundra on the slopes
of Big Caucasus to the dry and wet subtropics in Lencoran low-lying
place. It, certainly, determinates the generosity and favourability of
Azerbaijan nature creating the splendid perspectives for the successful
development of agriculture.
Disadvantages
- The absence of the general borders with Nakhichevan Republic, that
in the blockade conditionals by Armenia leads to the complete isolation
of this region from the remain part of Azerbaijan territory. The
communications are carried out by only air.
- Six administrative and territorial regions of Azerbaijan Republic
are under the full or practical occupation by Armenia. It is
approximately 20% Azerbaijan territory and about million refugees.
- The Caspian Sea geographically introduced the largest lake in the
world. It hasn't the direct way out on world ocean. And it is one of
the main limitation for oil export. The Caspian level annual fluctuates
and it has an effect on the transport and communicational mains coming
along the seaside, oil output on the shelf, fishery and other branches
of economy. The serious problem is unsolved legal status of the Caspian
Sea. And the consequence of that Iran and Turkmenistan bear a grudge
against Azerbaijan because of arguments about the sea oil and gas
deposits.
Population
By the first April 2006 of all Azerbaijan population had consisted
of 8 million 460 thousand. There were 4 million 380 thousand (near
51%) city dwellers and rural population reached 4 million 60 thousand
(49%).
The most part of citizens consisted of females 51% and respectively
the country's male population composed 49%). One of factor restricting
the population growth it is the rather high level of migration. So in
2001 year 7.3 thousand people left the republic and quantity those who
arrived had only 2.3 thousand. Azerbaijan is remarkable for rather life
expectancy 72-years (women 75.2 years, men - 68.8 years). In every 100
thousand in habitants there are more 80 persons having the age of 100
and more years.
Labour Migration
In 2005 1.342 men and 1,564 women left the country (46.18% and 53.82%, respectively
Persons seeking a "refugee" status in Azerbaijan now.
There are more than 11 thousand people seeking "refugee" status
(asylum seekers) in Azerbaijan. Most of them are Russian citizens of
Chechen origin, as well as persons from Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and
Palestine.
So, there are about one million refugees, IDPs and persons seeking a "refugee" status (asylum seekers) in Azerbaijan now.
Azerbaijan is a polytechnic and multireligious country
Historically Azerbaijan always was a polytechnic and multireligious
country. On data of the last population census (1999 year) the ethnic
background is divided up in such way the Azerys - 90.6%, Lezgy -2.2%,
Russians - 1.8%, Armenians - 1.5% (they are concetrated inside of
separatical Mountain Kharabach or they live in the mixing families).
Talyshes - 1%, Avarians - 0.6%, Tatars - 0.4%, Turkeys - 0.5%,
Ukrainians - 0.4%, Kurds - 0.2%, Georgians - 0.2%, Kahurs - 0.2%, Tats
- 0.13%, Jews - 0.1%, Udins - 0.05% and the others - 0.12%. The general
number of those who speaks motherland language among the national
minorities is 99.2%. The representatives of different ethnic group have
been taking in the cultural and economic life of country. The
separatist nationalistic movements (if we detach ourselves from
Armenian separatism) whose the activity peak was in 1993-1994 years had
not the real mass support. Azerbaijan government officials and society
always go to meet the needs and wishes of minorities at all points as
for culture, education, and representation in power structures. It is
sure to stabilize interethnic relations and promote minorities
integrating into Azerbaijan society.
The State
Azerbaijan is a civil, democratic Republic. The National Referendum
passed and approved Azerbaijan Constitution in the 12 of November,
1995. in October 18th, 1991 Republic proclaimed its independence. The
Azerbaijan political system is based on power-sharing principles:
executive, legislative and judicial. The president is a state head. He
possesses the executive power. The post of the Azerbaijan Republic
President was set up in 1991. The President is elected by private
voting for the universal election. His term of office is 5 years, but
no more two times. The highest authority of the executive power is the
Minister Cabinet appointed by the President and approved by Parliament.
The activity of officials is determined by Azerbaijan Constitution
passed for the referendum in November, 1995.
The legislative power is realized by Parliament named Milli Medjlis.
It consists of 125 deputies elected by universal voting for 5 years.
Respectively the last parliament election conducted in November 6th
2005.
The Azerbaijan judicial power belongs to independent courts: the
Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court and the Highest Economic Court.
The highest court authority is the Supreme Court elected by Parliament
for 5 years. The Supreme consists of two chambers on criminal and civil
affairs. Local courts realize the legal proceedings.
Economic
In may 1994 after concluding Azerbaijan - Armenian Agreement on the
Cease-Fire and stabilizing of political situation, the economy fall was
stopped off. In Republic they got under way of stabilization program.
The leadership of Azerbaijan conducts the structural and branch reforms
calling for helping Azerbaijan economy to get out of crisis. The
government progressed to significant degree decreasing the inflation
level. The consistent monetary program in the close cooperation with
ICR promoted enjoying the population's confidence to national currency
-manat.
There conducted the reforms in the financial-banked system, passed
tax, custom, civil and civil-proceeding codes, laws on foreign
investments protection, securities, leasing, tenders. Banks, join-stock
companies and other founding laws and normative acts. There created
necessary legal base normalizing free enterprise. The government has
been conducting the successful privatization of state property. Passing
the law of land reforms the very important step establishing the
private property land rights for the country's citizens. The share of
non-state sector for forming GDP has already reached more than 85%.
Trade, agriculture, consumer services, public transportation belong to
private enterprise.
MAIN FORECASTED ECONOMIC INDICATORS
OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN FOR 2003-2005 |
Indicator |
Unit |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) |
billion manat |
23590,3 |
26341,8 |
28797,1 |
32800,0 |
35600,0 |
41500,0 |
real growth rate |
% |
111,1 |
109,9 |
109,2 |
109,5 |
107,5 |
116,0 |
index deflator |
% |
112,0 |
101,6 |
100,1 |
104,0 |
101,0 |
100,5 |
share of private sector |
% |
69,6 |
70,7 |
72,0 |
72,5 |
74,0 |
75,0 |
From the volume of GDP: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- non-oil sector |
billion manat |
16569,3 |
18582,7 |
20785,4 |
23706,4 |
26383,3 |
28505,9 |
real growth rate |
% |
113,2 |
110,7 |
109,5 |
111,3 |
110,6 |
107,3 |
index deflator |
% |
99,1 |
101,3 |
102,1 |
102,5 |
100,7 |
100,7 |
- oil sector |
billion manat |
7021,0 |
7759,1 |
8011,7 |
9093,6 |
9216,7 |
12994,1 |
real growth rate |
% |
102,1 |
107,9 |
108,9 |
105,1 |
99,4 |
141,0 |
index deflator |
% |
141,3 |
102,4 |
94,8 |
108,0 |
102,0 |
100,0 |
Share of oil sector in GDP |
% |
29,8 |
29,5 |
27,8 |
27,7 |
25,9 |
31,3 |
Average yearly export price of 1 barrel oil |
USD |
28,9 |
24,8 |
23,0 |
19,5 |
20,0 |
20,0 |
GDP per capita |
thsd manat |
2919,2 |
3235,7 |
3502,3 |
3959,9 |
4263,5 |
4934,6 |
USD |
652,5 |
695,0 |
722,1 |
792,0 |
827,9 |
939,9 |
Structure of GDP |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Industry |
billion manat |
8494,5 |
9257,1 |
9705,6 |
10995,2 |
11641,2 |
14940 |
real growth rate |
% |
106,9 |
107,7 |
105,9 |
106,1 |
104,3 |
126,4 |
price index |
% |
124,6 |
102,6 |
99,0 |
106,8 |
101,5 |
101,5 |
Agriculture |
billion manat |
3755,3 |
4173,3 |
4480,0 |
4833,5 |
5162 |
5810 |
real growth rate |
% |
112,1 |
111,1 |
107,3 |
107,9 |
106,8 |
112,6 |
price index |
% |
100,0 |
100,0 |
100,0 |
100,0 |
100 |
100 |
Construction |
billion manat |
1539,6 |
1632,3 |
2343,2 |
3345,1 |
3844,8 |
4980 |
real growth rate |
% |
102,6 |
106,0 |
143,6 |
142,8 |
114,9 |
129,5 |
price index |
% |
100,0 |
100,0 |
100,0 |
100,0 |
100 |
100 |
Trade |
billion manat |
1574,9 |
1777,8 |
1985,5 |
2200,0 |
2420,8 |
2656 |
real growth rate |
% |
109,8 |
110,6 |
109,0 |
108,6 |
107,9 |
107,6 |
price index |
% |
102,9 |
102,1 |
102,5 |
102,0 |
102 |
102 |
Transport |
billion manat |
2266,5 |
2513,7 |
2732,8 |
2975,4 |
3204 |
3444,5 |
real growth rate |
% |
112,3 |
110,9 |
108,7 |
108,9 |
107,7 |
107,5 |
price index |
% |
109,3 |
100,0 |
100,0 |
100,0 |
100 |
100 |
Communication |
billion manat |
569,1 |
648,0 |
754,8 |
851,0 |
925,6 |
996 |
real growth rate |
% |
133,9 |
113,9 |
116,5 |
112,7 |
108,8 |
107,6 |
price index |
% |
100,0 |
100,0 |
100,0 |
100,0 |
100 |
100 |
Social and non-formal services |
billion manat |
3934,4 |
4277,0 |
4587,0 |
4910,4 |
5901,6 |
6173,5 |
real growth rate |
% |
105,8 |
106,6 |
105,1 |
105,0 |
118,3 |
102,8 |
price index |
% |
100,0 |
102,0 |
102,0 |
102,0 |
101,6 |
101,8 |
Net taxes on product and import |
billion manat |
1456,0 |
2062,6 |
2208,2 |
2689,4 |
2500 |
2500 |
Structure of GDP
(at current prices) |
% |
100,0 |
100,0 |
100,0 |
100,0 |
100,0 |
100 |
of which: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- industry |
% |
36,0 |
35,1 |
33,7 |
33,5 |
32,7 |
36 |
- agriculture |
% |
15,9 |
15,8 |
15,6 |
14,7 |
14,5 |
14 |
- construction |
% |
6,5 |
6,2 |
8,1 |
10,2 |
10,8 |
12 |
-services, total |
% |
41,5 |
42,8 |
42,6 |
41,5 |
42,0 |
38,0 |
of which: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade |
% |
6,7 |
6,7 |
6,9 |
6,7 |
6,8 |
6,4 |
Transport |
% |
9,6 |
9,5 |
9,5 |
9,1 |
9 |
8,3 |
Communication |
% |
2,4 |
2,5 |
2,6 |
2,6 |
2,6 |
2,4 |
Other sectors (supplement, community, health, education, science, VAT) |
% |
22,9 |
24,1 |
23,6 |
23,2 |
23,6 |
20,9 |
Investments by all sources (including foreign investments) |
billion manat |
6574,5 |
7273,1 |
10822,5 |
13189,5 |
13655,4 |
14475,8 |
USD mln |
1469,5 |
1562,1 |
2231,4 |
2637,9 |
2651,5 |
2757,3 |
growth rate |
% |
101,6 |
110,6 |
148,8 |
121,9 |
103,5 |
106,0 |
1.Internal investments |
billion manat |
2301,5 |
2188,7 |
2335,0 |
2924,5 |
3046,4 |
3503,3 |
USD mln |
514,4 |
470,1 |
481,4 |
584,9 |
591,5 |
667,3 |
growth rate |
% |
116,5 |
95,1 |
106,7 |
125,2 |
104,2 |
115,0 |
2.Foreign investments, total |
billion manat |
4273,0 |
5084,4 |
8487,5 |
10265,0 |
10609,0 |
10972,5 |
USD mln |
955,0 |
1092,0 |
1750,0 |
2053,0 |
2060,0 |
2090,0 |
growth rate |
% |
95,1 |
119,0 |
166,9 |
120,9 |
103,4 |
103,4 |
Project credits |
USD mln |
263,0 |
192,0 |
222,0 |
213,0 |
160,0 |
160,0 |
Direct investments |
USD mln |
692,0 |
900,0 |
1528,0 |
1840,0 |
1900,0 |
1930,0 |
of which: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
oil sector |
USD mln |
574,0 |
820,5 |
1448,0 |
1720,0 |
1750,0 |
1750,0 |
Retail commodity circulation at all branches of sale |
billion manat |
10599,0 |
11877,0 |
13325,0 |
15000 |
16753,2 |
18626,2 |
real growth rate |
% |
109,8 |
109,9 |
110,0 |
110,9 |
109,5 |
109 |
price index |
% |
102,2 |
102,0 |
102,0 |
101,5 |
102 |
102 |
Money income of population |
billion manat |
17554,0 |
19381,8 |
21700,0 |
24900,0 |
27000 |
29200 |
growth rate |
% |
108,8 |
110,4 |
112,0 |
114,7 |
108,4 |
108,1 |
Expenditure of population |
billion manat |
17347,0 |
18800,0 |
20700,0 |
23200,0 |
25700 |
28000 |
growth rate |
% |
108,9 |
108,4 |
110,1 |
112,1 |
110,8 |
108,9 |
Average monthly wages and salaries of employed persons |
thsd manat |
221,6 |
260,0 |
320,0 |
407,1 |
468,2 |
538,4 |
growth rate |
% |
120,2 |
117,3 |
123,1 |
127,2 |
115 |
115 |
of which: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Public sector |
thsd manat |
192,4 |
211,5 |
250,0 |
293,2 |
351,8 |
415,2 |
growth rate |
% |
116,0 |
109,9 |
118,2 |
117,3 |
120 |
118 |
of which: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Budget organizations |
thsd manat |
121,0 |
139,4 |
162,8 |
210,0 |
247,8 |
285,0 |
growth rate |
% |
120,0 |
115,2 |
116,8 |
129,0 |
118 |
115 |
Non -government sector |
thsd manat |
418,0 |
586,5 |
650,0 |
735,0 |
823,2 |
905,5 |
growth rate |
% |
101,7 |
140,3 |
110,8 |
113,1 |
112 |
110 |
Volume of paid services to population |
billion manat |
2386,0 |
2486,9 |
2648,5 |
2807,4 |
2975,9 |
3154,4 |
growth rate |
% |
105,8 |
105,6 |
106,5 |
106,0 |
106 |
106 |
price index |
% |
99,5 |
98,7 |
100,0 |
100,0 |
100,0 |
100,0 |
Consumer price index (inflation) |
% |
101,8 |
101,5 |
102,5 |
102,5 |
102,5 |
102,5 |
Average yearly rate of national currency to USD |
manat |
4474,0 |
4656,0 |
4850,0 |
5000,0 |
5150 |
5250 |
Volume of foreign trade |
USD mln |
2917,0 |
3745,0 |
3450,0 |
3500,0 |
3600,0 |
4400,0 |
of which: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Export |
USD mln |
1745,0 |
2314,0 |
2000,0 |
1950,0 |
2000,0 |
2750,0 |
Import |
USD mln |
1172,0 |
1431,0 |
1450,0 |
1550,0 |
1600,0 |
1650,0 |
Trade balance (+/-) |
USD mln |
573,0 |
883,0 |
550,0 |
400,0 |
400,0 |
1100,0 |
Balance of payments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Account of current transactions |
USD mln |
-167,7 |
-51,8 |
-610,0 |
-871,0 |
-1156,0 |
-570,0 |
Volume of foreign trade on goods and services |
USD mln |
4142,0 |
4700,0 |
4975,0 |
5225,0 |
5390,0 |
6210,0 |
of which: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Export |
USD mln |
2118,0 |
2604,0 |
2325,0 |
2315,0 |
2380,0 |
3150,0 |
Import |
USD mln |
2024,0 |
2096,0 |
2650,0 |
2910,0 |
3010,0 |
3060,0 |
Trade balance (+/-) |
USD mln |
94,0 |
508,0 |
-325,0 |
-595,0 |
-630,0 |
90,0 |
Capital and finance account |
USD mln |
441,9 |
317,4 |
897,0 |
1198,0 |
1485,0 |
1340,0 |
Reserve assets |
USD mln |
-274,2 |
-265,6 |
-287,0 |
-327,0 |
-329,0 |
-770,0 |
Economicy
Since launching the State Programme for Poverty Reduction
and Economic Development for 2003-2005, the poverty level was pushed
down from 49% in 2003 to 40.2% at the end of 2005. Poverty reduction as
a fundamental component of the Millenium Development Goals is a major
target for the State Programme of Regional Socioeconomic Development
for 2004-2008. According to the State Statistical Committee, 29% of
population lived below the poverty line in 2005. Poverty is highest
(72.5%) among the internally displaced persons (IDPs); out of 300,000
able-bodied IDPs, about 200,000 are unemployed.
According to official statistics, GDP per capita is USD 939.9. The
average monthly wage is AZM 534,000, a figure quite significant by CIS
standards. From 1 July 2005 the minimum wage was raised by 20% to AZM
150,000. The monthly minimum consumption, AZM 194,000 in 2004, rose
because of inflation to AZM 213,000 in 2005. The 2005 state budget
allocated AZM 1,539,128,067,000 for social protection.
The minimum consumption basket in
Azerbaijan is defined to contain the monthly minimum of foodstuffs (at
the requisite 2,250 kcal per day level) and a number of non-food goods
and services and is inclusive of mandatory payments, dues and taxes.
In 2005 20.9% of GDP from the state budget went to the social
sector. Budget allocation for education was 25% more and for health
care 44% more than in the preceding year.
From 2005 mandatory social contributions are fixed at 25% of the
salary, of which employers pay 22% (out of their payroll provision) and
the employee contributes 3%. By the amount of the average pension,
Azerbaijan is currently in the fifth position among the CIS countries,
after Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. The average pension in
Azerbaijan is 25%.
|
GENDER DIRECTORY
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is the data-base of all the national actors involved in women's and gender issues work. The data base supposes to include the gender focal points: State agencies, National parliament, Business sector, Mass media outlets, International organizations, functioning in Azerbaijan, Funding institutions, functioning in Azerbaijan, Diplomatic corps, functioning in Azerbaijan, the individual actors (individual feminists, writers and poets, artists, scientific women’s rights lawyers). Attention! The directory is connected by links to databases of women’s NGOs (both registered and non-registered), NGOs carrying out gender projects, researchers and teachers.
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