Home Arrow FAQs Arrow Are there any advantages of living in Azerbaijan?

Are there any advantages of living in Azerbaijan?

Yes, despite the obvious negative factors in life in Azerbaijan, there exist numerous real and practical benefits too, as a local resident, student, expatriate or a foreign investor. Between its amazing cultural heritage and its diverse landscapes, high literacy rate and its strategic position, Azerbaijan is one of the most undervalued jewels in the region. In this piece we discuss the best reasons why Azerbaijan can be a great place to live in.

High literacy and strong education culture

Azerbaijan has one of the highest literacy rates in the world, consistently above 99%. Azerbaijani society values Education. The Azerbaijanis are well informed in mathematics, geography, history and many Azerbaijanis speak Azerbaijani and Russian, and in urban areas, some also speak Turkish and English, though English is less widely spoken outside major cities.

Azerbaijan is a chess powerhouse, producing multiple Grandmasters and consistently ranking high in international team competitions. This focus on intellectual development makes it an excellent choice for families with children who are growing up and students who are looking to get good learning facilities.

Multicultural and tolerant society

Azerbaijan is one of the most secular countries in the Muslim world, where religion does not interfere with politics or public life. It is home to various ethnic minorities such as Lezgins, Jews, Talysh, Avars, Georgians, and others — all living in peace and without significant discrimination.

Notably, Azerbaijan has long been a safe haven for Jews, unlike many neighboring countries. It was also one of the first countries to grant equal voting rights to women, back in 1918 — well before many Western nations.

Safety and social stability

Azerbaijan is a secure country and regarded as one of the safest ones in the region. Such cities as Baku, Sheki and Ganja are characterized by the low level of crimes and rather peaceful environment. Though Azerbaijan borders some of the regions of previous conflict (such as Nagorno-Karabakh), life in the big cities is peaceful and undisturbed.

The nation is also well endowed with family values and respect to parents and elders similar to the Mediterranean societies.

Natural beauty and diverse climate

Although it is a small nation, Azerbaijan has 9 out of 11 world climate zones -subtropical coasts to alpine mountains. This suits it to people who like variety in outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking and relaxation at the sea shore.

Popular destinations include:

  • Gabala, Sheki, and Guba for nature and mountain views.
  • Lankaran and Masalli for subtropical forests and tea plantations.
  • Baku for urban lifestyle mixed with historical charm.

Job opportunities and economic potential

In sectors like oil & gas or multinational firms, expats may receive salaries in foreign currencies such as USD or EUR, though most local jobs pay in Azerbaijani manat. Higher salaries in foreign currencies are more common in sectors like oil & gas or with multinational firms. The energy sector, particularly in Baku is developed and the country keeps on investing in infrastructure, tourism and education.

Some expat packages in the oil & gas sector may include hardship allowances due to regional proximity to conflict zones, though daily life in cities remains peaceful and unaffected.

Cuisine and tea culture

Azerbaijani cuisine is a blend of Persian, Turkish, Russian, and Caucasian influences, featuring rich dishes like:

  • Plov (saffron rice with meat),
  • Dolma (stuffed grape leaves),
  • Kebabs, and
  • Dushbara (dumplings in broth).

The tea culture is exceptional — locals drink black tea with jam, served in pear-shaped glasses. The dining experience is warm, social, and an integral part of daily life.

Affordable transportation and living costs

Transport in general is very affordable in Baku, and a metro journey costs approximately $0.20, whereas a short-distance taxi ride can cost as little as $1, especially within city limits. Bolt and Uber are popular.

Accommodation, food and entertainment tend to be cheaper than most western nations, but luxuries may seem costly when considering the local economy.

Strategic location and global access

Azerbaijan’s location between Europe and Asia allows easy travel to nearby hubs like Istanbul, Dubai, and Moscow. Azerbaijani citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to several regional countries such as Turkey, Russia, Georgia, and Iran. The citizens of this country also get to enjoy visa-free entry into countries such as Russia and Turkey and students usually have access to scholarships and foreign exchange programs.

Conclusion: Is living in Azerbaijan worth it?

Yes, Azerbaijan is a rare combination of tradition and modernity, safety, economic opportunities and real hospitability. It’s a great destination for families, professionals, and students alike.

It can be either its vibrant culture, stunning nature, inexpensive lifestyle, or kind people that attract you to Azerbaijan, but in any case, you will find that this country is a place where diversity, intelligence, and history can coexist so well.

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