Baku, August 27 — 2.3 million young Azerbaijanis make up roughly 22.7% of the nation’s population, placing youth at the heart of the country’s demographic landscape, according to the State Statistical Committee.
Who counts as youth?
Legally, “youth” includes individuals aged 14 to 29, under Azerbaijan’s youth policy framework. This demographic group plays a central role in national planning and policymaking.
Urban vs. rural:
52.7% of youth reside in urban areas, while 47.3% live in rural communities.
Many young people in the capital study at educational institutions (32%), compared to 25% in other urban centers and 24% in rural areas.
Gender balance & life milestones:
48.3% of youth are women.
Last year, nearly 72% of newlyweds were youth. The average marriage age is 28 for men and 24 for women. Among divorced individuals, young women constituted 37.9%, compared to 17.5% of men.
Education and employment challenges:
Despite youth forming a substantial share of the population, 26% of them are currently enrolled in secondary or tertiary education.
Alarmingly:
56% are dissatisfied with the quality of education, especially those pursuing higher studies.
72% of students are not confident that their education prepares them for the job market.
The NEET rate (young people Not in Employment, Education, or Training) stands at around 25% for those aged 14–29. This rate is significantly higher among young women (39%) compared to young men (12%).
Why this matters for Azerbaijan:
With nearly one-fourth of the population under 30, investing in youth becomes essential for economic resilience, innovation, and social development. Youth contribute significantly to marriages, mobility, and increasingly to workforce and entrepreneurial sectors.
