Doing Business in Azerbaijan 2009 - Azerbaijan Export ...

14 DOING BUSINESS IN AZERBAIJAN
with CIS countries are also important, primarily because of
the vitality of the existing and traditional economic cooperation
and relations.
Demography and people.
The population is evenly distributed between urban and rural
areas, with 53.9% residing in towns and cities. Some 38% of the
estimated three million workforce are engaged in agriculture and
related activities, with 13% working in industry and construction.
Azerbaijan is a positive model of peaceful co-existence of religious
communities. Although predominantly Muslim, the country traditionally
served as a safe haven for various ethnic groups, religions,
and cultural traditions. Large communities of Christians and Jews
traditionally live here. Secularism and non-involvement of the State
in religious affairs is a strong local tradition entrenched by law and
supported by a liberal and inclusive culture.
The country is the largest and the fastest growing economy in the
South Caucasus. Azerbaijan provides the best transport links,
connecting South Eastern Europe with the vast regions of growing
importance such as Central Asia and the Caspian Sea. An increasing
number of professional shipping companies are engaged in the
transportation of goods via these transport corridors during the
past decade. There are extensive opportunities for tourism development
due to the unique terrain and geography.
Azerbaijan has a number of major natural attractions such as warm
sea, mountainous resorts, mineral springs and medicinal mud
recreation centres. The historical background of the country on the
crossroads where civilizations met for many centuries makes it
even more attractive as a place to visit and do business.