Azerbaijan: environment

How polluted is the air in Azerbaijan?

People in Azerbaijan were exposed to an average of 23.7 micrograms of fine particles (PM2.5) per cubic metre of air in 2023, down from 27.2 in 2021, according to the World Bank.

The figure is a modelled, population-weighted annual average. The World Health Organization's guideline for annual exposure is 5 micrograms. No national air quality readings could be read, because the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources website could not be reached on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: World Bank: PM2.5 mean annual exposure

What are Azerbaijan's CO2 emissions?

Azerbaijan emitted 38.9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2024, excluding land use and forestry, down from 41.7 million tonnes in 2023, according to the World Bank.

With a population of about 10.2 million, that is roughly 3.8 tonnes per person. This counts CO2 only; other greenhouse gases such as methane are reported separately. The World Bank lists renewables at 5.8% of electricity output in 2021, the latest year in that series.

Official sources: World Bank: CO2 emissions excluding LULUCF · World Bank: Renewable electricity output

What are Azerbaijan's CO2 emissions per person?

The European Commission's EDGAR database puts carbon dioxide emissions per person in Azerbaijan at 3.8 tonnes in 2024. Its high point since 2005 was 2023, at 4.1 tonnes; its low point was 2010, at 2.9 tonnes. It is 34th highest of 46 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 5.1 tonnes. Worldwide: 66th of 186.

What are Azerbaijan's total greenhouse gas emissions?

In 2024, total greenhouse gas emissions in Azerbaijan was 58.3 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. Its high point since 2005 was 2023, at 61.0 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent; its low point was 2010, at 44.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. It is 22nd highest of 46 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 53.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Worldwide: 72nd of 186.

How much renewable energy does Azerbaijan use?

The IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO puts the renewable share of final energy use in Azerbaijan at 1.3% in 2021. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: 20.4%; Azerbaijan is 48th highest of 50. Of 191 countries with 2021 data, 173rd highest.

What is Azerbaijan's forest cover?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2024, is 14.6%. That is the highest since at least 2005. It is 40th highest of 51 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 33.2%. World rank, highest first: 134th of 190.

How polluted is the air in Azerbaijan?

In 2023, average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Azerbaijan was 23.7 micrograms per cubic metre, according to the Global Burden of Disease study. Its high point since 2005 was 2010, at 29.8 micrograms per cubic metre; its low point was 2016, at 21.1 micrograms per cubic metre. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 13.0 micrograms per cubic metre, and Azerbaijan placed 7th highest of 51. Of 192 countries with 2023 data, 64th highest.

How much of Azerbaijan is in national parks and reserves?

In 2025, the share of land in protected areas in Azerbaijan was 22.1%, according to the UN Environment Programme. No year since 2013 has been higher. It is 26th highest of 51 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 22.1%. Of 192 countries with 2025 data, 69th highest.

How much of Azerbaijan's fresh water is used?

According to the FAO, water stress in Azerbaijan was 57.5% in 2022. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: 12.6%; Azerbaijan is 5th highest of 47. Worldwide: 31st of 175.