Azerbaijan declared its independence from the Soviet Union in August of 1991. At the crossroads of the Middle East, Central Asia and Europe, Azerbaijan is bordered by the Caspian Sea and Caucasus Mountains, which span Asia and Europe. It is a secular state with a Muslim-majority population and strong traditions of religious tolerance. Substantial energy resources drove rapid growth during the early 2000s, until a decline in global oil prices since mid-2014 spawned an economic downturn. Efforts are now underway to implement significant financial and economic reforms in order to stabilize Azerbaijan’s economy, especially in non-oil sectors. 

USAID assistance focuses on activities that directly benefit the lives of the Azerbaijani people, create economic opportunities, and expand partnerships to enhance civil society at the grassroots level.