How Many Russians Live in Azerbaijan? – What the Latest Population Censuses Reveal
The next official statistics on the exact number of Russians living in Azerbaijan will become available after the national population census scheduled for the autumn of 2029. The census will also collect data on the ethnic composition of the country's population.
The history of Russian settlement in Azerbaijan dates back to the early 19th century. After the Russian Empire strengthened its control over the South Caucasus, various Russian religious communities were relocated to the region. The first settlers mainly included Molokans, Doukhobors, Subbotniks, Baptists, and other religious groups. Beginning in 1832, they were settled across different parts of Azerbaijan, primarily in rural areas.
By the beginning of the 20th century, there were 46 Russian villages in Azerbaijan. Although many of these settlements have changed over time, the village of Ivanovka in the Ismayilli district remains one of the best-known historical settlements of the Molokan community.
The second major wave of Russian migration occurred in the late 19th century, when Baku emerged as a major oil and industrial center. The rapid development of the oil industry attracted engineers, workers, entrepreneurs, and other specialists from various regions of the Russian Empire.
The third stage took place during the Soviet era. During this period, Baku became one of the Soviet Union's leading industrial and military centers. Families of military officers serving in Soviet military units stationed in Azerbaijan mainly settled in urban areas.
Population censuses conducted during the Soviet period indicate that Russians were the second-largest ethnic group in Azerbaijan for many years.
According to official statistics:
In 1926, Azerbaijan was home to 220,672 Russians, accounting for 9.5% of the country's population.
In 1939, their number reached a historic peak of 528,318, representing 16.5% of the total population.
In 1959, 501,013 Russians were recorded, making up 13.6% of the population.
In 1970, the number increased to 510,437, although their share declined to 10% due to overall population growth.
In 1979, Azerbaijan had 475,255 Russians, representing 7.9% of the population.
In 1989, the final Soviet census recorded 392,304 Russians living in Azerbaijan, accounting for 5.6% of the country's population.
These figures show that the Russian community reached its highest population level in 1939. In the following decades, however, both demographic changes and migration gradually reduced its share of the population.
Experts note that the outflow of Russians from Azerbaijan did not begin only after the country gained independence. The migration process had already started during the 1980s. According to the 1989 census, approximately 295,500 of the 392,300 Russians living in Azerbaijan resided in Baku.
The collapse of the Soviet Union, economic difficulties, political instability, and regional conflicts in the early 1990s further accelerated migration.
Population censuses conducted after Azerbaijan regained independence confirm that the Russian community has continued to decline in size.
In 1999, Azerbaijan had 141,687 Russians, representing 1.8% of the total population.
In 2009, their number stood at 119,306, accounting for 1.3% of the population.
In 2019, the census recorded 71,259 ethnic Russians, representing 0.7% of Azerbaijan's population.
The decline in the Russian population has been influenced not only by migration but also by demographic factors. An aging population, low birth rates, and gender imbalances within the community have all contributed to the downward trend.
According to the 1999 census, women significantly outnumbered men within the Russian community. In addition, the average age of ethnic Russians was higher than that of most other ethnic groups living in Azerbaijan.
Today, most Russians in Azerbaijan live in Baku. Russian communities are also found in Sumgait, Ganja, Khachmaz, and the Ismayilli district.
Despite the decline in numbers, Russians remain one of Azerbaijan's largest ethnic minorities. Russian-language schools, cultural institutions, media organizations, and Orthodox Christian communities continue to operate throughout the country.
