Day 9

FEBRUARY | 2023

Azerbaijan

PRAYER FOR THIS COUNTRY

Pray for Christian Believers in Azerbaijan as they face persecution because of choosing to follow Jesus. Praise God that these brothers and sisters are now children of God. Declare that their Heavenly Father’s heart is for them, watching over them, strengthening their faith in Christ. Pray that they may be committed to meeting together to spur each other on in their faith and service of God. Pray that God will protect them, as He watches over His children faithfully. (The Bible,  Galatians 3:26-27).

MORE ABOUT THIS COUNTRY

Azerbaijan has been riding the line for years between democracy and fiefdom. Its New Azerbaijan Party is accused of authoritarianism and bribery. It imprisons corruption-busting journalists and human rights advocates. Friction with neighboring Armenia over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh disputed territory turned into an outright war from September to November 2020. Though a peace deal was negotiated, relations between the two nations have continued to be tense. Oil export revenues have aided the Azeri population, elevating living standards and increasing military strength. Yet, poverty and corruption plague the nation. The Church experiences ongoing restrictions, especially with raids on church meetings and homes of church leaders, and detentions of Christians continue.

CHIEF OF STATE
President Ilham Aliyev
HEAD OF GOV.
PM Artur Rasizade
POPULATION
9,781,000
CHRISTIANS
2.7%
EVANGLICAL CHRISTIANS
0.2%
DOMINANT RELIGION
Shia Islam
PERSECUTION RANKING
Not Ranked
REFUGEES
628,170
LIFE EXPECTANCY
72.2 yrs
LITERACY RATE
99.8%
POPULATION BELOW POVERTY LINE
6%