Population in Azerbaijan's Karabakh, East Zangezur surpasses 43,000

More than 43,000 people are currently living in Azerbaijan’s Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions, according to figures released by the State Statistical Committee.

As of early May 2025, the statistics encompass both individuals who have returned under the government’s "Great Return" programme and those temporarily residing in the area for professional or reconstruction-related purposes, Caliber.Az reports.

A total of 3,464 families, amounting to 13,745 individuals, have returned to their native homes as part of the ongoing repatriation initiative.

Additionally, 28,249 people, including professionals involved in rebuilding infrastructure and other development work, are temporarily residing in territories retaken by Azerbaijani forces.

Factoring in 1,150 students currently enrolled at Karabakh University in the city of Khankendi, the total number of residents in the liberated areas has reached 43,144, the committee stated.

Note that, Azerbaijan's "Great Return" programme, launched in 2022, aims to resettle approximately 140,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) by 2026 in territories liberated during the 2020 Karabakh conflict.

The initiative encompasses the reconstruction of 100 settlements, including the development of housing, schools, hospitals, and utility networks, with over $4.6 billion allocated between 2020 and 2023 and projections of $17.6 billion by 2030. 

As of April 2025, around 40,000 individuals have returned to regions such as Fuzuli, Lachin, Aghali, Talish, Zabukh, and Hasanriz. Recent resettlements include 33 families (137 people) in Khojaly, 54 families (179 people) in Sugovushan, and 42 families (205 people) in Jabrayil. The programme also focuses on demining operations, with approximately 40% of land in Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavand districts cleared of mines.

The second phase of the "Great Return" is planned for 2026–2040, aiming for the full restoration of all liberated territories. The programme underscores Azerbaijan's commitment to restoring these regions and enabling displaced citizens to return to their ancestral homes

By Aghakazim Guliyev