Shaki-Zagatala Economic Region

The region includes the following important rivers: Kish, Shin, Balakanchay, Katekh, Damiraparan, Mazım, Mukhakh, Ganikh, Ayrichay, Alijan and Turyan. Rich sources of thermal and mineral waters are available at Oghlanbulag, Gizbulag, Hamambulag, Budusshor, Aghbulag and Khalkhal. Nohur (Qabala) and Ajinohur (Gakh) are the major lakes.

The region gets 2,200-2,400 hours of sunlight annually. According to the median temperature in the coldest months, the winters in the area vary between mild (0;-5 C) and extremely mild (5-2.5 C). Feasible evaporation in the warm months (April–October) is around 400–1000 mm. The number of days without precipitation ranges between 5 and 25 days in June–September. The frost-free period extends for 150–250 days or more, while the number of days with below freezing temperatures is 20–150. Days with snow cover fluctuate between 20 and 120. At altitudes of 500–700 metres (1,600–2,300 ft) the climate is subtropical, while at higher elevations it is mild and cool; the climate becomes colder with increasing altitude. The region holds second place after the Lankaran-Astara zone for the range of annual rainfall amounts.

The most common landscapes are meadows, mountains and forest areas, with a range of forest and mountain soils. The area is characterized by a diverse landscape, more densely forested than other regions of Azerbaijan. Alder (Alnus sp.) Caucasian wing nut (Pterocarya pterocarpa), hybrid poplar (Populus), and long-stem oak (Quercus longipes) are all dominant species of trees in flatland forests. Forests of juniper (Juniperus sp.), Turkish terebinth (Pistacia sp.) and Iberian oak (Quercus iberica) occupy the steppe plateau areas. The dominant flora of the down mountain forest zone (1,000–1,100 metres (3,300–3,600 ft)) are Iberian oak and eastern hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis). The middle mountain forest zone mainly consists of beech (Fagus sp.) forests. The fauna of the region is characterized by mammals such as the brown bear (Ursus arctos).

The region is rich in minerals. Most of the copper reserves of Azerbaijan, 90 percent of the sulfur arthroplasty, 97 percent of lead, 99 percent of sinks are extracting in this region. Filizchay, one of the largest polymetallic deposits in the Caucasus region, is located in the region. There are gravel, sand and other building material resources in mountainous and foothills. About 27 percent of the Shaki-Zagatala economic region is forested. The majority of them are in the territory of Balakan and Zagatala. The economic region has rich water resources. There are 9 underground water reservoirs in the region.[2]

As of January 1, 2018, the population of the Shaki-Zagatala economic region was 621,400.[3] or 6.2% of the country's population. 27.6% of the population of the economic region live in the cities, while 72.4% live in rural areas.[4]

Baku-Yevlakh-Balaken and parallel to it Baku-Ismayilli-Gabala-Balakan highways occupy an important place in the region. The total length of roads in the region is 1,921 km. The international significance of the Balakən-Lagodekhi highway (the continuation of the Yevlakh-Balakan highway) has increased since Azerbaijan gained independence. The economic-geographical region joins the South Caucasus and TRACECA transport network with this highway.

Only 11% of the roads are covered with asphalt in the economic-geographical region. At the same time, gravel roads constitute 55%, and ground rods 8% of total roads.[8]

During the Soviet period, regular flights from Baku to Zagatala and Shaki were flying. At the same time, airports were used for sanitary aviation in other administrative regions of the region (Balakan, Gakh, Gabala).

In recent years, air transport has been revived in Shaki-Zagatala and in 2007 the new airport in Zagatala was put into operation. There is also an airport in Gabala. In addition to raising passenger traffic, they facilitate the arrival of tourists to the region.[8]

In the Soviet period, there were constant flights on the Baku-Zafatala, Baku Shaki routes. At the same time, airports were built for sanitary aviation in other administrative regions of the region such as Balaken, Gakh, and Gabala.

The air transport sector has been revived in Shaki-Zagatala economic region in recent years. In 2008 Zagatala international airport was opened. In 2009, after major reconstruction, airport in Zagatala was granted international status.[8]