According to the beginning of 2021, the population of Baku reached 2300,5 people. The city of Baku consists of 12 administrative regions, which include 59 townships.  The population of the townships of Baku is 964.500 people (01.01.2018). 

A number of factors had an influence on dynamic development and rapid change of the ethnic composition of Baku, which was a purely Turkish-Muslim city until the early 19th century. The statistics show that there were 7.431 Turkic-speaking Muslims living in the city. In 1859, after the earthquake in Shamakhi, the center of the province was moved to Baku and after that, the share of the population residing in city rapidly increased. 14.500 people lived in the city in 1863. The massive exploitation of oil fields in Baku caused the rapid urban growth. In 1897, 111.904 people lived in the city. In 1903, 143.786 people lived in Baku and surrounding settlements. In 1913, 214.672 people lived in Baku. 

The Muslim population lived mainly in the historical centre covering the Icherisheher Fortress and the western part of the city, and the representatives of other nations lived mainly in the industrial zone and in the northern part of the city. The city centre was inhabited by a mixed population. The ethnic composition of the city was significantly changed due to those who came from other regions to work in oilfields and the settlers. According to the census of 1926, 527.200 people lived in the city.  In 1959, 987.200 people lived in Baku. Baku was among the leader cities of former Union for the rapid growth of the urban population during the Soviet era until the 70s. In 1970, 1.265.500 people lived in Baku. In 1979, this number was 1.549.800. Since 1988, the ethnic composition of the city has changed. Partial change of demographic and ethnic composition of Baku was caused by Armenia's territorial claims against Azerbaijan, implementation of these claims by force of arms, as well as the acceleration of migration processes as a result of the policy of ethnic cleansing against the Azerbaijani population living in Armenia. In 1999, 1.788.854 people lived in Baku. According to the census of 2009, 2.045.815 people lived in Baku.

At present, different religious confessions are operating in Azerbaijan. From confessional point of view, 721 are Islamic, while 28 are non-Islamic (Christian – 17, Jewish – 8, Krishna – 1, Bahai -2). 13 churches and 7 synagogues operate in Azerbaijan as well. Baku has 3 churches belonging to the Orthodox community, 1 to the Catholic, 1 Armenian Gregorian churche, 1 Lutheran church, and 2 Jewish synagogues.

Territory, number of population and density of Baku city 

Population change in Baku city
(thsd. persons)

Note: More information about the population of Baku and surrounding settlements can be found at the website of the Statistics Office of Baku https://www.baku.azstat.org/index.php