Azerbaijan has survived the global crisis better than many other countries. Living standards have risen and poverty has declined. The relative prosperity, however, is based on the oil and gas industry and the country needs to diversify and develop its industry, expand healthcare and modernize agriculture. Education is another area that needs improvement.
Azerbaijan creates a favorable climate for investment, with foreign direct investment in 2011 amounted to $ 4.4 billion, mainly in the oil and gas sector.