The emphasis on heavy industry caused a considerable expansion of the two traditional industries, petroleum and natural gas. The Baku oilfields constitute one of the oldest centres of heavy industry in the world. Nevertheless, engineering, light industry and food productions have also been growing in importance. Iron ore, non-ferrous metals, bromine, gypsum, marble, bitumen, zinc, molybdenum, alunite, rock salt and alumina should be mentioned among the natural resources of the country. Richness of raw resources in Azerbaijan stimulated the development of handicraft industry, mainly pottery, copperware, carpet weaving, stone carving and silk, wool and cotton manufacturing.
Grains are the leading agricultural products followed by raw cotton.
Other major crops raised in the country are rice, tobacco and grapes. The agriculture of the country is also specialized in silk worm and sheep breeding. This site was last updated on 12 October 2001 .