For more information about Pathfinder's programs in Asia, click on the links below. The present day citizens of Azerbaijan are the heirs of a rich history, the successors of a long progression of cultures and civilizations. Situated on the western coast of the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan occupies one of the Asian continent's strategic crossroads between East and West. Azerbaijan, like most countries emerging from the Soviet era, is attempting to introduce rapid economic and political reforms to foster national growth and stability.
Most couples state that their ideal family size is no more than two to three children.
Couples normally reach their desired family size within the first 3-5 years after marriage. To prevent any increase in their family size, couples have relied on abortion as a means of fertility regulation due to the lack of availability of family planning methods. Fees charged for abortions constitute a large portion of many doctors' incomes. This explains, in large part, their reported reluctance to promote modern contraception. Pathfinder's involvement in Azerbaijan started in 1996 with an initial project to train 80 service providers.