The regional name Zardab is mentioned in historical publication dating back to 16th century. As a raion, Zardab was established on February 5, 1935. Located in central Azerbaijan, the raion is 231 km to the west of capital Baku. It is a part of the larger Arran economic region which also includes Agjabadi, Agdash, Beylagan, Barda, Bilasuvar, Goychay, Hajigabul, Imishli, Kurdamir, Neftchala, Saatli, Sabirabad, Salyan, Ujar raions. The raion lies on a lowland area, in some areas below the sea level. The area is 860 km3. Zardab constitutes about 1% of the country and 4% of the Arran economic area.
Weather
The winters in Zardab are mild while the summers are hot with dry subtropic conditions. The temperature reaches 41-44 °C in the summer and +3 °C in the winter. Annual rainfall is 335 mm.
Population
According to the State Statistics Committee, as of 2018, the population of city recorded 58,200 persons, which increased by 11,600 persons from 46,600 persons in 2000. 29,500 of total population are men, 29,300 are women. More than 26,2 percent of the population consists of young people and teenagers aged 14–29.
Region
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Zardab region
46,6
47,3
47,8
48,4
49,0
49,7
50,5
51,3
51,9
52,6
53,3
54,0
54,8
55,4
55,8
56,5
57,1
57,7
58,2
urban population
10,8
10,9
10,9
10,9
10,9
11,0
11,0
11,0
11,0
11,0
11,2
11,3
11,4
11,5
11,6
11,6
11,7
11,8
11,9
rural population
35,8
36,4
36,9
37,5
38,1
38,7
39,5
40,3
40,9
41,6
42,1
42,7
43,4
43,9
44,2
44,9
45,4
45,9
46,3
Etymology
Zardab is a Persian word meaning Yellow Water. There are several interpretations of the translation. Some interpret Yellow Water as "dirty water" referring to the dirty debris left after historic floods of the Kura River which goes through the Zardab raion. These floods do not take place any more since the construction of Mingachevir reservoir which prevented the Kura river from overflowing. Another version states the term "yellow" refers to the golden color. That is, after the floods, the overflown river used to deliver the water necessary for arrogation, therefore making it as precious as gold. And finally, third version states the reference is made to the secondary interpretation of the word "Zard" which also means "eatable bird" which in turn refers to the Zərd-əncirquşu birds which are in Zardab's habitat.
