Azerbaijan

A Closer Look at Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan Flag

Azerbaijan Formation Date

Azerbaijan declared its independence on May 28, 1918.

Azerbaijan Capital Name

The capital of Azerbaijan is Baku.

Azerbaijan Neighbours

1. Armenia
2. Georgia
3. Iran

Exploring Azerbaijan

Exploring the Beauty and Richness of Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, is a country that has long been shrouded in mystery and intrigue. This small yet significant nation is bordered by Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia to the west, Iran to the south, and the Caspian Sea to the east. Its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia has made it a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and influences.

Key Takeaways:

• Azerbaijan is a country located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia.
• It is bordered by Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, and the Caspian Sea.
• Azerbaijan is known for its rich culture, natural beauty, and strategic location.

Geography:

Azerbaijan's geography is diverse and breathtaking. The country is home to vast mountain ranges, lush valleys, and a coastline along the Caspian Sea. The Greater Caucasus Mountains dominate the northern part of Azerbaijan, while the Lesser Caucasus Mountains are located in the western region. The country also has several rivers and lakes, including the famous Lake Goygol. Azerbaijan is blessed with abundant natural resources such as oil, natural gas, and minerals. Its location on the Caspian Sea makes it an important player in the global energy market. The country's climate is mostly dry and subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters.

Origin and History:

Azerbaijan has a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations. It was part of the Persian Empire until it was conquered by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. In the 7th century, the Arab invasion brought Islam to the region, and Azerbaijan became part of the Islamic world. The country has been under the rule of various empires, including the Mongols, Safavids, and Ottomans. In the 19th century, Azerbaijan was annexed by Russia and remained under Soviet rule until its independence in 1991. The country has since then undergone significant economic and political reforms, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the region.

Government and Politics:

Azerbaijan is a presidential republic with a unitary system of government. The President is both the head of state and government, with extensive powers over the legislative and executive branches. The country is divided into 10 administrative divisions, with Baku as its capital city. Azerbaijan maintains friendly relations with its neighboring countries and has strong ties with major global powers such as Russia, Turkey, and the United States. It is also a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.

Commerce and Economy:

Azerbaijan's economy is primarily driven by its oil and gas industry, which accounts for more than half of its GDP. However, the country has been diversifying its economy in recent years, with a focus on developing its non-oil sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. The country has strong trade relations with its neighboring countries and is a key player in the global energy market. Its currency is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN), which has remained stable in recent years.

Demographics:

Azerbaijan has a population of over 10 million people, with a diverse ethnic makeup. The majority of the population is Azerbaijani (91%), followed by Lezgins, Talysh, and other ethnic groups. The country has a relatively young population, with a median age of 31 years.

Culture:

Azerbaijan's culture is a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. The country has a rich tradition of art, music, and literature, with many famous poets, writers, and musicians hailing from Azerbaijan. The country also celebrates several festivals and holidays throughout the year, including Novruz, a traditional spring festival. Azerbaijan is also known for its vibrant traditional dance forms, such as the Yalli and the Sari Gelin. These dances are often performed during cultural events and celebrations.

Languages and Religion:

The official language of Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani, which is spoken by the majority of the population. However, there are also several regional dialects spoken in different parts of the country. Russian is also widely spoken due to the country's Soviet past. Islam is the dominant religion in Azerbaijan, with around 96% of the population being Muslim. However, the country has a long history of religious tolerance, and other religions such as Christianity and Judaism are also practiced.

Education and Healthcare Systems:

Azerbaijan has made significant progress in improving its education and healthcare systems in recent years. The country has a high literacy rate of over 99%, with education being free and compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 15. The healthcare system in Azerbaijan is also rapidly developing, with the government investing in modernizing hospitals and improving access to healthcare for its citizens. The country has seen a decline in infant mortality rates and an increase in life expectancy in recent years.

Sports and Recreation:

Sports play an essential role in Azerbaijani culture, with football being the most popular sport in the country. Azerbaijan has produced several world-class athletes, including Olympic medalists in wrestling, boxing, and weightlifting. The country also hosts several international sporting events, such as the Formula One Grand Prix and the European Games. Apart from sports, Azerbaijan offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking in the mountains, water sports on the Caspian Sea, and exploring its rich cultural heritage.

Tourism:

Azerbaijan is a hidden gem for tourists, with its stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. The country has several tourist attractions, including the ancient city of Baku, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other popular destinations include the mud volcanoes in Gobustan National Park and the picturesque village of Lahij. The country has also invested in developing its tourism infrastructure, with modern hotels, restaurants, and transportation options. Baku's Heydar Aliyev International Airport serves as the main entry point for tourists.

Travel Information for Foreign Visitors:

Foreign visitors to Azerbaijan are required to have a valid visa to enter the country. However, citizens of certain countries can obtain a visa on arrival. It is advisable to check the visa requirements before planning a trip to Azerbaijan. Health and safety standards in Azerbaijan are generally good, but travelers should still take precautions such as getting travel insurance and staying aware of their surroundings. It is also important to respect local customs and etiquette while visiting the country. The official currency in Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN), which can be exchanged at banks and exchange offices. Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases.

Quotes:

• "Azerbaijan is a bridge between Europe and Asia." - Ilham Aliyev
• "Azerbaijan has been an ancient center of civilization for centuries." - Mehriban Aliyeva
• "Azerbaijan is a country that has made significant progress in a short period." - Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Azerbaijan is a country that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Its strategic location, diverse population, and growing economy make it a fascinating destination for travelers. With its ongoing development and modernization efforts, Azerbaijan is poised to become a major player on the global stage in the years to come. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the beauty and richness of Azerbaijan!

Azerbaijan Highest Point Name

Mount Bazarduzu, 4,485 meters (14,717 feet) above sea level.

Azerbaijan Capital Longitude

49.88333°E

Azerbaijan Capital Latitude

40.38333°N

Azerbaijan Official Languages

The official language of Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani. It is spoken by the majority of the population and is the first language of 84.5% of the population. Russian is also spoken widely, with more than a third of the population speaking it as a native language. English and Turkish are also widely spoken.

Azerbaijan Ethnic Groups

The Republic of Azerbaijan is home to multiple ethnic groups that span both its societies and ethnic populations. These include Azerbaijanis 85%, Lezgis 2.2%, Russians 2.5%, Armenians 2%, Tatars 1.8%, Talysh 1.2%, Avars 1.1%, Udins 0.9%, Tsakhurs 0.7%, Georgians 0.5%, and other 0.8%. There are also smaller populations of Ashkenazi Jews, Assyrians, Circassians and Kurds. The official language of Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani, although Russian and Armenian are also widely spoken.

Azerbaijan Religions

Azerbaijan is a largely secular country, where freedom of religion is constitutionally guaranteed. Approximately 97 percent of the population identifies as Muslim, mostly Shiite, while the remaining 3 percent is mostly Christian or secular. Practicing Muslim and Christian communities in Azerbaijan have traditionally coexisted harmoniously. The Constitution of Azerbaijan protects freedom of religious expression, and the government does not register religious organizations. Some religious groups face harassment by government officials, and visas have been denied to foreign migrants seeking to work at religious institutions, but generally sectarian violence is rare.

Azerbaijan Total Area

The total area of Azerbaijan is 86,600 square kilometers (33,436 square miles).

Azerbaijan Land Area

Azerbaijan covers a total land area of 86,600 square kilometers (33,436 square miles).

Azerbaijan Water Area

The total surface water area of Azerbaijan is estimated to be approximately 7,000 km2 (2,700 mi2). Major bodies of water include the Caspian Sea, Kura River, and Araz River.

Azerbaijan Total Population

In 2020, the total population of Azerbaijan was estimated to be 10,116,197 people.

Azerbaijan Currency Name

The official currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN).

Azerbaijan Currency Code

AZN

Azerbaijan Currency Symbol

The currency symbol for Azerbaijan is AZN.

Azerbaijan Time Zones

• UTC+04:00

Azerbaijan is located in the UTC+ 4 time zone. It follows Azerbaijan Standard Time year-round, with no daylight savings time observed. Azerbaijan Standard Time is 4 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+4). Located near the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan makes up part of the Caucasus region in Eurasia.

Azerbaijan Calling Code

The calling code for Azerbaijan is +994

Azerbaijan Internet TLD

www.aveholidays.az

How to Say "Azerbaijan" In Different Languages?

Pashto

آذربائیجان (ps-AF)

Arabic

أذربيجان (ar-AR)

Bashkir

Азербайжан (ba-RU)

Chinese

阿塞拜疆 (zh-CN)

French

Azerbaïdjan (fr-FR)

German

Aserbaidschan (de-DE)

Hindi

अज़रबैजान (hi-IN)

Indonesian

Azerbaijan (id-ID)

Japanese

アゼルバイジャン (ja-JP)

Kazakh

Азербайжан (kk-KZ)

Malay

Azerbaijan (ms-MY)

Polish

Azerbejdżan (pl-PL)

Portuguese

Azerbaijão (pt-BR)

Russian

Азербайджан (ru-RU)

Spanish

Azerbaiyán (es-ES)

Thai

อาเซอร์ไบจัน (th-TH)

Turkish

Azerbaycan (tr-TR)

Ukrainian

Азербайджан (uk-UA)

Vietnamese

Azerbaijan (vi-VN)

Azerbaijan Popular Holidays

Novruz Holiday

20 March (24 March)

Ramadan

12 April (11 May)

Victory Day

9 May

Eid al-Fitr

12 May (13 May)

Familiy and Solidarity Day

14 May

Shab-i-Qadr (Night of Power)

23 May

Defender of the Fatherland Day

26 June

Tovba (Repentance) Day

1 July (17 July)

Eid al-Adha

31 July (4 August)

Spiritual Intelligence Day

3 August

Independence Day

18 October

State Solidarity Day

31 October

Constitution Day

12 November

Republican Day

17 November

Martyrs Day

9 December