Everything you need to know about Azerbaijan: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more

Azerbaijan: Former Soviet State and Oil Rich Caspian Economy

Azerbaijan is a Caspian Sea nation with a majority Turkish Muslim population that gained independence in 1991 after the Soviet Union collapse. Azerbaijan with capital Baku is an oil rich nation that is not just another emerging market. It has also become a key player in the global energy market, thanks mainly to Azerbaijani oil. Azerbaijan is a nation with an ethnic Azeri and Shi‘ite Muslim majority population and having a secular and unitary republic form of government. Azerbijan is one of the founder members of GUAM and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, and joined the Commonwealth of Independent States in September 1993. Azerbaijan is also a member of the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the NATO Partnership for Peace (PFP) program. Azerbaijan is embroiled in decade old conflict with neighbouring Armenia over the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.

· National Name: Republic of Azerbaijan
· Capital: Baku
· Total area: 86,600 sq km (33,400 sq miles)
· Population: 8.5 million (UN, 2007)
· Currency: Manat
· Languages: Azerbaijani (Azeri) 90.3%, Lezgi 2.2%, Russian 1.8%, Armenian 1.5%, other 3.3%, unspecified 1% (1999 census)
· Ethnicity/ Races: Azeri 90.6%, Dagestani 2.2%, Russian 1.8%, Armenian 1.5%, other 3.9% (1999 census)
· Religion: Muslim 93.4%, Russian Orthodox 2.5%, Armenian Orthodox 2.3%, other 1.8% (1995 est.)
· GDP (Per Capita): $7,500 (2006 Est.)
· Life Expectancy: Male: 62.2 Years Female: 71 years (2008 est.)
· Literacy Rate: Male: 99.5% Female: 98.2% (1999 census)

Geographical Information on Azerbaijan:
Azerbaijan is located on the western shore of the Caspian Sea at the southeast extremity of the Caucasus. The region is a mountainous country, and only about 7% of it is arable land. Azerbaijan is the largest and most populous country in the South Caucasus, located partially in Eastern Europe and partially in Western Asia. It is bounded by the Caspian Sea to the east, Iran to the south, Armenia to the southwest, Georgia to the west and northwest, and Russia to the north. The country's territory also encompasses several islands in the Caspian Sea.
The climate in Azerbaijan is influenced particularly by cold Arctic air masses of Scandinavian Anticyclone, Temperate climate of Siberian Anticyclone, and Central Asian Anticyclone. Nine out of eleven existing climate zones are present in Azerbaijan. Due to scatter in different climatic zone wide variation of temperature can be seen in Azerbaijan. The absolute minimum temperature (-33 °C) and the absolute maximum temperature (+46 °C) were observed in some places of this country.

Culture, Cuisine and Tradition of Azerbaijan:
Azerbaijani culture has been many influenced by prominent cultures of world such as Turkish, Persian, Islamic, and Caucasus heritage as well as Russian influences due to its former status as a Soviet republic.
The classical music of Azerbaijan is called ‘mugam’ and is usually a suite with poetry and instrumental interludes. The poetry is typically about divine love and is most often linked to Sufi Islam. Azerbaijani architecture typically combines elements of East and West. Many ancient architectural treasures such as the Maiden Tower and Palace of the Shirvanshahs in the Walled City of Baku survive in modern Azerbaijan and give the glimpse of its glorious past.
Azerbaijani cuisine is an important part of the country's culture. Climatic diversity and fertility of the land are reflected in the national dishes that are based on fish from the Caspian Sea, mutton, beef and abundance of seasonal vegetables and greens. Saffron-rice plov is the staple food of Azerbaijanis and black tea is the national beverage.

Tourist Attractions of Azerbaijan:
Azerbaijan is a charming and energetic country with lots of places that delight visitors. It is a place of ancient Azerbaijani historical monuments that provides a chance to experience its glorious past. The beauty of Azerbaijan lies in its scenic landscapes, waterfalls and fashion-laden streets of metropolitan cities like Baku. Azerbaijan offers fine blend of tradition with modernity.

· Gance
· Mingechivir
· Naftalan
· Nakhichevan City
· Baku