Azerbaijan is an ancient country located in the south-east of the Caucasus, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Although Azerbaijan is geographically located on the Asian continent, it is considered a European country because it is politically part of the Council of Europe.
The Republic of Azerbaijan is located on a large silk road connecting east and west in a geographically convenient area. This factor has had a significant impact on the political, economic, and cultural activities of the country throughout history.
According to its political structure, Azerbaijan is a democratic republic and is ruled by a president elected by popular vote for a five-year term. Legislative power is exercised by the 125-member called “Milli Majlis”.
The area of the Republic of Azerbaijan is 86,600 km2. The maximum width of the country from north to south is 390 km, the minimum width is 175 km, the maximum length from west to east is 470 km, and the minimum length is 300 km.
Azerbaijan is bordered by the Russian Federation (390 km) to the north, the Republic of Georgia (480 km) to the northwest, Armenia (1,007 km) to the west, Turkey (15 km), and Iran (765 km) to the south. The country is also bordered on the east by the Caspian Sea coast (780 km) and has sea routes to Kazakhstan, Russia, Iran, and Turkmenistan.
The total population of the country is 10 million. 53.1% of the population is urban. According to the ethnic composition of the population, Azerbaijanis dominate (91.6%). Russians, Lezgins, Talysh, Avars, Tatars, Tats, Udins, Kurds, Jews, and others. Such peoples also live in the territory of the republic. The main religion in the country is Islam.
The capital city of the country-Baku is the largest city in terms of population and territory. Baku is also the country’s main economic, political and industrial city. Other big cities are Ganja, Sumgayit, Gabala, Sheki, and others.
Azerbaijan is a country with rich surface and underground resources. The main minerals of the country are oil, gas, iron ore, alunite, gold, copper, polymetallic building materials, etc. Most of the oil and gas resources are located in the Caspian sea.
The basis of the country’s economy is the oil and gas sector. The main currency of the country is AZN (1 AZN – 1.7 USD).
