Azerbaijan is a country in the South Caucasus, sitting at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia on the shores of the Caspian Sea. It is known for its vast oil and natural gas reserves, which have shaped its modern economy and skyline. The country blends ancient Silk Road heritage with a rapidly developing contemporary culture.
- Capital
- Baku
- Continent
- Asia
- Region
- Western Asia
- Area
- 86,600 km²
- Coordinates
- 40.5° N, 47.5° E
Country facts
- Azerbaijan is one of the oldest oil-producing regions in the world, with hand-dug wells dating back centuries.
- The Azerbaijani language belongs to the Turkic language family and is written in the Latin alphabet.
- Azerbaijan is home to Gobustan National Park, where thousands of prehistoric rock carvings have been preserved for over 10,000 years.
- Mud volcanoes are a striking natural feature of Azerbaijan, which has more of them than almost anywhere else on Earth.
- The pomegranate is a cherished cultural symbol in Azerbaijan, celebrated each autumn at a dedicated pomegranate festival in the town of Goychay.
Capital facts
- Baku is the largest city on the Caspian Sea and sits below sea level, making it one of the lowest-lying capitals in the world.
- The walled Old City of Baku, known as Icherisheher, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing medieval mosques and caravanserais.
- The Flame Towers, three striking skyscrapers shaped like leaping flames, have become the iconic symbol of modern Baku.
- Baku hosted the inaugural European Grand Prix Formula 1 race in 2016, bringing international attention to its wide boulevard circuit.
- The Maiden Tower in Baku's Old City is a mysterious medieval structure whose original purpose still puzzles historians and archaeologists.