Area Of Azerbaijan
The Republic of Azerbaijan covers an area of 86,600 square km (forests accounting for 11.5%, water basins-1.6%, sown area-50%, including 27% pastures, 36.9%-other lands). The country extends between longitude 44° and 52° east and latitude 38° and 42°, with Baku situated at the latitude of 40°.
It borders with Iran (765 km) and Turkey (15 km) on the south, Russia on the north (390 km), Georgia-on the north-west (480 km) and Armenia on the west (1007 km). The length of the coastline is 713 km. The distance between Baku and North Pole is 5550 km, the distance between Baku and equator is 4440 km.

Population

Azerbaijan is situated in the eastern part of the South Caucasus on the Caspian Sea shore and covers an area of 86.6 thousand km2. In 2004, the population of the Republic of Azerbaijan was 8 million 265 thousand people, including 4 million 254 thousand people or 51.5% those living in urban and 4 million 11 thousand people or 48.5% residing in rural areas.
The population of the country (01.01.2005) - 8347.3 thousand people
That includes:
men - 4103,7 thousand people
women - 4243,6 thousand people
people under age of 18 - 2936,2 thousand
The number of pensioners - 1373,0 thousand people
(forecasted for 2004)

Language

Azerbaijani language is the state official language of Azerbaijan and the mean of linguistic communication of the 8 million population of the country (2001).
Besides, Azerbaijani is also spoken by 20 million Azerbaijanis residing in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Several millions of Azerbaijanis reside in Russia, USA, Turkey and Western Europe. Regardless of their current country of residence, Azerbaijanis still can understand each other easily. There are over 30 million speakers of Azerbaijani at present.

Capital

Baku is the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It is a large scientific, cultural and industrial center. Ancient foundations, a large area and population all make Baku one of the oldest and largest cities in the East.
Baku has 11 administrative districts and 5 settlements.

Zone Time

GMT + 4 hours

Entry Formalities

Valid passport required. Entry visas required by all. Entry visas may be obtained upon arrival to Airport.

Religion

Islam is the main religion, with Orthodox Christian and Jewish minorities.
Most important Mosques:
Teze Pir Mosque
Blue Mosque
Hagi Ajdar Mosque
Hagi Sultan Ali Mosque
Bibi Heybet Mosque
Beyler Mosque

Money

Local Currency - Manat.
The import of foreign currency is unlimited, subject to declaration. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival.
Banking hours: 09.00 - 18.00 Monday to Saturday.

Electric Current

Voltage is usually 220,50 Hz.

Climate

The climate in Azerbaijan is major influenced by geographical position, landscape and the Caspian Sea. The semi desert and dry, subtropic, temperate and frigid types of climate dominate in the country. It has been determined that Azerbaijan accounts for 8 out of 11 climate zones, existing in the world (by V.V.Keppen). Dry subtropical climate is typical for Kur-Araz lowland and Absheron.
Damp subtropic climate is observed only in Talysh mountains, foothills and Lenkeran lowlands. Temperate climate observed the slopes of Major and Minor Caucasus mainly covered with forests is divided into dry, warm-temperate dry, warm-temperate damp and temperate zones. Frigid climate is typical of high mountain ranges, at the tops of Major and Minor Caucasus, alpine, subalpine meadows.
The average annual temperatures equal 15 C on the plains while in high mountain regions they fall even below zero. Temperatures reach 25-27C in Aran regions and 5C in mountain regions in July. The absolute maximum is 43C, while the minimum is lower than -30C.
This minimal and maximal temperatures have been registered in Nakhichevan lowland and mountains.
Precipitation is also not equal across the territory of the country. The Absheron peninsula and Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic account for lower level of precipitation per year (200 meters). Precipitations equal 200-300 mm in Kur-Araz lowland, 600-800 mm on north-eastern slopes of Major and Minor Caucasus, 1200-1300 mm on southern slopes of Major Caucasus at a height of 2000-2500 meters. Precipitation is the highest (1200-1700 mm) in the south of Lenkeran lowland and foothills of Talysh mountains. Predominant winds blow to north (the Absheron peninsula), south-west (Kur-Araz lowland) and west (Lenkeran lowland).

Landscape

Azerbaijan is characterized by a diversed landscape. There are two major forms of landscape-plains and mountains.
Mountains cover 60% of the total area of the Azerbaijan republic.
The principle geomorphological structures of Azerbaijan Republic -Major Caucasus, Minor Caucasus (with Garabagh plateau) and Talysh mountains surround the Kur-Araz lowland in the north, west and south-east.
The Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic is situated in the mid course of the River Araz and within the boundaries of Zengezur and Dereleyez chains of mountains, fringing with the river.
The average altitude of the territory of the Repiblic is up to 400 meters. But the lowland of the Caspian Sea shore is below sea level (currently -26.5 meters) while the highest peak Bazarduzu is 4466 meters in height. Thus, one can see that the difference in altitude equals nearly 4500 meters in the country. Northern part of Major Caucasus is situated in Azerbaijan. Two chins of mountains are distinguished in this part: Head or Watershed chain with Bazarduzu (4466 meters) and Great (Side) chain of mountains with Shahdag alp (4243). Mountains chains go down to 1000-700 meters to the South-East. The mountain chains of Major Caucasus are surrounded by foothill areas: a steppe plateau to the north-west, Qobustan to the south-east, Alazan-Ayrichay plain to the south-west and Qusar sloping plain to the north-east.
The mountains are formed by less exposed to denudation sinking rocks of Cretaceous and Jurassic periods.Foothills are characterized by badlands (Djeyranchol and Adjynour plains) and mud volcanos (Gobustan and Absheron). Qusar lpain and Alazan-Hefteran valley is composed of a thick layer of quaternary gravel sediments.
Minor Caucasus surrounds the country in the south-west and west and is composed of a number of chains and plateaus with relatively low height.
Murovdag, Shahdag and Zangezur are the principal chains of Minor Caucasus. Garabagh plateau, extending from the south of Murovdag up to the river Araz, lies on the cones of extinct vulcanos and quaternary lava.
Minor Caucasus is formed by Jurassic and Cretaceous volcanogene and sedimentary rocks.
Talysh mountains cover the south-east of the country. They are composed mainly of Tertiary sediments. Talysh mountains are the chain of transition from Minor Caucasus to Elbrus mountains in Iran. They consist of three mountain chains, reaching 2477 meters in height and a number of their ranges.
Kur-Araz lowland lies on the area between Major and Minor Caucasus and Talysh Mountains. As the largest intermontane lowland in the entire Transcaucasia it covers the central part of the country.
The Kur and Araz rivers divide the lowland into five plains: Shirvan, Qarabagh, Mil, Mughan and Salyan plains.
Samur-Devechi lowland, resting on Qusar sloping plain on the Caspian Sea shore, streches from Absheron peninsula to the north. Lenkeran lowland runs from the Absheron Peninsula to the south on the foothills of Talysh mountains. Kur-Araz, Samur-Devechi, Lenkeran lowlands and most part of the Absheron peninsula lie below sea level.

The minerals of Azerbaijan

The country is rich in three types of mineral products that are metallic, non-metallic and combustible mineral products. Azerbaijan is famous for its oil and gas deposits. 2/3 of the republic is rich in oil and gas. The Absheron Peninsula, Caspian shelf, Baku and Absheron archipelagoes account for the most part of deposits. Southeastern Shirvan, Central Aran, Qobustan, Djeyranchol, Adjinour and Siyezen are rich in oil.
The world-famed oil of Naftalan cures a number of diseases.
Gas deposits are found in Qatadagh, Caspian shelf, Baku and Absheron archipelago. The region of Minor Caucasus accounts for most part of metallic minerals: iron, manganese, titanium, chromium, copper, cobalt, complex ore, antimony, gold, silver, molybdenum, etc. The biggest deposit of iron was found in Dashkesen.
Among non-metallic minerals limestones of Qobustan, Absheron, Tovuz, travetin stones of Kelbadjar and Shahtakhty (Nakhichevan AR), marble of Dashkesan, gypsum of Upper Aghdjakend, alums of Hadjyveli and of great industrial importance.
The country is also rich in mineral waters, with different chemical ingredients. Due to that Azerbaijan is called the museum of mineral waters. Istisu (in Kelbedjar), Badamly and Sirab (in Nakhichevan AR) are famed mineral waters.
Surakhany andShykh of Absheron peninsula, Qalaalty, of Devechi district, Turshsu of Djulfa district are used as a treatment of a number of deseases.
Thermal waters dominate the Talysh mountains and southern and northeastern slopes of Major Caucasus.

The Caspian Sea
The Caspian Sea, largest enclosed water basin in the world is of great importance for Azerbaijani people. It has a unique physical and geographical properties, It should be noted that the flora and fauna of the Caspian Sea are rich in endemic species. For example, 90% of the total reserves of sturgeon, differing from other fishes by its antiquity, are found in this sea.
The specific geographical landscape created favorable recreational conditions. The sea stretches along a meridian in shape of latin letter "S" and it locates between latitude 47'17" north and longtitude 36'33"east.
The sea across the meridian stretches to nearly 1200 km, its average breadth is 310 the maximal and minimal breadth id 435 and 195 accordingly. As the level of the Caspian Sea changes periodically, the volume of water and its boundaries are also changeable. At present the level of the sea is 26.75 meters below sea level. At this level the area of the sea is 392600 km2 , the volume of water is 78648 km3. This volume makes up 44% of the total water reserves of all lakes in the world. Its maximum depth is 1025 meters and due to that the sea rivals the Black Sea, Baltic Sea and Yellow Sea and it is even deeper that the Adriatic Sea, Aegean Sea, Tiren Sea and Sulu Sea.
Caspian Azeri Sector occupies central and southern parts of the Sea. Caspian Sea water differs from that of the world ocean by its salinity. The salinity totals 5-6 ppm in the north and 12.6-13.5 ppm in south. 170 out of 300 mud volcanoes in Azerbaijan are located in the Caspian Azeri sector. The number of volcanoes is higher in the South Caspian Sea.
The uniqueness and colorness of natural conditions promoted the preservation of a number of rare flora and fauna species in the Caspian Sea up to present days.
The Caspian Azeri sector accounts for 171 species of phytoplankton, 40 species of animal plankton, 258 species of fitdentos, 91 species of macrozoodentos and 80 species and subspecies of fish belonging to 14 families. Carp-like fishes are the most numerous species-42 species, they are followed by gudgeons-31, herring-17, salmon fishes-2, sturgeon-5 species. The fish fauna of the Caspian Sea comprises 4 genuses, 31 species and 45 subspecies of endemic fiches. Most endemic fishes are registered in central part of the Caspian Sea.

Approximately 40 species and subspecies of fish play important role in fishing. Flock accouns for the biggest part of the total fish fauna (80%) the remainder part comprises herring, grey mullet, friar, argentine, and gudgeon.
The Red Book of the Azerbaijan Republic includes the following species of rare and endangered species: stone-eel, sig, Southern Caspian white-eye, chekhon, sea pike-perch. In the last few years, the number of all kinds of sturgeon (beluga, spine, long-nosed sturgeon), Caspian salmon, white salmon, khramulya, shamai fish, shibrit, garasol, is decreasing rapidly and these fishes are on the verge of extinction. The seal is the only mammal found in the Caspian Sea . It is the smallest kind of all existing seals. The number of Caspian seals decreased from 1.5 million in early 20th century down to 360-400 thousand in 1980th. The Caspian seal was included into the Red Book in 1993.
302 species of birds have been registered on the Caspian Sea and its coastal regions: these include 37 species of water birds, 109 species of birds populating areas around water basins and 156 terraneous birds.

About Azerbaijan Cuisine

Azerbaijan has always been famed for its cookery. The abundance of vegetables, fruit, fragrant herbs and spices have inspired Azerbaijan cooks to invent new and new national dishes which are so distinctive that you can never mix them up with the dishes of the other peoples.
Even the most sophisticated gourmets coming to Azerbaijan from all over the world appreciate the exquisite taste and subtle aroma of these dishes.
It is for a good reason that Azerbaijan is called the home of long-livers. Researchers say that this is due, firstly, to Azerbaijan's salubrious climate, secondly, the healthy way of life of its people, and the last, but not the least, the wholesome food and eating habits.
Receiving you as our guest we will be happy to reveal to you some secrets of Azerbaijan cooking. Let's begin with the first courses.
The Azerbaijan first courses are prepared from very concentrated meat stock, indeed much more concentrated and thicker than European soups. Lavishly used the spices and a special cooking techniques lend them a peculiar aroma. Some Azerbaijan dishes are served as both the first and the second courses. Among them are piti and kyufta-bozbash. In this case the meat stock is served separately from the other ingredients (meat, peas, potatoes) which are treated as a second course although cooked in the stock.
One of the most popular dishes here is the dainty and aesthetically attractive pilau with meat, fish, fruit or other ingredients. Depending on the ingredients, there are different pilau varieties, for instance, kaurma pilau (mutton pilau), toyug pilau (chicken pilau), shirin pilau (dried fruit pilau), syudli pilau (milk pilau), etc. About 40 pilau varieties are known.
Now we would like to call your attention to shashlyks - basturma shashlyk, fillet shashlyk and lyubitelsky shashlyk. These shashlyks are made from the pieces of meat. And there are also shashlyks prepared from minced mutton with the addition of rump fat, such as lyulya-kebab, tava-kebab. These dishes are popular countrywide.
We also have many fish dishes. The most popular specialties are sturgeon shashlyk, kutum Azerbaijan, stuffed fish, balyg-pilau, Russian sturgeon pilau and balyg-chykhyrtma.
Such Azerbaijan dishes as pilau, piti, lyulya-kebab and stuffed fish Azerbaijan-style are known throughout the world.
In Azerbaijan, tea is served before the second courses. At banquets and the other celebrations the first dishes are not served as a rule. Greens of all sorts, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers (salted or pickled in winter) are always served. After the second course (especially pilau) they often serve dovga, a meal prepared from sour milk and greens. It is believed that dovga favours digestion. Dinner ends with sherbet, a favourite drink in Azerbaijan, or with pastries.
The Fragrant Azerbaijan tea is a symbol of heart-felt hospitality. It is served with quince, fig, water-melon rind, apricot, cherry, peach, plum, cornel, walnut, strawberry, dewberry, grape or mulberry jam.