Geography of Azerbaijan

Information about Azerbaijan geography

Azerbaijan is situated at the junction of Europe and Asia, and borders upon Georgia, Russia, Iran, Armenia and Turkey. From the east, the territory of the country is washed by the Caspian Sea. The mountains of the Caucasus and Talysh, which are crossed by fertile valleys, make up more than half of the territory of the country. Along with steppes and sparse vegetation in the mountains are vast shaded forests. Up to 1,250 large and small rivers flow through Azerbaijan. The biggest are the Kura River (1,515 km) and Araz River (1,072 km).

The real jewels among Azerbaijan's natural treasures are its mountain lakes. The Batabat, the Goygol, the Maralgol and other lakes possess a unique and distinctive beauty. There are more than 1,000 mineral springs (the most famous of which are Badamli, Istisu, and Sirab). The plant and animal life of Azerbaijan is rich and diverse. More than 4,000 species of plants grow here, including many native varieties, as well as more than 1,200 types of animals and birds: bear, lynx, wolf, Caucasian goat, jeyran, deer, turaj, pheasants, flamingo, pelicans and countless others.

White sturgeon, salmon, kutum, and stellate sturgeon are found in the Caspian Sea and in the mouths of the rivers flowing into it. The climate is transitional, from temperate to sub-tropical. The average temperature here in July ranges from +5°C in Alpine regions to +27°C in low-lying areas, and in January accordingly from -10°C to +3°C. Precipitation varies from 200 mm in Absheron to 1,200-1,700 mm in the Lankaran valley. Strong winds occur very frequently, especially in autumn.

Azerbaijan - the Land of Fires!

Azerbaijan - a miraculous country with its rich natural resources, and ancient culture, history and people; whose lifestyle presents a unique and harmonious combination of the traditions and ceremonies of many different cultures and civilizations.

Azerbaijan is the geographical name of the country. On one hand, this name is linked with the ancient population which lived in this region for thousand of years, and who were mostly fire-worshippers. The local population considered fire to be their God, and thus they worshipped it. "Azer" means fire. The Turkic name "Azer" was used to describe this territory for centuries. The word "Azerbaijan" originates from the name of an ancient Turkish tribe, who resided in these lands.

Azerbaijan is one of the most ancient sites of human civilization. People have been present here at every stage of their historical development. There were developed settlements in Azerbaijan even at the earliest stages of civilization.

Time has preserved a range of ancient archeological and architectural monuments for our generation. Ancient headstones, manuscripts and examples of carpets, preserved to the present day from ancient ages, can provide much insight to those who can and want to read them. If you wish to understand Azerbaijan and know of its fascinating history and culture, you need to look at this country and its people through the eyes of an old friend.

The policy of "Open Doors" carried out by the Azerbaijan government, as well as the social and economic reformation and democratization of society carried out in the Republic, have allowed many more citizens of independent Azerbaijan to expand the scope of their worldview, and to receive wonderful opportunities to visit foreign countries. Visits of foreign travelers to Azerbaijan are also increasing day by day.

Azerbaijan has great potential for the development of the tourism industry - with such fascinating sights as ancient cities, palaces, fortresses, mausoleums, and mosques. Azerbaijan has always been famous for its sources of eternal fire - the "atashgehs". There is a place called Yanardag (blazing mountain) in Absheron and thermal springs in some parts of Nakhichievan, Kelbejar, Masali, Lenkoran, and Babadag provinces.

In Surakhani, there is a site of eternal flame. From ancient times, fire worshippers from remote places, and even Indian priests, came to Absheron in search of fire, and found it here. They built large temples here in Surakhani and in Ateshgah.

There are more than 6 thousand historical architectural monuments on the territory of Azerbaijan. The natural climatic conditions of Azerbaijan are also unique. As is well known, 9 climate zones exist in Azerbaijan, out of the 11 in the world.

Azerbaijan is endowed with picturesque natural landscapes, monuments of culture and modern tourist resorts. The Khudat-Yalama seacoast, bordered by forests, and the seashores of Absheron and Lankaran are fine places for recreation and relaxation. In these places, there are fine sandy beaches with steady water temperatures of 22-26°C for five or more months, which provide for a long swimming season. The most attractive areas for Alpinism and winter sports are Shamakhi and Gusar. Many types of animals and birds are objects of licensed hunting, and in the reserves they are very easy to watch and photograph. In particular, the Gizilagach reserve, where in the winter months more than one million individuals from two hundred species of birds of passage gather, is ideal for this purpose.

In Azerbaijan are a number of health resorts and spas, creating an opportunity for treatment of many illnesses yielding to natural therapies. Most of the resorts with mineral spas also function as tourist centers. Nakhchievan is especially rich in mineral sources; the only known deposit of medicinal petroleum in the world - Naftalan - is completely unique.

Baku and the Absheron peninsula; Nakhchivan, Guba-Khachmaz, Sheki-Zagatala, and Lankaran-Astara regions; and the historical areas of Shirvan and Ganjabasar are the most attractive for travelers in Azerbaijan. The lovely nature of these places, numerous ancient ruins, wonderful ethnographic variety and the astonishing skills of local craftsmen will leave an unforgettable impression of Azerbaijan upon its guests.

Enjoy watching Amaziing Azerbaijan!

GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE SECTION "AZERBAIJAN IN INTERNATIONAL SCENE"

Azerbaijan has been following an independent foreign policy since gaining independence in 1991. This policy aims at the strengthening and development of the state system and the protection of the national interests of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan builds its foreign policy on the principle of respect to the international legal standards and norms, the state sovereignty and territorial integrity and the principles of nonintervention into the internal affairs.

The foreign policy of Azerbaijan, adhering to these principles and speaking on behalf of the national interests targets such urgent issues as the risks and challenges to the national security and territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of the republic and the prevention of the intervention of the Republic of Armenia. The major priorities of the foreign policy of Azerbaijan are the establishment of the regional peace and stability, the implementation of large transport and cooperation projects.

The attraction of the foreign capital to the implementation of different projects on the development of the country's economics for more effective protection of the national interests plays a great role in the foreign policy of Azerbaijan in the present-day world. Thus, Azerbaijan that has chosen the democratic way of life determined its task in the establishment and development of mutually profitable bilateral and multilateral relations with other neighbor and faraway countries in different spheres.

Azerbaijan, expanding and developing its regional and global activity and international cooperation, became the member of a number of international organizations such as United Nations, the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe, European Council, Organization of Islamic Conference, Commonwealth of Independent States and others. Moreover, Azerbaijan was one of the cofounders of GUAM.

The steps undertaken by the government of Azerbaijan in Europe corresponds to the attempts of the foreign policy as its integral part. Europe, which is rather based on the real cooperation and partnership than on the old models of influence, promotes the establishment of a single structure for security and common welfare but at the same time it may lead to the emergence of new challenges. Therefore, Azerbaijan, considering the established objective situation intensifies its activity within the antiterrorist coalitions and cooperation with NATO and European Union.

Azerbaijan protects and implements its national interests through participating in the regional initiatives and the aforementioned organizations.

The development and implementation of the measures foreign policy of Azerbaijan serving the protection of the national interests is connected with our national leader Heydar Aliyev. His talent of the strong state system establishment, the deep logics and understanding of the importance of issues enabled to form correct approach to the establishment of international relations.

The present day foreign policy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, conducted under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, demonstrates its adherence to the course of development of mutually profitable relations with all goodwill countries and aims to develop Azerbaijan and to provide for the permanent prosperity and the welfare of the people.

The diplomatic activity, carried out in frames of this complicated and many-sided process is composed of a number of major trends that constitute the foreign policy of Azerbaijan.