Basic information
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A country of Transcaucasia north of Iran. The region was settled by the Medes before the eighth century B.C. and was a separate kingdom after the death of Alexander the Great. Ceded to Russia by Persia in 1813 and 1828, the territory was a constituent republic of the USSR from 1936 to 1991 (It joined the USSR Dec. 30, 1922). Azerbaijan declared independence Aug. 30, 1991, and became an independent state when the Soviet Union disbanded Dec. 26, 1991. (See Azerbaijan Chronology)
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The map of the Azerbaijan is shaped somewhat like an eagle in flight with capital (Baku city) for its head. Since the earliest times, this area has been known as "the land of flames".
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Capital |
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Time Zone |
GMT +4 |
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Currency |
Manat (AZM) 1 USD ~ 4600 AZM |
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Electricity |
220 V, 50 Hz (double pins european plug) |
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Main cities |
Sumgait, Giandja, Nakhychivan |
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Languages |
Azeri (official), Russian |
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Religions |
Islam (mostly 86%), Christianity, Judaism |
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Export |
Oil & gas, iron, copper, fruit, vines, cotton, silk, carpets |
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Area |
86,600 sq. km ( 33,400 sq. mi. ) |
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Population |
7,600,000 (1997) |
