AZERBAIJAN

 Republic of Azerbaijan is a transcontinental country located at the boundary of Eastern Europe

and Western Asia. It is a part of the South Caucasus region and is bounded by the Caspian Sea to

the east, Russia (Republic of Dagestan) to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia and

Turkey to the west, and Iran to the south. Baku is the capital and largest city and famed for its

medieval walled Inner City. The Inner City lies the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a royal retreat

dating to the 15th century, and the centuries-old stone Maiden Tower, which dominates the city

skyline.

Azerbaijan is home to a wide variety of landscapes. Over half of Azerbaijan's landmass consists

of mountain ridges, crests, highlands, and plateaus which rise up to in some places Talis,

Jeyranchol-Ajinohur and Langabiz-Alat foreranges (Qobustan, Absheron). The rest of

Azerbaijan's terrain consists of plains and lowlands. Hypsometric marks within the Caucasus

region vary from about at the Caspian Sea. The formation of climate in Azerbaijan is influenced

particularly by cold arctic air masses of Scandinavian anticyclone, temperate air masses of

Siberian anticyclone, and Central Asian anticyclone. Azerbaijan's diverse landscape affects the

ways air masses enter the country. The Greater Caucasus protects the country from direct

influences of cold air masses coming from the north. That leads to the formation of subtropical

climate on most foothills and plains of the country. Meanwhile, plains and foothills are

characterized by high solar radiation rates. Murovdag is the highest mountain range in the Lesser

Caucasus.

Rivers and lakes form the principal part of the water systems of Azerbaijan, they were formed

over a long geological timeframe and changed significantly throughout that period. This is

particularly evidenced by remnants of ancient rivers found throughout the country. The country's

water systems are continually changing under the influence of natural forces and human-

introduced industrial activities. Artificial rivers (canals) and ponds are a part of Azerbaijan's

water systems. All big water reservoirs are built on Kur. The hydrography of Azerbaijan

basically belongs to the Caspian Sea basin.

Islam is the majority religion in Azerbaijan, but the country is considered to be the most secular

in the Muslim world. Azerbaijan, the GDP per capita is $13,700 as of 2020. One of Azerbaijan's

most famous sites is Yanar Dağ. a natural glowing fire burning on a hillside along the Caspian

Sea. True to its name, the mountain has been blazing for at least 65 years. The city of Astara is

located at the Astara Rayon district which is also sharing borders with Iran.

Places to visit in Baku: HIGHLAND PARK; HEYDAR MOSQUE; MAIDEN TOWER;

HEYDAR ALIYEV CENTER; ICHERISHEHER FORTRESS WALLS; PALACE OF THE

SHIRVANSHAHS; MUSEUM OF MINIATURE BOOKS; FOUNTAIN SQUARE & NIZAMI

STREET; BAKU BOULEVARD; AZERBAIJAN CARPET MUSEUM; LITTLE VENICE;

ATESHGAH OF BAKU; TAZA PIR MOSQUE; YASIL BAZAR (GREEN MARKET);

MUHAMMAD MOSQUE; AZERBAIJAN STATE PHILHARMONIC HALL; YANAR DAG;

BIBI-HEYBAT MOSQUE; GOBUSTAN ROCK ART; GOBUSTAN MUD VOLCANOES;

GABALA; SHEKI; BILGAH BEACH; AMBURAN BEACH CLUB; CRESCENT BEACH

HOTEL; SHIKHOV BEACH.