Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan

The capital of Azerbaijan is Baku

Gusar

Gusar district is located in the southeast of Azerbaijan and bounds with Dagestan. 
Lovely city for tourists.

Lerik

Highly in Talish mountains, where someone might touch heavens with its own hand it is allocated one of the most picturesque corners of Azerbaijan – Lerik district. Here you could find out everything, by which nature might gift a man: magnificent mountains, thick forests, rivers and waterfalls, crystalline pure fresh air and fertile soil. The highest points in the area – Komurgoy (2492 m) and Gisyurdu (2433 m) mountains. In autumn it often rains, roads paved towards far villages become not passable. In summer temperature +20 C, +25 C. Natural recreational zones of Buludul are popular (20 km out of district center) and Zaringala as well (17 km). Here you may find out rills with the tastiest water. In forests and alongside the Lerik riverbanks, there are available conditions intended for going on wild boar, hare, fox, partridge, ducks. In hard accessible corners of woods, among mountains there is leopard habituated. Nowadays, scientific program is in force; that program is targeted on keeping of that rare bruit.

Maiden tower

Maiden Tower.Also known as Giz Galasi in Azerbaijan.One of the best historical tower of the world.
Built in the 12th century.Maiden tower is very interesting for tourists.

Baku

Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan.Oil city.Baku nights.One of the best cities for tourists.

Sheki

Sheki is one of the best tourism area in Azerbaijan.Clear wheather,rivers,mountains,hotels and others...

Delfin Hotel in Baku

One of the best hotels in Baku Address: Baku, Sumgait highway, 9 km.

Neapol Hotel

"NEAPOL HOTEL" is located on 14th km from Baku on the Baku - Sumgayit highway. Despite of "NEAPOL" is situated a little bit far from Baku, it's conveniently located between Baku`s commercial and social districts: Being one of the best hotels NEAPOL HOTEL consists of modern 3-storeyed building. 26 fully equipped and cosy rooms differing from each other. Every room was designed with its own style and atmosphere. Guests may stay in a room resembling the Ancient Rome or Old Baku or he can prefer luxury apartments of modern style. Apartments with 1,2 and 3 rooms comply with the highest standards and equipped with all the necessary appliances. Internet Club Visit to the internet club – this is amazing journey to the world, where you could check e-mails, world news free and unlimited.

About Sheki

Sheki district is one of the most interesting, older, original and beautiful areas of Azerbaijan. Administrative district center – Sheki city being allocated at picturesque southern slopes of Big Caucasian Ridge on the background of white snow tops – one of the most ancient cities of Azerbaijan. Sheki is nestled 675m high above sea. The highest mountainous peaks the Greater Caucasus mountains around Sheki are Khan Yaylaghi(1800m), Gizil Gaya(3000m) and Bazar Duzu(4430). By the period of Sheki to be founded is considered the first thousand years of A.D. Presumable age of the city 3000 years(may be more years). Its name is received from “Sheki” tribe being lived in the past. Ancient Sheki was at route of commercial ways and was huge trading center and district of developed silky and handicraft manufacturing. All travelers in all ages by the first case they had visited bazaars. At the famous Sheki bazaars it was happened brisk market of seeds, silk, ceramic products, relief dishes, jewelry decorations. Flower, most part of all Sheki city gained honor by its silk. Merchants from Europe, Asia, Middle East brought out towards countries of the world, airy, transparent as veil sewed with the golden silk. As far back as the 15th century, Sheki silk was renowned and was even imported by Venetian and Genoese merchants. Throughout history, the local population of Sheki maintained its livelihoods in agriculture, cultivating, fruits, vegetables and crops such as tobacco and corn. Livestock – raising also has deep roots in Sheki’s history. Today, local farmers still keep the tradition of livestock raising and cows, sheep, goats and horses continue to graze – Sheki’s beautiful natural landscape. Sheki is characterized by a healthy mountainous climate. The city has unique position surrounded by hills and mountains on all sides. These protective barriers make Sheki comparatively cooler in summer and warmer and rainier in the winter months than other cities in Azerbaijan. Average summer temperature is about +35C, +38C, in winter +5C, -10C, in autumn +25C, in spring +15C, +20C. The best time to go to Sheki is from May to October. There are approximately 70.000 residents in the city of Sheki. Including the residents of neighboring villages, there are over 170.000 people in the region of Sheki. Shekians are friendly and hospitable people. They are curious about foreigners but at the same time, because of Sheki’s tourist attractions they are much more familiar with outsiders, than Azeris in other parts of the country. The language of the local population is Azeri, but many people speak Russians as well. At last time are many young speaking in different foreign languages. There is a Russian language secondary school in the city. Because of the Azeri language’s Turkish origins, Azeris also understand Turkish. The Sheki dialect is most unique among local dialects and is characterized by a melodic sound. Shekians stretch their words out and stress is often found in a different part of the word. Some local words are typical only to Sheki dialect of Azeri. Most of the people in Sheki are Sunni Muslims. There are many mosques in city, the biggest of which is known as the Juma Mesjid and the call to prayer is played from their loudspeakers three times a day. However, as with the rest of Azerbaijan, people here are overwhelmingly secular and it is common for alcohol and other food prohibited by religion to be sold in stories.

Caucas Resort Hotel

Caucas Resort Hotel welcomes you with its charming nature, fresh atmosphere and more. You will have unforgettable times with the hospitality of Caucas Resort Hotel. The hotel is located on a mountainous territory in the resort area of "Gabala" district. You will be drunk with the fascinating freshness of the refreshing waters of "Demiraparanchai" stream and emerald greenery of forest at the bottom of Great Caucasus mountains. The distance from "Baku" airport, 211 km to the city center of "Gebele".

Gabala

Two-thousand-year old Gabala - the most ancient city of Azerbaijan, was for 600 years the capital of ancient Caucasian Albania mentioned in the works of antique historians of the 1st century. Later in the Arabian sources it was mentioned as Khazar. At first Gabala was a part of Shirvanshahs state and later Sheki khanate. The city was repeatedly exposed to devastating invasions. But, despite of this Gabala has preserved material evidence of its civilized past. The ruins of ancient Gabala are 15 km from the present day city. The excavation finds from the ancient settlement can be seen in the city museum. Gabala vicinities have numerous historical and architectural monuments. The modern Gabala is located on the territory of Sheki - Zakatala area practically on the border of Dagestan and Georgia. There are the ruins of the ancient city whose age is about 2,000 years in the vicinities of Gabala. The area is rich in 500-year-old nut and chestnut forests. Blooming chestnuts are a unique sight in the spring time. Gabala is one of the best tourism areas in Azerbaijan.

Fairmont Baku

Location. Fairmont Baku is located in central Baku, close to Palace of the Shirvan Shahs, Maiden's Tower, and Fountain Square. Nearby points of interest also include Baku State University and Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. Hotel Features. Dining options at Fairmont Baku include a restaurant and a coffee shop/café. A bar/lounge is open for drinks. Room service is available 24 hours a day. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool, an indoor pool, a health club, a spa tub, and a sauna. This 5-star property has a business center and offers audio-visual equipment and business services. Additional property amenities include a concierge desk, a fitness facility, and tour/ticket assistance. Guestrooms. All guestrooms at Fairmont Baku feature minibars and safes. Bathrooms feature bathtubs. High-speed Internet access is available. Guestrooms offer phones. Televisions have pay movies. Rooms also include irons/ironing boards. Guests may request wake-up calls.

Atropat Hotel

Location. Atropat Hotel is located in Baku, close to Tofik Bakhramov Stadium. Additional area points of interest include Haydar Aliyev Cultural Center and Heydar Aliyev Palace. Hotel Features. Atropat Hotel's restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A bar/lounge is open for drinks. Room service is available 24 hours a day. A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning. Recreational amenities include a fitness facility. This 5-star property has a business center and offers a meeting/conference room, secretarial services, and audio-visual equipment. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. The property has a train station pick-up service, which is complimentary. Concierge services, tour/ticket assistance, translation services, and tour assistance are available. Additional property amenities include barbecue grills, multilingual staff, and laundry facilities. Guestrooms. 30 air-conditioned guestrooms at Atropat Hotel feature minibars and safes. Bathrooms feature hair dryers. Wireless Internet access is available. Guestrooms offer direct-dial phones. Flat-panel televisions have satellite channels. Rooms also include ceiling fans. Guests may request irons/ironing boards. Guestrooms are all non-smoking.
Hotel rooms:30

Golden Coast Hotel Baku

Location. Golden Coast Hotel Baku is located in Baku's Baku neighborhood, close to Maiden's Tower, Palace of the Shirvan Shahs, and Fountain Square. Nearby points of interest also include Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre and Heydar Aliyev Palace. Hotel Features. Dining options at Golden Coast Hotel Baku include 2 restaurants. A poolside bar and a bar/lounge are open for drinks. Room service is available 24 hours a day. The hotel serves hot and cold buffet breakfasts in the restaurant (surcharges apply). Recreational amenities include an indoor pool, a fitness facility, and a steam room. The property's full-service health spa has body treatments and facials. This 5-star property offers small meeting rooms, secretarial services, and audiovisual equipment. Complimentary wireless and wired high-speed Internet access is available in public areas. This Baku property has 3 meeting rooms. For a surcharge, the property offers a roundtrip airport shuttle (available on request). Additional property amenities include tour/ticket assistance. Guestrooms. 76 air-conditioned guestrooms at Golden Coast Hotel Baku feature minibars and safes. Accommodations offer city or partial ocean views. All rooms include separate sitting areas and desks. Bathrooms feature makeup/shaving mirrors, bathrobes, slippers, and scales. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. Guestrooms offer phones with voice mail. Flat-panel televisions are available in guestrooms. Rooms also include hair dryers. Hotel Rooms : 76

Crown Hotel Baku

Location. Located in Baku, Crown Hotel Baku is near the sea and close to Maiden's Tower, Palace of the Shirvan Shahs, and Fountain Square. Nearby points of interest also include Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre and Baku State University. Hotel Features. Recreational amenities include an indoor pool, a sauna, and a fitness facility. This Baku property has 2 meeting rooms. A bar/lounge is open for drinks. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include secure parking, dry cleaning/laundry services, and audio-visual equipment. Guestrooms. 93 air-conditioned guestrooms at Crown Hotel Baku feature minibars and laptop-compatible safes. Bathrooms feature makeup/shaving mirrors and hair dryers. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. In addition to desks, guestrooms offer phones. Televisions have satellite channels. Rooms also include coffee/tea makers.
Hotel Rooms : 93

Hotel Riviera

Location. 
Hotel Riviera is located in Baku, close to Maiden's Tower, Palace of the Shirvan Shahs, and Fountain Square. Nearby points of interest also include Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre and Baku State University.

Hotel Features. 
Hotel Riviera features a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Room service is available 24 hours a day. Concierge services, tour/ticket assistance, and tour assistance are available. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include currency exchange, a garden, and air conditioning in public areas.

Guestrooms. 
20 air-conditioned guestrooms at Hotel Riviera feature minibars and coffee/tea makers. All accommodations have balconies. Bathrooms feature hair dryers. Wireless Internet access is available. In addition to desks and safes, guestrooms offer direct-dial phones. Flat-panel televisions have cable channels. Rooms also include ceiling fans. Guestrooms are all non-smoking.

Hotel Rooms : 20

Four Seasons Baku

Architecture Is Reminiscent Of 19th Century European Capital*s Most Prestigious Residential Buildings. Three Turrets On Corners Add Elegance To The Building. Copper Tiled Rooftop. With Grand Classical Architecture In The City*s Most High-Profile Location, Right On The Caspian Sea Waterfront Promenade, Guests Celebrate The City*s Finest Dining, Spa And Special Events. This Is The New Jewel In Baku*s Most Precious Setting, Polished With Passionate Four Seasons Care. 
Hotel Rooms : 171
Hotel Chain : Four Seasons

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel

Location. Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Baku is located in Baku, close to Fountain Square, Maiden's Tower, and Palace of the Shirvan Shahs. Nearby points of interest also include Heydar Aliyev Palace and Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. Hotel Features. Dining options at Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Baku include a restaurant and a coffee shop/café. A bar/lounge is open for drinks. Room service is available during limited hours. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool, an indoor pool, a health club, a sauna, and a fitness facility. This 5-star property has a business center and offers secretarial services and business services. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. Additional property amenities include multilingual staff, gift shops/newsstands, and currency exchange. Guestrooms. Air-conditioned guestrooms at Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Baku feature minibars and safes. All accommodations have balconies. Accommodations include kitchenettes. Bathrooms feature hair dryers. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. In addition to phones, guestrooms offer free local calls (restrictions may apply). Televisions have satellite channels, DVD players, and VCRs. Housekeeping is offered daily and guests may request wake-up calls. Guestrooms are all non-smoking.

Austin Hotel Baku

Location. Austin Hotel Baku is located in Baku, close to Fountain Square, Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, and Heydar Aliyev Palace. Nearby points of interest also include Maiden's Tower and Palace of the Shirvan Shahs. Hotel Features. Austin Hotel Baku features a restaurant. Room service is available during limited hours. Recreational amenities include an indoor pool, a sauna, and a fitness facility. This Baku property has event space consisting of conference/meeting rooms and small meeting rooms. Concierge services, tour/ticket assistance, and tour assistance are available. Guestrooms. 31 guestrooms at Austin Hotel Baku feature minibars and safes. All accommodations have balconies. Wireless Internet access is available. Guestrooms offer direct-dial phones. Televisions have cable channels.
Hotel Rooms : 31

Boutique Palace Hotel

Location. 
Boutique Palace Hotel is located in central Baku, close to Fountain Square, Maiden's Tower, and Palace of the Shirvan Shahs. Nearby points of interest also include Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre and Heydar Aliyev Palace.
Hotel Features. 
Boutique Palace Hotel's restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A bar/lounge is open for drinks. Room service is available 24 hours a day. A complimentary breakfast is served each morning in the breakfast area. Recreational amenities include a spa tub and a sauna. This 5-star property has a 24-hour business center and offers a meeting/conference room, secretarial services, and technology support staff. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas and the hotel has an Internet point. This Baku property has 5 square meters of event space consisting of a conference center and banquet facilities. Business services, tour/ticket assistance, translation services, and tour assistance are available. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include a coffee shop/café, a concierge desk, and an arcade/game room. This is a smoke-free property. A total renovation of this property was completed in April 2010.
Guestrooms. 
11 air-conditioned guestrooms at Boutique Palace Hotel feature minibars and CD players. Balconies offer city or garden views. Beds come with down blankets and premium bedding. In addition to separate sitting areas, these individually furnished and decorated rooms include desks. Refrigerators and coffee/tea makers are offered. Bathrooms feature separate bathtubs and showers with jetted bathtubs, handheld showerheads, and rainfall showerheads. They also offer bidets, makeup/shaving mirrors, and slippers. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. In addition to laptop-compatible safes and safes, guestrooms offer phones as well as free local calls (restrictions may apply). Plasma televisions have premium satellite channels, free movie channels, and DVD players. Rooms also include washers/dryers and complimentary bottled water. Guests may request in-room massages, irons/ironing boards, and hypo-allergenic bedding. A nightly turndown service is offered and housekeeping is available daily.
Hotel Rooms : 11

Hilton Baku Hotel

Location. Hilton Baku is located in central Baku, close to Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, Heydar Aliyev Palace, and Fountain Square. Nearby points of interest also include Maiden's Tower and Palace of the Shirvan Shahs. Hotel Features. Dining options at Hilton Baku include 2 restaurants. 2 bars/lounges are open for drinks. Room service is available 24 hours a day. The hotel serves breakfast each morning in the restaurant (surcharges apply). Recreational amenities include an indoor pool, a sauna, a fitness facility, and a steam room. The property's full-service health spa has body treatments, massage/treatment rooms, facials, and beauty services. This 5-star property has a business center and offers small meeting rooms, secretarial services, and a technology helpdesk. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas and the hotel has an Internet point. This Baku property has 214 square meters of event space consisting of a conference center, banquet facilities, conference/meeting rooms, and a ballroom. Business services, concierge services, limo/town car service, and tour/ticket assistance are available. Complimentary guest parking is limited, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional property amenities include a rooftop terrace, a coffee shop/café, and multilingual staff. The property has designated areas for smoking. Guestrooms. Air-conditioned guestrooms at Hilton Baku feature minibars and laptop-compatible safes. Accommodations offer city, sea, or water views. Beds come with Select Comfort mattresses, signature bedding, triple sheeting, and down comforters. Bathrooms feature separate bathtubs and showers with deep soaking bathtubs and handheld showerheads. They also offer makeup/shaving mirrors, designer toiletries, and bathrobes. Wired high-speed and wireless Internet access is available for a surcharge. In addition to desks, guestrooms offer multi-line phones with voice mail, as well as free local calls (restrictions may apply). 32-inch LCD televisions have pay movies. Rooms also include coffee/tea makers and complimentary bottled water. Guests may request hypo-allergenic bedding, extra towels/bedding, and wake-up calls. A nightly turndown service is offered and housekeeping is available daily.

Park Inn Hotel in Baku

Location. Located in Baku, Park Inn by Radisson Azerbaijan Baku is near the sea and close to Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, Heydar Aliyev Palace, and Fountain Square. Nearby points of interest also include Maiden's Tower and Palace of the Shirvan Shahs. Hotel Features. Park Inn by Radisson Azerbaijan Baku's restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A bar/lounge is open for drinks. Room service is available 24 hours a day. Recreational amenities include a fitness facility. This 4-star property has a business center and offers small meeting rooms. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. This Baku property has event space consisting of banquet facilities and conference/meeting rooms. Additional property amenities include a coffee shop/café and gift shops/newsstands. Guestrooms. 248 guestrooms at Park Inn by Radisson Azerbaijan Baku feature minibars and coffee/tea makers. Bathrooms feature hair dryers. Wireless Internet access is available for a surcharge. In addition to desks and safes, guestrooms offer direct-dial phones with voice mail. Televisions have satellite channels and pay movies. 

Hotel Rooms : 248 
Hotel Chain : Park Inn

History Of Azerbaijan

Today, we would like to talk about a miraculous country of Azerbaijan with its unlimited natural resources, centuries-old culture, history and ancient people, whose lifestyle presents a unique and harmonious combination of the traditions and ceremonies of different cultures and civilizations.

Azerbaijan is a geographical name. On the one hand this name is linked with the population, which lived in this region for thousand of years before our era, and who were mostly fire-worshippers. Local population considered that fire was their God and so they worshipped the fire. "Azer" means fire. The Turkic name "Azer" was used for this territory for a long time. The word "Azer" consists of two parts - "az" and "er". In Turkic languages, "az" means a good intention and a fate of success. Thus, the word "Azer" means "a brave man", "a brave boy", "the fire keeper". The word "Azerbaijan" originates from the name of an ancient Turkish tribe, who resided in those territories.

Azerbaijan is one of the most ancient sites of humankind. The humankind was present here at every stage of their historical development. There were living settlements in Azerbaijan even at the earliest stages of humankind. Azerbaijan made its own contribution into the establishment of the current culture and civilization, progress and dialectics.

The time kept a range of ancient archeological and architectural monuments for us. The ancient headstones, manuscripts and models of carpets, preserved to the present times from the ancient ages, can provide much information to those who can and want to read them. If you wish to understand Azerbaijan and to know everything about it, you need to look at this country and its people with a friend's eyes.

Azerbaijan is a country of ancient culture. The Oguz tribes which moved here and stayed for ages, have found a deeply rooted culture and in their turn enriched it with Turkic national traditions. The talented and creative powers of our nation are personified in such epic monuments as "Kitabi-Dede Gorgud", "Oguzname" "Keroglu" and many others.

This fertile, generous and friendly land was the home of many thinkers, philosophers, scientists, poets, architects, musicians and artists. A legend tells that Zardusht was born in this land. Azerbaijan also enriched the humankind with such geniuses as Nizami Ganjevi, Hagani Shirvani, Bahmanyar, Nasimi, Fizuli, Nasreddin Tusi, Shah Ismail Xatai, Mullah Paneh Vagif, A. Bakikhanov, M.F. Axudov, M.A. Sabir, J.Mamedguluzade, Huseyn Javid, J.Jabarli, Samed Vurgun, Aliaga Vahid, Rasul Rza.

The country of Azerbaijan was immortalized by such talented painters as Sattar Bahlulzade, Tahir Salahov, Togrul Narimanbeyov, Mikayil Abdullayev and many others.

Our national music - mugam - inspired such outstanding composers as Uzeyir Hajibeyov, Muslim Magomayev, Gara Garayev, Fikret Amirov, Niyazi, Arif Melikov and others to create their masterpieces, which are still known today throughout the world. It also gave the inspiration to such wonderful vocalists as Bulbul and Rashid Behbudov.

It seems that the famous Azerbaijan carpets are the incarnation of all colors of nature and of all signs of history. Today, these carpets magically pass the borders of time and space and travel from Azerbaijan to foreign countries far away.

The models of the decorative art made by Azerbaijan craftsmen from the metal, ceramic, silk and woods are kept in many museums of the world.

The science and the enlightenment in Azerbaijan have a centuries-old history. The Baku State University was founded in 1919; the institutes of the Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan play an exceptional role in scientific, educational and cultural development of Azerbaijan. Local scientists are currently studying such important issues as the depths of the Caspian Sea, space exploration and the secrets of human brain.

The existing educational system of Azerbaijan is made up of dozens of higher educational institutions and technical schools, thousands of high schools, colleges and lyceums.

One of the most important problems which is currently solved by local scientists is environmental protection of the Caspian Sea and different regions of Azerbaijan. Such natural reserves as Gizilagach, Shirvan, Zagatala, Aggol, Girkan and others, were established due to the efforts of Azerbaijani scientists.

Through the decades, the local industry was successfully represented by oil producing, petrochemical and oil processing enterprises. The agricultural industry is famous for cotton-growing, viticulture, vegetable-growing and cattle-breeding.

If one compares the economy of Azerbaijan with a living body, it becomes evident that oil flows in the veins of Azerbaijan. The oil and gas resources of Azerbaijan have made this place famous in every part of the world from the ancient times.

Azerbaijan has always been famous for its sources of eternal fires - the atashgehs. There is a place called Yanardag (blazing mountain) in Absheron and thermal springs in some parts of Nakhichivan, Kelbejar, Masali, Lenkoran, Babadag.

In Surakhani, there is an eternal fire place. From the ancient times the fire worshippers from remote places and even the Indian priests were coming to Absheron in search of fire and finding it here. They built their main temples here in Surakhani and Ateshgah.

The word Azerbaijan brings its main wealth - oil - before the eyes. Oil is not only the wealth, but the fame as well. People were coming to Azerbaijan from distant places for this specific taste and colored puddle under the ground. Throughout the centuries, camelcades carried waterskins of oil in both eastern and western directions. The Azerbaijani oil is not used exclusively for the electricity production, but also as a valuable medicine for a variety of diseases. There has been an increasing demand for oil throughout the centuries.

From the beginning of the 20th century, the continuous industrial development around the world, caused an unprecedented growth of the demand for oil. It was at this time oil turned from an everyday mean into an industrial product. Oil become the most important problem in the world in the 20th century - the century of science and technologies. Oil-producing countries have acquired special oil policies and oil strategies in this connection.

Azerbaijan is currently involved into the implementation of huge energy projects. Oil and gas projects are successfully implemented in the Azeri Caspian sector. Azerbaijan is a country, which plays an extremely important role in the Caspian and Caucasian regions, particularly in the development of transport infrastructure in the Caucasus and the implementation of energy projects. It was the region's first country to explore the huge energy potential, to form an absolutely new economic model in the regional development, and to expand political and economic relations between Europe and Asia.

In spite of the sad results of Armenia's aggression against Azerbaijan (Armenia occupied the territory of Nagorny Karabakh and 7 neighboring districts. One million out of total population of eight million are refugees), our country mobilized its potential and had great successes in building democracy. Azerbaijan manages to successfully overcome the difficulties and continues making important and firm steps towards t he establishment of a democratic and lawful country with civil society.

Azerbaijan has membership in the United Nations (UN), Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Council of Europe (CE), Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), GUUAM, Organization of Islamic Conference, Black Sea Economic Collaboration (BSEC), Organization of Economic Cooperation (OEC). Azerbaijan also actively cooperates with the European Union, NATO, International Monetary Fond, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Islamic Development Bank and other organizations. It accedes to the new joint documents and international agreements.

Where is Azerbaijan?

Officially the Republic of Azerbaijan is the largest country in the Caucasus region located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe.Azerbaijan straddles the border between Europe and Asia in the Caucasus region with an east coast on the Caspian Sea. It borders Russia to the north, Georgia and Armenia to the west, and Iran (proper) to the south. Azerbaijan was divided between the Russian Empire and the Persian Empire by the Treaty of Ghulistan in 1813. As such not all of Azerbaijan is inside the independent Republic of Azerbaijan (independent from Russia* since 1992). Currently Azerbaijan is divided between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan. The larger portion of Azerbaijan currently lies within the borders of Iran and this Iranian administered area is divided into thee provinces, namely; East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan and Ardabil.