Azerbaijan is a country located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Here’s a detailed overview:
Geography
• Location: Azerbaijan is situated in the South Caucasus region, bordered by the Caspian Sea to the east, Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia to the west, and Iran to the south.
• Terrain: The country features diverse landscapes, including the Caspian Sea coastline, flatlands, and mountainous regions such as the Caucasus Mountains.
History
• Ancient and Medieval Periods: Azerbaijan has a rich history dating back to ancient times, influenced by various cultures and empires, including the Persians, Romans, and Byzantines.
• Islamic and Mongol Influence: The region saw significant Islamic influence starting in the 7th century and later experienced Mongol invasions.
• Modern Era: Azerbaijan was part of the Russian Empire in the 19th century and later the Soviet Union until gaining independence in 1991.
Politics
• Government: Azerbaijan is a presidential republic. The President is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government.
• Current Leadership: As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, Ilham Aliyev is the President of Azerbaijan, having been in office since 2003.
Culture
• Religion: The majority religion is Islam, predominantly Shia, with Sunni minorities.
• Language: The official language is Azerbaijani (Azeri), which is part of the Turkic language family.
• Festivals: Important cultural celebrations include Novruz (the Persian New Year) and various national holidays.
