Facts about Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is a country in the south Caucasus region of Eurasia. It is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and the capital city of Azerbaijan is Baku. Similarly, Azerbaijani is the official language of the country. It is bordered by four countries. The natives or inhabitants of this country are called Azerbaijani. In this article, we will discuss some interesting facts about Azerbaijan and also more information about its culture, economy, people, tradition, and geography. Here we go...
Azerbaijan Quick Facts
The official name of Azerbaijan: The Republic of Azerbaijan
Area: 86,000 square km
Population(2021): 10.13 million
Population density: 115 per km Sq
GDP (PPP)(2019): $189.050 Billion
GDP Per Capita: $4,498
Continent: Asia
Capital: Baku
Language: Russians, Azerbaijani
Official Languages: Azerbaijani
Largest by area: 112th largest country
Religion: Islam, Christianity, and Others.
Government: Unitary parliamentary republic
Currency: Manat (AZT)
Time Zone: UTC+4 (AZT)
23 amazing Facts about Azerbaijan
1. The Capital city of Azerbaijan
Baku is the largest as well as the capital city of Azerbaijan. It is expected to be 5,500 years old. It is also called a city on a hill or a windy city. The capital city is also home to the world's first offshore oil platform- Oil rocks.
2. Bordering countries of Azerbaijan
The four countries are bordering Azerbaijan. They are Georgia, Russia, Iran, and Armenia. Similarly, from the east, it is bounded by the Caspian sea.
3. Bread is Sacred in Azerbaijan
In Azerbaijan bread has its values. At home, bread is kept in bags separate from the rest of the rubbish to signify their respect. If the bread falls on the floor then they pick it up and kiss it as an apology. This is one of the amazing facts about Azerbaijan.
4. It is one of the democratic countries
It is the first democratic country in Islam-oriented countries. Similarly, it is the first Muslim country to have theatre plays and operas.
5. The ancient country with rich history and culture
Azerbaijan is one of the ancient countries with rich history and culture. Different historical places, as well as cultures, can be found in Azerbaijan. Humans have inhabited Azerbaijan since the Paleolithic age (also called the old stone age, or of human development age, or the ancient cultural stage).
6. Most of the land cover of Azerbaijan by Mountains
Mountains cover almost 60% area of the country's land and the remaining land is covered by plains and lowlands.
Furthermore, the highest point in the country is Mount Bazarduzu. It lies near the Dagestan Kurush village (Parent range: Greater Caucasus). It is at 4466 meters.
7. Azerbaijan Horses are also popular
The Karabakh horse of Azerbaijan is renowned for its effortless speed, endurance, and intelligence. And also, it is the national animal of Azerbaijan. The horses are endemic to the country and are also the oldest breeds in the world. This is one of the amazing facts about Azerbaijan.
8. The Name of the Country has a Unique History
The name of the country has a unique history. The country's name indicates that is the land of fire. "Azer" the meaning of Azer is fire so the people of this country worship the fire. They considered fire as their god. Similarly, the word ' Azer' has two parts- 'az' and 'er'.
Additionally, the name of the country is also considered to have originated from the name of an ancient Turkish tribe who live in Azerbaijan in ancient periods.
9. Country becomes Independent
Azerbaijan becomes independent between 1918 and 1920. And again it is incorporated into the Soviet Union for the next seventy years. But on October 18, 1991, the country got its independence from the Soviet Union.
10. Country's largest port
Baku is the largest port in the country. It an estimated that 3 million ships can load and discharge cargo and passengers from the Baku port. It is the largest port on the Caspian sea.
11. Azerbaijan is rich in Mineral waters and rivers
Azerbaijan is also called the Museum of Mineral Waters. The country has more than 1000 unlimited resources of mineral water. Some of them are Istisu (hot water spring), Sirab, and Badamly. These are some famed mineral waters in Azerbaijan.
Furthermore, the country also has an abundance of small and large rivers. More than 8,400 small and large rivers are all over Azerbaijan. However, only 24 of these rivers are more than 100 kilometres long.
12. People drink lots of jam tea in Azerbaijan
Drinking tea is very much popular in Azerbaijan. Tea is part of Azerbaijani Hospitality. No, any social culture is complete without tea served with a myriad of trimmings. Tea flavoured with jam, lemon mint, or rose water.
People often take tea before a meal. Every day an average Azerbaijani takes 3-4 cups of tea. This is one of the amazing facts about Azerbaijan.
13. National dishes of Azerbaijan
Pancake is the national dish of the country. The traditional Western Pancakes are topped with butter syrup and fruits. But in Azerbaijan, the pancake is traditionally stuffed with ingredients such as pumpkin, veggies, meat, or just a sprinkling of herbs.
14. Majority of the Shia Muslim population
In Azerbaijan, a majority of the Shia Muslim Populations have inhabited. Also, the country has a majority of Turkic who have inhabited Azerbaijan.
15. Azerbaijan has more Mosques from the Ancient period
Before the power of the Soviet Union in Azerbaijan, there were more than 2,000 mosques in the country. However, most of these mosques are closed for seventy years. But in history, it is mentioned that most mosques were closed in the 1930s.
16. The currency of Azerbaijan is similar to the Euro
The currency of Azerbaijan is Manat. It looks a lot like euro banknotes with similar colours, sizes, and fonts. Also, in the currency, there have different aspects of national identity that make difference from the Euro to Manat. This is one of the amazing facts about Azerbaijan.
17. High corruption in the country
In Azerbaijan, you can see most places people give bribe for doing things. It is one of the high in corrupt countries in the world. It is one of the major problems of the country.
18. Washing newborns baby in Saltwater
There is a different culture in Azerbaijan newborns babies will be washed with saltwater. They thought that it make them strong, truthful, and bold. Similarly, children's hair and fingernails are only cut after their first birthday. This is one of the amazing facts about Azerbaijan.
19. Nagorno- Karabakh (a territory inside Azerbaijan)
A Nagorno- Karabakh land is one of the reasons for the popular conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Both countries claim that the territory is theirs and become enemies of each other. In 1992, Armenia and Azerbaijan started a war for the land of Nagorno- Karabakh and in 1994 both countries stopped their fighting and Armenia took control over the Nagorno- Karabakh land.
In this war, an estimated more than 30,000 people were killed and a million left their homes.
20. Mainly people involve in Agriculture
In Azerbaijan, many people are involved in Agriculture. The Kura River valley in Azerbaijan is the place where most of the Agriculture products are produced. It is also called the Agricultural zone of Azerbaijan.
21. Climate of Azerbaijan
The climate of Azerbaijan is pretty hot during summer as well as cold during the winter. It has a subtropical climate.
22. Relation with other countries
Azerbaijan maintains diplomatic relations with more than 158 countries. And it is also a member of NATO, the United Nations, and the IMF. But the relationship with the Neighbor country (Armenia) is not so many goods. The border becomes closed of Azerbaijan and Armenia due to land disputes. And till now they become enemies of each other.
23. Burning mountain in Azerbaijan
There is a burning mountain in Azerbaijan. It is one of the rare natural wonders. It burns all year round due to natural gas escaping from the ground of the mountain.
These are some amazing facts about Azerbaijan.
10 best Places to Visit in Azerbaijan
1. Baku
The capital city of Azerbaijan is so much beautiful. You can see different modern buildings in the Baku area. Similarly, you can see skyscrapers as well as LCD screens at most of the buildings that show the beauty of the urban area. Furthermore, the Flame Towers is also one of the main attractions of Baku. The three towers were designed to resemble fire that cast a bronzed glow over the city at night. The Flame Towers also embraces the modern culture of Azerbaijan.
You also visit the Teze Bazaar which is located in Baku. The market is famous for its cheeses, Spices as well as for honey and jams tea. Furthermore, you can also find beluga caviar, fresh local fruit, Kebab, and many more. You can also see numerous restaurants all over Baku which is always ready to serve you at any time.
2. Yanar Dag
Yanardag is also one of the popular places in Azerbaijan. In Yanardag you can see the burning flame outlets. This place is also called the burning mountain and fire you can see this mountain the whole year. Due to gas deposits beneath the surface of the mountain, you can see fire on the surface of the mountain. In the Yanar dag, you found the natural gas fire that burns nonstop on a hillside. It is near the capital city of Azerbaijan. This place has religious significance. People have thought that the fire here is from Zoroastrianism dates(6th century BCE).
3. Naftalan Oil Resort
It is situated in a plain area. It lies near the Caucasus mountains. Most of the petroleum products are also found in the Caucasus mountains. This resort is very much popular for its crude oil. This place is popular for oil-based treatments and many people come here for such treatments. The oil-based treatments can help people to relieve pain and promote anti-inflammatory healing. Most of the visitors come here for health reasons and also they can enjoy here by bathing in oil and a variety of relaxing at the onsite spa.
4. Baku Seaside Park
Every year many visitors come here to see Baku seaside park. This place is popular for the old tea shops and cafes. And also you can be indulging in a classic seaside treat like locally produced ice cream. If you want to see the seaside in Azerbaijan then it is a great place to enjoy Azerbaijan's seaside attractions. Similarly, you can see museums and different arc buildings in the Baku Seaside park.
Additionally, if you want to learn more about the history of the textile industry of Azerbaijan then you can visit the carpet museums which are in Baku Seaside park. Furthermore, you can also see the Baku Crystal Hall in Baku Seaside park where different types of programs and concerts happen almost every day.
5. Shirvan National Park
Another famous tourist destination in Azerbaijan is Shirvan National park. This park is located beneath the Caspian sea and government-protected this area from 2003. Now, this park covers more than 54,000 hectares of area to the south of Baku. This area is mostly semi-desert, which means there are ambling dunes. You can find hedgehogs, jackals, jungle cats, and many more birds in this national park. If you become a nature lover then this place is suited for you.
6. Sheki City
It is the city of the northwestern region of Azerbaijan. It is surrounded by the Sheki district. This city is located 240 Km from Baku the capital city of Azerbaijan. This city is very much famous for its Silk and Textile materials. Similarly, you can see the amazing sculptures and world paintings in Sheki city.
7. Icheri Seher
It is also known as the Old City. This place is also in UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Baku centre. You can see the amazing architectural structure all over this place. Similarly, the Maiden Tower which was built in the 12th century also in this place. Additionally, Shirvanshah Palace which was built in the 13th century has an amazing architectural design and also uses different ceramics, textiles, and traditional carpets of Azerbaijan.
With different types of shops, you can find out the old city which has to explore Azerbaijan's culture and tradition.
8. Yanar Bulag
The source of the fire, Yanar Bulag also one of the popular destinations for tourists. It is near the city of Astara in Southern Azerbaijan. You can see the amazing combination of two-element fire and water. The water is pumped out of the pipe and due to the methane gas contained in the water if someone touches the water with fire then the fire burns that water. This place is located on the road between Lankaran and Astara. If you want to see burning water then this place is for you.
9. Nabran Village
It is a small village that is more than three hour drive from Baku. This is very famous for the resort. It is located on the Caspian sea's shores. The climate of this place is very much awesome so that in summer months most of the tourists come here for sunbaths. You can see different bars, restaurants, and nightclubs in Nabran Village. This place is also popular for its aqua parks and a variety of swimming pools.
10. The Caspian Sea
The Caspian sea is also one of the popular tourist destinations to visit. It is the world's largest lake and it covers 371,000 square kilometres areas. You can do different activities in this sea such as fishing, swimming, and boating. Similarly, you can see the crystal clear water in the Sea. Visiting this place gives you lots of joy and entertainment. If you get a chance to visit Azerbaijan then don't miss visiting the Caspian Sea.
In conclusion
In this article, we discuss interesting facts about Azerbaijan. This country is very much beautiful and rich in natural resources as well as in culture also. If you are planning to visit this most beautiful country in the coming day then you got some ideas for it. If you have already visited this country and know more about Azerbaijan which is not mentioned above in the article or you want to add more to this article then please comment to us. We also want to learn more from you. I think this article solves your queries, if not then please comment on us. We will try to solve it.
