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AzerbaijanAzerbaijan{{otheruses}} '''Azerbaijan''' (Azerbaijani language|Azerbaijani: Azərbaycan) is a country in the Caucasus, in the crossroads of Europe and Southwest Asia, with an east coast on the Caspian Sea. It borders Russia on the north, Georgia (country)|Georgia and Armenia on the west, and Iran on the south. The Nakhichevan|Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic (an exclave of Azerbaijan) borders Armenia on the north, Iran on the south, and Turkey on the west. The country is formally named the '''Republic of Azerbaijan''' (Azerbaijani language|Azerbaijani: Azərbaycan Respublikası). Azerbaijan is a secular state, and has been a member of the Council of Europe since 2001. The majority of the population are Shia Muslim and of Western Turkic descent, known as Azerbaijanis, or simply Azeris. The country is formally an emerging democracy, however with strong Authoritarianism|authoritarian rule. {| border=1 align=right cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=300 style="margin: 0.5em 0 1em 1em; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;" |+<big><big>'''Azərbaycan Respublikası'''</big></big> |- | style="background: #efefef;" align=center colspan=2 | {| border=0 cellpadding=2 cellspacing=0 |- | align=center width="140px" | Image:Azerbaijan flag large.png|125px|Flag of Azerbaijan | align=center width="140px" | Image:azeriarms2.PNG |- | align=center width="140px" | (Flag of Azerbaijan|In Detail) | align=center width="140px" | (Coat of Arms of Azerbaijan|Full size) |} |- | align=center colspan=2 | <small>''National motto: None''</small> |- | align=center colspan=2 | Image:LocationAzerbaijan.png |- | '''Official language''' || Azerbaijani language|Azerbaijani |- | '''Capital''' || Baku |- | '''Capital's coordinates''' || {{coor dm|40|22|N|49|53|E|}} |- | '''President of Azerbaijan|President''' || Ilham Aliyev |- | '''Prime Minister of Azerbaijan|Prime Minister''' || Artur Rasizade |- | '''Area'''<br/> – Total<br/> – % water | List of countries by area|Ranked 111th<br> 1 E10 m²|86,600 km² <br> Negligible |- | '''Population'''<br/> – Total<br/> – Population density|Density | List of countries by population|Ranked 89th<br/> 7,868,385 (As of 2004|July 2004 Estimation|E)<br/> 90/km². |- | '''Collapse of the Soviet Union|Independence'''<br/> – Date | From Soviet Union<br/> 30 August 1991 |- | '''Currency''' || Manat (AZM) |- | '''Time zone''' || Coordinated Universal Time|UTC +4 (Daylight Saving Time|DST +5) |- | valign=top | '''National anthem''' || National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan |- | '''Top-level domain|Internet TLD''' || .az |- | '''List of country calling codes|Calling Code''' || 994 |} == Origin and history of the name == There are several hypotheses regarding the origins of the name "Azerbaijan." The most common theory is that it is derived from "Atropatan." Atropat was the satrap at the time of the Iranian Achaemenid dynasty|Achaemenid dynasty, and gained independence after Alexander the Great destroyed the Achaemenids. The region was known as ''Medes|Media Atropatia'' or ''Atropatene'' at the time. There are also alternative opinions that the term is a slight Turkification of ''Azarbaijan'', in turn an Arabicized version of the original Persian name ''Azarpayagan'', made up of ''azar''+''payag''+''an'' (''azar''=fire; ''payag''=base; ''an''=suffix of location); that it traditionally means "the land of eternal flames" or "the land of fire." Some Azeri historians also contend that the name is made up of four Azerbaijani language|Azerbaijani components: ''az''+''er''+''bay''+''can'', which means "the land of the brave Az people" or "an elevated place for the wealthy and exalted." Historically, the territory of the present-day Azerbaijan Republic, also referred to as North Azerbaijan, has also been called Arran (Azerbaijan)|Arran, named after Arran, a legendary founder of Caucasian Albania. However, the precise location identified by this name has shifted somewhat over time, currently referring to the lowland Karabakh plains situated between the Kura and Araks rivers. == History == ''Main article: History of Azerbaijan'' Historically Azerbaijan has been occupied by a variety of peoples, including Persians, Roman Empire|Romans, Arabs, Turks, Mongols and Russians. The first state to emerge in the territory of present-day Republic of Azerbaijan was Mannai|Mannae in the 9th century BC, lasting until 616 BC when it was overthrown by the Medes. The satrapy of Atropatene, and Caucasian Albania were established in the 4th century BC, and included the approximate territories of present-day Azerbaijan and southern parts of Dagestan. Islam spread in Azerbaijan following the Arab conquests in the 7th century|7th–8th century|8th centuries. In the 11th century, the Seljuk Turks became the dominant force in Azerbaijan and laid the ethnic foundation of contemporary Azerbaijanis. In the 13th century|13–14th century|14th centuries, the country experienced Mongol-Tatar invasions. Azerbaijan was part of the Safavids|Safavid state in 15th century|15th–18th century|18th centuries. It also underwent a brief period of feudal fragmentation in the mid-18th to early 19th centuries, and consisted of independent khanates. Following the two wars between the Qajars|Qajar dynasty of Iran and the Russian Empire, Azerbaijan was acquired by Russia through the Treaty of Gulistan in 1813, and the Treaty of Turkmenchay in 1828. After the collapse of the Russian Empire during World War I, Azerbaijan declared independence and established the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. This first Muslim republic in the world existed only two years in 1918–1920 before the Soviet Red Army invaded Azerbaijan. Subsequently, Azerbaijan became part of the Soviet Union. Azerbaijan re-established its independence upon the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Despite a cease-fire in place since 1994, Azerbaijan has yet to resolve its conflict with Armenia over the Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh enclave (largely Armenian-populated). Azerbaijan has lost 16% of its territory, and must support some 800,000 refugees and internally displaced persons as a result of the conflict. == Politics == ''Main article: Politics of Azerbaijan'' Azerbaijan is a presidential republic. The head of state and head of government are separate from the country's law-making body. The people elect the president of Azerbaijan|president for a five-year term of office. The president appoints all cabinet-level government administrators. A fifty-member national assembly makes the country's laws. The people of Azerbaijan elect the National Assembly. Azerbaijan has universal suffrage above the age of eighteen. However, the Azerbaijani government has been accused of widespread corruption (a kleptocracy, to some people). == Administrative divisions == ''Main article: Administrative divisions of Azerbaijan'' Azerbaijan is divided into: *59 rayons (rayonlar; rayon – singular), *11 cities* (şəhərlər; şəhər – singular), *1 autonomous republic** (muxtar respublika); Absheron Rayonu, Agjabedi Rayonu, Agdam Rayonu, Agdash Rayonu, Agstafa Rayonu, Agsu Rayonu, Ali Bayramli Sahari*, Astara Rayonu, Baku Sahari*, Balakan Rayonu, Barda Rayonu, Beylaqan Rayonu, Bilasuvar Rayonu, Jabrayil Rayonu, Calilabad Rayonu, Dashkasan Rayonu, Davaci Rayonu, Fizuli Rayonu, Gadabay Rayonu, Ganja_(city)|Ganja Sahari*, Goranboy Rayonu, Goychay Rayonu, Hajigabul Rayonu, Imishli Rayonu, Ismayilli Rayonu, Kalbajar Rayonu, Kurdamir Rayonu, Lachin Rayonu, Lankaran Rayonu, Lankaran Sahari*, Lerik Rayonu, Masalli Rayonu, Mingechevir Sahari*, Naftalan Sahari*, Nakhichevan|Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic**, Neftchala Rayonu, Oguz Rayonu, Gabala Rayonu, Gakh Rayonu, Gazakh Rayonu, Gobustan Rayonu, Guba Rayonu, Gubadly Rayonu, Gusar Rayonu, Saatli Rayonu, Sabirabad Rayonu, Sheki Rayonu, Sheki Sahari*, Salyan Rayonu, Shamakhy Rayonu, Shamkir Rayonu, Samux Rayonu, Siyazan Rayonu, Sumqayit Sahari*, Shusha Rayonu, Shusha Sahari*, Tartar Rayonu, Tovuz Rayonu, Ujar Rayonu, Khachmaz Rayonu, Khankendi Sahari*, Khanlar Rayonu, Khizi Rayonu, Khojaly Rayonu, Khojavend Rayonu, Yardimli Rayonu, Yevlakh Rayonu, Yevlakh Sahari*, Zangilan Rayonu, Zagatala Rayonu, Zardab Rayonu. == Geography == Image:Map of Azerbaijan with cities.png|thumb|right|200px|Map of Azerbaijan ''Main article: Geography of Azerbaijan'' Azerbaijan has an arid climate, except in the southeast near Gilan. Temperatures vary by season. In the southeast lowland, temperatures average 6°C (43°F) in the winter and 26°C (80°F) in the summer - though daily maxima typically reach 32°C (89°F). In the northern and western mountain ranges, temperatures average 12°C (55°F) in the summer and -9°C (20°F) in the winter. Annual rainfall over most of the country varies from 200 to 400mm (8 to 16 inches) and is generally lowest in the northeast. In the far southeast, however, the climate is much moister and annual rainfall can be as high as 1300mm (51 inches). For most of the country, the wettest periods are in spring and autumn, with summers being the driest. == Economy == ''Main article: Economy of Azerbaijan'' The economy is largely based on industry. Industries include machine building, Petroleum and other mining, petroleum refining, textiles|textile production, and chemical processing. Agriculture accounts for one-third of Azerbaijan's economy. Most of the nation's farms are irrigation|irrigated. In the lowlands, farmers grow such crops as cotton, fruit, cereal|grain, tea, tobacco, and many types of vegetables. Silkworms are raised for the production of natural silk for the clothing industry. Azerbaijan's herders raise cattle, sheep and goats near the mountain ranges. Seafood and fish are caught in the nearby Caspian Sea. Azerbaijan has a highly dynamic economy, mainly because of oil, and has a GDP growth rate of up to 11% a year. == Demographics == ''Main article: Demographics of Azerbaijan'' According to the CIA World Factbook, about eighty-nine percent of Azerbaijan's population is ethnic Azerbaijanis|Azerbaijani or Azeris. Other major ethnicities include local Talysh, Lezgi, Avar and Tat and numerous other minorities, as well as Russians. Some people argue that the number of Talysh is more than officially recorded as many of them are counted as Azerbaijanis. The country's large Armenian population mostly fled to Armenia and to other countries with the beginning of the Armenian-Azeri conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. During the same period, Azerbaijan also received a large influx of Azerbaijanis fleeing Armenia and later Nagorno-Karabakh and adjacent provinces occupied by the Armenians. Most Azerbaijanis or Azeris are Shia Islam|Muslim. Other religions or philosophy|philosophical beliefs that are followed by many in the country are the Sunni and Sufi sects of Islam, the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Russian Orthodox Church, and various secular beliefs (many of these are left over from the Soviet era of less tolerance for spirituality). == Culture == ''Main article: Culture of Azerbaijan'' The official language of Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani, a member of the Oguz subdivision of the Turkic language family, and is spoken by around 95% of the republic's population, as well as about a quarter of the population of Iran. Its closest relatives are Turkish language|Turkish and Turkmen language|Turkmen. As a result of the language policy of the Soviet Union, Russian is also commonly spoken as a second language among the urbane. * Music of Azerbaijan * Islam in Azerbaijan == Miscellaneous topics == * Communications in Azerbaijan * Transportation in Azerbaijan * Military of Azerbaijan * Foreign relations of Azerbaijan * Public holidays in Azerbaijan * List of Azerbaijanis * Nagorno-Karabakh == External links and references== * [http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/aj.html CIA World Factbook - Azerbaijan] * [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/country_profiles/1235976.stm BBC Country Profile: Azerbaijan] * [http://www.azerb.com/ A to Z pf Azerbaijan] * [http://www.zerbaijan.com/ Virtual Azerbaijan Republic] *[http://www.caucaz.com/home_uk Caucaz.com : Weekly online publishing articles and reports about Azerbaijan and South Caucasus. Available in English and French] *[http://www.bakutoday.net Baku Today] *[http://www.president.az/index_e.html President of the Republic of Azerbaijan] *[http://www.azstat.org/indexen.php State Statistical Committee of the Azerbaijan Republic] *[http://www.un-az.org United Nations Office in Azerbaijan] with a [http://www.un-az.org/couinf.htm country report] *[http://www.loc.gov/rr/international/amed/azerbaijan/azerbaijan.html Library of Congress Portals on the World — Azerbaijan] *[http://bakuservices.com Azerbaijan Travel Services] {{Europe}} {{Southwest_Asia}} {{Commonwealth_of_Independent_States}} Category:Caucasus Category:Azerbaijan az:Azərbaycan bg:Азербайджан bn:আজারবাইজান bs:Azerbejdžan ca:Azerbaidjan cy:Azerbaijan da:Aserbajdsjan de:Aserbaidschan et:Aserbaidžaan el:Αζερμπαϊτζάν es:Azerbaiyán eo:Azerbajĝano fa:جمهوری آذربایجان fr:Azerbaïdjan fy:Azerbeidzjan gl:Acerbaixán - Azərbaycan ko:아제르바이잔 hi:अज़रबैजान id:Azerbaijan it:Azerbaigian he:אזרבייג'ן ka:აზერბაიჯანი lv:Azerbaidžāna lt:Azerbaidžanas hu:Azerbajdzsán ms:Azerbaijan zh-min-nan:Azerbaijan na:Azerbaijan nl:Azerbeidzjan nds:Aserbaidschan ja:アゼルバイジャン no:Aserbajdsjan pl:Azerbejdżan pt:Azerbaijão ru:Азербайджан sa:अजर्बैजान sk:Azerbajdžan sl:Azerbajdžan sr:Азербејџан fi:Azerbaidžan sv:Azerbajdzjan tl:Azerbaijan tt:Äzärbaycan th:ประเทศอาเซอร์ไบจาน tr:Azerbaycan uk:Азербайджан zh:阿塞拜疆 First page | Prev | Next | Last page | This article on Azerbaijan is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. 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