About Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is located in the southeastern part of the South Caucasus region, in the western part of Asia. It borders with Russia in the north (390 km of borderline), with Georgia in the north- west (480 km), with Iran in the south (765 km), with Armenia in the west (1007 km), as well as with Turkey in the extreme south-west (15 km). In the east lie the waters of the Caspian Sea. In addition to the mainland, Azerbaijan also includes numerous small islands (Baku and Absheron archipelagoes) in the Caspian Sea.
One can find all types of natural habitats in Azerbaijan: mountains, lowlands, plains, and valleys. Mountains occupy approximately a half of the country’s territory: in the north – Greater Caucasus Ridge and in the south-west – lesser Caucasus Ridge. The highest point of the country is Mount Bazarduzu (4,466 m) in the main or watershed ridge. The Kur azaz Lowland is located in the central part of the country and the Lankaran Lowland is in the south east.
The mountains of Azerbaijan are covered with shady forests. Mountain lakes are one of the most beautiful sites in Azerbaijan. Such lakes as Goy-Gol, Batabat, Maralgol and others are famous for their outstanding and unique beauty. Azerbaijan also counts more than 1000 mineral springs, the most famous being Badamly, Istisu and Sirab.
Nine out of eleven possible climate types in the world can be found in Azerbaijan, including semi-humid subtropics (Lankaran Lowland). Due to the diversity of its climate and nature, Azerbaijan has very unique fauna and flora. The country’s fauna consists of about 12 thousand species, such as striped hyena and Persian leopard. At the same time, the country’s flora includes approximately 4500 plant species as well as about 240 endemic plants found only in Azerbaijan.
The depths of Azerbaijan are rich in minerals and contain large reserves of oil, iron ore and non-ferrous metals. Azerbaijan is a multi-ethnic country. More than 10 million people (including more than 16 ethnic communities) live in the area of 86.6 thousand square meters. In addition to the major community of Azerbaijanis (about 92 per cent of the population), ethnic communities include Lezgins, Talyshs, Russians, Jews, Avars and others.