Azerbaijan

Western Asia

Azerbaijan is a country in Western Asia, home to 10.4 million people, with an area of 86,600 km². Its capital is Baku.

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

Azerbaijan at a glance

Language

Azerbaijani is the official language, but Russian and English are also widely spoken.

Currency

Azerbaijani manat

Religion

Islam is the predominant religion in Azerbaijan, but the country is also home to many other religions and belief systems.

National dish

Plov (a rice dish with meat and vegetables)

Climate

Azerbaijan has a varied climate, with dry and hot summers and cold winters in the lowlands, and cooler temperatures in the mountains.

Main industries

Oil and gas, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism

GDP

$47.4 billion (2020 estimate)

Development

Azerbaijan is considered an upper-middle-income country with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 88 out of 189 countries (2020).

Things to do in Azerbaijan

Some of the main tourist attractions in Azerbaijan include:

• The Old City of Baku, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to many historic buildings and landmarks.
• The Gobustan National Park, which features ancient rock art and other archaeological sites.
• The Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a medieval palace complex in Baku that dates back to the 15th century.
• The Fire Temple of Baku, a Zoroastrian temple that was once a place of worship for followers of the ancient religion.
• The Baku Boulevard, a promenade that runs along the Caspian Sea and is popular for walking, cycling, and other outdoor activities.
• The Mud Volcanoes, a unique natural phenomenon that is found in certain areas of Azerbaijan.
• The Sheki Khan's Palace, a beautiful palace that was built in the 18th century and is known for its intricate design and decoration.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Azerbaijan has to offer. Visitors to Azerbaijan can also enjoy its rich cultural heritage, sample its delicious cuisine, and explore its many natural wonders.

Azerbaijan in pictures

Azerbaijan on video

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Azerbaijan compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of Western Asia.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Turkey	85.7 million	783,562 km²	Ankara
Azerbaijan	10.4 million	86,600 km²	Baku
Georgia	3.8 million	69,700 km²	Tbilisi
Armenia	3 million	29,743 km²	Yerevan

Ranked 92nd of 195 countries by population and 112th by area.

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