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AZERBAIJAN
Azerbaijan regained its
independence after the collapse of
the Soviet Union in 1991.
Situated on the western coast of
the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan
occupies one of the Asian
continent's strategic crossroads
between East and West.
Azerbaijan was once a major
stopover on the Great Silk Route,
and there are many captivating
sights to see in this ancient country
- Bronze Age petroglyphs,
medieval minarets and mosques,
the famous carpets.
Area: 86,600 sq km
Population: 8,265,700
Capital City: Baku
People: Azeri (90%), Dagestani,
Russian
Language: Azeri, Russian
Religion: Muslim (93%), Russian
Orthodox, others
Government: Republic
BAKU
Capital city is the biggest
metropolis in Transcaucasia.
It was built around Baku Bay
harbour, a notch in the underside
of the Apsheron Peninsula. The
heart of the historic city is Ichari
Shahar (Old Town).
The Old Town is one of the oldest
continuously inhabited spots in the
country - and in the Middle East.
Archaeological digs have revealed
Bronze Age burial chambers. This
is the most popular area of the city,
a maze of alleys, dead ends and
caravanserais sometimes called the
'Acropolis of Baku.'
TIPS
Visas: Visas are required and can
be applied for on arrival at the
Passport Police.
Currency: Azerbaijani Manat
(1EUR=4600Manat)
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +5
Dialling Code: 994
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