Azerbaijan is situated in the Caucasus region of Eastern Europe with a population of nine million people. The dominant religion is Islam and Azerbaijani people are famous for their hospitality. The capital city is Baku, meaning ‘the city of winds’ and it is located on the coast of the Caspian Sea. As well as being famous for its status as an oil-rich nation, Azerbaijan is renowned throughout the world for its silk and carpets. The country gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and prides itself on being a democratic republic. The nation is governed by the president, Ilham Aliyev, and the parliament is the main legislative institution.
The famous Kura and Araz rivers pass through the country and flow into the Caspian Sea. Azerbaijan considers itself to be the gateway between the East and West, and maintains a combination of different cultures that combine modern and historical attributes with Azerbaijani culture, history and cuisine upholding a certain level of uniqueness. While Azerbaijan is in a stage of modern redevelopment, the country is attempting to maintain its sense of history by working to preserve its ancient historical monuments.
The blue, red and green flag of Azerbaijan symbolizes Turkism, Democracy and Islam.
