About AZ
Official Name
Republic of Azerbaijan (Azərbaycan Respublikası in Azerbaijani).
Location
Azerbaijan is a country located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is bordered by the Caspian Sea to the east, Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia to the west, and Iran to the south.
Capital
The capital city of Azerbaijan is Baku.
Population
Azerbaijan has a population of approximately 10 million people.
Languages
The official language of Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani (Azeri), which is a Turkic language. Russian is also widely spoken, especially in urban areas, and English is becoming increasingly popular.
Ethnic Diversity
Azerbaijan is ethnically diverse, with the majority of the population being Azerbaijani Turkic. There are also significant minority populations of Russians, Armenians, Lezgins, Talysh, and others.
Geography
Azerbaijan is known for its diverse geography, including mountains, forests, plains, and coastal areas along the Caspian Sea. The country is also home to the Greater Caucasus mountain range in the north and the Lesser Caucasus in the west.
Economy
Azerbaijan has a mixed economy, with oil and gas production being the main drivers of economic growth. The country is rich in natural resources, particularly oil and natural gas, and has developed significant infrastructure to support the extraction and export of these resources.
Currency
The currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN).
Government
Azerbaijan is a presidential republic with a strong executive branch. The President of Azerbaijan is both the head of state and the head of government. The country's government is divided into executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
Culture
Azerbaijan has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its history, geography, and diverse ethnic groups. Traditional Azerbaijani music, dance, and literature are important aspects of the country's culture. The country is also known for its carpets, cuisine, and hospitality.
National Items of Azerbaijan
Karabakh Horse
The Karabakh Horse is the national animal of Azerbaijan. Known for its speed, endurance, and beauty, it symbolizes the country's rich equestrian heritage and cultural pride.
Pomegranate
The pomegranate is the national fruit of Azerbaijan. It symbolizes abundance, fertility, and prosperity and is celebrated annually at the Pomegranate Festival.
Eastern Plane Tree
The Eastern Plane Tree (Platanus orientalis) is the national tree of Azerbaijan. Known for its longevity and large size, it represents resilience, strength, and the natural beauty of the country's landscapes.
Flame Lily
The Flame Lily (Lilium bulbiferum) is the national flower of Azerbaijan. Its vibrant colors symbolize the country's fiery spirit and rich natural beauty.
Dolma
Dolma, which consists of vine leaves stuffed with rice, meat, and herbs, is a traditional dish of Azerbaijan and represents the country's rich culinary traditions.
Azerbaijani Tea
Tea is an integral part of Azerbaijani culture, symbolizing hospitality and social gatherings. It represents the country's rich culinary and cultural heritage.
Tar
The tar is a traditional Azerbaijani-stringed musical instrument. It symbolizes the rich musical heritage and cultural identity of Azerbaijan.
Gobustan Rock Art
The Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, featuring ancient petroglyphs, symbolizes Azerbaijan's rich historical and archaeological heritage.
Carpet Weaving
Azerbaijani carpets are renowned for their intricate designs and craftsmanship. They symbolize the country's rich artisanal heritage and cultural traditions.
Maiden Tower
The Maiden Tower in Baku is an iconic historical monument. It symbolizes the rich history and architectural heritage of Azerbaijan.
The national anthem of Azerbaijan is called "Azərbaycan Marşı" in Azerbaijani. Here are the lyrics in Azerbaijani and their English translation:
Azerbaijanım, Azerbaijanım,
Eyvah eyvah yaralı doyməz
Seni qoruyacaq, qanlı canı,
Hər bir millətin övladı –
Sənin üçün döyünür,
Hər tərəf, hər yönətmiş sənə qarşı qoyan təhlu tərəfindən.
Kanayan ürəklərlə
Çalışır yurdunu qorumaq,
Cəsarətli oğullarınla, oğul
Fəth etmək üçün, Fəth etmək üçün!
Azerbaijan, my Azerbaijan,
Alas, alas, wounded and restless!
Its bloody soul will defend you,
Every child of the nation -
For you, they are straining,
From every side, from every direction, against the treacherous one who stands against you.
With bleeding hearts
They work to defend their homeland,
With courageous sons, my son
To conquer, to conquer!
