Azerbaijan- an inexpressibly picturesque country with its own unique "highlights". Azerbaijan is metaphorically called the “land of fires”, because its territory is rich in oil and gas deposits, close to the surface and torches of fire erupting from the ground. The amazing natural panoramas of this country are replete with contrasting views: here you can watch all 4 seasons at the same time! Luxurious architectural forms, skyscrapers growing upwards, the original modern urban style in a western style coexists with ancient buildings, ancient palaces and fortresses. And at first glance it is difficult to determine, but is it really an eastern country?
Primitive people settled the territory of modern Azerbaijan more than 1.5 million years ago, which was facilitated by a favorable climate and natural conditions. To this day, in some regions of Azerbaijan, evidence of the presence of ancient people in this territory has been preserved: a Zoroastrian temple Ateshgah, town Shamakhi(remember the Queen of Shamakhan sung by Pushkin?), Chukhur-Gabala, Sheki and, of course, the archaeological reserve Gobustan, famous for the huge number of carved images on stones - petroglyphs, whose age is 4-5 thousand years!
A completely different life is in full swing in the capital of Azerbaijan - the most beautiful Baku, the largest city in Caucasus and the largest port in Caspian Sea. The lively, brightly lit streets are lined with souvenir shops and themed shops, luxurious restaurants and cozy cafes. Here you can have a delicious meal, relax by smoking an incomparable hookah, and plunge into the dance to the oriental rhythms. Baku is very interesting to visit in terms of sights and historical places: Baku embankment, which is admired by every tourist who has fallen on it; Flag Square, the flagpole of which ranks second in the world in height; Old city(Icheri Sheher), scenes from famous Soviet films were filmed on its streets; "Fire Towers" - the tallest buildings in Azerbaijan, resembling 3 flames in their appearance; the most modern cultural Center them. Heydar Aliyev, whose design became the best in the world in 2014, and many others.
Welcoming and friendly Azerbaijanis are hospitable, open and always ready to help you if necessary. And how incomparable the taste of national dishes! Moreover, the masterpieces of Azerbaijani cuisine are also healthy - it is well known that the Caucasian peoples are among the long-livers of our planet.
Welcome to "fiery" Azerbaijan, its amazing contrasts will amaze you to the very heart!
Useful information for traveling in Azerbaijan
General information about Azerbaijan.
Location. Azerbaijan is located in the southeast of Transcaucasia. It borders with Russia, Georgia, Iran, Armenia and Turkey. In the east, the territory of Azerbaijan is washed by the waters of the Caspian Sea. Almost half of the territory of Azerbaijan has a mountainous relief. In the north - the ridge of the Caucasus, in the middle part - the Kura-Arak lowland, in the southeast - the Talysh mountains and the Lankaran lowland. The highest point in the country is Mount Bazarduzu (4466 m). Spain, Greece, Turkey and Korea are at latitudes similar to Azerbaijan.
Square. 86.6 thousand sq. km. The length of Azerbaijan from north to south is about 400 km, from west to east - about 500 km. The territory of Azerbaijan also includes small islands of the Caspian Sea (Baku and Absheron archipelagos).
Population. About 9.7 million people (2016 data). As of July 1, 2013, the urban population was 53.1%, while the rural population was 46.9%. Population density: 112 people/km2. Composition: 91.6% Azerbaijanis, 2% Lezgins, 1.4% Armenians, 1.3% Russians, 1.3% Talysh, less than 1% Avars, Turks, Tatars, Ukrainians, Kurds, Jews, etc.
Political structure. Azerbaijan is a democratic legal secular unitary republic. Part of the CIS. The system of state power of the Republic of Azerbaijan is based on the principle of separation of powers into legislative (Milli Mejlis - National Assembly), executive (President) and judicial (courts of the Republic of Azerbaijan).
Administrative-territorial division. Territorially, Azerbaijan is divided into 66 regions, 11 cities and 1 autonomous republic - the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic.
Capital. The city of Baku with a population of more than 2.1 million inhabitants. Baku is the largest city in the Caucasus, the largest economic, industrial and scientific and technical center Transcaucasia and the largest port on the Caspian Sea.
Official language. Azerbaijani (Turkic group of languages). Russian is not an official language in Azerbaijan, but is actively used among residents of Baku and other large cities. However, outside the capital, the number of people who know Russian has declined significantly since the collapse of the USSR. The youth speaks English.
Currency unit. Azerbaijani manat. There are numerous exchange offices in the Republic where you can exchange currency at the current rate. Such points often operate around the clock in Baku, major cities and airports. In addition, money can be exchanged at banks and some hotels.
Religions. According to the Constitution, Azerbaijan is a secular state. Approximately 99.2% of the country's population is Muslim: about 85% are Shia Muslims, about 15% are Sunni Muslims. Orthodoxy is poorly spread in Azerbaijan, there are 6 Orthodox churches in the country, 3 of which are in Baku. Jewish communities are considered active and influential.
Standard Time Zone. UTC/GMT +4 hours.
Electricity. The voltage in the power grids of Azerbaijan is 220/240 volts, the current frequency is 50 Hz. Standard double plug socket (grounded).
Climate in Azerbaijan.
Best time to visit Azerbaijan - the period from April to June and September-October. The territory of Azerbaijan is interesting because it combines 9 climatic zones out of 11 existing in the world, from subtropics to high-mountain alpine meadows.
Azerbaijan has quite a large number solar days. The temperature regime is formed depending on the characteristics of the incoming air flows, the diversity of the relief and the degree of remoteness from the Caspian Sea. The average January temperature ranges from -10 °C in the highlands to +3 °C in the lowlands, and in July - from +5 °C to +27 °C, respectively. The temperature maximum in summer reaches +45°C, and in winter the temperature in mountainous areas drops to -40°C at night.
Strong winds from the north are typical, mainly in autumn. The amount of atmospheric precipitation varies from 200 mm per year in the foothills of the Caucasus to 1200-1700 mm per year in the Lankaran lowland.
| Average temperature indicators in Baku | ||||||
| Temp. | January | February | March | April | May | June |
| Max | 7˚ | 6˚ | 10 | sixteen | 22˚ | 27˚ |
| Min | 2˚ | 2˚ | 4 | 9 | 15 | twenty |
| Temp. | July | August | September | October | November | December |
| Max | 31˚ | thirty | 26˚ | twenty | 14 | 10 |
| Min | 22˚ | 23˚ | nineteen | 14 | 9 | 5 |
How to dress in Azerbaijan.
When choosing a set of clothes for a trip to Azerbaijan, one should take into account the peculiarities of the climate depending on the season. For trips from May to September, it is better to give preference to light summer clothes made of cotton fabrics, and in winter you can not do without insulated jackets and raincoats. In the summer, be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat. During the excursions, you will need the most comfortable shoes, including sneakers or sneakers, especially when visiting rocky areas.
There are no strict rules when choosing clothes in Azerbaijan, especially in large cities. However, you should not wear provocative clothes: women should give up tight silhouettes, mini-skirts and deep necklines, and we recommend that men exclude shorts and sleeveless T-shirts from their wardrobe.
The locals themselves tend to dress in a businesslike way, women prefer elegant style, impeccable makeup and high heels.
When visiting religious places, it is obligatory to be dressed in modest closed clothes and have a scarf or scarf with you, and when entering the house of local residents, you must take off your shoes.
Azerbaijani cuisine.
The national cuisine of Azerbaijan is famous for the abundance of exquisite and unique dishes: meat, fish, vegetable, dairy and flour delicacies, brought to perfection by fragrant herbs and spices.
In Azerbaijan, bread is of paramount importance in the diet, which is treated with great respect. For example, if a piece of bread fell on the floor, it must certainly be picked up, kissed and asked for forgiveness. Bread is baked on a slightly convex iron sheet saj v tandoor designed for baking churek and lavash. It is popular to cook in spring and autumn gutab- thin crescent-shaped pies made of unleavened dough, stuffed with meat, herbs, cottage cheese, pumpkin, etc.
A special variety is characteristic of meat dishes, of which there are a great many in Azerbaijani cuisine. Widespread basturma(cured beef tenderloin) and shashlik, as well as thick lamb soups - drink and bozbash. Also popular Kelem Dolmasy- minced lamb wrapped in cabbage leaves, mixed with rice and spices, yarpag dolmasy - lamb, eggplant and tomatoes wrapped in grape leaves, and kebab- finely chopped lamb, seasoned with onions and fragrant spices. Sadjem also called a meat dish made from lamb pieces in assorted vegetables.
In Azerbaijan, rice dishes are highly respected, especially pilaf, which has about 50 variations in the "land of fire". The favorite and most characteristic poultry dish is considered to be chygartma. As a rule, after dinner (especially after pilaf) they serve dovgu from sour milk and greens.
Azerbaijani cuisine is famous for its sweets, unsurpassed in taste characteristics, which no one, even the most indifferent to all sweet heart, can resist: nogul, tocsin, shekerbura, gata, baklava, kozinaki, halva, Turkish Delight, jellied figs and sherbet(water sweetened with honey). A significant place in the daily meals of Azerbaijanis has tea, which not only accompany the process of eating, but also precede it. First, tea is served, after which they offer to taste the second course. For tea, the table is set with sweet dishes: Baku baklava, jams from figs, dogwood, cherries, white cherries, walnuts and watermelon.
The cost of food in Azerbaijan.
The program of the traditional tour includes accommodation in hotels with breakfast. For your convenience, we can reserve places in restaurants. In case you prefer to do it yourself, we provide approximate prices, which may vary slightly in different regions.
Visa and registration.
Entry into Azerbaijan is carried out by overseas passport. For citizens of Russia and some CIS countries for up to 90 days visa-free regime of entry to Azerbaijan. You can find out more about the conditions for obtaining a visa to Azerbaijan, the list of required documents, the processing time and consular fees.
Please note that even if a tourist has an Azerbaijani visa, he may be denied entry to Azerbaijan if his passport contains a note about visiting Nagorno-Karabakh, the occupied territory of Azerbaijan.
For the entire stay in Azerbaijan, you must have an identity document with you, or a copy of it with a visa on entry into the country (for citizens of countries with a visa regime).
All foreign citizens staying in Azerbaijan for more than 10 days must undergo the procedure within 9 days from the date of arrival registration at the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan. To do this, you must personally or by e-mail submit to the State Migration Service a completed registration form, a copy of your passport and a copy of your visa (for citizens of countries with a visa regime). Hotels assist their guests in this procedure, but tourists staying in private apartments or hotels without a license need to go through the registration themselves. Registration is absolutely free, but failure to register may result in a fine of 300-400 manats.
Customs regulations of Azerbaijan.
To enter Azerbaijan, you must have a foreign passport with you, and it is also recommended to fill out customs declaration indicating the exact amount of cash. The declaration must be endorsed by the signature and seal of the Customs Service officer and kept until departure from Azerbaijan.
Import of foreign currency unlimited subject to the completion of the customs declaration. If you are importing less than $1,000 or less than that amount in another currency, you do not need to complete a customs declaration. Export of foreign currency permitted within the amount imported to Azerbaijan in accordance with the customs declaration.
You can import up to 1.5 liters of spirits and up to 2 liters of wine into Azerbaijan (for persons over 16 years old). To take out antiques and carpets from Azerbaijan, you need to have a special permit from official services. It is allowed to take out up to 125 gr. caviar, 3 packs of cigarettes and a quantity of medicines that is sufficient for their own needs.
Azerbaijan currency.
The national currency of Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani manat(AZN). Banknotes of denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 manats, as well as coins of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50 qepiks are in circulation. 1 manat is equal to 100 qepiks. You can exchange currency 
in banks, hotels and numerous currency exchange offices. Exchange offices often work around the clock (in Baku, major cities and airports). When exchanging money for more than 500 dollars, you must present an identity card. The rate of the National Bank may differ from the rate of private banks. To check the real exchange rate at the time of the trip, we recommend that you refer to the resource of the International Bank of Azerbaijan.
ATMs are available only in large cities of Azerbaijan. In the center of Baku, they can be found at every step. There is at least one ATM even in the smallest regional center. Banks in Baku are open from 9:00-9:30 to 17:00. On public holidays and weekends, banks and their branches in hotels do not work, so you can exchange currency only at the Republic Bank on duty.
Credit cards Master Card or Visa in Azerbaijan can be used in boutiques, expensive restaurants and large hotels. Credit cards are not accepted in some grocery stores, cafes, hotels and boarding houses. Using credit cards in the province is almost impossible.
Photography in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan is replete with captivating views and mesmerizing panoramas that cannot be left unimpressed. In this country, it is allowed to carry out ordinary tourist photography and video filming. The exception is the subway, airports, bus stations, oil refineries, factories and other protected objects that are prohibited for photography. Additional photography fees may apply.
Tipping in Azerbaijan.
In many large restaurants in Baku, the percentage for service is indicated on the menu, usually 5-10% of the bill. If there is no mention of this, then 10% can be added to the invoice amount (sometimes in advance, this will speed up the service). At the same time, some cafes leave the right for their customers to decide whether to leave a tip or not. If you really liked the way you were served, it would be appropriate to thank the waiter for 10% of the amount indicated on the bill.
You can leave 5-10 manats to the porter at the airport or hotel, depending on the amount of luggage. It is not customary to tip in a taxi, you should negotiate the fare in advance. Please note that taxi drivers usually do not accept currency.
Remember the opportunity to bargain, especially in the markets and in private stores - you can easily bring down the price by 2 times!
Souvenirs of Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan is famous for its inimitable art folk crafts. You will definitely not puzzle over what to bring with you to your homeland from a trip to this bright and hospitable land. The decision will come to you as 
Just take a look at the souvenir shops. From this sea of outlandish little things, without any doubt, you will find something that will appeal to your soul. The most important souvenir of Azerbaijan are considered carpets, as well as unique Azerbaijani carpet bags, carpet coasters for teapots and cups. Valuable old carpets cannot be exported from the country, but it is quite possible to purchase a brand new carpet with an unusually beautiful pattern. You can learn more about this from your guide before making a purchase.
A wonderful souvenir will be pear-shaped glasses "armuda"(crystal and painted with color patterns), in which tea stays hot for a long time, as well as white cherry jam. This unusual treat for your favorite sweet tooth can be bought in stores in tightly sealed jars, which guarantees a long-term preservation of the delicacy.
You can add a "zest" to your cuisine by bringing original tablecloth With buta- national Azerbaijani pattern, as well as copper utensils. Tablecloths are made of dense fabric with gold embroidery, they look elegant, practical and easy to wash. In Azerbaijan, copper is used to produce wine jugs, chased plates, vases and samovars, which are used not only as a decorative item, but also for their intended purpose.
The souvenir market of Azerbaijan abounds with jewelry, ceramics, wood carvings (pay attention to handmade backgammon), national costume items, local silk products, batik painted products and, of course, wines.
Among this ocean of various souvenirs there is a whole sea of pleasant gifts for children of different ages. Be prepared for the fact that children in souvenir shops will want to buy absolutely everything! Well, take a spare suitcase with you for souvenirs.
National holidays in Azerbaijan.
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Public holidays:
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Religious holidays with changing dates: |
State symbols of Azerbaijan: flag, coat of arms and anthem.
consists of three horizontal equal-sized bands of blue, red and green. In the middle of the red stripe on both sides of the flag are a white crescent and an eight-pointed star. The aspect ratio of the flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan is 1:2. The blue color reflects the Turkic origin of the Azerbaijani people. The red color symbolizes the orientation towards building a modern society and developing democracy. Green is the color of Islam. The Azerbaijani tricolor is a symbol of the Turkic national culture, modern democratic society and Muslim civilization.
The crescent on the flag symbolizes Islam as well as the Turkic peoples. The eight-pointed star personifies 8 branches of the Turkic-speaking peoples and 8 letters of the name "Azerbaijan" in the Arabic alphabet. There is a version according to which the eight-pointed star means 8 traditional peoples living in Azerbaijan.
Coat of arms of Azerbaijan represents an oriental shield against the background of an arc woven from green oak branches and yellow wheat ears. The shield symbolizes the military power of the state and heroism, the branches of the oak - glory and strength, the antiquity of the state, and the ears - fertility and abundance. In the center of the coat of arms on the shield, against the background of the colors of the flag of Azerbaijan, there is a white eight-pointed star, in the heart of which a red fire burns, symbolizing the "land of fire" - Azerbaijan. Fire in heraldry means progress, and this symbol also reminds of the fire worship of Azerbaijanis in ancient times and the traditions associated with the worship of fire (Novruz holiday). The state emblem of Azerbaijan embodies the independence of the Azerbaijani state.
Anthem of Azerbaijan was adopted on May 27, 1992 after the restoration of Azerbaijan's independence. Words by Ahmed Javad, music by Uzeyir Gadzhibekov.
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Original text: Azərbaycan! Azərbaycan! Minlərlə can qurban oldu, Sən olasan gülustan, Namusunu hifz etməyə, Şanlı Vətən! Şanlı Vətən! |
Translation into Russian: Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan! Thousands of us who fell in battle Let your gardens bloom! Be glorified, be glorified by a proud fate, O bright land, cherished land, |
Telephone codes in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan international code: +994 (8-10 994)
Telephone codes of urban lines of large cities of Azerbaijan.
Leading mobile operators in Azerbaijan:
| Azercell Telecom GSM standard International code: +994 050/051 www.azercell.com |
Bakcell GSM and UMTS standard International code: +994 055 www.bakcell.com |
Nar Mobile (Azerfon) GSM standard International code: +994 070/077 www.nar.az |
Foreign embassies and consulates in Azerbaijan.
There are 51 embassies and consulates of various countries of the world in Baku.
Embassies and consulates of Azerbaijan abroad.
Azerbaijan has 60 diplomatic missions in Europe and Asia, as well as in Canada and North Africa.
Reference services of Azerbaijan.
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Information and reference service of Azerbaijan "119" |
Information office in Baku |
Information bus station |
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Airport information |
Reference railway station |
Azerbaijan, the largest country in the Transcaucasian region, is located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe. In the north it borders with Russia and Georgia, in the south with Iran, in the west with Armenia.
Azerbaijan can rightly be called a unique country. More than 70 different nationalities live on its territory.
It was here that the world's first oil well was drilled, the first electric train in the USSR was launched here in 1926, and the number of mud volcanoes is about 350 (there are 800 of them in the world).
Azerbaijan is a country that causes delight, a country with a rich history and unforgettable temples and palaces, a country of Caucasian hospitality and fragrant spices, impregnable mountains and a warm sea.
Capital |
Baku |
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Population |
9.3 million people |
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86.6 thousand km² |
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Population density |
96.7 people/km² |
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Azerbaijani |
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Religion |
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Form of government |
presidential republic |
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Azerbaijani manat |
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Timezone |
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International dialing code |
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Internet domain zone |
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Electricity |
voltage 220 V, frequency 50 Hz. |
Climate and weather
In terms of climatic conditions, Azerbaijan is an unusual country; 9 out of 11 types of climate in the world are combined here. This is due to the geographical location, diverse topography and, of course, the influence of the Caspian Sea. The climate is transitional from temperate to subtropical.
The average July temperature, for example, ranges from +5 °C in the highlands up to +27°C in the lowlands, in January the temperature in different areas varies within -10…+3 °C. At the same time, the absolute maximum of summer temperature was recorded in the city of Julfa ( +45 °С), in winter in the highlands it can get colder to - 40 °С.
Precipitation also falls unevenly: if on the plains (Baku region) they are less than 200 mm per year, then in the foothills - 300-900 mm, and in the highlands - 900-1400 mm per year.
The climate of Azerbaijan is equally favorable for both summer and winter holidays.
Fans of mountain tourism will be delighted with the proposed climbing routes to the mountainous regions of Azerbaijan and visits to nature reserves, they will enjoy skiing.
With the beginning of the swimming season (April-May) on the sandy beaches of the Caspian Sea, you can not only bask in the sun and swim, but also ride scooters and water skis, go diving.
Nature
Most of the territory of Azerbaijan is occupied by mountains, and the vast plains are famous for their fertility. Mountains and plains complement each other.
The Caspian lowland is the lowest point of the republic (28 m below sea level), and the highest point is on the top of Bazardyuzyu (4,466 m above sea level).
The natural and plant world of Azerbaijan is rich, and work is being carefully carried out to protect endangered species. For this purpose, 14 nature reserves and more than 20 sanctuaries have been created. Thanks to this, we can admire the sika deer, chamois, goitered gazelle, saiga.
The nature of Azerbaijan often does what the best doctors cannot do: almost any patient who has spent a month or two here can be cured of many chronic diseases. The country is known for its thermal springs and mineral waters. Sanatoriums in the cities of Naftalan, Merdekan, Bilgah, Gyzyl Gum, Masalli, Lankaran, Nakhchivan are very popular.
The extraction and processing of oil, the extraction of minerals and mineral salts are successfully carried out in Azerbaijan.
sights
It is difficult to say how many places in Azerbaijan that would be interesting to visit for every avid traveler. There are thousands of them! Many of the most unforgettable historical and cultural monuments are concentrated in the capital of the country - Baku:
- the amazing old Maiden's Tower (its height is 29.5 m);
- the so-called "Baku Acropolis";
- Palace of the Shirvanshahs;
- numerous mosques;
- Trading complex (dating back to the 16th-17th centuries);
- famous baths;
- Azerbaijan Carpet Museum;
- numerous unique buildings of the nineteenth century.
The capital is especially attractive during the celebrations of Ramadan Bayram (February 9), Nowruz Bayram (March 20 and 21) and Gurban Bayram (April 18), when numerous festive events are held in the city.
It will be interesting to visit the historical capital of the once great Caucasian Albania - Gabala. Here is the ancient city mosque, the castles of Sary-Tepe (V-IV centuries BC) and Ajinne-Tepe (X-IX centuries BC), the mausoleums of sheikhs Badreddin and Mansur (XV century).
In the mountains of Boyukdash, Kichikdash, Jingirdag, Shongardag and Shykhgayam, we will find evidence of the history of the Azerbaijani people - rock carvings, traces of ancient human settlements, tombstones and burial grounds.
One of the most ancient cities of Transcaucasia - Nakhichevan and Kabala - have a special charm.
The unique flora and fauna of Transcaucasia is protected by the largest reserves: Zagatala, Girkan, Kyzylagach, Shirvan. They contain about four thousand species of plants and animals.
Nutrition
In Azerbaijan, the cult of food. The dishes of this country are incredibly tasty and satisfying. And you are unlikely to be indifferent to the Caucasian shish kebab or pilaf.
From meat in cooking, lamb, beef or poultry are most often used. There are a lot of fish dishes here. And, of course, a variety of vegetables: eggplant, cabbage, peppers, sorrel, spinach, beans, radishes, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions.
Azerbaijani culinary masters widely use such spices as cumin, fennel, anise, bay leaf, coriander, mint, dill, parsley, celery, basil, thyme. But saffron is especially popular; it is a part of more than 50 national dishes.
Tea gourmets will taste tea from a special glass - "armuds"(pear). Tea in such a glass does not cool down, and the edges are never hot. Tea is usually drunk without sugar, because there is always an abundance of sweets on the table.
Nowhere else can you find so many types of exotic jams: watermelon jam, jam from young walnuts, from heavenly apples, from dogwood. And Sheki halva! You can try it only in Azerbaijan.
Residence
Azerbaijan is famous for its cordial hospitality. The hotel business here is still very young, but despite this, about 300 hotels of various classes and comfort accept tourists from all over the world.
The largest hotels are located in big cities. One of the best in Azerbaijan "Kempinski Badamar"- in Baku. The hotel is famous for its extraordinary interiors and high level of service. Travelers can enjoy restaurants, bars, business seminar rooms, 24-hour swimming pools and gyms.
So, for example, a double room in a 4 * hotel in Baku will cost from $200 to $1,000 per day. It is better to book places in hotels in advance, there is the possibility of online booking.
Those who do not like hotel holidays can rent an apartment, the cost of which will depend on the number of rooms, layout and location. So, a two-room apartment in Baku will cost about $60 per day.
Entertainment and recreation
In Azerbaijan, every vacationer will find entertainment to his taste.
In the summer, sea activities are most popular. On the coast of the Caspian Sea, you can not only sunbathe, but also fish, ride a sailboat, and go surfing. One of the best beach resorts - "Amburan" - is located on the Absheron Peninsula. Everything you need for relaxation is here. Entrance fee: 13-23 $ (depending on the day of the week).
Cultural activities are no less important. The Maiden Tower, the Gala Reserve, the sights of the "old city" of Baku, Gobustan, the Shervanshahs' Palace - all this will help you to plunge into the local culture.
There are many different cinemas in the country, the most popular is “ Azerbaijan" is located in Baku.
Theater admirers can enjoy the magnificent performance of actors in the Opera and Ballet Theatre, in the Theater of Young Spectators, as well as in the Russian Drama Theater, the most popular among tourists. All of them are located on Torgovaya Street in Baku.
Fans of noisy parties will not be bored either. On the territory of the country there are many cafes, restaurants, nightclubs.
If you visit Azerbaijan in spring, you can enjoy a colorful festival Novruz Bayram. It is dedicated to the arrival of spring and is held at the end of winter and beginning of spring. For four whole weeks, you can regularly participate in festive processions and enjoy national cuisine. And in April it is held Gurban Bayram.
Purchases
Trade in Azerbaijan is an absolutely traditional occupation. However, shopping in the East is somewhat different from European.
The center of trade is Baku, here are the largest shopping centers in the country: Af kom plaza, Af sentr, Park Bulvar Baku etc. But the prices for goods in the capital are the highest.
Most shops are open from 9:00 to 19:00-20:00, in the city center - until late in the evening. In markets and fairs, prices are the lowest, and bargaining is quite appropriate here. But be careful, the Azerbaijanis are skilled bargainers, and, most likely, victory will be theirs.
Azerbaijani silk, ceramic souvenirs and various handicraft products can be bought at shopping street in the so-called "old city" of Baku. Be sure to visit the famous Sharg Bazaar- a huge indoor market. In Nardaran (a suburb of Baku) there is a carpet weaving center where you can buy high-quality and inexpensive carpets. It is impossible to come from Azerbaijan and not bring backgammon, often local residents play this game right on the streets of the city.
As for payment, it is best to have cash with you, also some stores (primarily in large shopping centers) accept credit cards and US dollars for payment.
Transport
Azerbaijan has excellent roads, which are a real pleasure to travel.
Between cities and towns, it is most convenient to travel by buses and minibuses. The cost of a minibus ticket, for example, from Baku to Zagatala will be $10.
The fastest way to get around in the capital is by subway, you will love its architecture and design, but unfortunately it is forbidden to take pictures inside. The cost of a subway ticket is $0.4.
Taxi in Baku will surprise you. The locals call them "eggplants" and they look like purple English cabs. A taxi ride around the city will cost you an average of $ 6-8. In the provinces, it will most likely be Soviet Zhiguli with a colorful driver, and the fare will be negotiable (but about a third cheaper than in Baku).
It is also possible to rent a car. Representative offices of car rental agencies are located right at the Baku airport. The cost of renting a good car will be about $ 50 per day.
Connection
For calls within Azerbaijan, it is more expedient to buy a SIM card from one of the local operators: Azersel, Azerfon or Baksel. The best connection is considered at Azersel. The prices for services for all operators are approximately the same. A SIM card costs about $5-7 and is topped up through phone cards of various denominations. Tariffs for calls and messages within the country are very favorable, all incoming calls are completely free.
It often happens that the connection is poor or absent in the mountains, so it is best to buy two SIM cards from different operators.
In case the phone is dead or there is no way to replenish the balance, you can use the payphone. You can easily recognize it by its bright yellow booth. Newsstands and communication shops sell special cards for use in payphones.
Safety
The police ensure security and maintain order in Azerbaijan ( Polis). Police officers wear dark blue uniforms with Polis written on the left pocket and back.
The police, ambulance, Ministry of Emergency Situations can be called by a single number 103.
Azerbaijan is not a country with high crime, but pickpockets are often found in markets and transport, so precautions will not hurt.
On the roads of the country you should be very careful. Many drivers and pedestrians often break traffic rules. Drivers often use gestures instead of headlights and often honk for no reason.
Remember that Azerbaijan is an Islamic country and everything here is subject to the traditions and customs of Islam.
Places of worship in Azerbaijan are very respectful, therefore, when visiting mosques, mausoleums, temples, women should give up excessively open and tight clothes, men should not wear shorts. The locals prefer rather strict clothes in mostly dark colors, but women pay more attention to jewelry and accessories. However, there are no restrictions on wearing European or sportswear in everyday life.
Azerbaijanis are known for their hospitality, so don't be surprised if refusing an invitation to visit is taken as a personal insult.
Business climate
To engage in small business in Azerbaijan, a foreign citizen only needs to register with the tax office.
To conduct a business related to pharmaceutical products, the sale of various metals and oil, as well as to engage in medium and large businesses, you need to obtain a license from the Ministry of Justice of Azerbaijan.
Since 2008, the Azerbaijani government has introduced the principle "one window" for registration and registration of business by entrepreneurs. Thus, registering your business has become faster and easier.
The property
According to the legislation of Azerbaijan, foreign individuals and legal entities cannot acquire land plots for personal ownership (only rent), but they can buy real estate in unlimited quantities.
Buying an apartment in a new building is considered a profitable investment. Such apartments in Baku, for example, are sold fully finished. The price depends on the layout and condition of the property. The average price per square meter is from $500. In the capital, the price per square meter reaches $1,300. More affluent citizens can afford luxury apartments with sea views, multi-level apartments.
Exchange offices are located throughout the country, in large supermarkets, hotels. In addition to the national currency, credit cards and US dollars are accepted for payment.
Banks in Baku are open from 9:00-9:30 to 17:30 (many banks close late in the evening, and exchange offices often work around the clock). On the periphery, banks usually close at 17:00-17:30, and some only work with clients until lunchtime.
Tips are usually included in the cost of the order (this is 5-10% of the bill). But if there is no mention of this in the invoice, then add 10% to the total amount.
A porter at a hotel or airport can be given a $5-10 tip. It is not customary to tip a taxi driver, but the fare should be agreed in advance.
In order not to have problems with the police, always have your passport with you.
Visa information
You do not need a visa to enter Azerbaijan. But if the journey takes more than 90 days, you must obtain a registration certificate from the police station in your place of residence within three days after arrival.
The import of foreign currency is not limited, but it is mandatory to declare it. Do not forget to keep the declaration until the moment of departure.
Embassy of Azerbaijan in Moscow: Leontievsky per., 16. Phone (+7 095) 229-1649.
Report on the topic: Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan
Territory
Azerbaijan was part of the USSR until 1991. Today it is an independent state located in the southeastern part of the Transcaucasus. It borders in the north with Russia, in the west with Georgia and Turkey, in the south with Iran. All these boundaries are clearly delineated by the mountainous boundaries - the Greater Caucasus, the Lesser Caucasus and Talysh. In the east it is washed by the Caspian Sea, through the Caspian Sea, through the waters of which it has direct access to Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. e. its inhabitants were engaged in cattle breeding and agriculture on irrigated lands and were skilled craftsmen. At the end of the 5th century, Azerbaijan was captured by Iran. Later, Arabs, Mongols, Turkiseljuks invaded here.
Natural resources
Mountains, occupying 2/3 of the territory, border Azerbaijan, as it were. Between them there is an extensive intermountain trough, the main part of which is the Kura Plain. The areas lying below sea level occupy 1/3 of the flat territory. Of all the Transcaucasian states, Azerbaijan is the richest in minerals. Among them, a special place belongs to oil. Equally important is the satellite - natural gas. Speaking of oil, one cannot pass over in silence its unique variety - the healing oil Naftalan. Iron ore deposits in the mountains of the Lesser Caucasus are the largest in Transcaucasia. The world's largest aluntine deposit is located in the Zaglika area. Nearby there are large reserves of ores of cobalt - the most valuable raw material. Sulfur pyrite, from which sulfuric acid is obtained, is also found here. The variety of ore minerals on the northern slopes of the Lesser Caucasus brought the name "Azerbaijan Ural" to this region. Rock salt, ores, arsenic, and molybdenum are also mined here.
Population
In 1997, 7.6 million people live in Azerbaijan, of which 54% live in cities. High-mountainous regions and arid regions of the Kura Plain have a low population density. Azerbaijanis make up the absolute majority of the population - 82.7%. Before the collapse of the USSR, Russians made up almost 6% of the population, but then a significant part of them left the country. In Nagorno-Karabakh and the Nakhichevan autonomy, the majority of Armenians historically live. There are also Dagestan and Iranian-speaking peoples, Tatars, Jews, Turks. The largest city is the capital Baku (1.8 million people). Big Baku occupies almost the entire Absheron Peninsula and includes oil fields extended into the sea.
Socio-economic situations.
In 1996 For the first time since gaining independence, Azerbaijan managed to stop the decline in GDP. The volume of investments in the country's economy grew rapidly, which is mainly due to the start of the implementation of an international oil project in the economy. Many small enterprises were privatized. This brought the state a considerable profit. The life cycle is still not high, so the problem is growing unemployment. Currently, more than 1 million people are refugees.
Industry.
The basis of the territorial structure of the economy is the Baku-Absheron region. 4/5 of the country's industrial products are produced here. The central link in the industry of Azerbaijan is occupied by the fuel and energy complex: it amounted to 1995. In the sectoral structure of industry, 68.3%. Azerbaijan is one of the world's regions of gas and oil production. Azerbaijan also has ferrous metallurgy, mechanical engineering, food and light industries.
More than 1000 rivers flow, but only 21 of them have a length of more than 100 km. The Kura, the largest river in Transcaucasia, crosses the territory of Azerbaijan from the northwest to the southeast and flows into the Caspian Sea. The main tributary of the Kura is the Araks. Most of the rivers of Azerbaijan belong to the Kura basin. Rivers are used for irrigation. The Mingachevir hydroelectric power station and the Mingachevir reservoir (605 sq. km) were built on the Kura. There are 250 lakes in Azerbaijan, the largest of them are Lake. Hadjikabyul (16 sq. km) and lake. Boyukshor (10 sq. km).
Climate. Most of Azerbaijan is located in the subtropical zone. Several types of climate are distinguished within the country, from dry and humid subtropical (Lenkoran) to mountain tundra (highlands of the Greater Caucasus). Average annual temperatures vary from 15°C in the lowlands to 0°C in the mountains. The average July temperatures range from 26°C in the plains to 5°C in the highlands, and the average January temperatures, respectively, from 3°C to –10°C. The summer is dry. Precipitation is unevenly distributed: 200–300 mm per year on the plains (less than 200 mm in the Baku region), 300–900 mm in the foothills, 900–1400 mm in the highlands of the Greater Caucasus, up to 1700 mm within the Lankaran lowland. In Lankaran, the maximum precipitation occurs in winter, in the mountains and foothills - in April - September.
Vegetable world. There are more than 4,100 species in the flora of Azerbaijan (of which 9% are endemic, including Eldar pine, Hyrcanian boxwood, Lankaran acacia, Caspian lotus, some species of astragalus, etc.). Dry lowlands are covered with semi-desert and desert vegetation (with a predominance of wormwood and saltwort), as well as ephemeral subtropical vegetation. Salt marshes occur in places. High plains and arid foothills are occupied by sagebrush-bearded steppes, shrubs, steppe-like sagebrush semi-deserts. The southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, some areas of the Lesser Caucasus, as well as the Talysh mountains at altitudes from 600 to 1800 m are covered with extensive forests of oak, hornbeam, beech, chestnut, acacia, and ash. Tugai forests, alder forests and alder-lapine forests grow in humid lowlands. Subalpine meadows are common in the highlands. The highest peaks are located in the alpine nival belt.
The fauna of Azerbaijan includes about 12 thousand species, including 623 species of vertebrates (more than 90 mammals, about 350 bird species, more than 40 reptile species, more than 80 fish species, the rest are cyclostomes and amphibians). Reptiles, hares, wolves, foxes, goitered gazelle are common on the plains. Wild boars, roe deer, badgers, and jackals are found in the valleys of the Kura and Araks. Red deer, Dagestan tur, chamois, bezoar goat, roe deer, bear, lynx, forest cat, mouflon and leopard live in the mountains. Animals such as sika deer, saiga, raccoon dog, American raccoon, coypu, skunk have been introduced. The world of birds (pheasants, partridges, black grouse, etc.), especially waterfowl, is very diverse. Many of them arrive for the winter (ducks, geese, swans, herons, pelicans, flamingos, cormorants, etc.). There are many valuable commercial fish in the Caspian Sea (salmon, stellate sturgeon, beluga, herring, kutum, vobla, asp, lamprey, sprat, etc.), and among mammals - the Caspian seal.
Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan Republic, a state in the southeastern part of Transcaucasia. Area - 86.6 thousand square meters. km. It borders on Russia in the north, Georgia in the northwest, Armenia in the west, Iran in the south, Turkey in the extreme southwest, and the Caspian Sea in the east.
Azerbaijan since the beginning of the 19th century. until 1918 it was part of the Russian Empire, from 1918 to 1920 it was an independent state, from 1922 to 1991 it was part of the USSR. On August 30, 1991, state independence was proclaimed (the official date of establishing independence is October 18, 1991). The capital and largest city of Azerbaijan is Baku. The republic de jure includes two administrative entities: the Nakhichevan Republic and the de facto Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, which separated from Azerbaijan (until 1991 - an autonomous region), populated mainly by Armenians.
Nature
Relief
More than half of the territory of Azerbaijan is occupied by mountains belonging to the system of the Greater Caucasus in the north (the ridges of the Greater Caucasus with the peak of Bazarduzu, 4480 m, and the Side with the peak of Shahdag, 4250 m) and the Lesser Caucasus in the west and southwest. The highlands of the Greater Caucasus are characterized by glaciers and turbulent mountain rivers; the middle mountains are strongly dissected by deep gorges. From west to east, the mountains of the Greater Caucasus first gradually, and then sharply lower and are replaced by a system of low ridges. The mountains of the Lesser Caucasus are less high, they consist of numerous ridges and the volcanic Karabakh highlands with cones of extinct volcanoes. In the extreme southeast are the Lankaran Mountains, which consist of three parallel ridges. The main peak of the highest Talysh ridge Kyomyurkoy reaches 2477 m. The mountains of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus are separated by the vast Kura-Araks lowland.
To the northeast of the Greater Caucasus lies the Kusar Plain. The northwestern and northern part of the Kura-Araks lowland is a system of hills, low ridges and valleys; in the center and in the east there are alluvial plains, near the sea coast there is a low delta of the Kura River. The low-lying Apsheron Peninsula and the Kura Spit jut deep into the Caspian Sea.
Rivers and lakes
More than 1000 rivers flow through the territory of Azerbaijan, but only 21 of them have a length of more than 100 km. The Kura, the largest river in Transcaucasia, crosses the territory of Azerbaijan from the northwest to the southeast and flows into the Caspian Sea. The main tributary of the Kura is the Araks. Most of the rivers of Azerbaijan belong to the Kura basin. Rivers are used for irrigation. The Mingachevir hydroelectric power station and the Mingachevir reservoir (605 sq. km) were built on the Kura. There are 250 lakes in Azerbaijan, the largest of them are Lake. Hadjikabyul (16 sq. km) and lake. Boyukshor (10 sq. km).
Climate. Most of Azerbaijan is located in the subtropical zone. Several types of climate are distinguished within the country, from dry and humid subtropical (Lenkoran) to mountain tundra (highlands of the Greater Caucasus). Average annual temperatures vary from 15°C in the lowlands to 0°C in the mountains. The average July temperatures range from 26°C in the plains to 5°C in the highlands, and the average January temperatures, respectively, from 3°C to –10°C. The summer is dry. Precipitation is unevenly distributed: 200–300 mm per year on the plains (less than 200 mm in the Baku region), 300–900 mm in the foothills, 900–1400 mm in the highlands of the Greater Caucasus, up to 1700 mm within the Lankaran lowland. In Lankaran, the maximum precipitation occurs in winter, in the mountains and foothills - in April - September.
Vegetation
There are more than 4,100 species in the flora of Azerbaijan (of which 9% are endemic, including Eldar pine, Hyrcanian boxwood, Lankaran acacia, Caspian lotus, some species of astragalus, etc.). Dry lowlands are covered with semi-desert and desert vegetation (with a predominance of wormwood and saltwort), as well as ephemeral subtropical vegetation. Salt marshes occur in places. High plains and arid foothills are occupied by sagebrush-bearded steppes, shrubs, steppe-like sagebrush semi-deserts. The southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, some areas of the Lesser Caucasus, as well as the Talysh mountains at altitudes from 600 to 1800 m are covered with extensive forests of oak, hornbeam, beech, chestnut, acacia, and ash. Tugai forests, alder forests and alder-lapine forests grow in humid lowlands. Subalpine meadows are common in the highlands. The highest peaks are located in the alpine nival belt.
The fauna of Azerbaijan includes approximately 12 thousand
species, including 623 species of vertebrates (more than 90 mammals, about 350 bird species, more than 40 reptile species, more than 80 fish species, the rest are cyclostomes and amphibians). Reptiles, hares, wolves, foxes, goitered gazelle are common on the plains. Wild boars, roe deer, badgers, and jackals are found in the valleys of the Kura and Araks. Red deer, Dagestan tur, chamois, bezoar goat, roe deer, bear, lynx, forest cat, mouflon and leopard live in the mountains. Animals such as sika deer, saiga, raccoon dog, American raccoon, coypu, skunk have been introduced. The world of birds (pheasants, partridges, black grouse, etc.), especially waterfowl, is very diverse. Many of them arrive for the winter (ducks, geese, swans, herons, pelicans, flamingos, cormorants, etc.). There are many valuable commercial fish in the Caspian Sea (salmon, stellate sturgeon, beluga, herring, kutum, vobla, asp, lamprey, sprat, etc.), and among mammals - the Caspian seal.
State of the environment
The Apsheron Peninsula and other coastal areas are among the most environmentally unfavorable areas of the globe due to severe air, water and soil pollution. Soil and groundwater pollution is caused by the use of DDT and toxic defoliants in cotton cultivation. Air pollution is associated with industrial emissions in Sumgayit, Baku and other cities. A serious source of sea pollution is the oil-producing and oil-refining industry.
The rich flora and fauna of the country is subjected to strong anthropogenic impact. Forests suffer from logging and grazing. Agricultural land is expanding due to deforestation.
Work is underway in Azerbaijan to protect the natural environment. In order to preserve some areas of natural forest, relict flora and rare animal species, 14 reserves and 20 sanctuaries have been created. Red and sika deer, chamois, goitered gazelle, bezoar goat, mouflon, roe deer, and saiga are especially protected.
Population
According to the results of the last census conducted in the USSR, in Azerbaijan in 1989, out of 7029 thousand people, the share of ethnic Azerbaijanis (before the formation of the Azerbaijan SSR in 1936 were called Caucasian Tatars, Transcaucasian Muslims or Caucasian Turks) accounted for 5813 thousand, or 82.7 %.
The largest national minorities were Russians (5.6%) and Armenians (5.5%). In addition, Lezgins (4.3%), Avars, Ukrainians, Tatars, Jews, Talysh, Turks, Georgians, Kurds, Udins lived here. After ethnic clashes between Azerbaijanis and Armenians in Sumgayit and Nagorno-Karabakh and as a result of the outflow of the Russian-speaking population and Armenians, the share of Azerbaijanis increased to 89%, while the share of Russians decreased to 3% (as of 1995).
The proportion of mixed marriages is very low. Despite rapid urbanization and social change, Azerbaijani families retain close family ties that play an important role in personal and social life, politics and business.
The official language is Azerbaijani, which belongs to the Turkic languages and is close to Turkish and Turkmen. The role of the Russian language in the 1990s declined significantly.
In 2001, it was estimated that children and adolescents under the age of 15 made up 32% of the population, the economically active population (men aged 16–62, women aged 16–57) 59%, people of retirement age 9%. Azerbaijan was characterized by a high level of population growth: in the period from 1979 to 1989 it was 1.7% per year. In the 1990s, the population growth rate slowed down: from 1991 to 1998 they were estimated at 0.5–0.7% per year, in 2001 they amounted to 0.3%. According to 2001 estimates, life expectancy is 63 years (58.6 for men and 67.5 for women). Infant mortality - 83.08 per 1000 newborns.
51% of the country's population lives in cities, with more than half of them concentrated in Greater Baku and Sumgayit. The population of Baku, the capital and largest city of the country, is 1228.5 thousand people, and the entire capital region - 2071.6 thousand. The second largest city in the country is Ganja (294.7 thousand), the third is Sumgayit (279.2 thousand). Other large cities are Mingechaur, Ali-Bayramli, Nakhichevan, Lankaran.
Religion
The main religion of Azerbaijan is Islam. With the fall of the Soviet regime, a period of Islamic revival began in Azerbaijan. The majority of Muslims in Azerbaijan are adherents of the Jafarite school (madhhab) in Shiism. About 70% of all Muslims in the country are Shiites, 30% are Sunnis. There are also Orthodox and Jewish communities in Azerbaijan.
Bibliography
For the preparation of this work, materials from the site http://www.krugosvet.ru/ were used.