Azerbaijan – A Quick & Quirky Guide
Official name: Republic of Azerbaijan (Azərbaycan Respublikası)
Area: ~86,600 km² – Caspian coastline, mountains, and plains
Population: ~10.2 million (2024)
Location: South Caucasus, bordered by Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, and the Caspian Sea
Form of government: Presidential republic
Head of State: President Ilham Aliyev
Head of Government: Prime Minister Ali Asadov
Capital city: Baku – ~2.3 million
Time zone: Azerbaijan Time (UTC+4)
Official language: Azerbaijani (Azeri)
Currency: Azerbaijani manat (AZN)
EU member: No
Schengen area: No
Top 10 Largest Cities (population approx.)
- Baku – ~2.3 million
- Ganja – ~330,000
- Sumqayit – ~310,000
- Mingachevir – ~105,000
- Lankaran – ~90,000
- Shirvan – ~80,000
- Nakhchivan – ~70,000
- Shaki – ~68,000
- Yevlakh – ~66,000
- Khachmaz – ~60,000
Popular Tourist Cities & Regions
- Baku: Flame Towers, Caspian waterfront, Old City (Icherisheher), and modern architecture.
- Sheki: Historic town with Sheki Khan’s Palace and charming streets.
- Gobustan: Rock carvings and mud volcanoes.
- Gabala: Mountains, forests, and adventure sports.
- Naftalan: Famous for therapeutic oil baths.
- Caspian Coast: Beaches and resorts along the sea.
Climate
Varies: temperate along the Caspian coast, continental inland. Summers can reach 30–35 °C, winters mild in lowlands, snowy in mountains. Perfect for both beach days and mountain hikes.
Culture & Daily Life
- Ancient heritage: History spans Persian, Ottoman, and Russian influences.
- Music & dance: Mugham (traditional music), folk dances, and modern pop.
- Friendly locals: Hospitable, tea-loving, and proud of their culture.
- Outdoor lifestyle: Hiking, beach sports, and city strolls.
Food & Drink
- Classic dishes: Plov (rice pilaf), kebabs, dolma (stuffed grape leaves), piti (stew).
- Pastries & desserts: Pakhlava (baklava), shekerbura (sweet pastry).
- Beverages: Tea, local wines, and pomegranate juice specialties.
- Street food: Quick bites of kebabs, bread, and sweets.
Summary
Azerbaijan is a country of contrasts: futuristic Baku meets ancient Sheki, Caspian beaches meet mountain retreats. Rich culture, hospitable locals, and flavorful cuisine make it a unique stop in the Caucasus. Whether you’re exploring mud volcanoes or sipping tea in a caravanserai, Azerbaijan leaves a big impression in a relatively small space.