Azerbaijan

Located at the boundary of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Azerbaijan is part of the South Caucasus region and is bounded by the Caspian Sea to the east, Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia and Turkey to the west, and Iran to the south.

Capital is Baku.

The only official language is Azerbaijani and is spoke by a majority of the population.

Population, 10,389,953. Size, 86,600 km^2.

Currency is the Manat.

The majority religion in Azerbaijan is Islam, though Azerbaijan is the most secular country in the Muslim world.

Major cities include Ganja, Sumqayit, Lankaran, and Mingachevir.

National dish is Plov or Yarpaq Dolmasi. Principal crops include grapes, cotton, tobacco, citrus fruits, and vegetables.

Azerbaijan has relatively cold winters and hot summers. It is arid in most of the low-lying areas, while it is colder and generally rainier in the mountains. Winters are cold but not freezing.

The Burning Mountain is a rare natural wonder. It burns all year round due to natural gas escaping from the ground. Azerbaijan has the most mud volcanos in the world. Bread is considered sacred and it is hung from trees. Azerbaijan boasts the highest number of mammal species of any European country. Azerbaijan is one of the friendliest countries in the Caucasus Region. Azer means “fire” and the country is known as "the Land of Fire". The horse is the national animal of Azerbaijan, and the Karabakh horse is especially known for its agility, endurance, and intelligence.