Fact 1: The Land of Fire
Azerbaijan is often referred to as the 'Land of Fire'. This moniker can be traced back to its Zoroastrian history. One of the prominent sites that bear relevance to this label is Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain), a natural gas fire that burns ceaselessly on a hillside on the Absheron Peninsula.
Fact 2: The Country that Spans Two Continents
Azerbaijan is one unique place. It is one of a few nations that lie at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Specifically, Azerbaijan is situated along the geographical border within the Caucasus region, with a vast part of it on the eastern side located within Asia, and a smaller western section in Europe.
Fact 3: The Home of the First Oil Well
Modern industrial oil extraction actually began in Azerbaijan. In 1846, a 21-meter deep oil well was drilled in Bibi-Heybat. This was years ahead of the era when drilling for oil started gaining traction in the US or other parts of the world.
Fact 4: A Land of Languages
While Azerbaijani (or Azeri) is the official language, the country is highly multilingual. Besides their native tongue, Azerbaijanis often speak Russian and English due to its historical ties with the Soviet Union and increasing global orientation.
Fact 5: Unmatched Hospitality
Azerbaijanis are known for their unrivaled generosity, warmth, and hospitality. Regardless of whether they're city dwellers or residents of smaller settlements, visitors are often welcomed with open arms and treated like family.
Fact 6: The First Democratic Republic in the Muslim World
Azerbaijan declared its independence after the collapse of the Russian Empire on May 28, 1918, making it the first democratic republic in the Muslim world even if it was short-lived (two years).
Fact 7: A Country of Ancient Cultures and Civilizations
Dating back thousands of years, Azerbaijan has been a cradle of ancient cultures and civilizations. Gobustan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, protects rock carvings dating back between 5,000 to 40,000 years, alongside mud volcanoes and gas-stones.
Fact 8: The Land of Wind Catchers
Azerbaijan is known for its unique architectural tradition of "wind catchers". This architectural feature was designed for natural ventilation in buildings, and it can be seen in numerous older buildings across Azerbaijan.
Fact 9: Home to a City of Literature
In 2019, the capital city of Azerbaijan, Baku, was recognized by UNESCO as a City of Literature, due to its deep literary history and continued commitment to promote local and international literary links.
Fact 10: More Mud Volcanoes than Anywhere Else
Azerbaijan boasts more mud volcanoes than any other country in the world. The country is home to around 400 of the estimated 1,000 mud volcanoes worldwide.
Fact 11: The Carpet Weaving Tradition
Azerbaijan has a prosperous traditional craft of carpet weaving, recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of Intangible Heritage. Azerbaijan's city of Quba is especially known for its unique and distinctive carpet designs.
Fact 12: Currency Named After a Mythical Creature
The country's currency, known as the Manat, is named after a national symbol: a mythical bird that appears in many traditional tales.
Fact 13: Home to A Subtropical Paradise
The Talysh Mountains in southern Azerbaijan are known for their subtropical climate. The area is home to tea plantations and lush forests, providing a spectacular contrast to the rugged beauty of the northern mountains.
Fact 14: The Surprisingly Diverse Fauna
Azerbaijan is home to the Caucasian leopard, one of the most endangered leopard subspecies. The country is also home to diverse wildlife such as brown bears, wolves, lynxes, and many bird species.
Fact 15: The Highest Mountain of Azerbaijan - Bazarduzü
Azerbaijan's highest peak, Bazarduzü, stands at an intimidating 4,466 meters. Interestingly, this peak also marks the country's border with Russia.
Fact 16: A Breed of Sheep Is Named After the Country
Azerbaijan gives its name to the Karabakh breed of sheep, which is as hardy and resilient as the people of the country themselves. This breed is particularly known for its fine wool.
Fact 17: The Oil Rocks - World's First Offshore Oil Platform
Azerbaijan is home to the world's first offshore oil platform, known as the Oil Rocks. This city on stilts has been extracting oil since 1949.
Fact 18: An Impressive Life Expectancy
Azerbaijanis have an impressive average lifespan. The average life expectancy in Azerbaijan is 73 years, with women statistically living longer than men.
Fact 19: Active Participation in Space Exploration
Azerbaijan has been actively involved in space exploration. The country launched its first satellite, Azerspace-1, in 2013 and has since continued contributing to space technology development.
Fact 20: The Carpet Museum Shaped Like a Rolled Carpet
One of the most visually interesting architectural designs in Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum in Baku, which is shaped like a rolled carpet. The structure is as tempting to look at as the priceless carpets it houses.