Republic of Azerbaijan
Physical context
As one of the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union, Azerbaijan is located at the crossroads of the Middle East, Asia and Europe. It is situated in the eastern part of the Southern Caucasus on the Caspian Sea coast (44°50’ to 50°51’ eastern longitude and 38°25’ and 41°55’ northern latitude). Map 2.1 shows the location of Azerbaijan in the Caucasus Region. Neighbouring countries of Azerbaijan are the Islamic Republic of Iran to the south, Turkey to the south-west, Georgia to the north-west, Armenia to the west and Russia to the north. The western coast of the Caspian Sea forms the eastern border of the country. The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan is separated from the rest of Azerbaijan by a strip of Armenian territory. Azerbaijan encompasses a territory of 86,600 km2 with a population size of 8,202,500 people (SSCRA 2003). Both territory and population size make Azerbaijan comparable with Austria.
The mountain ranges of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus and Tallish surround the Kura-Araz lowland, which is the main agricultural zone of Azerbaijan. Over half of the country’s territory are mountains (foothills: 18 %; mountains: 33 %; high mountains: 9 %) and the rest (40 %) plains and lowlands. 27 % of the territory is above 1,000 m, but 18 % is below the mean level of the world oceans . Highest point above sea level is 4,466 m (Mount Bazarduzu) and the lowest – 28 m (SSCRA 2002a). The Caucasus region is internationally recognised as one of the 25 most important global hot spots of high biological diversity and very endangered ecosystems (CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL 2004). For instance, due to its long history of agriculture, Azerbaijan is a globally important centre for agro-biodiversity. This fact is reflected in both species numbers and genetic variability of crop plants and domestic animals.
Physical context
As one of the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union, Azerbaijan is located at the crossroads of the Middle East, Asia and Europe. It is situated in the eastern part of the Southern Caucasus on the Caspian Sea coast (44°50’ to 50°51’ eastern longitude and 38°25’ and 41°55’ northern latitude). Map 2.1 shows the location of Azerbaijan in the Caucasus Region. Neighbouring countries of Azerbaijan are the Islamic Republic of Iran to the south, Turkey to the south-west, Georgia to the north-west, Armenia to the west and Russia to the north. The western coast of the Caspian Sea forms the eastern border of the country. The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan is separated from the rest of Azerbaijan by a strip of Armenian territory. Azerbaijan encompasses a territory of 86,600 km2 with a population size of 8,202,500 people (SSCRA 2003). Both territory and population size make Azerbaijan comparable with Austria.
The mountain ranges of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus and Tallish surround the Kura-Araz lowland, which is the main agricultural zone of Azerbaijan. Over half of the country’s territory are mountains (foothills: 18 %; mountains: 33 %; high mountains: 9 %) and the rest (40 %) plains and lowlands. 27 % of the territory is above 1,000 m, but 18 % is below the mean level of the world oceans . Highest point above sea level is 4,466 m (Mount Bazarduzu) and the lowest – 28 m (SSCRA 2002a). The Caucasus region is internationally recognised as one of the 25 most important global hot spots of high biological diversity and very endangered ecosystems (CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL 2004). For instance, due to its long history of agriculture, Azerbaijan is a globally important centre for agro-biodiversity. This fact is reflected in both species numbers and genetic variability of crop plants and domestic animals.
FLORA AND FAUNA
The territory of the country as a whole can be pictured as a giant tray tilted towards the Caspian Sea. This causes all the rivers of Azerbaijan to flow into the sea. Some of them join the major river Kura, and some flow into river Araz, the largest tributary of the river Kura.
There are about 250 lakes in Azerbaijan. Gey Gel Lake, a pearl of exceptional beauty framed by wooded mountains, is located in the foothills of the Kapaz Mountains at a height of 1,556 meters above sea level.
Caspian Sea, the largest lake in the world (378 400 sq. km water surface), is unique at its origins and has a rich biodiversity. Its fauna comprises 1,332 species. 111 fish species live in the Caspian including sturgeon, salmon, Danube bleak, bream, herring and other fish. There are many seals near the Azerbaijan coastland, which, being the only mammal in the Caspian, are under protection of the Absheron Reserve.
Azerbaijan is rich in ores, non-metallic deposits and fuels. The largest oil and gas reserves have been in the Absheron Peninsula. The well known therapeutic naphthalene hydrocarbon is used to treat various diseases.
Mineral waters of Istisu spring in the Kalbajar region are superior to the renowned waters of Karlovy Vary in some of their characteristics. The mineral waters of Badamly, Sirab and Vaikhyr springs of Nakhchivan have become popular far outside the region.
12 reserves and 17 protected areas have been created to protect endangered species. The Gyzylagach State Reserve comprises a part of Mugan steppe lying beside the Caspian Sea. Flamingo, crane, bald-coot, duck, cormorant, goose, swan and heron are most notable species among thousands birds that go there to winter. Persian gazelle inhabits the Shirvan Reserve. The Zagatala Reserve protects mountain animals: deer, mountain goat, mouflon, roe deer, bear and various species of birds. Many species in Azerbaijan are included in the Red Book database.
There are about 250 lakes in Azerbaijan. Gey Gel Lake, a pearl of exceptional beauty framed by wooded mountains, is located in the foothills of the Kapaz Mountains at a height of 1,556 meters above sea level.
Caspian Sea, the largest lake in the world (378 400 sq. km water surface), is unique at its origins and has a rich biodiversity. Its fauna comprises 1,332 species. 111 fish species live in the Caspian including sturgeon, salmon, Danube bleak, bream, herring and other fish. There are many seals near the Azerbaijan coastland, which, being the only mammal in the Caspian, are under protection of the Absheron Reserve.
Azerbaijan is rich in ores, non-metallic deposits and fuels. The largest oil and gas reserves have been in the Absheron Peninsula. The well known therapeutic naphthalene hydrocarbon is used to treat various diseases.
Mineral waters of Istisu spring in the Kalbajar region are superior to the renowned waters of Karlovy Vary in some of their characteristics. The mineral waters of Badamly, Sirab and Vaikhyr springs of Nakhchivan have become popular far outside the region.
12 reserves and 17 protected areas have been created to protect endangered species. The Gyzylagach State Reserve comprises a part of Mugan steppe lying beside the Caspian Sea. Flamingo, crane, bald-coot, duck, cormorant, goose, swan and heron are most notable species among thousands birds that go there to winter. Persian gazelle inhabits the Shirvan Reserve. The Zagatala Reserve protects mountain animals: deer, mountain goat, mouflon, roe deer, bear and various species of birds. Many species in Azerbaijan are included in the Red Book database.
