Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan includes the exclave of Naxcivan Autonomous Republic and the Nagorno-Karabakh region; the region's autonomy was abolished by Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet on 26 November 1991, but receives support from Armenia. Azerbaijan regained its independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Despite a 1994 cease-fire, Azerbaijan has yet to resolve its conflict with Armenia over the Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh enclave (largely Armenian populated after occupation). Azerbaijan has lost 16% of its territory and must support some 800,000 refugees and internally displaced persons as a result of the conflict. Corruption is ubiquitous and the promise of widespread wealth from Azerbaijan's undeveloped petroleum resources remains largely unfulfilled.

Celebrate

These are the nationally recognized holidays for people living in Azerbaijan.

• New Year (January 1-2)
• Women’s Day (March 8)
• Victory Day (May 9)
• Republic Day (May 28)
• Day of National Salvation of Azerbaijan People (June 15)
• Day of Military Forces of Azerbaijan Republic (June 26)
• State Sovereignty Day (October 18)
• Constitution Day (November 12)
• National Rebirth Day (November 17)
• Solidarity Day of World Azerbaijanis (December 31)
• Novruz Bayram – five days
• Gurban Bayram (Day of Sacrifice) - two days
• Ramazan (Day of Fasting) - two days

Climate

Azerbaijan is known for having 9 of the 11 existing ecological zones, although a great deal of it is dry and semiarid steppe.

Terrain

Large, flat Kur-Araz Ovaligi (Kura-Araks Lowland) (much of it below sea level) with Great Caucasus Mountains to the north, Qarabag Yaylasi (Karabakh Upland) in west; Baku lies on Abseron Yasaqligi (Apsheron Peninsula) that juts into Caspian Sea Elevation extremes  lowest point  Caspian Sea -27 m highest point  Bazarduzu Dagi 4,466 m Environment - current issues  Local scientists consider the Abseron Yasaqligi (Apsheron Peninsula) (including Baku and Sumqayit) and the Caspian Sea to be the ecologically most devastated area in the world because of severe air, soil, and water pollution; soil pollution results from oil spills, from the use of DDT as a pesticide, and from toxic defoliants used in the production of cotton

Electricity

Electricity is supplied at 220V 50Hz. Outlets are the European standard CEE-7/7 "Schukostecker" or "Schuko" or the compatible, but non-grounded, CEE-7/16 "Europlug" types. Generally speaking, U.S. and Canadian travelers should pack an adapter for these outlets if they plan to use North American electrical equipment in Azerbaijan. Additionally, some older buildings may be still equipped with Soviet-era outlets. The Soviet GOST-7396 standard was very similar to the current European CEE-7/7 "Schuko plug", but the pins were of a 4.0mm diameter, while the Schuko features 4.8mm pins. As such, the pins of a Schuko may be too large to fit into a Soviet-era outlet, although the smaller Europlug will still fit.. Although the Soviet-era outlets have largely been phased out, travelers who are particularly concerned with having the ability to plug in at all times may consider packing an adapter for the Soviet-era outlets too, just in case. Also, make sure to bring your own automated voltage adapter because the electricity in Azerbaijan short circuits and "jumps" a lot and many items may get shocked if you dont bring the adapter.

Legal system  based on civil law system Corruption is widespread. Carry some money to keep you out of trouble. Only use licenced taxis. Watch out for beggars. Also, the international soft drinks (Coca-Cola, Pepsi, etc.) may be homemade and contaminated, watch out when buying such drinks. To make sure buy them from big supermarkets and stores.

Make sure to get your shots a couple weeks before departure. The air in the cities where oil is produced isn't as clean as in other countries so that results in diseases. Some meats are also old or spoiled, make sure to buy them from a clean respected place and watch out for roadside sellers.