Geography and economy

Welcome to Azerbaijan, the Land of Fire and the Land of Wonders. Exotic and mysterious, the ancient cradle of Zoroastrianism, a country where legend and reality are entwined to form a heady mix astounding the modern traveler. The country sits on the Caspian (Eastern) side of Transcaucasia, a wide and mainly mountainous swathe of land dividing the Caspian and the Black Sea and separated from the Russian steppes in the North by the snow-peaked Caucasian mountains. Although small, Azerbaijan amazingly includes four out of the Earth’s five climatic zones, but mainly the climate is sunny and arid. Long, hot summers, provide excellent holiday opportunities on the Caspian Sea. The country has a population of just under 8 million which is predominantly Turkic in origin. Most people speak Azeri, which is very close to Turkish, and many also speak fluent Russian. While rich in tradition, the country is moving forward at incredible speed. Structural economic reforms are making rapid progress, the privatisation programme is almost completed, and the political situation is becoming increasingly stable. According to some estimates Azerbaijan has the world's third largest oil reserves, and with the opening of the $4 billion pipeline linking Baku oilfields to Turkey’s Mediterranean Port of Ceyhan, the country’s GDP is projected to grow by a minimum of 35% every year for at least the next three years. This breathtaking growth presents unique opportunities for investment including property investment. The country’s foreign investment legislation is very liberal (see the Legal aspects section). Investors into Azerbaijan enjoy the benefits of newly introduced investor protection laws. There are no restrictions on foreign companies or private individuals owning property or land in Azerbaijan.

Azeri lifestyle

The enjoyment of life has always been one of the central features of the Azeri psyche. Although the population’s attitude was somewhat upset by the communist ideology during the Soviet times, modern Azerbaijan is making a quick return to its original relaxed, almost Mediterranean, type of ambience. The majority of the population is Muslim but the country is officially secular. Traditionally, Azeris have been very tolerant to other religions. There is a lot to enjoy in Azerbaijan. The people are friendly and relaxed, most of the days are sunny, and the Azeri hospitality is legendary. The historical sites are exotic (see Baku Old Town and Our Travel Tip sections). For those interested in handicrafts there are gorgeous hand-made Azeri carpets, beautiful copper kitchenware and the exquisite Kuba daggers – an art form in itself. All this is easy to find as Baku Old Town is full of fine antique shops. For those with an ear for world music, Alikhan Samedov with his modern yet traditional balaban (Azeri flute) playing is a revelation. Azeri cuisine is excellent and unfortunately something that you will rarely find outside of the country. Whist the typical local diet includes tender lamb kebabs, pancakes filled with either beef or herbs called kutabs and clay oven-baked thin bread; extra delicacies include sturgeon. Do try to make sure they steam or at least simply boil it for you. Grilling this fish is a crime but it is still not punishable under current Azeri legislation! You will find also exeptional local cheeses (enjoy with nasharab, the quintessential pomegranate sauce, also excellent with lamb and sturgeon) and of course CAVIAR! This comes from three different varieties of Caspian sturgeon, rated top to bottom as beluga, osietra and servyuga, and is actually affordable. For a truly wonderful experience try track down the freshest beluga malossol (lightly salted) - make sure its refrigerated at all times and eaten within a month. There are even local truffles, as yet to be experienced by the author of this page. Azeri wine quality is variable but the recently emerging international varieties like sauvignon blanc or pinot blanc, from the authors extensive research, tend to be a safe bet. Local beer is palatable and vodka (make sure they cool it) and brandy (add a slice of lemon) can be excellent. Finally it is impossible not to mention the taste of local vegetables, fruit and herbs – it is all locally grown, organic and absolutely delicious. If you have been grocery shopping in a typical European or American supermarket all your life, you will have a surprise of your life when you discover what the genuine product actually tastes like. The restaurant and club scene in Baku is lively and extensive, with anything from an international dance club with a sushi bar on the side, to Mexican, Mediterranean or even Ye Ode English hostillery. If between all this, quintessential beach living and the sultry gaze of a local girl, you cannot find your next stop on the way to your personal paradise, please refer to our property listing or even to Legal Aspects.