Azerbaijan / Azərbaycan Respublikası – Let’s explore here
What’s it like in Azerbaijan?
Azerbaijan is a transcontinental country – it is located both in Europe and in Asia. Because of this, the information on the country is located both in our European and in our Asian travel destination sections. Don’t worry though, all the information for this amazing country is captured on this page.
Azerbaijan is a beautiful, mostly mountainous country that sits within the Caucasus. The country is split by Armenia, with the main part of the country sitting next to the Caspian Sea, and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic as an exclave. It’s about the size of the island of Ireland.
The highest point is Mount Bazardüzü in the north of the country, on the border with Russia, at 14,652 ft (4,466m). Conversely, the capital, Baku, is the lowest elevation capital in the world, one of only two below sea level (the other being Amsterdam, Netherlands).
Nine out of eleven existing climate zones are present in the country. Both the absolute minimum temperature and the absolute maximum temperature have been observed in regions of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. It shares its land borders with Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Turkey and Iran.
The population of Azerbaijan is around 10½ million people (2022), about one in three of whom live in the metropolitan area of the capital, Baku. It relies heavily on its oil and gas reserves.
A little bit about the history of Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan has a rich history shaped by its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with influences from various empires and civilisations.
Ancient and Medieval Periods
The area now known as Azerbaijan was home to ancient civilizations, including the Caucasian Albanians. It was later part of the Achaemenid Persian Empire and subsequently the Parthian and Sassanian empires. In the 7th century, Arab conquest brought Islam to the region. Over the centuries, Azerbaijan came under the control of various Turkic and Persian dynasties.
Safavid and Qajar Empires
In the 16th century, Azerbaijan became part of the Safavid Empire, a Persian dynasty that established Shi’a Islam as the state religion. Following the decline of the Safavids, Azerbaijan became part of the Qajar Empire in the 19th century. The region was of strategic importance and often the site of conflicts between the Russian Empire and Persia.
Russian and Soviet Rule
In the early 19th century, Azerbaijan was ceded to the Russian Empire after the Russo–Persian Wars (1804-1813 and 1826-1828). Following the Russian Revolution in 1917, Azerbaijan declared independence in 1918 and established the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. However, the country was soon invaded by Soviet forces and incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1920, becoming the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic.
Independence and Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
Azerbaijan gained independence from the Soviet Union on August 30, 1991, following its collapse. The country immediately faced tensions with Armenia over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, leading to a full-scale war in the 1990s. The conflict, which lasted until 1994, resulted in a ceasefire, but the dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh remained unresolved.
Recent Developments
In the 21st century, Azerbaijan has become an important oil and gas producer, with significant economic growth. The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict reignited in 2020, leading to a brief but intense war between Azerbaijan and Armenia. A ceasefire agreement brokered by Russia resulted in Azerbaijan regaining control over parts of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas.
Today, Azerbaijan is a secular, multi-ethnic country with a predominantly Muslim population, and it continues to face challenges related to political freedoms, the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, and its relationship with neighbouring countries.
Azerbaijan road trip
On our planned Azerbaijan road trip we’ll hopefully be travelling into the country from Georgia, driving across the border. However, as the border is currently closed for incoming vehicles, we’re on hold for this part of the journey – see our blog for more information. If the border does open, we will then travel across the Caspian Sea to Kazakhstan and the rest of the Stans. If not, there is also the opportunity (although expensive) to ship our car to Azerbaijan and fly in from Georgia.
Hopefully this will improve our knowledge of this intriguing and beautiful country, and enable us to meet some interesting people. We’ll be updating this page at that time – don’t forget to check back 🙂
Map of our road trip through Azerbaijan
This is a map of our planned road trip around Azerbaijan if we arrive in to Baku, either flying or via the Caspian Sea.
What’s it like to drive in Azerbaijan?
They drive on the right hand side of the road in Azerbaijan. In the main roads in Azerbaijan are quite good, however many are unsurfaced dirt tracks. Driving standards are also quite good.
Do you require an international driving permit in Azerbaijan?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
Can you use your UK driving license when driving through Azerbaijan?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
Do I need a carnet de passages to drive in Azerbaijan?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
What are the speed limits in Azerbaijan?
The speed limits for cars in Azerbaijan are:
- 15 mph (20 km/h) for urban driving
- 35 mph (60 km/h) outside of built up areas
- 55mph (90 km/h) on dual carriageways
- 70 mph (110 km/h) on motorways
Is the border open to drive into Azerbaijan?
Unfortunately, all land borders into Azerbaijan are currently closed for overlanding (2024), initially due to the covid pandemic, and now for security reasons. You can however drive out of Azerbaijan. You can also ship your car in from e.g. Georgia, and fly in to Azerbaijan, although costs are not insignificant.
What currency do they use in Azerbaijan?
In Azerbaijan they use the Manat. Most goods and paid for in cash. The use of credit / debit cards is now widespread in the capital, Baku, but not elsewhere. Travellers cheques are accepted in banks in Baku. There are lots of ATMs.
You should make yourself aware of the amount that your bank charges you for using credit and debit cards abroad. Often credit cards are cheaper for purchasing items directly, and for withdrawing cash from ATMs.
What language do they speak in Azerbaijan?
They speak Azerbaijani in Azerbaijan. Along the borders they also speak Russian and Armenian respectively. English is taught in schools but is not widely spoken outside of the capital Baku.
What time zone is Azerbaijan in?
Remember, when you’re planning your next trip to take a look at what time zone it’s in.
Do I need a visa to visit Azerbaijan?
We’ve created a dedicated, more comprehensive page on visas, which you should find helpful. Check it out!
Is wild camping legal in Azerbaijan?
Yes, wild camping is fine in Azerbaijan, although you should avoid national parks and natural reserves.
What plug / socket type do they use in Azerbaijan?
In Azerbaijan they use plug / socket types C and F.
Health issues in Azerbaijan
Is it safe to drink water in Azerbaijan?
No, it is not safe to drink tap water in Azerbaijan. Bottled water is readily available across the country.
What vaccinations are required for Azerbaijan?
This NHS website is kept up to date with all relevant information on vaccinations in Azerbaijan.
Phones in Azerbaijan
What is the country calling code for Azerbaijan?
The country calling code for Azerbaijan is +994
What are the emergency phone numbers in Azerbaijan?
- The emergency number for police in Azerbaijan is: 112 / 102
- In Azerbaijan, the emergency number for ambulance is: 112 / 103
- The emergency number for fire in Azerbaijan is: 112 / 101
If you’ve got some useful info that you’d like to share, let us know!
Don’t forget to check out all the other pictures!