Location: Caucasus, along the Caspian Sea, bordering Georgia, Armenia, Iran and Russia
Capital: Baku
Tourist Attractions: Once a stopover on the Silk Route and a former Soviet Republic, Azerbaijan is known for its medieval castles, fire temples, palaces, and cultural charm. Baku is the biggest metropolis in Transcaucasia. Tourist attractions in Azerbaijan include the medieval walled city of Icheri Sheker, known for its tea-houses and the 12thcentury Maiden Tower; Apsheron Peninsula, famous for its 14th century castles at Ramana, Nardaran and Mardakan; Ateşgah Fire Temple, Khan's Palace, the 18th century Surakhany Fire Temple, and Gobustan Museum, an open-air museum known for its Neolithic rock inscriptions. The scenic Aspheron Peninsula also has some of the finest beaches in the country and offers good hiking and coastal walks.
Access: Many airlines operate regular flights from Europe, Russia and Middle East. Ships sail regularly from Baku across the Caspian Sea to ports in Turkmenistan and Iran. There are also excellent rail and road links between Azerbaijan and neighboring Tblisi (Georgia), Moscow, Tehran (Iran) and other major cities in the CIS.
Climate: Azerbaijan has a dry subtropical climate, which varies according to altitude and regions. It has pleasantly warm summers and mild winters with average summer temperature ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF), all through July and August. Winter temperatures also remain well above zero (32ºF), except in the mountains.