Azerbaijan is in South-western Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran and Russia, with a small European portion north of the Caucasus range. The climate is dry typical of semiarid steppes. The country is surrounded by mountains, occupying more than half of its territory: the Greater Caucasus is the highest peak of the country Bazaar - dyuzy - 4480m (its south-eastern part reaches Azerbaijan), to the southwest is the massive Transcaucasian upland extending to Armenia and Georgia, mounted by the Lesser Caucasus, to the south the Talysh Mountains join them.
Population
7,830,764 (July 2003 est.)
Area
86,600 sq km
Ethnicity/ Race
Azeri 90%, Dagestani 3.2%, Russian 2.5%, Armenian 2%, other 2.3% (1998 est.)
Major Languages
Azerbaijani (Azeri) 89%, Russian 3%, Armenian 2%, other 6% (1995 est.)
Religion
Muslim 93.4%, Russian Orthodox 2.5%, Armenian Orthodox 2.3%, other 1.8% (1995 est.)
Azerbaijan: Convention & Culture Partner of ITB Berlin 2013
As the Convention & Culture Partner of ITB Berlin 2013, Azerbaijan will be providing a link between Asia and Europe with a varied programme. Located between the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus, this country is attending the world’s largest travel trade show to introduce its natural attractions and its rich culture, as well as promoting itself as vacation destination with the emphasis on culture, and as an outstanding MICE venue too. With some prominent panelists, Azerbaijan is also strongly represented in the discussions about its economic development at the ITB Berlin Convention, the leading think tank for the international travel industry.
“In addition to the oil industry, which is already a major economic factor, we are also focusing our attention on developing tourism”, says Abulfas Garayev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, with reference to his country’s high level of involvement in ITB Berlin. “For us this partnership with ITB Berlin is a very important instrument for effectively promoting the tourism potential of Azerbaijan. This year the Eurovision Song Contest in Baku attracted enormous media attention, presenting our country’s modern image around the world. By acting as the convention and cultural partner of the world’s largest travel trade show we aim to strengthen this image even further.” Azerbaijan declared 2011 as the Year of Tourism, and the advances being made with the country’s tourism infrastructure are already evident. New hotels have been constructed and special laws have been proposed to encourage the development of tourism. This year is expected to see the completion of one of the largest tourism projects, the construction of the Shahdag ski region.
