Geographical Data
Azerbaijan is situated on the western coast of the Caspian Sea,
in the eastern part of the South Caucasus. The northern frontier of
the country with Russia (Dagestan) stretches from the coast of the
Caspian Sea to the Greater Caucasus Mountains; the north-western
boundary with Georgia is formed by complicated configuration of
mountains; the boundary with the Islamic Republic of Iran to south
runs alongside the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and the river Araz
to the Caspian coast with its humid subtropical climate. Azerbaijan
is bordered by Turkey to the southwest and by Armenia to the west.
The territory of the country as a whole can be pictured as a giant
tray tilted towards the Caspian Sea. This causes all the rivers of
Azerbaijan to flow into the sea. Some of them join the major river
Kura, and some flow into river Araz, the largest tributary of the
river Kura.
There are about 250 lakes in Azerbaijan. Gey Gel Lake, a pearl of
exceptional beauty framed by wooded mountains, is located in the
foothills of the Kapaz Mountains at a height of 1,556 meters above
sea level.
Caspian Sea, the largest lake in the world (378 400 sq. km water
surface), is unique at its origins and has a rich biodiversity. Its
fauna comprises 1,332 species. 111 fish species live in the Caspian
including sturgeon, salmon, Danube bleak, bream, herring and other
fish. There are many seals near the Azerbaijan coastland, which,
being the only mammal in the Caspian, are under protection of the
Absheron Reserve.
Azerbaijan is rich in ores, non-metallic deposits and fuels. The
largest oil and gas reserves have been in the Absheron Peninsula.
The well known therapeutic naphthalene hydrocarbon is used to treat
various diseases.
Mineral waters of Istisu spring in the Kalbajar region are superior
to the renowned waters of Karlovy Vary in some of their
characteristics. The mineral waters of Badamly, Sirab and Vaikhyr
springs of Nakhchivan have become popular far outside the region.
12 reserves and 17 protected areas have been created to protect
endangered species. The Gyzylagach State Reserve comprises a part of
Mugan steppe lying beside the Caspian Sea. Flamingo, crane,
bald-coot, duck, cormorant, goose, swan and heron are most notable
species among thousands birds that go there to winter. Persian
gazelle inhabits the Shirvan Reserve. The Zagatala Reserve protects
mountain animals: deer, mountain goat, mouflon, roe deer, bear and
various species of birds. Many species in Azerbaijan are included in
the Red Book database.