Changes

==People==

==People==

[[File:Azeri girls Turks.JPG|thumb|300px|left|Azeri girls.]]

[[File:Azeri girls Turks.JPG|thumb|300px|left|Azeri girls.]]

The majority of Azerbaijanis follow [[Islam]]. Over 90% of the people are ethnic Azerbaijanis. <ref>https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/aj.html</ref> The official language is Turkic.

The majority of Azerbaijanis follow [[Islam]]. Over 90% of the people are ethnic Azerbaijanis.<ref>https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/aj.html</ref> The official language is Turkic.

*Population (July 2005 est.): 7,911,974.

*Population (July 2005 est.): 7,911,974.

*Population growth rate (2005 est.): 1.0%.

*Population growth rate (2005 est.): 1.0%.

*Religion: Muslim 93.4% (majority Shi'a), Russian Orthodox 2.5%, Armenian Orthodox Church 2.3%, and other 1.8%.  Azerbaijan has a policy of [[secularism]] and religious diversity, but it is unknown how many [[Atheism|atheists]]/[[Agnosticism|agnostics]] reside in the country as they are not counted in the government census.<ref>"[http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/6/prweb10839650.htm Islam and Secularism: the Azerbaijani experience and its reflection in France]". PR Web.</ref><ref>"[http://www.eurasianet.org/node/67396 Azerbaijan: Islam Comes with a Secular Face]". Eurasianet.</ref>

*Religion: Muslim 93.4% (majority Shi'a), Russian Orthodox 2.5%, Armenian Orthodox Church 2.3%, and other 1.8%.  Azerbaijan has a policy of [[secularism]] and religious diversity, but it is unknown how many [[Atheism|atheists]]/[[Agnosticism|agnostics]] reside in the country as they are not counted in the government census.<ref>"[http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/6/prweb10839650.htm Islam and Secularism: the Azerbaijani experience and its reflection in France]". PR Web.</ref><ref>"[http://www.eurasianet.org/node/67396 Azerbaijan: Islam Comes with a Secular Face]". Eurasianet.</ref>

*Languages: Azerbaijani 89%, Russian 3%, Armenian 2%, and other 6%.

*Languages: Azerbaijani 89%, Russian 3%, Armenian 2%, and other 6%.

*Education: Literacy--97%.

*Education: Literacy—97%.

*Health: Infant mortality rate--83.41/1,000 live births (2000 est.). Life expectancy (2007 est.)--65.96 years.  

*Health: Infant mortality rate—83.41/1,000 live births (2000 est.). Life expectancy (2007 est.)--65.96 years.  

*Work force (3 million): Agriculture and forestry--42.3%; industry--6.9%; construction--4.2%; other--46.6%.  

*Work force (3 million): Agriculture and forestry—42.3%; industry—6.9%; construction—4.2%; other—46.6%.  

===Culture===

===Culture===

Azerbaijan declared its independence from the former Soviet Union on August 30, 1991, with Ayaz Mutalibov, former First Secretary of the Azerbaijani Communist Party, becoming the country's first President. Following a March 1992 massacre of Azerbaijanis at Khojali in Nagorno-Karabakh (a predominantly ethnic Armenian region within Azerbaijan), Mutalibov resigned and the country experienced a period of political instability. The old guard returned Mutalibov to power in May 1992, but less than a week later his efforts to suspend scheduled presidential elections and ban all political activity prompted the opposition Popular Front Party (PFP) to organize a resistance movement and take power. Among its reforms, the PFP dissolved the predominantly Communist Supreme Soviet and transferred its functions to the 50-member upper house of the legislature, the National Council.  

Azerbaijan declared its independence from the former Soviet Union on August 30, 1991, with Ayaz Mutalibov, former First Secretary of the Azerbaijani Communist Party, becoming the country's first President. Following a March 1992 massacre of Azerbaijanis at Khojali in Nagorno-Karabakh (a predominantly ethnic Armenian region within Azerbaijan), Mutalibov resigned and the country experienced a period of political instability. The old guard returned Mutalibov to power in May 1992, but less than a week later his efforts to suspend scheduled presidential elections and ban all political activity prompted the opposition Popular Front Party (PFP) to organize a resistance movement and take power. Among its reforms, the PFP dissolved the predominantly Communist Supreme Soviet and transferred its functions to the 50-member upper house of the legislature, the National Council.  

Elections in June 1992 resulted in the selection of PFP leader Abulfez Elchibey as the country's second President. The PFP-dominated government, however, proved incapable of either credibly prosecuting the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict or managing the economy, and many PFP officials came to be perceived as corrupt and incompetent. Growing discontent culminated in June 1993 in an armed insurrection in Ganja, Azerbaijan's second-largest city. As the rebels advanced virtually unopposed on Baku, President Elchibey fled to his native province, the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan. The National Council conferred presidential powers upon its new Speaker, Heydar Aliyev, former First Secretary of the Azerbaijani Communist Party (1969-81) and member of the U.S.S.R. Politburo and U.S.S.R. Deputy Prime Minister (until 1987). Elchibey was formally deposed by a national referendum in August 1993, and Aliyev was elected to a 5-year term as President in October with only token opposition. Aliyev won re-election to another 5-year term in 1998, in an election marred by serious irregularities. Presidential elections that took place on October 15, 2003 resulted in the election of Ilham Aliyev, the son of Heydar Aliyev. The election did not meet international standards. Ilham Aliyev assumed the office of president on October 31, 2003. Heydar Aliyev died December 12, 2003.  

Elections in June 1992 resulted in the selection of PFP leader Abulfez Elchibey as the country's second President. The PFP-dominated government, however, proved incapable of either credibly prosecuting the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict or managing the economy, and many PFP officials came to be perceived as corrupt and incompetent. Growing discontent culminated in June 1993 in an armed insurrection in Ganja, Azerbaijan's second-largest city. As the rebels advanced virtually unopposed on Baku, President Elchibey fled to his native province, the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan. The National Council conferred presidential powers upon its new Speaker, Heydar Aliyev, former First Secretary of the Azerbaijani Communist Party (1969–81) and member of the U.S.S.R. Politburo and U.S.S.R. Deputy Prime Minister (until 1987). Elchibey was formally deposed by a national referendum in August 1993, and Aliyev was elected to a 5-year term as President in October with only token opposition. Aliyev won re-election to another 5-year term in 1998, in an election marred by serious irregularities. Presidential elections that took place on October 15, 2003 resulted in the election of Ilham Aliyev, the son of Heydar Aliyev. The election did not meet international standards. Ilham Aliyev assumed the office of president on October 31, 2003. Heydar Aliyev died December 12, 2003.  

Azerbaijan's first parliament was elected in 1995. The present 125-member unicameral parliament was elected in November 2005 in an election that showed improvements in democratic processes, but still did not meet international standards. A majority of parliamentarians are from the President's "New Azerbaijan Party," although the 2005 elections brought in a much more diverse parliament, with up to 10 opposition members and a sizeable number of independents. Many of these independents may have close ties to government, while as many as 20 others are business leaders whose political affiliations are not clear. According to the constitution, the speaker of parliament stands next in line to the president. The parliament, however, is historically a weak body with little real influence. The Speaker is Oktay Asadov.  

Azerbaijan's first parliament was elected in 1995. The present 125-member unicameral parliament was elected in November 2005 in an election that showed improvements in democratic processes, but still did not meet international standards. A majority of parliamentarians are from the President's "New Azerbaijan Party," although the 2005 elections brought in a much more diverse parliament, with up to 10 opposition members and a sizeable number of independents. Many of these independents may have close ties to government, while as many as 20 others are business leaders whose political affiliations are not clear. According to the constitution, the speaker of parliament stands next in line to the president. The parliament, however, is historically a weak body with little real influence. The Speaker is Oktay Asadov.  

===Principal Government Officials===

===Principal Government Officials===

*President--Ilham Aliyev

*President—Ilham Aliyev

*Prime Minister--Artur Rasizade

*Prime Minister—Artur Rasizade

*Foreign Minister--Elmar Mammadyarov

*Foreign Minister—Elmar Mammadyarov

*Ambassador to the U.S.--Yashar Aliyev  

*Ambassador to the U.S.--Yashar Aliyev  

*Ambassador to the UN--Agshin Mehdiyev  

*Ambassador to the UN—Agshin Mehdiyev  

The 2005 election was widely criticized in the West.  The media is mostly under state control, and dissenting journalists are frequently intimidated or killed.<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/1235976.stm</ref>

The 2005 election was widely criticized in the West.  The media is mostly under state control, and dissenting journalists are frequently intimidated or killed.<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/1235976.stm</ref>

*Unemployment rate (est.): 15%-20%.

*Unemployment rate (est.): 15%-20%.

*Natural resources: Petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, nonferrous metals, alumina.

*Natural resources: Petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, nonferrous metals, alumina.

*Agriculture: Products--cotton, tobacco, grain, rice, grapes, fruit, vegetables, tea, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats.

*Agriculture: Products—cotton, tobacco, grain, rice, grapes, fruit, vegetables, tea, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats.

*Industry: Types--petroleum and natural gas, petroleum products, oilfield equipment, steel, iron ore, cement, chemicals, petrochemicals.

*Industry: Types—petroleum and natural gas, petroleum products, oilfield equipment, steel, iron ore, cement, chemicals, petrochemicals.

*Trade: Exports--$3.77 billion: oil and gas, chemicals, oilfield equipment, textiles, cotton. Imports--$4.98 billion: machinery and parts, consumer durables, foodstuffs, textiles. Major trade partners--Italy, Russia, Turkey, Israel, U.S., Iran, other EU, and other countries formerly part of the Soviet Union.  

*Trade: Exports--$3.77 billion: oil and gas, chemicals, oilfield equipment, textiles, cotton. Imports--$4.98 billion: machinery and parts, consumer durables, foodstuffs, textiles. Major trade partners—Italy, Russia, Turkey, Israel, U.S., Iran, other EU, and other countries formerly part of the Soviet Union.  

The 2006 budget increased spending (in dollar terms) by 84% with the bulk going to the military, wages, infrastructure projects, and social assistance. Part of the increase in expenditures was financed by revenues from the oil fund. The IMF has expressed concern about the impact in inflation and macroeconomic stability as well as governance if the capital budget is not well managed. The State Oil Fund (SOFAZ) was established as an extra-budgetary fund to ensure macroeconomic stability, transparency in the management of oil revenue, and the safeguarding of resources for future generations. All oil revenue profits from the development of new oil fields now flow into SOFAZ, and are held offshore. SOFAZ assets amounted to $1.5 billion as of February 2007. Nevertheless, SOFAZ's sterilization effect is limited since it does not cover SOCAR, the State Oil Company.  

The 2006 budget increased spending (in dollar terms) by 84% with the bulk going to the military, wages, infrastructure projects, and social assistance. Part of the increase in expenditures was financed by revenues from the oil fund. The IMF has expressed concern about the impact in inflation and macroeconomic stability as well as governance if the capital budget is not well managed. The State Oil Fund (SOFAZ) was established as an extra-budgetary fund to ensure macroeconomic stability, transparency in the management of oil revenue, and the safeguarding of resources for future generations. All oil revenue profits from the development of new oil fields now flow into SOFAZ, and are held offshore. SOFAZ assets amounted to $1.5 billion as of February 2007. Nevertheless, SOFAZ's sterilization effect is limited since it does not cover SOCAR, the State Oil Company.  

==History==

==History==

[[File:Bibi Heybat mosque Azerbaijan WC.jpg|thumb|Tomb in Bibi Heybat [[mosque]].]]

[[File:Bibi Heybat mosque Azerbaijan WC.jpg|thumb|Tomb in Bibi Heybat [[mosque]].]]

Azerbaijan combines the heritage of two venerable civilizations--the Seljuk Turks of the 11th century and the ancient Persians. Its name is thought to be derived from the Persian phrase "Land of Fire," referring both to its petroleum deposits, known since ancient times, and to its status as a former center of the Zoroastrian faith. The Azerbaijani Republic borders the Iranian provinces of East and West Azerbaijan, although they have not been united into a single state in modern times.  

Azerbaijan combines the heritage of two venerable civilizations—the Seljuk Turks of the 11th century and the ancient Persians. Its name is thought to be derived from the Persian phrase "Land of Fire," referring both to its petroleum deposits, known since ancient times, and to its status as a former center of the Zoroastrian faith. The Azerbaijani Republic borders the Iranian provinces of East and West Azerbaijan, although they have not been united into a single state in modern times.  

Little is known about Azerbaijan's history until its conquest and conversion to Islam by the Arabs in 642 AD. Centuries of prosperity as a province of the Muslim caliphate followed. After the decline of the Arab Empire, Azerbaijan was ravaged during the Mongol invasions but regained prosperity in the 13th-15th centuries under the Mongol II-Khans, the native Shirvan Shahs, and under Persia's Safavid Dynasty. <ref>http://www.mfa.gov.az/eng/azer/history.shtml</ref>

Little is known about Azerbaijan's history until its conquest and conversion to Islam by the Arabs in 642 AD. Centuries of prosperity as a province of the Muslim caliphate followed. After the decline of the Arab Empire, Azerbaijan was ravaged during the Mongol invasions but regained prosperity in the 13th-15th centuries under the Mongol II-Khans, the native Shirvan Shahs, and under Persia's Safavid Dynasty.<ref>http://www.mfa.gov.az/eng/azer/history.shtml</ref>

Due to its location astride the trade routes connecting Europe to Central Asia and the Near East and on the shore of the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan was fought over by Russia, Persia, and the Ottomans for several centuries. Finally, the Russians split Azerbaijan's territory with Persia in 1828 by the Treaty of Turkmenchay, establishing the present frontiers and extinguishing the last native dynasties of local Azerbaijani khans. The beginning of modern exploitation of the oil fields in the 1870s led to a period of unprecedented prosperity and growth in the years before World War I.  

Due to its location astride the trade routes connecting Europe to Central Asia and the Near East and on the shore of the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan was fought over by Russia, Persia, and the Ottomans for several centuries. Finally, the Russians split Azerbaijan's territory with Persia in 1828 by the Treaty of Turkmenchay, establishing the present frontiers and extinguishing the last native dynasties of local Azerbaijani khans. The beginning of modern exploitation of the oil fields in the 1870s led to a period of unprecedented prosperity and growth in the years before World War I.  

At the collapse of the Russian Empire in 1917, an independent republic was proclaimed in 1918 following an abortive attempt to establish a Transcaucasian Republic with Armenia and Georgia. Azerbaijan received de facto recognition by the Allies as an independent nation in January 1920, an independence terminated by the arrival of the Red Army in April. Incorporated into the Transcaucasian Federated Soviet Socialist Republic in 1922, Azerbaijan became a union republic of the U.S.S.R. (Soviet Union) in 1936. The late 1980s were characterized by increasing unrest, eventually leading to a violent confrontation when Soviet troops killed 190 nationalist demonstrators in Baku in January 1990. Azerbaijan declared its independence from the U.S.S.R. on August 30, 1991. <ref>http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/aztoc.html</ref>

At the collapse of the Russian Empire in 1917, an independent republic was proclaimed in 1918 following an abortive attempt to establish a Transcaucasian Republic with Armenia and Georgia. Azerbaijan received de facto recognition by the Allies as an independent nation in January 1920, an independence terminated by the arrival of the Red Army in April. Incorporated into the Transcaucasian Federated Soviet Socialist Republic in 1922, Azerbaijan became a union republic of the U.S.S.R. (Soviet Union) in 1936. The late 1980s were characterized by increasing unrest, eventually leading to a violent confrontation when Soviet troops killed 190 nationalist demonstrators in Baku in January 1990. Azerbaijan declared its independence from the U.S.S.R. on August 30, 1991.<ref>http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/aztoc.html</ref>

==References==

==References==

[[Category:Former Soviet Countries]]

[[Category:Former Soviet Countries]]

[[Category:Muslim-Majority Countries]]

[[Category:Muslim-Majority Countries]]

[[Category: Armenia]]

[[Category:Armenia]]