Date of independence, or formation date: 1991
Date when current borders were established: 1991
National day: May 28
Vehicle country identifying code: AZ
Time zone (hours plus or minus from GMT): +4
International telephone dialling code: +994
Internet country identifying code: .az

Situated on the west coast of the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan was the first Soviet republic to declare independence. The issue of the disputed enclave of Nagorno Karabakh, whose Armenian population seeks secession, led to full-scale war (1988–1994) and is still a dominant concern. Over 200,000 refugees, and more than twice as many internally displaced, added to the problems of the troubled economy. Azerbaijan's oil wealth, however, gives it long-term potential.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004