Background:

Located between the Caspian and Black seas, Azerbaijan has always been a vital crossroad between Asia and Europe. For that reason, throughout most of its history, many empires have fought over and dominated the country, including Romans, Persians, Arabs, Russians and Mongols.

After a brief period of independence in 1918, Azerbaijan became a republic of the Soviet Union two years later, but gained independence again after the collapse of communism in 1991. It is now part of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

A landlocked country rich in petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, nonferrous metals, and bauxite, Azerbaijan enjoyed high economic growth during 2006-08, mostly attributable to oil exports. The non-energy sector also featured double-digit growth in 2008, spurred by growth in the construction, banking, and real estate sectors. However, the economy has recently slowed down due to decreasing oil prices.

Hi Kidz started its activities in Azerbaijan in 1997.

• Population:
• 8,239 million (July 2009 estimate)
• 23.9% are children 0-14 years
• 24% living below poverty line

• Religion:
• 
• Muslim 93.4%
• Russian Orthodox 2.5%
• Armenian Orthodox 2.3%
• Evangelicals 0.1%

• Location:
• 
• Southwestern Asia

• Capital:
• Baku

• Government:
• Republic

• Languages:
• Azerbaijani (Azeri) 90.3%
• Lezgi 2.2%
• Russian 1.8%
• Armenian 1.5%

• 
• 
• 
•