Azerbaijani Information

Flag of Azerbaijan

Map of Azerbaijan

Basic Information

Azerbaijan is a former Soviet republic that regained its independence after the fall of the USSR in 1991. It is a nation with a majority-Turkic and majority-Muslim population. It has population of around 8.2 million people and a land mass slightly smaller than that of Maine. The primary language is Azerbaijani (Azeri). Its government is run as a republic and its capital is Baku. 

Azerbaijan's Gross Domestic Product - Real Growth Rate (or GDP growth on an annual basis adjusted for inflation and expressed as a percentage) is 31%... compared to the US's 2.2%.  Its absolutely extraordinary oil industry drives the economy, thus the high GDP-RGR. However, its GDP - Purchasing Power Parity (which divides the GDP by the total population) is $9,000... the US's at $46,000. While not exact, the GDP-PPP is a general gage of the average worker's yearly income.

Now for some fun tidbits. It is obscene for men in Azerbaijan to wear shorts in public. (Note: When I return to the US after 2 1/2 years of no sun on my legs, those who wish to keep their eyesight might want to wear sunglasses.) Azerbaijan has 35 airports, 27 are paved. Azerbaijan has one paved Heliport... so does Sparta, Illinois. 1/3 of Iran is ethnically Azerbaijani (Azeri). 1/3 of Azerbaijan is pumped that Emma and I are coming... the other 2/3s aren't so sure.     

For more information visit Azerbaijan's World Factbook page. Most of my information comes from that web-page...  

-Mathias        

Getting Started

Preface:


In January of 2007, Emma and I decided to apply for the Peace Corps...


In August of 2007, we passed the initial interview process and were told we would most likely end up in Central Asia...


In March 2008, we found out we are going to Azerbaijan. I will teach English as a Second Language and Emma will work in Youth Development...


On September 23rd 2008, we leave for our two year three month "tour of duty."


Introduction:


This blog is my way of keeping you up-to-date on what and how we are doing.


Body:

Or at least a picture of our newly wed bodies...


Conclusion:

If you are interested in anything specific, let me know. I will be sure to address it in a future blog.

-Mathias