Travel Guide Azerbaijan - Country Information

Coordinates: 40 30 N, 47 30 E
Population: 7,961,619 (July 2006 est.)
Religions: Muslim 93.4%, Russian Orthodox 2.5%, Armenian Orthodox 2.3%, other 1.8% (1995 est.)
note: religious affiliation is still nominal in Azerbaijan; percentages for actual practicing adherents are much lower
Languages: Azerbaijani (Azeri) 89%, Russian 3%, Armenian 2%, other 6% (1995 est.)
Climate: dry, semiarid steppe
Elevation: lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m / highest point: Bazarduzu Dagi 4,485 m
Hazards: droughts
Background Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan - a nation with a Turkic and majority-Muslim population - was briefly independent from 1918 to 1920; it regained its independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Despite a 1994 cease-fire, Azerbaijan has yet to resolve its conflict with Armenia over the Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh enclave (largely Armenian populated). Azerbaijan has lost 16% of its territory and must support some 528,000 internally displaced persons as a result of the conflict. Corruption is ubiquitous, and the promise of widespread wealth from Azerbaijan's undeveloped petroleum resources remains largely unfulfilled.

Summary of recommendations:All travelers should visit either their personal physician or a travel health clinic 4-8 weeks before departure.
Malaria: Prophylaxis with chloroquine is recommended for the rural lowlands in the provinces of Agcabadi, Barda, Beylaqan, Bilasuvar, Calilabad, Fuzuli, Imisli, Kurdamir, Saatli, Sabirabad, and Zardab that run between the Kura and Arax rivers.
Vaccinations:
Tetanus-diphtheria	For all travelers who have not received a tetanus-diphtheria immunization within the last 10 years.
Hepatitis A	Recommended for all travelers
Typhoid	For travelers who may eat or drink outside major restaurants and hotels
Hepatitis B	For travelers who may have intimate contact with local residents, especially if visiting for more than 6 months
Rabies	For travelers who may have direct contact with animals and may not have access to medical care
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)	Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given