Azerbaijan is the state in a southeast part of Transcaucasia. It borders on Russia in the north (Republic Dagestan), on Georgia in northwest, on Armenia and Turkey in a southwest, on Iran in the south. In the east it is washed by Caspian Sea, at coast are located Apsheron and Baku archipelagos. In the structure of Azerbaijan includes the Nakhichevan Autonomous republic. Azerbaijan is one of the ancient centres of a civilization. The most part of territory of modern Azerbaijan referred to an antiquity as Albania Caucasian, the government in which has developed not later than III — II centuries up to A. D. By the end of IV century the Albanian state has been grasped by Persia. From XVI to XVIII century the country was in structure of the state Sefevidov. As a result of the Russia-Persian wars 1805–1813 and 1826–1828 the most part of northern Azerbaijan was a part of the Russian state. In November, 1917 the Soviet authority which then has temporarily fallen is established, and in 1918 the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic which has existed of 23 months has been proclaimed. In 1920 in the country the Soviet authority has been restored and toed Azerbaijan SSR. In 1988 in attitudes with Armenia has arisen the conflict which has accepted armed character. Within several years not declared war because of dispute on territorial accessory of Nagorniy Karabakh was conducted. At extraordinary session of the Supreme body of the Azerbaijan Republic in 1991 the decision on abolition of the status of the Nagorno-Karabakh autonomous region is accepted. Since May, 1994 on the Karabakh front the armistice is established. In 1991 the Declaration on restoration of the state independence and the modern name of republic is accepted; Azerbaijan was included into the CIS. A state system is: The head of the state is the President. The supreme body of legislature — Millimedzhlis — constantly operating unicameral parliament selected for 5 years. The supreme body of executive authority is the Cabinet headed by the Prime Minister. |
