North America~~~~Azerbayan
One of many republics which emerged from the former Soviet Union, Azerbayan is probably one of the less known. This does not mean that this country is not interesting. It has certainly been discovered by the oil multinationals from the West. But when you visit the capital Baku, it becomes clear soon that this coutnry has always been a crossroads for travelers from Europe and the East. Landmarks confirming this can be seen throughout the city. The Greeks, Persians, and so many other ancient peoples have visited and left their marks in this country. The last time the country rose to international attention was when it, like many other ex-Soviet republics, became immersed in a war at the beginning of the 1990s. That is now over, and the country strives to become a prosperous nation.