🇦🇿 Baku, Azerbaijan 2024

Location: Baku is situated 28 meters below sea level, near the Caspian Sea
Population: Approximately 3.5 million inhabitants
History:
Azerbaijan became part of the Russian Empire in 1806, independent from 1991
The old city wall dates back to the 12th century
3,000 people still live in the old city
Notable landmarks:
Maiden Tower: Possibly pre-Islamic, built between 4th-8th centuries
Economy: Mainly based on oil and gas exploitation
Modern developments:
Hosts Formula 1 races to improve the country's image
Architecture influenced by European styles, with several buildings designed by Polish architects
Religion: 96% Muslim (majority Shia), but considered one of the least religious countries