Baku's rapidly expanding skyline has become a picture of urban modernity in recent years thanks to rapid economic growth.
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Baku's Walled City —
The picturesque Walled City in Baku is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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History of oil —
Oil derricks are glimpsed through the minarets of a mosque in Baku. Azerbaijan has vast oil reserves and at one point in the early 20th century was producing half of the world's oil output.
Faith in numbers —
Muslim men bow to pray in a mosque in Baku. 93% of Azerbaijan's population is muslim according to the country's government.
Fashioning a new nation —
Azerbaijan gained full independence from the USSR in 1991 after initially declaring national soveriegnty in 1988.
Expanding culturally —
Azerbaijan triumphed in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2011 and hosted the continent-wide cultural event in 2012.
National symbol —
The stunning Karabakh horse is one of the national symbols of Azerbaijan.
Let the games begin —
In June 2015, Azerbaijan hosts the first-ever European Games in the capital city, Baku.