Azerbaijan is a country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia, bordered by the Caspian Sea to the east, and known for its wealth of oil and gas, diverse landscapes ranging from mountains to flatlands, and a mix of traditional and modern culture, particularly in its capital, Baku. The country regained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and possesses a blend of cultures due to its historical ties with Persian, Russian, and Turkic influences.