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Azerbaijan (Russian) (1919-24, 1992-) Stamp-issuing status: active; Population: 7,735,918 (1997). The
eastern portion of the Caucasus. Occupied by Russia in the 19th century,
Azerbaijan declared its independence in 1917, after the Russian Revolution.
Turkish and British occupation was followed by the establishment of a communist
regime in 1920. Azerbaijan was incorporated into the Transcaucasian Federated
Republic in 1923. Soviet stamps were used from 1924-91. With the breakup of the
Soviet Union, Azerbaijan again became independent and resumed issuing its own
stamps. An ongoing war with neighboring Armenia has drained the country, but its
large oil reserves promise eventual economic development and prosperity. These
reserves, and its strategic location in the region make Azerbaijan the object of
international attention, as it is courted by Turkish, Iranian and Western
interests. 
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