Baku, << bah KOO >> (pop. 2,277,500), is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan. Baku, which is also spelled Baky, is on the east coast of the country along the Caspian Sea. It is Azerbaijan’s chief port and the country’s political, economic, and cultural center. The Baku area serves as an important oil-producing region. Its products also include cotton, natural gas, processed meat, ships, and textiles.
Baku has existed since at least the 800’s. Early in its history, it fell under Persian and Turkish control. Russia took over Azerbaijan in the early 1800’s. Russia developed the country’s industry, particularly petroleum production. By the late 1800’s, Baku had become the world’s leading producer of refined petroleum. From 1922 to 1991, Azerbaijan was part of the Soviet Union. It became independent in 1991. Baku remains an important oil center, processing oil from offshore wells in the Caspian Sea.
