• Table of Contents

  • What Countries Border Armenia and Azerbaijan?
  • Countries Bordering Armenia
  • Countries Bordering Azerbaijan
  • The Impact of Border Disputes on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict
  • Conclusion

What Countries Border Armenia and Azerbaijan?

Armenia and Azerbaijan are two neighboring countries located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia. Both countries have a rich history and cultural heritage, but they have also been embroiled in a long-standing conflict over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Understanding the countries that border Armenia and Azerbaijan is crucial to comprehending the geopolitical dynamics of the region. In this article, we will explore the countries that share borders with Armenia and Azerbaijan, their historical significance, and the impact of these borders on the ongoing conflict.

Countries Bordering Armenia

Armenia is a landlocked country located in the South Caucasus region, bordered by four countries:

• Turkey: Armenia shares a border of approximately 268 kilometers with Turkey. However, due to the historical and political tensions between the two countries, the border has been closed since 1993.
• Georgia: Armenia shares a border of approximately 219 kilometers with Georgia. This border is of significant importance for Armenia as it serves as a vital trade route and connection to the Black Sea.
• Azerbaijan: Armenia shares a border of approximately 996 kilometers with Azerbaijan. This border is highly contentious due to the ongoing conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a region predominantly inhabited by ethnic Armenians but internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan.
• Iran: Armenia shares a border of approximately 35 kilometers with Iran. This border has historical and cultural significance, as it has facilitated trade and cultural exchange between the two countries for centuries.

The borders of Armenia have played a significant role in shaping its history and geopolitical situation. The closed border with Turkey has had a profound impact on Armenia’s economy and its relations with the international community. The border with Georgia, on the other hand, has provided Armenia with a vital trade route and access to the Black Sea, mitigating some of the challenges posed by its landlocked status. The border with Azerbaijan, however, remains a major source of tension and conflict.

Countries Bordering Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is also a landlocked country located in the South Caucasus region, bordered by five countries:

• Armenia: Azerbaijan shares a border of approximately 996 kilometers with Armenia. As mentioned earlier, this border is highly contentious due to the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.
• Georgia: Azerbaijan shares a border of approximately 480 kilometers with Georgia. This border is of strategic importance for Azerbaijan as it provides access to the Black Sea and facilitates trade with Europe.
• Russia: Azerbaijan shares a border of approximately 390 kilometers with Russia. This border is located in the north of Azerbaijan and has historical and economic significance.
• Iran: Azerbaijan shares a border of approximately 611 kilometers with Iran. This border has cultural, economic, and political significance, as it facilitates trade and cultural exchange between the two countries.
• Turkey: Azerbaijan shares a border of approximately 17 kilometers with Turkey. This border is located in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, an exclave of Azerbaijan separated from the main territory by Armenia.

The borders of Azerbaijan have also played a crucial role in shaping its history and geopolitical situation. The border with Armenia and the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh have been the primary source of tension and conflict in the region. The border with Georgia provides Azerbaijan with access to the Black Sea and European markets, contributing to its economic development. The borders with Russia, Iran, and Turkey have historical, cultural, and economic significance, influencing Azerbaijan’s foreign relations and trade.

The Impact of Border Disputes on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict

The borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan, particularly the one over Nagorno-Karabakh, have been a major source of conflict and tension between the two countries. The Nagorno-Karabakh region, which is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, has been under the control of ethnic Armenians since the early 1990s. This has resulted in a protracted conflict, with occasional escalations and military clashes.

The closed border between Armenia and Turkey has further complicated the situation. The closure of the border in 1993 was a direct consequence of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and Turkey’s support for Azerbaijan. The closed border has had severe economic consequences for Armenia, limiting its access to international markets and hindering its economic development.

The border disputes and the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh have also had a significant impact on the regional dynamics. The involvement of external actors, such as Russia, Iran, and Turkey, has further complicated the situation. These countries have historical, cultural, and economic ties with Armenia and Azerbaijan, and their support for one side or the other has influenced the conflict’s outcome.

Conclusion

The countries that border Armenia and Azerbaijan play a crucial role in shaping the geopolitical dynamics of the South Caucasus region. The closed border between Armenia and Turkey, the strategic importance of the border with Georgia, and the contentious border over Nagorno-Karabakh have all contributed to the ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The borders with Russia, Iran, and Turkey have historical, cultural, and economic significance, influencing the foreign relations and trade of both countries.

Understanding the countries that border Armenia and Azerbaijan is essential for comprehending the complexities of the conflict and the potential for its resolution. The resolution of border disputes and the establishment of peaceful relations between the countries involved are crucial steps towards stability and prosperity in the region.

FAQ

• What countries share borders with Armenia?

  • Armenia shares borders with Turkey, Georgia, Iran, and Azerbaijan.

• What countries share borders with Azerbaijan?

  • Azerbaijan shares borders with Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, and has a maritime boundary with Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.

• Is Armenia completely landlocked?

  • Yes, Armenia is a landlocked country surrounded by Turkey, Georgia, Iran, and Azerbaijan.

• Does Azerbaijan have access to the sea?

  • Yes, Azerbaijan has access to the Caspian Sea, which is one of the largest inland bodies of water in the world.

• What is the significance of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border?

  • The Armenia-Azerbaijan border is significant due to ongoing territorial disputes, especially around the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

• Are there any contested regions along the borders of Armenia and Azerbaijan?

  • Yes, the Nagorno-Karabakh region is a long-disputed area between Armenia and Azerbaijan.