Caucasus Map
The Caucasus region lies at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, nestled between the Black Sea to the west and the Caspian Sea to the east. Three countries — Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia — form the South Caucasus, situated south of the Greater Caucasus mountain range. This region boasts dramatic mountain scenery, ancient cultures, and diverse geography.
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Study the Countries
Armenia Armenia
Borders: Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iran
Area: 29,743 km² · Landlocked
Armenia is a landlocked mountainous country in the South Caucasus, bordered by Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east and southwest (Nakhchivan exclave), Turkey to the west, and Iran to the south. The terrain is dominated by the Armenian Highlands with elevations mostly above 1,000 meters. Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world, sits at 1,900 meters elevation.
Shape: A small, compact landlocked country in the southern Caucasus, roughly rectangular, located south of Georgia and west of Azerbaijan.
Fun Facts
- Armenia is one of the most mountainous countries in the world, with 90% of its territory above 1,000 meters.
- Mount Ararat, Armenia's national symbol, is actually located just across the border in Turkey.
- Armenia is landlocked and borders four countries: Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Iran.
Azerbaijan Azerbaijan
Borders: Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Turkey, Iran
Area: 86,600 km² · Coastline: 713 km
Azerbaijan is the largest country in the South Caucasus, located on the western shore of the Caspian Sea. It is bordered by Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia to the west, Iran to the south, and Turkey via a short border with the Nakhchivan exclave. The terrain varies from the Caucasus Mountains in the north to lowland plains around the Kura River.
Shape: The easternmost Caucasus country, facing the Caspian Sea, with a distinctive thumb-like Absheron Peninsula jutting into the water.
Fun Facts
- Azerbaijan is the only Caucasus country with a Caspian Sea coastline, stretching over 700 km.
- The Nakhchivan exclave of Azerbaijan is separated from the main territory by a strip of Armenia.
- Azerbaijan borders five countries, making it the most-bordered of the three South Caucasus nations.
Georgia Georgia
Borders: Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey
Area: 69,700 km² · Coastline: 310 km
Georgia is located in the northwestern South Caucasus, with a Black Sea coastline to the west. It is bordered by Russia to the north (along the Greater Caucasus range), Azerbaijan to the east, Armenia to the south, and Turkey to the southwest. The Greater Caucasus Mountains form a dramatic northern barrier, including Mount Shkhara at 5,193 meters, while fertile valleys lie between the mountain ranges.
Shape: The northwesternmost Caucasus country, facing the Black Sea to the west, with the Caucasus mountain wall along its northern border with Russia.
Fun Facts
- Georgia is the only South Caucasus country with a coastline on the Black Sea.
- The Greater Caucasus Mountains along Georgia's northern border include peaks over 5,000 meters.
- Georgia lies at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with the Greater Caucasus often cited as the continental boundary.
Quick Reference
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About Caucasus Geography
The South Caucasus sits at a geographic crossroads between Europe and Asia, framed by the Black Sea to the west and the Caspian Sea to the east. The Greater Caucasus mountain range — which includes Europe's highest peak, Mount Elbrus — forms the northern boundary. This compact region packs extraordinary geographic diversity into a relatively small area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Caucasus countries in Europe or Asia?
The Caucasus region straddles the boundary between Europe and Asia. Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan are often classified as being in both, depending on where the continental border is drawn. They participate in European organizations like the Council of Europe.
Which Caucasus country is the largest?
Azerbaijan is the largest at approximately 86,600 km², followed by Georgia at 69,700 km² and Armenia at 29,743 km².
What seas border the Caucasus region?
The Black Sea borders Georgia to the west, and the Caspian Sea borders Azerbaijan to the east. Armenia is the only landlocked country in the region.