This article is intended to introduce to the reader some of the major events in Azerbaijan's oil industry and to what is going on in this small country rich in mineral resources. This article does not claim full coverage and analysis of all the important and instructive events that have happened in Azerbaijan, both since its independence five years ago and before. This can not be done in a short article. Nevertheless, it is hoped that the information given here can help the reader learn about and understand this country, which has become a vital area of interest for the world's powers in their struggle for spheres of influence and energy resources.