Analysis Of The Five Ways By Thomas Aquinas - 1298 Words

Thomas Aquinas wrote, â€Å"The Five Ways† from Summa Theologica and is said to be the greatest theologian. In this reading, Aquinas gives his five arguments in regard to Gods existence and shows how philosophy and religion intertwine with one another. The Argument from change, causation, contingency, degrees of excellence, and harmony are all are Aquinas reasonings towards the proof of Gods existence. Aquinas first argument for God’s existence comes from the argument of change or motion. In this argument, Aquinas observed that we live in a world in which things are always moving and the movement must be caused by movers. He states, â€Å"†¦ therefore the thing which causes it to move be in motion, this too must be moved by something else, and so†¦show more content†¦Aquinas third argument he makes is much like the first and second argument pointing out the problem of infinite regress but instead, this argument is built on the contingent and the necessary. A contingent being is any being that could not have existed and a necessary being is a being that had to always exist. Aquinas states, â€Å"†¦ there are certain things in the Universe which are capable of existing and of not existing †¦ but it is impossible for all things which exist to be of this kind, because anything which is capable of not existing, at some time or other does not exist† (Aquinas 184). Aquinas believed that there was something that prevented infinite regress of contingency because if not everything contingent would keep going back in time. Aquinas rejects the idea of a time where nothing existed because living in a world where everything is contingent would be impossible. Then anything that does not exist cannot begin to exist unless there is something necessary that exists. To illustrate, you the reader, could not exist if your mother had not existed, so you would be a contingent being. A necessary â€Å"something† needs to be in existence for anything else to exist. Aquinas states this need for a necessary â€Å"something† does not have a necessity from an outside source (Aquinas 184). This â€Å"something† has to be God. Aquinas believes the fourth argument forShow MoreRelatedThomas Aquinas And The Existence Of God849 Words   |  4 Pagesare more successful at arguing for God’s existence than other theories do. Thomas Aquinas, a renowned philosopher and regarded as one of the greatest Christian theologians, wrote about God’s existence which is superior to other philosophers who have attempted to provide their own insight to the topic. Thomas Aquinas’s proof for the existence of God is logical and provides an excellent argument for God’s existence. Aquinas first attempts to prove the existence of God through the concept of self-evidentRead MoreAbelard and Aquinas Essay713 Words   |  3 PagesPeter Abelard was a renowned dialectician from 1079 to 1142. He subjected theological doctrines to logical analysis. In other words, he used rational argument to discover truth. Saint Thomas Aquinas, was a believer in the power of reason, giving St. Augustines theory an alternate approach. He taught in Paris and Italy during the years 1225 to 1274. Both of these new age thinkers changed the way Catholic followers viewed the natural world. Peter Abelard was one of the new thinkers thatRead MoreThe Relationship Between Philosophy And Theology1433 Words   |  6 Pagesthough, see the two subjects of study as collaborative instead. And just as intellectuals of our Church today support the relationship which is otherwise seen as faith and reason, so too did the intellectuals Thomas Aquinas and Bonaventure reinforce it in the thirteenth century. However, both Aquinas and Bonaventure have their own different opinions on what the true relationship between philosophy and theology is. I believe that Aquinas’s understanding of the relationship between philosophy and theologyRead MoreThe Five Ways Of Proving God s Existence790 Words   |  4 PagesEdward Tajchman Intro to Philosophy 29 October 2014 Reflections on The Essay, The Five Ways of Proving God s Existence, by Thomas Aquinas Aquinas proposes that there are five ways of proving the existence of god. The first way is motion. Things in motion are not put in motion of their own accord, so they must have been put in motion by another force. This takes a thing from potentiality into the realm of actuality. Because this thing cannot be the mover and also the thing being moved, another forceRead MoreThe Philosophy Of Religion : Thomas Aquinas And Fredrich Nietzsche1364 Words   |  6 Pagesphilosophers have developed theories and guidelines to help people to realize what is most suitable, important, and critical in their spiritual lives. However, the Philosophy of Religion caters to everyone, not just believers. Today we will look at Thomas Aquinas and Fredrich Nietzsche and their takes on religion. To fully understand their viewpoints its important to first understand what the philosophy of religion entails. The philosophy of religion is the philosophical study of the meaning and natureRead MoreThe Relationship of the Mind and the Body: The Person1071 Words   |  5 PagesCan the mind exist without the body? Can the body exist without the mind? Surely in this day and age, there are artificial ways to keep the body alive even if the brain is pronounced dead. Likewise, the body can be completely immobilized, in a coma, yet the mind can still be alive and active. But can either really exist in its entirety on its own, performing its functions as usual, and in the same manner as if it was still in union with its partner? In his book, Discourse on the Method and MeditationsRead MoreThe Ontological Argument Made By Anselm1365 Words   |  6 Pagesother things do not fit this quality. St. Thomas Aquinas rejects the argument by saying that the human mind cannot possibly conceive of t he idea of God by reason alone, as Anselm might. Aquinas argues that Anselm s argument does not make sense by itself, and must first provide an idea of the existence of God with an analysis of God s effects. By reasoning appropriately about nature, Aquinas believed, we can find our way to a belief in God. According to Aquinas, it is through nature that God revealsRead MoreAnalysis Of Paley And Aquinas1823 Words   |  8 PagesAnalysis of â€Å"Paley† and â€Å"Aquinas† Readings in Topic 4 Introduction In the argument, â€Å"The Argument From Design† from Natural Theology, William Paley argues that living things are like watches in one crucial respect: both exhibit design, the universe with everything in it. Paley thinks that people assume that the universe works for a purpose like the watch does. So, people would reasonably conclude that the universe has a designer or creator, like the watch does, God. Although, atheists deny that theRead MoreThe Existence Of God Through Aquinas Views1949 Words   |  8 Pagesexistence of God through Aquinas’ views, with the the argumentation he presents. Following the process of proving the existence of God through Aquinas’ views, I will present an objection or two to his argument. Aquinas’ views were highly influenced upon Aristotle’s prime mover. The problem that is trying to be solved is the existence of God. Aquinas most famous for proving the actuality of God is his argument, The Five Ways of the Su mma Theologiae. However, St. Thomas had more to say about provingRead MoreDoes God Exist? The Existence Of God?1876 Words   |  8 Pagesreal? Does His existence, or lack thereof, make a significant difference? These loaded questions strike at the heart of human existence. But the real question is, can we answer any of them? These questions are answered in the arguments of St. Thomas Aquinas, Blaise Pascal and St. Anselm of Canterbury. For thousands of years, theologians, philosophers and scientists have been trying to prove or disprove God’s existence. Many, including the three mentioned above, have strong proofs and theories that

How is outsourcing affecting American Citizens, its not...

How is outsourcing affecting American Citizens, its not only taking jobs away from us Americans but is also hurting our US economy. Outsourcing is when a company such as Apple sends jobs overseas to a country such as China and has factory workers there assemble the product for a much lower price. Yes this lowers the price of products but we have to take into account how many jobs this it taking from American citizens. Outsourcing jobs does lower the price of products but jobs should stay here in the US to build our economy and give American’s their jobs back. The issue on outsourcing jobs is not only jobs being taken away from Americans but its hurting our economy. There are many other smaller issues that are created when jobs are†¦show more content†¦(Outsourcing Ruining Americas Economy and Devasting U.S. Workers | Economy in Crisis, 2013) The way companies are taxed when they outsource also affects us. When I company outsources they are taxed less causing the gove rnment to receive less money which ends up giving Americans less. That money could be used to building new roads, bridges, school, etc. Jobs such as factory workers would employ many of the unemployed in America. Even jobs for the middle class are now being outsourced such as computer and technology. Not having a job doesn’t allow people to buy homes, pay taxes, or even profit companies. Companies outsourcing are not always about providing humane working conditions. Outsourcing also may not benefit other countries economy. (Ellis-Christensen, 2013) Outsourcing has grown dramatically in the past few years due to the flexibility offered new information technology. Within the next five years it is estimated that $365 billon or 15 percent of financial service industry current cost will be moved off shore. (Federal Deposit Insurance Corpartion, 2013) Large companies are sending a job overseas to foreign countries for what they save is creating saving. After you take into account e verything that goes into sending the jobs overseas things such as shipping, management, and even a place for the workers to work. After all those cost are added up it gets more expensive than whatShow MoreRelatedOutsourcing And Offshore Outsourcing : Outsourcing1038 Words   |  5 PagesRunning Head: Outsourcing and Offshore Outsourcing 1 Outsourcing and Offshore Outsourcing Natasha Bing Grantham University Outsourcing and Offshore Outsourcing 2 Abstract (Greaver, 1999) proclaims that outsourcing is of a strategic nature and that the decision-makingRead MoreOutsourcing : Outsourcing And Outsourcing1541 Words   |  7 Pagesyears, although outsourcing has been seen as a common method used to achieve a successful business, many literatures on Information System still believe that most of the software could be better off build in-house and this can also be supported with the fact that there are evidences of organisations that took a significant damage from outsourcing. Therefore, whether or not a company should outsource part of their projects, it all depends on how the organisation manages its outsourcing system. This paperRead MoreOutsourcing : Outsourcing And Outsourcing1840 Words   |  8 PagesOutsourcing, and in particular offshore outsourcing, is absolutely necessary and helps our country s economy. Outsourcing helps a company focus on those things it does best and hence increase its top line revenues while reducing costs. Outs ourcing has provided organic growth to the United States corporations and enabled them to compete more effectively in global markets. This paper seeks to explore what outsourcing is, what the difference between outsourcing and offshoring is, what effects itRead MoreOutsourcing At Schaeffer : Outsourcing1707 Words   |  7 Pages Case Study 1 : Outsourcing at Schaeffer Gayathri Kadiyala Wilmington University TABLE OF CONTENTS Outsourcing definition †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 3 Concept of outsourcing †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 3 Outsourcing at Schaeffer †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦....†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 4 References †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 8 Outsourcing: Outsourcing is a process of a company obtaining the services from an outside vendor. These services can be of different formsRead MoreOutsourcing : Effect Of Outsourcing1631 Words   |  7 Pages OUTSOURCING : EFFECTS OF OUTSOURCING IN AMERICA DHANASHREE AROTE 83360 INDEX Serial No. Topic Page No. 1. Introduction 3 2. Benefits of Outsourcing 4. 3. Negative Effects 5 4. Managing Outsourcing 7 5. 6 Key Trends 8 6. Conclusion 8 7. References 9 INTRODUCTION In today’s global business competitive environment, business organizations must innovate and adapt new strategies to sustain revenue generation, value while remaining competitive. Organizations have embraced outsourcingRead MoreAdvantages Of Outsourcing And Outsourcing1428 Words   |  6 Pagesthe advantages and disadvantages of offshoring and outsourcing. Furthermore, we will discuss some of the factors and trends that are affecting offshoring and outsourcing. Outsourcing vs. Offshoring In order to understand globalization, we have to first learn about some of the common misconceptions. The terms â€Å"outsourcing† and â€Å"offshoring† are used almost synonymously in today’s literature, however, there is a huge technical difference. Outsourcing simply occurs when a company buys any product or serviceRead MoreOutsourcing : Outsourcing Of Outsourcing Essay1307 Words   |  6 Pages1. What is BPO Business Process Outsourcing? BPO is a subset of outsourcing that involves subcontracting of various business-related operations such as accounting and customer service to a third party. The global BPO industry is estimated to be worth more than US$952 billion and is forecasted to experience strong growth between 3.5% and 7.6% CARG as can be observed in Figure1. BPO is often divided into two categories: a. Back Office Outsourcing: Internal business functions such as billing orRead MoreOutsourcing : The Trifecta Of Outsourcing1979 Words   |  8 PagesThe Trifecta of Outsourcing Financial services firms have always faced market volatility, but new challenges are forcing most to rethink their traditional operating models in favor of outsourcing. One of the main concerns within any industry is maintaining a competitive advantage. In order to do so, the company should review what should be â€Å"outsourced without damaging core strategic assets and capabilities of the firm† (Graf et al. 69). Outsourcing is seen by many executives as a panacea for allRead MoreOutsourcing : Is Outsourcing The Case Of Banks?809 Words   |  4 PagesWhat is Outsourcing in case of Banks? (As per RBI Publication) The world everywhere, banks are increasingly for outsourcing as an approach of both reducing asking price and accessing specialist gift, not ready forthcoming drawn internally and achieving dire aims. Outsourcing take care of be marked as a bank s evaluate of a third satisfaction (either a born with entity within a corporate everyone or an entity that is exterior to the corporate group) to dig activities on a continuing reality thatRead MoreOutsourcing : Outsourcing And Outsourcing1579 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"Outsourcing refers to obtaining certain services or products from a third party company, essentially sourcing something like accounting services or manufacturing of a certain input to another company. While many think outsourcing refers to using a service provider in another (usually cheaper) country that is not necessarily the case. Outsourcing can be done to a company that is located anywhere, the location isn’t important.† (Offshoring vs. Outsourcing, n.d. ). There are many reason a business

Research on American Cancer Society - 1648 Words

American Cancer Society, established in 1913, is a national community-based organization that is dedicated to fighting and eliminating cancer through prevention, research, education, advocacy, and service. The organization was established by 15 physicians and businessmen, in New York City, under the name American Society for the Control of Cancer. The name was changed to American Cancer Society in 1945, when the society was reorganized to recognize the new era. The symbol is composed of two serpents and a sword of hope which represent the scientific medical focus and the crusading spirit of the movement against cancer. The society is currently run by volunteers. The number one goal of the organization is to â€Å"save lives and create a world†¦show more content†¦The lodge gives patients and caregivers a free place to stay since getting the best possible cancer treatment sometimes requires traveling away from home. According to M.R (personal communication, March 4, 2013), à ¢â‚¬Å"Hope Lodge allows patient and their caregivers focus on getting well and it is a place to share a meal, join different patient centered activities and unwind.† The service is free of charge but the requirement is that the patient must live at least 40 minutes away from the cancer treatment center. It is a home away from home. The ACS also provides certain psychosocial benefits for their patients through support groups, counseling, and exercise programs. The programs are an important component in helping cancer patients and survivors to achieve the optimum quality of life. The ACS has partnered up with the Y in a program called Strive and Thrive: Live strong at the YMCA. This is a health and well-being program for cancer patients and survivors which help to achieve the goal of holistic health. The focus of this exercise program is to â€Å"reduce fatigue, improve muscle strength and energy levels, as well as to increase flexibility, endurance, confidence, self-esteem, mood and overall well-being. The program also helps to prevent cancer recurrence while increasing survival rate, â€Å"(ACS, 2013). ACS also partners up with many different support groups which help patients through their cancer journey. The groups include: Reach to Recovery, Man toShow MoreRelatedAmerican Cancer Society : A Community Based Health Organization1517 Words   |  7 PagesAmerican Cancer Society The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based health organization. It was founded as the American Society for the Control of Cancer in 1913 by ten doctors and five people led by Dr. Clement Cleveland in efforts to take the steps to prevent cancer (Eyre). In 1936, Marjorie Illig, a field representative and leader of a women’s public-health committee, suggested the group â€Å"wage a war on cancer.† The Women’s Field Army at this time raised money for the group andRead MoreAmerican Cancer Society Website1130 Words   |  5 PagesAmerican Cancer Society The American Cancer Society website is a website that allows the public to research and get involved with the cancer community. On this website one can find out how to research cancer, find support and treatment, and how to stay healthy. Since health is a very crucial factor in avoiding cancer, this website gives incentive on how to keep the right diet to avoid cancer and what foods will benefit the body the most. This website also contains the latest news about cancer. ItRead MorePatho1203 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿ PATHO DQ 2 The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Together with its supporters, ACS is committed to helping people stay well and get well by finding cures and by fighting back. Critical Thinking Questions: Imagine that a family friend or colleague has just been diagnosed with cancer. Explain how the American Cancer Society might provide education and support. What ACS servicesRead MoreCancer Is An Issue Worldwide That Does Not Favor Race,1433 Words   |  6 PagesCancer is an issue worldwide that does not favor race, gender, ethnicity or socioeconomic status. Although, particular cancer’s can effect some individuals more than others. For example, breast cancer. According to the Center of Disease Control Preventions (2017), â€Å"Both women and men can get breast cancer, though it is much more common in women.† In the United States, breast cancer is the second leading cancer among women of any race. It is the most common cause of death from cancer among HispanicsRead MoreCrvical Cancer Essay812 Words   |  4 PagesUnited States of America will undergo a battle with Cervical Cancer. 22,440 women are diagnosed a year. 14, 080 of these women will die from this cancer. Lin ed up with other cancers, it is the 5th highest cause of cancer related death (American Cancer Society, 2016) Looking at the bigger picture, 1 in 75 will be diagnosed. Amongst those, 1 in 100 will die. With new research and treatments, the survival rate is rising. The effects of this cancer may vary, but these women all have one thing in common; theyRead MoreCancer : Etiology, Symptoms, Diagnosis, And Treatment1718 Words   |  7 Pages Colon Cancer: Etiology, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Harold Scott Delaware Technical Community College Biology Professor Riggio November 18, 2014 Abstract A well-known fact is that cancer plays a major role in the area of health science in the United States. Cancer touches many individuals and many families across the nation. With a variety of types of cancer as well as causes, symptoms, and treatments cancer is a very broad topic of research. In particular my research focuses onRead MoreThe American Association Of Nurses907 Words   |  4 PagesBased on my personal research and reflection, I have identified American Public Health Association, an association of public health professionals in the United States and other professionals from health related fields. This association comprise of environmentalists, nurses, doctors, dentists and many other professionals. However, there is more clarity about nurses in the public sector. The American Association of nurses is one of the largest groups registered by APHA. I therefore, choose nurses asRead MoreOverview of Breast Cancer Essay1015 Words   |  5 PagesIf you or a loved one were diag nosed with breast cancer, how would you feel? You would probably feel very afraid and worried. Breast cancer is a common and potentially deadly form of cancer that affects both men and women. There are risk factors for getting the disease and there are different types of treatment for people who have been diagnosed with the disease. There are also steps that people can take to try to prevent getting breast cancer or at least catch it early. Luckily there are manyRead MoreBreast Cancer; Saving the Girls 959 Words   |  4 PagesBreast cancer is the second most prominent cause of cancer deaths in women. About 1 in 8 American women living in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer sometime during the course of their life. About 39,620 of those women will die from it. â€Å"Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast divide and grow without their normal control† (Komen). There are two main types of breast cancer. Ductal carcinoma, the most common type which starts in the tubes that transport milk from the breastRead MoreEssay on Male Breast Cancer 1361 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"The term â€Å"breast cancer† refers to a malignant tumor that has developed from cells in the breast† (Breast Cancer,n.d). What society does not realize, is that men have breasts. If men can have abnormal cell growths in the breast, they are except-able to breast cancer as well. Men need to be aware of the prevention, diagnoses, and treatments for male breast cancer. Society links breast cancer to women, but what about the males in our society? Males have breast tissues, Boys and

Azerbaijan free essay sample

The country was among the birthplaces of mankind and is located at the heart of ancient civilizations. Furthermore the country is known to be among the most progressive and secular Islamic societies. Aside from having been the first Muslim country to have operas, theater plays, and a democratic republic, Azerbaijan today is among the Muslim countries where support for secularism and tolerance is the highest. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first democratic and secular republic in the Muslim world, was established in 1918, but was incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1920. Azerbaijan regained independence in 1991. The Constitution of Azerbaijan does not declare an official religion but the majority of people adhere to the Shia branch of Islam, although Muslim identity tends to be based more on culture and ethnicity rather than religion and Azerbaijan remains as one of the most liberal majority-Muslim nations. The pre-Turkic Azerbaijani population spoke an Iranian language called the Old Azeri language, which was gradually replaced by a Turkic language, now known as the Azerbaijani language from the 11th century onward until it became completely extinct in the 16th century. To distinguish it from the Turkic Azerbaijani or Azeri language, this Iranian language, is designated as the Azeri language (or Old Azeri language), because the Turkic language and people are also designated as Azeri in the Persian language. Azerbaijan is in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, straddling Western Asia and Eastern Europe. It lies between latitudes 38Â ° and 42Â ° N, and longitudes 44Â ° and 51Â ° E. The total length of Azerbaijans land borders is 2,648 km (1,645 mi), of which 1007 kilometers are with Armenia, 756 kilometers with Iran, 480 kilometers with Georgia, 390 kilometers with Russia and 15 kilometers with Turkey. The coastline stretches for 800 km (497 mi), and the length of the widest area of the Azerbaijani section of the Caspian Sea is 456 km (283 mi). The territory of Azerbaijan extends 400 km (249 mi) from north to south, and 500 km (311 mi) from west to east. Three physical features dominate Azerbaijan: the Caspian Sea, whose shoreline forms a natural boundary to the east; the Greater Caucasus mountain range to the north; and the extensive flatlands at the countrys center. There are also three mountain ranges, the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, and the Talysh Mountains, together covering approximately 40 percent of the country. The main water sources are the surface waters. However, only 24 of the 8,350 rivers are greater than 100 km (62 mi) in length. All the rivers drain into the Caspian Sea in the east of the country. Since the independence of Azerbaijan in 1991, the Azerbaijani government has taken drastic measures to preserve the environment of Azerbaijan. But national protection of the environment started to truly improve after 2001 when the state budget increased due to new revenues provided by the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. Within four years protected areas doubled and now make up eight percent of the countrys territory. Since 2001 the government has set up seven large reserves and almost doubled the sector of the budget earmarked for environmental protection. Azerbaijans diverse landscape affects the ways air masses enter the country. The Greater Caucasus protects the country from direct influences of cold air masses coming from the north. That leads to the formation of subtropical climate on most foothills and plains of the country. Meanwhile, plains and foothills are characterized by high solar radiation rates. Rivers and lakes form the principal part of the water systems of Azerbaijan; they were formed over a long geological timeframe and changed significantly throughout that period. This is particularly evidenced by fragments of ancient rivers found throughout the country. The countrys water systems are continually changing under the influence of natural forces and human introduced industrial activities. Artificial rivers (canals) and ponds are a part of Azerbaijans water systems. From the water supply point, Azerbaijan is below the average in the world with approximately 100,000 m? year of water per km?. The first reports on the richness and diversity of animal life in Azerbaijan can be found in travel notes of Eastern travelers. Animal carvings on architectural monuments, ancient rocks and stones survived up to the present times. The first information on the animal kingdom of Azerbaijan was collected during the visits of naturalists to Azerbaijan in 17th century. Unlike fauna, the conce pt of animal kingdom covers not only the types of animals, but also the number of individual species. There are 106 species of mammals, 97 species of fish, 363 species of birds, 10 species of amphibians and 52 species of reptiles which have been recorded and classified in Azerbaijan. The national animal of Azerbaijan is the Karabakh horse, a mountain-steppe racing and riding horse endemic to Azerbaijan. The Karabakh horse has a reputation for its good temper, speed, elegance and intelligence. It is one of the oldest breeds, with ancestry dating to the ancient world. Azerbaijans vegetation consists of more than 4,500 species of higher plants. Due the unique climate in Azerbaijan, the vegetation is much richer in the number of species than the flora of the other republics of the South Caucasus. Azerbaijan is divided into 10 economic regions; 66 rayons and 77 cities of which 11 are under the direct authority of the republic. Also, Azerbaijan includes the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan. The President of Azerbaijan appoints the governors of these units, while the government of Nakhchivan is elected and approved by the parliament of Nakhchivan Self-ruling Republic. Tourism is an important part of the economy of Azerbaijan. The countrys large abundance of natural and cultural attractions make it an attractive destination of visitors. The country was a well-known tourist spot in the 1980s; yet, the Nagorno-Karabakh War during the 1990s crippled the tourist industry and damaged the image of Azerbaijan as a tourist destination. It was not until 2000s that the tourism industry began to recover, and the country has since experienced a high rate of growth in the number of tourist visits and overnight stays. In the recent years, Azerbaijan has also becoming a popular destination for religious, spa, and health care tourism. Around 95 percent of the populations are Muslims. 85% of the Muslims are Shia Muslims and 15% Sunni Muslims, and the Republic of Azerbaijan has the Second highest Shia population percentage after Iran. There are some other faiths practiced among the different ethnic groups within the country. By article 48 of its Constitution, Azerbaijan is a secular state and ensures religious freedom. Of the nations religious minorities, Christians are mostly Russian and Georgian Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic (almost all Armenians live in the break-away region of Nagorno-Karabakh). The culture of Azerbaijan has developed as a result of many influences. Today, Western influences, including globalized consumer culture, are strong. National traditions are well preserved in the country. Some of the main elements of the Azerbaijani culture are: music, literature, folk dances and art, cuisine, architecture, cinematography and Novruz Bayram. The latter is the traditional celebration of the ancient New Year. Novruz is a family holiday. The traditional cuisine is famous for richness of vegetables and greens used seasonally in the dishes. Fresh herbs, including mint, dill, basil, parsley, tarragon, leeks, chives, thyme, marjoram, green onion, and watercress, are very popular and often accompany main dishes on the table. Climatic diversity and fertility of the land are reflected in the national dishes, which are based on fish from the Caspian Sea, local meat (mainly mutton and beef), and an abundance of seasonal vegetables and greens. Saffron-rice ploy is the flagship food in Azerbaijan and black tea is the national beverage. Azerbaijan–Turkey relations have always been strong with the two often being described as one nation with two states by the ex-president of Azerbaijan Abulfaz Elchibey due to a common culture and history, and the mutual intelligibility of Turkish and Azerbaijani. Turkey has been a staunch supporter of Azerbaijan in its efforts to consolidate its independence, preserve its territorial integrity and realize its economic potential arising from the rich natural resources of the Caspian Sea. The countries share a short border, with the Aras River separating Turkey from the Nakhchivan exclave for just a few kilometers. Today, the relationship with Azerbaijan represents the most important bilateral partnership in current Turkish foreign policy while Azerbaijani foreign policy affirms its relationship with Turkey as one of its most enduring bilateral relationships, as evidenced in aligned political affairs, mutual cooperation in the areas of trade, commerce, finance, technology, academics, as well as the arts and sciences; the sharing of government and military intelligence, and joint combat operations and peace keeping missions carried out between Azerbaijani Armed Forces and Turkish Armed Forces.