In this episode, we explore the fundamental architectural components of Microsoft Azure, which are essential for the AZ-900 exam and practical Azure use. We cover Azure's global distribution across 60+ regions, the concept of region pairs for redundancy and disaster recovery, and specialized Sovereign Regions for specific compliance needs. We also delve into Availability Zones for high availability and fault tolerance and the backbone of Azure's infrastructure—state-of-the-art data centers strategically located worldwide. Understanding these components is crucial for leveraging Azure's full potential.