Armenia

A Very Rich in History, Culture and Natural Beauty Armenia

Armenia, perhaps a country of the entire world, has great landscape and fantastic cultural heritage and its history can hang back to thousands of years ago. Armenia being a South Caucasus state has been ergonomically standing at the center of civilizations and at times witnessed the collision and collapse of empires and contributed to the shift of cultures both in Europe and Asia. Today, Armenia is also charming the newcomers through its rough mountains, historical monasteries, and rich traditions.

Learn about Armenia’s rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes on Wikipedia page
Geographical Location

Armenia is a country landlocked but found in the South Caucasus bordering Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, and Iran to the south. The country has an area of 29,743 km square and it is mountainous with the Lesser Caucasus mountain range passing through the center of the country. The country of Armenia has a strategic location and therefore this has made it a trade and cultural hub between the west and the east.

In case you want to find more information regarding this country, such as its flag, language, area, currency, and population, you can produce and download free  this information by visit in our Random Country Generator tool. 

Note: The tool provides rapid research access on relevant country facts that can be used both in school and personal application

Geography and Natural Landforms

Armenia has a beautiful landscape which comprises mountainous ranges, valleys and lakes. It has a national symbol of Armenia, the extinct volcano mount Ararat reaching up to 5,137 meters (16,854 feet). The mountain is actually located in Turkey, but not in Armenia itself; however, the mountain can be taken as the symbol of the nation as a whole.

The terrain of the country is diverse; it is covered with green forests, the alpine meadows and deep fissures. Lake Sevan is one of the largest fresh water lakes of the world that is situated in the heart of Armenia and provides landscapes and recreational services. Some rivers as well as natural springs are also observed in Armenia, as history has shown they were imperative to the agriculture and formation of ancient civilizations.

Explore Armenia’s government services and initiatives on the official Armenia government website.

Ancient Civilizations up to the Present Days

The history is one of the longest and influential histories of the world belonging to Armenia. It was the first country to form Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD therefore one of the first Christian kingdoms. The ancient history of Armenia can be traced back to the 6th century BCE when the country was called Urartu, a kingdom that thrived in the area. The history of Armenia is deeply connected to the Persian and Greek empire though the Roman and Byzantine empires and the Kingdom of Urartu formed the base of the rich cultural identity of the people of Armenia.

Armenia turned out to be an important focus of Christian culture and learning in the medieval era. One of the strongest nations in the region was the Kingdom of Armenia with Ani being its capital in the 9th and 10th centuries. The Medieval period also witnessed the construction of numerous important monasteries and churches which came to become an important icon of Armenian culture and heritages.

The Russian and the Ottoman Empires

Armenia got separated into 2 halfs, the Ottoman Empire and the Russian Empire with the Ottoman Turks controlling the western region of the country whilst the eastern region of the country was under the control of the Russians, in the early part of the 16th century. This segregation continued over centuries and in the process, the Armenians went through serious traumas that even included the tragic Armenian Genocide during the period of World War I where about 1.5 million Armenians were slaughtered or deported as ordered by the Ottoman government.

Remaining independent of the Ottoman Empire, the nation joined the Soviet Union in 1922, as a result of which it remained until the collapse of the USSR in 1991. Armenia became a republic in the system of the Soviet state during the Soviet times when they not only brought industrialization but also a lot of political and social transformations.

Modern Armenia

After the Soviet Union was terminated, Armenia declared independence on 21st September 1991. Since then the country has been riddled with various issues such as productivity battles with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, an area recognized as a territory of Azerbaijan by the international community, but largely composed of the ethnic Armenian population. Nonetheless, in spite of these difficulties, Armenia has significantly advanced in the evolution of its economy, creation of democracy institutions and enhancement of its cultural heritage.

Ethnic and Religion Diversity

Armenia is an ethnic Armenian state and the members of the ethnicity consist of the Armenians, who are about 98 percent of the whole population. But nonetheless, there are some lesser ethnic groups that reside in the country such as the Yazidis, Russia and Kurds. Most of the Armenians adhere to the Armenian Apostolic Church, which is among the oldest churches in the world. The church has been the main factor in the process of forming Armenian identity and the culture.

In spite of its small size, the cultural and religious heritage of the country of Armenia is rather rich. Armenian is a language that belongs to the Indo-European family and it is unique to Armenia, being one of the oldest writing languages in the world. The culture of Armenia is advantageous to the musical, dance, art, literature and cuisine of Armenia which all portrays the various history and influences of the nation.

Practices and Traditions of the Culture

Armenian culture has a strong influence in the Christian background with churches being the center of most of their traditions and holidays and festivals. Easter is one of the most important holidays in writing that people in Armenia can observe with religious rituals and celebratory dining. An ancient festival dealing with water and renewal Vardavar is also celebrated in the country and was practiced even before Christianity.

Armenian music forms a part of the culture, and instruments like the duduk which is a two-reed woodwind together with the kanun, a form of a zither that is seen to be significant in the traditional music. There is also a long history of folk dancing in the country and this is used during the festivals and the social functions. Armenian food has been characterized by heavy and tasty food encompassing khorovats (roasted meat), dolma (stuffed grape leaves) and lavash (flat bread).

Big festivals and celebrations

There are a number of important Armenian religious holidays, such as Christmas, Easter and the Feast of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. On the 6 th of January, during the celebration of Christmas, there is one of the most important religious holidays in the country of Armenia which is observed through a church service, a family lunch or dinner and special food. Another major celebration is Easter that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ that is characterized by church services and the blessing of food.

National Holidays

The Independence Day of Armenia on 21 st of September celebrates the day when the country became independent of the Soviet Union in 1991. The day is characterized by national pride, festivities, parades, and other publicly used events. Another great day that is worth dwelling upon is the 24th of April, which is a kind of an Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day when people commemorate the victims of the Armenian Genocide and strive to keep people aware about the tragedy in Armenian history.

Cultural Festivals

Besides religious and national holidays, there are many cultural festivals being held in Armenia during the year. The Yerevan International Film Festival presents the highlights of Armenian and world cinemas whereas the Vardavar Festival, enjoyed in the summer, is the celebration of life with water and nature.

Rural development and Natural Resources

The main economical activity of Armenia is agriculture and the country is considered to be a producer of fruits, vegetables, wine, and tobacco. Historically there is a long tradition of winemaking in Armenia and its vineyards are producers of some of the oldest and best wines in the world. The mountainous regions that cover the country also offer abundant diversity in both fauna and flora with most of the medicinal plants grown both locally and exported.

Industry and manufacturing

Armenia’s industrial sector covers such sectors as production of machines, chemicals, textile, and food processing. It has also created an emerging information technology industry with several tech start ups and information technology (IT) firms in recent times being created. The foreign investment took place in Armenia because of the attempts to diversify its economy and modernize the industrial base in the country.

Economic Problems and Conditions of Opportunity

Nevertheless, Armenia has been greatly challenged in regards to economic development despite the achievements that have been recorded in some sectors. The continuous war between the country and Azerbaijan on the territorial conflict of Nagorno-Karabakh, the inability to access the world markets and a limited account of natural resources has impeded the economical development of the country. The government of Armenia, however, is interested in changing this through economic reforms, encouraging tourism, and branching out its industries to ensure a more stable and sustainable economy is created.

Traditions and site of importance

Armenia also features such UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the cathedral and churches of Echmiatsin and the ancient monasteries of Geghard. Ani, the ancient city on the Turkish-Armenian border with the ruins of the medieval churches and architectural marvels certainly should be visited. The capital city Yerevan also has a number of strategically important objects like the Republic Square, the Armenian Genocide memorial, and the Cascade complex which provides splendid sightseeing around the city and Mount Ararat.

Natural Beauty

Nature lovers will find paradise in Armenia who may have hiking, camping and trekking experiences in the harsh nature. Scenic lakes are found around the country including Lake Sevan; one of the largest fresh water lakes in the world, and Jermuk hot springs. Another type of natural wealth of the country is Khosrov Forest State reserve which is rich in flora and fauna.

Healthcare System

The healthcare system of Armenia has achieved remarkable progress in recent years, but there is still the challenge, especially in the rural neighborhoods. The government has paid attention to the enhancement of access to healthcare, which is promoted by the enhancement of medical facilities and increasing their services. Even the medical industry of Armenia is turning out to be more appealing to medical tourism especially on dental care and cosmetic surgery.

Education System

The level of stress put on education is optimistic in Armenia and the nation has a sound education order. The other is the free primary and secondary education, along with a high literacy rate. Armenia also possesses some reputable universities most notable of which being Yerevan State University which is famed after its courses in engineering matters, sciences and the study of man.

Transportation Network

Armenia also has a well developed transport system because it consists of a large road network that bridges the major cities and towns. Yerevan International Airport offers travel to various parts of the globe, and the Armenian rail network connects the country with other neighboring states such as Georgia and Iran. Armenia is also spending on enhancing its transportation system, especially in Yerevan.

Urban Development

The capital, Yerevan, has been developed extensively over the past few years and has modern infrastructure, shopping malls and cultural centers that make this city more attractive. Nonetheless infrastructural issues in the rural parts of Armenia are still an issue with initiatives being driven towards offering more basic amenities like clean water, power systems and so on.

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Armenia

When is the most proper time to visit Armenia?

The most favorable periods to visit Armenia are spring (April-June) and fall (SeptemberOctober) when the climate is favorable and comfortable enough to make tours. The months of July and August during summer can be very hot, especially in the lowlands and winter can be cold especially in mountains (December-February).

Which are the main attractions in Armenia?

Armenia has such top sights as:

Yerevan: The capital, which is the location of historic sites, such as the Republic Square, the Armenian Genocide Memorial, the Cascade Complex.

Geghard Monastery: UNESCO world heritage site which is also one of the oldest and recognizable monasteries in Armenia.

Lake Sevan: It is one of the largest freshwater lakes of the world which can be used to enjoy a really beautiful nature and achieve such things like swimming and boat rides.

Echmiatsin: The religious heart of the Armenian Church and its cathedral and old churches.

The ruins of Ani: is a medieval city on the Turkish-Armenian border that was well-known as the most amazing example of architecture and history in the Middle Ages.

Which is the official language in Armenia?

Armenian is the official language of the country. It is an Indo-European language having its particular alphabet that is very common all over the country. The majority of the population of Armenia including those in urbanized Armenia (especially the capital Yerevan) also speaks Russian in addition to some English (mainly in tourist regions).

In Armenia what is the currency?

Armenia currency is the Armenian dram (AMD). The better recommendation is to change money prior to coming or at the local banks and exchange office in Armenia. Larger cities accept credit cards but cash is a good idea when you are using small establishments or going out in the countryside.

Is Armenia a safe place to visit?

Yes, on convenient questions, the country is not dangerous to tourists. It is a safe destination with a low crime rate and with the hospitality of the Armenian people. Safety precautions should normally be taken as it would be in any place, particularly in places where there are crowds. They should also consider the political environment, as far as the existing conflict with Azerbaijan on Nagorno-Karabakh.

Which are some traditional dishes of Armenians?

Very tasty and widely varied is Armenian cuisine. Good things to eat would be:

Khorovats: The Armenian barbecue, usually prepared by pork or lamb.

Dolma: Rice, meat, herbs stuffed into grape leaves.

Lavash: This is traditional flatbread in Armenian.

Basturma: A cured meat with spices, like pastrami.

Khash: A beef soup that is most often served in winter.

Pakhlava: A little sweet pastry of nuts and honey which is common in holidays and celebrations.

Why is Mount Ararat considered to be of significance to Armenia?

Armenia has described Mount Ararat as a national symbol although the mountain is in Turkey. The mountain is linked to a biblical legend on the ark of Noah which is reported to have landed on slopes of Ararat. Ararat has an intense cultural and religious value to the people of Armenia and is depicted in numerous works of Armenian art, literature and religion.

Does the problem of traveling in Armenia exist?

Sure, it is not very hard to travel across Armenia and in such larger cities as Yerevan. The bus and taxi system is broad all over the country and most of the roads are good. It also has trains linking large cities. In more distant regions, especially in the mountains, the means of transport is usually easiest to organise when it is either by a private car or by means of a guided tour.

What is the religious background of Armenia?

Armenia being a nation with deep Christian faith was also the first state to make Christianity a state religion in 301 AD. The main Christian denomination in Armenia is the Armenian Apostolic Church and its religious impact can be traced throughout the Armenian structures, holidays and culture. Many of the Armenians find significance in the presence of the church in everyday life and the country has many historic monasteries and churches.

Is Nagorno-Karabakh a tourist destination that I can visit?

Nagorno-Karabakh is the region of confrontation between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which is not treated as an autonomous state. However, although the region is dominated by ethnic Armenians, people should exercise caution. One should find out the security situation on the ground before he or she plans to visit Nagorno Karabakh and should consider speaking to the local government or tourism agencies on how best to plan the trip.

The following are some of the most frequently asked questions, which will assist you in planning your trip to Armenia so that it would be safe, enjoyable, and enriching.