Armenia (Hayastan in Armenian), officially the
Republic of Armenia is situated between Europe and Asia, in Transcaucasia
occupying 29.800sq/km area. Armenia is divided into 11 regions (Marz). The
capital of the country is Yerevan. The population of Armenia is 3.2 million
people. The country has a very homogeneous ethnic composition, 97.9% of the
population are of ethnic Armenian origin. Among other minorities are Russians,
Yezidi, Assyrians, Ukrainians, Greeks, Georgians, and Belarusians. Armenia has
a very large diasporas, as an average of 8 million Armenians live world.
Culturally, historically and politically,
Armenia is considered to be a part of Europe. However, due to its location in
the southern Caucasus, on the conventional boundary between Europe and Asia, we
can say that it’s an intercontinental country. Endowed with rich cultural
heritage, Armenia is considered to be the first country to officially accept
Christianity in the IV century (301).
GEOGRAPHY
Armenia is a country without access to the sea
located in the Caucasus, in the southern Caucasus, the north-east of the
Armenian Plateau, between the Black and Caspian Seas. The relief is mainly
mountainous, with mountain rivers and few forests, extinct volcanoes, deep
canyons, high plateaus, formed from lava, crossed by deep ravines. Most of the
country is located at 1800 meters above sea level. The highest point is Mount
Aragats (4092m), while the lowest is located in Debed valley (400m).
The land
is unstable and prone to earthquakes of 3.5 points of magnitude. In 1988 a
strong earthquake of 7.5 points shook the north-west of Armenia causing more
than 25,000 deaths.
Armenia is
rich in minerals such as gold, silver, copper, iron, molybdenum, construction
materials and salt.
CLIMATE
Armenia stands out with a large variety of
landscapes, including 7 geographic zones, from deserts and semi-deserts to
alpine and subalpine meadows. Because of the numerous mountain formations,
which block the influence of seas, and the high location of the territory above
sea level, the climate is continental with a large difference between the
seasons, including hot summers and cold winters. Average summer temperatures
exceed 25 º C, while in winter the temperature is -5 º C. The best time to visit the country is
from April to October.
LANGUAGE
The official language is Armenian, while Russian
and English are also frequently used. Armenian language is a separate branch of
Indo-European language family, between groups of Slavic and Greek languages.
The Armenian alphabet, created by Mesrop Mashtots in 405 AD, has been used
until now, without any changesoverthecenturies.
MONETARY UNIT
The national currency is AMD, with notes of 1000,
5000, 10.000, 20.000, 50.000 drams, as well as coins of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200,
500 drams. In all banks and exchanges you may freely change the currency and
there are no limits on currency exchange.
RELIGION
Armenia is the first country in the world, which
officially adopted Christianity in 301, whereas in the Roman Empire religious
freedom was established 12 years later, in 313, and only in 325
Christian it was given official legitimacy.
The roots
of the Armenian Church go back to many centuries, starting from the Ist
century. According to historical information, the Armenian Church was founded
by two of the twelve apostles of Jesus, Thaddeus and Bartholomew, who preached
Christianity in Armenia from 40 to 60. In their honor the official name of the
Armenian Church is Armenian Apostolic Church. Armenians also call it Gregorian
Church, in honor of St. Gregory the Illuminator, the first patriarch (in
Armenian Catholicos) of the Armenian Church. The Armenian Church has 4
hierarchical sees: Holy See of Ejmiadzin, Cilicia, Patriarchate of Jerusalem
and the Patriarchate of Constantinople.
