Geography of Armenia
Armenia is country in southern Transcaucasia region. Armenia is one of the world’s oldest civilizations and a landlocked country located between two seas namely Black Sea and Caspian Sea. Armenia shares borders with Georgia on north, Iran on south, Azerbaijan on east and Turkey on west. Armenia is smallest country of all the former Soviet Republics. Present Armenia as we know today is only a fraction of ancient Armenia. Armenia Geography is such that country is majorly mountains. This is land of rugged mountains and extinct volcanoes. Yerevan is the capital city of Armenia.
Armenia Nature is known as land of rocks. This is because Armenia is a very mountainous country almost fully covered by the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. The highest point in Armenia is Mt. Aragats sitting at the height of 4,090m. From these mountains rivers flow fast down forming at least 3% the valleys of the Araks and Debet rivers.lake sevan is the most popular and largest lake in Armenia. This mountain lake sits 2,000 m above sea level.
Climate and Weather in Armenia
Armenia Climate is highland continental. This means Armenia is pleasant to hot in summers and cold to snowy in winters. But Armenia is generally called as sunny country. Climate in Armenia is influenced largely by the fact that majority of the country is at an elevation of minimum 2000 m. Four seasons are observed in Armenia. The summer is generally pleasant when temperature goes up to 25°C. However temperature can go up to 40°C in Ararat Valley. Similarly winters are cold and temperature can fall up to -5°C in Yerevan. Ararat valley can be colder up to - 30°C.
Armenia Weather is generally good during a year. Country has four seasons namely summer, winter, spring and autumn. Depending on height precipitation in Armenia is different in different region. Average precipitation in Armenia is 200-800 mm. Best time to visit Armenia is autumn and mid-spring. Springs are for a short period, while falls are long. During the fall country is known for mild and sunny weather making it best time to be here.
History of Armenia
Armenia History dates back to thousands of years. It is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Armenia was also the first country in the world to embrace Christianity in 301 as a religion. What is today’s Armenia is only half of ancient Armenia. From the Bronze Age up to 1000 BC several states flourished in the region of Greater Armenia. They included Hittite Empire, Mitanni and Hayasa Azzi. People of Armenia from 1000 BC to 600 BC were under the Uratau Kingdom. And after that Armenia was under foreign forces constantly which made Armenians cosmopolitan as well as protector of their own culture and traditions.
Several outside forces attacked and ruled Armenia throughout history of Armenia. The country was conquered and ruled by Greeks, Romans, Persians, Byzantines, Mongols, Arabs, Ottoman Turks, and Russians. Under Ottoman Turks Armenians are said to suffer the most. There is history of Armenian genocide as well in the early 20th century inflicted on them by Ottoman Turkey government. After that, much of Eastern Armenia regained independence in 1918, when the establishment of the First Republic of Armenia took place. Finally Armenia became the Republic of Armenia in 1991 after collapse of Soviet Union.
Culture and Traditions in Armenia
Armenia has a rich history and thus a very rich culture. Armenia Culture is influenced very much by the fact that several rulers had control over the land throughout its evolution. This is what you can observe in Armenian culture which is based on geography, literature, architecture, dance and music of people. Language of Armenia dates back to over 5000 years ago. However influence of trade and conquest changed the language over a period of time. Christianity is the religion that was first adopted in Armenia on this planet. Music, dance and literature have been integral part of the country. Literature in Armenia is said to begin around 401 AD when Armenian Alphabet was created. If you want to taste the rich art of Armenia then you should visit National Art gallery in Yerevan where over 15, 000 works dating back to middle ages can be observed which are indicative of rich stories of Armenia of that time.
Armenia Traditions are also interesting. Armenians are generally quiet people and they welcome visitors with warmth. Family and friendship both have very important place in Armenian tradition. Art and craft work of Armenian people are also worth exploring. They are very popular for carpet weaving and lace making. Historically women were always ahead in carpet weaving I the country but in some cases entire family participated in this.
Food and Cuisine in Armenia
Armenian Cuisine is as old as the history of the country. Cuisine was influenced by geographical land where Armenians lived as well as outside effect. Foods here have always been known for different tastes, aromas and quite a distinct smell. Cuisine of the country is closely related to eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Different types of spices, vegetables, fish, and fruits very important elements and they are used to cook unique dishes here. Armenia is very much known for its wine and brandy also. Armenian cognac is renowned world over and it has won several awards as well.
The apricot is the national fruit of Armenia. Apricot was known as Prunus Armeniaca since Roman time which literally means "Armenian Plum". Lavash is very important part of Uzbek food. It is traditional bread expressing the culture of the land. Lavash has been included in UNESCO representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Uzbekistan food also comprises of a unique soup known as Khash. The dish was initially called Khashoy which was mentioned by many medieval Armenian authors. The pomegranate has a symbolic association with fertility in Armenia. So, one can experience several traditional as well modern food and beverages as part of Armenian cuisine in current times.
Languages of Armenia
Even though Armenian is the official and business language, yet majority of the population speak Russian in Armenia.
Interesting Facts About Armenia:
1. Armenia is the first country, that recognized Christianity as a national religion in 301.
2. The population in Armenia is approximately 3 mln., while there are about 10-11 mln. Armenians in the world.
3. Armenia is the first country that suffered because of Genocide by Turkey in 1915 (murdered about 1.5 mln. Armenians). Armenians celebrate their Genocide in each year's April 24th.
4. Armenia has 4 neighbours, 2 of them are enemies of Armenia - Turkey and Azerbaijan. Both countries keep Armenia under economic blockade.
5. There is Russian military base in Armenian second big city Gyumri which accomplishes Anti-Missile Defense.
6. Turkey doesn't recognize Armenian Genocide already 100 years and it complicates relations between Yerevan and Ankara.
7. Armenian language is the continuation of Aramean language which Jesus was speaking.
8. Chess is a compulsory subject in schools.
9. The first church in the world was built in Armenia.
10. Armenia is one of the only mono ethnic countries in the world. 97% of the people living in Armenia are Armenians and the remaining small percentage is made up of different ethnic minorities such as the Yazidis, Russians, Ukranians, Kurds, and more.
11. Armenia is home to the world’s longest non-stop double track cable car. The cable car runs for a total of 5,752 meters, or 18,871 feet. It was opened on October 16, 2010 and was put in the record books for its length, and hasn’t been beaten yet.
12. Noah’s Ark is believed to be embedded in this country.
13. Churchill had a snag for Armenia cognac.
14. It's estimated to have 530 bird species.
15. Its bread is listed as UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014.
16. It has 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
17. When you say "merci" in Armenia, you mean Thank you!
18. Yerevan has a deep, Soviet-style metro underneath it. At many of the metro stops are large underground shopping markets. You can buy $10 Nikes and Louis Vuittons here. Authenticity card not included.
19. The entire country worships Mt Ararat which is also the national symbol of Armenia. Mt Ararat protected Armenia from a super strong earthquake! They also believe that the peak of Mt Ararat was where Noah’s ark was found.
