If you are planning a vocation to Armenia, here are some fascinating things you need to know about Armenia. Firstly, you are traveling to a country with a rich history.
Where is Armenia located? Find Armenia on map
Armenia is a small country located in Western Asia on the Armenian Highlands, it is bordered by Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, and Iran to the south. Located in the continent of Asia, Armenia covers 28,203 square kilometers of land and 1,540 square kilometers of water with a total area of 29,743 square kilometers. Armenia is the 144th largest nation in the world that became an independent state in 1991. The population of Armenia is around 3 million people.
Armenian Flag
Armenian flag comprises of three colors- red on the top, blue in the middle, and orange on the bottom.
The red color symbolizes the blood of the 1.5 million Armenians killed during the Armenian Genocide and the Armenian people’s struggle for survival. The blue color symbolizes Armenian pure and peaceful sky and eventually the orange symbolizes the color of wheat and hard-working nature of Armenians.
Armenian Language
The Armenian language is an Indo-European language spoken by Armenians. It is the official language of Armenia. There’s no need to worry about the language because many locals are bi- or tri-lingual. About 80% of Armenians speak Russian, and 30% speak English.
Literally, Armenian was spoken throughout the Armenian Highlands, but today Armenian is widely spoken throughout the Armenian diaspora as well. The Armenian alphabet is an alphabetical writing system used to write Armenian language. Mesrop Mashtots was an Armenian linguist and ecclesiastical who developed the alphabet in the 5th century. In fact, the alphabet has 39 letters.
Armenian People
Armenians are an ethnic group of people living in the Armenian Highlands. They constitute the main population of Armenia. There is a wide-ranging diaspora of around 5 million people living outside of Armenia. In fact, the Armenian diaspora was formed because of the Armenian Genocide in 1915.
Armenians have made their mark in many places and many fields. Armenia has given many talented people to the world,for instance: Charles Aznavour, Cher (Cherylin Sarkissian), Kirk Kerkoryan, Serj Tankian and many others.
Armenia is a magical country with ancient history, wonderful architecture, fantastic nature and hospitable people.
Armenian Religion
Vast majority of Armenian population are Christians. The Armenian Apostolic Church is the national church of Armenia. Armenia was the first country that adopted Christianity as its official religion under the rule of King Tiridates in the early 4th century. Thus, you have a chance to see some of the oldest Christian churches and monasteries in Armenia. Though 95% of Armenians are Christians, they warmly welcome people of other religions.
King Tiridates III made Christianity the state religion of Armenia between 301-314․
Tiridates declared Gregory the Illuminator to be the first official head of the Armenian Apostolic Church who started to build churches and monasteries. Christianity was strengthened in Armenia in the 5th century when the Bible was translated into Armenian. Here are the Top 5 inspiring Armenian churches you must visit.
Yerevan- Capital City of Armenia
Yerevan is the capital and the largest city of Armenia that is situated along the Hrazdan River. The city is also the administrative, cultural and industrial center of Armenia. Yeravan is a culturally rich and appealing city, which has been the capital of Armenia since 1918. There are many compelling places to see in Yerevan. The city will definitely impress you as it has a lot to offer. Here are the top 5 best places to visit in Yerevan.
