The Republic of Armenia is located in the north of Western Asia. The country is bounded by Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey, and Georgia.
Armenia is one of the oldest countries in the world and the first one to adopt Christianity as a state religion at the year 301. The oldest leather footwear in the world (5.5 thousand years) was found on its territory.
Armenia is often called an “open-air museum”. On its territory there are a large number of perfectly preserved medieval churches, as well as more than 50 thousand traditional architectural monuments of “khachkars”, with which the Armenians celebrated the most important events of their history. Symbols and craftsmanship of khachkars are included in the list of the intangible cultural heritage of mankind by UNESCO.
Armenia is worth visiting to learn more about its unique culture, and history, and admire the unspoiled nature. There are several year-round resorts based on mineral springs, there are ski resorts, and recreational complexes on the shores of high-mountain lake Sevan - “the pearl” of Armenia, and the largest lake in the Caucasus.
The UNESCO World Heritage List includes three groups of sites: Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries; Echmiadzin temples and the archaeological site of Zvartnots; Geghard Monastery and the headwaters of the Azat River. They can be visited while traveling in Armenia.
Holidays in Armenia can be combined with a visit to neighboring countries in the Caucasus - Georgia and Azerbaijan. But the borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan are closed due to the incomplete Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, so traveling there is possible only through the territory of Georgia.
Read more about attractions:
The capital of Armenia - Yerevan
Resort Dilijan
Alpine Lake Sevan
Pagan Temple Garni
Geghard Monastery
Khor Virap Monastery
Cave of Birds
Etchmiadzin and archaeological site Zvartnots
Tatev Monastery
Cave city Khndzoresk
Noravank Monastery
Area: 29,800 sq km
Population: 2.9 million
Capital: Yerevan
Main religion: Christianity (Armenian Apostolic Church)
Official language: Armenian
Currency: Armenian dram. You can exchange money for AMD at banks and exchange offices. In large cities they accept credit cards, during excursions to the regions you need to have cash
Climate: Armenia is characterized by frosty and snowy winters, hot and dry summers. A subtropical climate is observed in the south and northeast of the country, on the whole a continental and temperate climate prevails. On the plains in January the average temperature is −5 °C, in July +26 °C; in the mountains −14 °C and +10 °C respectively. The least precipitation falls in the Ararat Valley - 200-250 mm per year and in the highlands 700-900 mm
Time Zone: GMT / UTC+4. Armenia does not use daylight saving time
Visa: there is a list of countries whose citizens can stay in Armenia without a visa up to 180 calendar days during a year. Learn more here
Medical insurance: all types of medical care for foreigners in Armenia are paid, therefore it is advisable for tourists to pre-arrange medical insurance for those traveling abroad
Import and export of goods: it is allowed to import and export from Armenia without taxes, any goods with a total value of up to 150,000 AMD and weighing up to 50 kg. The exceptions are coffee and tea (up to 1 kg), caviar (up to 0.5 kg), cigars (up to 10 pcs.) And cigarettes (up to 400 pcs.), Alcoholic drinks (up to 2 l.). You can import and export antiques, gems, coins, manuscripts and works of art only with the permission of the relevant authorities
Features of national cuisine: in Armenian cuisine a large number of vegetables and herbs are used, also beef, pork, lamb and chicken are actively used. Sevan's gifts - whitefish and crayfish are considered a delicacy. The most famous dishes are basturma, BBQ ("khorovats"), dolma and gata (among sweets). Among the drinks - armenian cognac, fruit compotes, mulberry vodka and “Jermuk” mineral water
Tips: in cafes and restaurants you can leave a small tips to 10% or round off the bill. In the service and tourism sectors tips are welcome in any size.
Electrical voltage: 220 volts
Security: Armenia has a low level of domestic crime, residents are very hospitable and polite. Without concern you can drink tap water throughout the country
Culture and customs: in Armenian churches the traditional rules for visiting Christian shrines must be followed: women enter with their heads covered, men without hats. On the territory of churches and monasteries you can’t talk on a cell phone and smoke