Armenia is one of the least known and isolated countries in Europe.
Wild nature, unknown culture and countless legends that are floating in these lands could play a positive role in the economy.
Many people say Armenia is where can be found Noah‘s ark.
Best Time to Visit Armenia
If you have decided to travel in Armenia, it will be better to do it during May, June and September, when it is warm without being too hot.
Standard clothing during these months is the summer clothing.
Well, of course, you could wear also some light overcoats, especially in May, but do not expect cold weather during these months.
Weather
Armenia is situated on the border between subtropical and temperate climate zone.
Possesses features characteristic of the both zones.
The climate is generally continental.
The differences in the temperature between the seasons are quite large.
In the capital Yerevan for example, December and January are very dark, cold and harsh months.
The night temperatures are between (-5) and (-10) °C and the days are rarely warmer than 1-2°C.
In February the weather is warmer in comparison with the last two months.
The days are becoming much more pleasant.
The thermometers during the day show usually between 5 and 10°C.
March and April are typically spring months, with temperatures between 14 and 20°C.
The nature returns to life and everything is very green and beautiful.
From May to late September the days are hot with temperatures from 24 to 35°C.
October is mild and pleasant. The days are still quite warm and sunny.
The temperatures are around 20 – 21°C.
In November the weather starts to deteriorate rapidly.
The precipitations in Armenia are negligible.
They are evenly distributed throughout the year.
In the winter the precipitation are mostly of snow.
The significant altitude of the country strongly affects the local climate.
The relief stops the cold air masses and they can not easily cross the Caucasus Mountains.
Nature
Armenia has a wild and beautiful scenery in which the harsh mountain landscapes prevail.
The mountain slopes with less altitude, lowlands and river valleys are covered with dense deciduous and coniferous forests in contrast to the higher parts of the mountains that are bare and forest less.
One of the largest natural landmarks of Armenia is the Lake Sevan.
It has a length of over 72 km. It lies in the eastern part of the country.
In the western parts of Armenia reveal breathtaking views of the Holy Armenian Ararat mountain, which today is located within the boundaries of Turkey.
Geography
Armenia is located in the southeastern part of Europe, between 38 and 41° north latitude and between 43 and 46° east longitude.
There is an area of 29,743 sq.km.
On the north it borders by Georgia, to the west – with Turkey, to the east – Azerbaijan and to the south – Iran.
Armenia is landlocked, although the Black Sea is distanced at only 160 km. and the Caspian Sea – at not more than 195 km.
The biggest part the country is occupied by the mountains of South Caucasus.
This is the end point of the European continent.
Beyond the borders of Armenia is situated the continent of Asia.
Relief
Armenia is a mountainous country.
There are very few places that have an altitude less than 800 meters.
Even the center of the capital Yerevan is situated about 1010 meters above the sea level.
The highest peak in Armenia is Mount Aragats.
It rises to a height of 4095 meters above sea level in the north-west of Yerevan.
Population and Settlements
The population of Armenia is consists mainly of Armenians.
Over 93% of the population is of Armenian origin.
The majority of the population are Christians – about 97%. In the country live almost three million people.
Approximately 1.5 million of them live in the capital Yerevan.
Other major and important centers are Vanadzor (150 000) and Gyumri (130 000).
Vanadzor is located in a narrow hollow in the northern Armenia.
In every sides the city is surrounded by high mountains.
It is located at an altitude about 1320 meters.
Gyumri is situated near the western border of Armenia.
It is situated at an altitude of over 1540 meters.
As is located into a flat area, around it there are well developed agriculture and numerous farmland.
The city is located about an hour’s drive from the capital Yerevan.
Economy
Armenia has a growing economy, mainly built during the Soviet times.
The standard of living is low. The economy relies strongly to the industry.
The country develops heavy and light industry.
It produces leather, textiles and food products.
Smaller is the share of the agriculture, which predominating of fruit growing and viticulture.
During the Soviet Union the country has been very well developed and wealthy, but today is one of the poorest countries on continent of Europe.
The official currency of the country is Dram (AMD).
The economic power of Armenia is almost entirely concentrated in and around the capital of Yerevan.
Facts and Events
* Armenia was founded in the 6th century BC.
* Armenia was the first Christian country in the world.
* Armenia is a former member of the Soviet Union.
* Armenia was one of the wealthiest Soviet republics.
* The country is completely surrounded by Muslim countries.
* The most tragic moment in the history of this small Caucasus country is the Armenian genocide during the Ottoman Empire, which kills over one million Armenians during the period 1915-1916 .
* In 1936 was proclaimed a Soviet Socialist Republic of Armenia.
* On 23 September 1991 Armenia was proclaimed an independent state.