Present territory of current Armenia is about a dozen times smaller than Armenian Kingdom territory of ancient times, “Mets Hayk” (Armenia Major), dating back to 331 to 428 BC.
Armenia separated from the USSR and declared its independence as Republic of Armenia on 21st of September, 1991. The decision was based on population referendum, conducted in Armenia in the same year.
Armenia is the first country in the World history that adopted Christianity as a state religion. Armenian Apostolic Church is dating back from early 4th century and is one of few most ancient national churches and also ancient Christian communities. It belongs to Eastern Orthodox Religious Church groups. The Apostolic Center of Armenia is Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin, located in 20 minutes ride from Yerevan, capital of Armenia.
State language of the country is Armenian, also categorized as a separate branch of Indo – European family of languages. Armenian alphabet has been created by famous Armenian scientist and historian of late 4th and early 5th century, by Mesrop Mashtots in 405. It is worth mentioning that Mesrop Mashtots also created current Georgian alphabet.
Armenia is well known for its biblical Mount Ararat, also referred as a place where according to Bible, Noah’s Arch has landed. The mountain is widely represented as a symbol of current Armenia.
Evidently, he most tragic period in the history of Armenia is the genocide, realized by Ottoman Empire back in 1915. This event is well recognized by many leading and small countries around the Globe, and by majority of US States. Every year, on April 24, Armenians recognize the genocide by holding a memorial procedural ceremony and give tribute to all 1.5 million innocent Armenia’s that were annihilated by Osman terrorists at the beginning of 20th century.
Armenia had 12 capitals in its history, and obviously, Yerevan is the last one. It is about 30 years older than Rome and celebrated its 2800 anniversary in 2018.
Yerevan, capital of Armenia with a population of about one (1) million, is considered one of the safest places to live and travel in the world.
The oldest and most ancient winery, was registered in Armenia and is about 6000 years old. It has been discovered near village Areni, in the Birds’ Cave. Areni is still considered the winery center of Armenia and is a famous tourist attraction for travelers. Interestingly, the oldest show, dating 5500 years was also discovered at the same location.
Armenia is very famous for its museums and unique galleries. One of the most famous and world-recognized is the museum of ancient manuscripts, Matenadaran. It has one of the world’s biggest collection of manuscripts and monuments of ancient history. The museum is located on top of a hill in downtown Yerevan.
Armenia is very famous for its apricot, unique, yummy and amazing, probably the best in the world. Apricot is also one of the symbols of Armenia and its tree is often referenced as a source for famous Armenian musical instrument, Duduk.
Armenia has incredible resources of drinking water. Being a mountainous country, Armenia has lots of springs and mountain sources for drinking water. One can find plenty of drinking water stone fountains throughout the country, especially in Yerevan. It is very safe to drink from those fountains, and we encourage you to try the amazing water, probably one of the best in the world!