Armenia is part of the countries of the South Caucasus, endowed with national color and distinctive culture. The people are renowned for their hospitality and national cuisine. Tourists who visit Armenia remain under the unforgettable impression of this amazing country.
Armenia on the World Map
Armenia covers an area of 29,743 square kilometers. This mountainous country lies on the northwest of the Armenian Highlands, where you can also find its highest point – the famous Mount Aragats (4,090 meters), and the lowest point in the country – the Debed Gorge (just 380 meters). The terrain of the highlands is framed by the ridges of the Lesser Caucasus. Armenia is situated midway between the Caspian and Black Seas. Its western borders are near Turkey, the south borders Iran, the north Georgia, and the eastern part neighbors Azerbaijan. The cultural features of the country are closely linked to Europe, though territorially it belongs to Asia. The southern part of the country extends into the Ararat plain, a recognized agricultural region in Armenia.
Climate Features
The country’s climate is continental and dry. The weather is changeable: sometimes there are cold winters or overly hot days. Due to regional characteristics, there can be up to 5-7 cold months. The snow depth can reach 90-100 cm. Summers are hot and dry. The temperature in the summer months can reach 40 degrees. Annual precipitation is about 400 mm. The average temperature in July is 25 degrees, in January -5 degrees. Armenia has over 100 lakes, with Lake Sevan being one of the largest. This lake attracts tourists with its beauty and clarity, earning it the nickname “the mountain pearl.”
Armenia is divided into 10 regions:
• Aragatsotn, located in the western part of the country with the administrative center in the city of Ashtarak.
• Ararat region, with its western boundaries near Turkey and the southern part near Azerbaijan. The capital Yerevan is close to the northern part of the region.
• Armavir region, bordering Turkey, with the administrative center in the city of Armavir.
• Vayots Dzor, a region in the southeast of the country, comparatively low in population density.
• Gegharkunik, which gathers tourists from all over the world because it is home to Lake Sevan.
• Kotayk, a region in the central part of Armenia, where the Garni Temple is located, attracting tourists worldwide.
• Lori, located in the northern part of Armenia, known for its forestry and sheep breeding.
• Syunik region, bordering Iran across the Araks River.
• Tavush, a region developed in forestry and agriculture, more than half covered by forest.
• Shirak, located in the western part of the country, borders near Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Yerevan is the capital of Armenia, a center of the economy and centuries-old culture. The city has two airports: Zvartnots International Airport, ten kilometers from the capital, and Erebuni Airport for civil and military aviation, serving the Republic of Armenia and the capital Yerevan.
Capital – Yerevan
Capital – YerevanYerevan is the capital of Armenia, a center of the economy and centuries-old culture. The city has two airports: Zvartnots International Airport, ten kilometers from the capital, and Erebuni Airport for civil and military aviation, serving the Republic of Armenia and the capital Yerevan.
Yerevan is an ancient city with a long history, located at the foot of Mount Ararat. It is the industrial center of the country with similar Soviet-era buildings. Despite the city’s long history, there are few landmarks. However, this is offset by the hospitality of the locals, who are eager to tell about their beloved city. The capital has a calm atmosphere and friendly environment. In local cafes and restaurants, one can try the famous Armenian coffee.
Major Cities
After the capital, the cities with the largest populations are:
• Gyumri;
• Vanadzor;
• Abovyan.
Gyumri is a major city in Armenia, second in area to the capital. It is located in the northwest of the country, 129 km from the capital. The city’s industries include food, light, and machine building. There is a pedagogical institute and two theaters. Tourists are attracted to the architectural monuments located in the city and its surroundings. Unfortunately, many architectural monuments have not been preserved.
Vanadzor is located at the intersection of three rivers, giving it a particularly picturesque nature. People of different nationalities live in the city. It plays an active part in the country’s industry. Here you can stroll along wide avenues, visit fashionable shops, and enjoy unforgettable nature.
Abovyan was built relatively recently, in 1963, on the site of the village of Elar. The city was named after the founder of modern Armenian literature, Khachatur Abovyan. Sometimes the city is called “the Northern Gate of Yerevan” because the roads and railway lines passing through the city connect the capital to the northeast of the country.
Places for Tourists to Visit
Traveling through Armenia, it is recommended to visit the city of Ashtarak, located in the vicinity of Yerevan. The city is filled with ancient Armenian color. Tourists are attracted to two churches located there, known as the yellow and the red churches, named after the color of their walls. The yellow church is in a semi-ruined state, and no services are held there. The red church has preserved ancient tiles, placed not only on lime mortar but also on nails.
In the capital, there are famous places recommended for a visit:
1. Republic Square, the main city square, where the main buildings are located: the Government House, the Communications Building, and fountains that adorn the square.
2. The Armenian Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet, one of the brightest buildings in Yerevan, designed by architect Alexander Tamanian. In the evenings, cyclists and couples gather around the theater.
3. The State Museum of the History of Armenia, where a visit to the museum will reveal the history of the country’s origin, telling about the culture and development of Armenia from ancient times to the present day.
4. The National Gallery of Armenia, which houses a collection of 25,000 paintings of Armenian and European art.
