Armenia remains one of the most fascinating countries breaching the edges of Russia and the Middle East. In fact, Armenia as we know it today is only a small fraction of its former self – but that doesn’t make it any less interesting to discover! Here are some fun facts about Armenia you might want to clue up on.
1. Where is Armenia, anyway?
Armenia can be found in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia. It is surrounded by Georgia to the north, Iran to the south, Turkey to the west, and Azerbaijan to the east. It’s at a bit of a crossroads for some of the largest nations in the Middle East.
2. It’s as big as a US state.
Armenia covers an area of about 29,743 km squared, which equates to around 11,483 square miles To give a better idea of what that means, it’s just slightly smaller than the state of Maryland!
3. How many people live in Armenia?
As of 2021, 2.791 million people were living in Armenia. And, as you can imagine, the people from Armenia are known as Armenians – nice and easy to remember.
4. An older city than most!
The capital of Armenia is Yerevan. It also happens to be the country’s largest city and one of the oldest cities in the world – it was formed in around 782 BC!
5. Yerevan is highly popular with many Armenians.
Yerevan covers an area of about 223 square km, or 86 square miles. And, as of 2022, 1.092 million people were living in the city! That’s not quite half the country!
6. Armenia’s breaking plenty of records.
Armenia is known for a lot of things, and one of its most famous points of interest is – believe it or not – its cable car! To be more specific, Armenia has the longest non-stop double-track cable car in the world. It stretches over 5.6 km, or 3.5 miles, taking passengers between the Halidzor and Tatev monasteries.
7. What do people speak in Armenia?
The official language in Armenia is indeed Armenian! However, if you’re going to visit the country, there’s no need to worry, as many Armenians also speak a bit of English. Some also speak Russian, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and even Persian!
8. Make your move!
Many of us enjoy playing chess every now and then, and it is a great game to learn! However, if you live in Armenia, you have to learn it by law! Chess is compulsory in Armenian schools for second, third, and fourth graders. They even have exams on it!
9. Armenian cuisine deserves a second look.
Although we don’t tend to think of Armenia as a culinary leader in the world, there are a few things you should try if you ever get the chance to visit! One of their most popular food items is Lavash. Lavash is made from flour, salt, and water and is cooked in a Tonir (which is essentially an underground earth oven). The great thing about this dish is that it can stay good for up to a year!
10. Diamonds are forever!
Armenia is indeed known for exporting diamonds, but it produces more than that! Some of its other main exports include mineral products, energy, and various foodstuffs.
FAQs about Armenia
Is Armenia a part of Europe or Asia?
Given its position, it’s no wonder that many people don’t know whether Armenia is part of Europe or Asia! However, historically, culturally, and, yes, politically, Armenia is technically a part of Europe. Many consider it to be a transcontinental nation, however, due to its position on the border between Asia and Europe. It participated in the Eurovision Song Contest, too, just to confuse things further!
What is Armenia famous for?
Aside from its unique position, Armenia is known for many things! However, it’s likely best known for its ancient history, as well as its stunning landscapes.
How safe is Armenia for tourists?
Generally speaking, Armenia is pretty safe for tourists. Some tourists note that petty theft can be common in larger cities, and some minor violent crimes may take place. It is always best to travel with someone else and avoid heading into unknown areas without a trusted guide!
Further reading:
https://facts.uk/tag/Europe
https://www.theguardian.com/world/armenia
https://www.britannica.com/place/Armenia
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