The Facts About Armenia (written by Doug Parks)
1. Armenia became an independent Republic after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. A million people live in Yerevan, the capital, and three million more live in rural villages throughout this very mountainous country in the Southern Caucasus. Notably, there are eight million more Armenians living all over the world, including half a million in the United States.
2. Armenia is located at the midpoint between the Middle East and Europe, making it an area of historical drama, both religiously and politically.
3. The population is 98% Armenian, and only 0.5% Russian. The people take great pride in their culture, language and beautiful countryside of rugged mountains and valleys.
4. This was the first country in the world to accept Christianity as a state religion when the people converted en masse in 301 A.D.
5. In 1915, Turkey invaded Armenia and massacred 1.5 million Armenians. This led to the diaspora of millions of Armenian survivors to all parts of the world. In 2015, visitors could see large billboards all over Yerevan and beyond remembering the 100th anniversary of this holocaust. The billboards were very graphic spelling out 1915 with a sword, a noose, a rifle and a hammer and saber from left to right with dramatic impact.
6. Armenia is bordered on the north by Georgia, Turkey to the west, Iran to the south and Azerbaijan to the east. The borders with both Turkey and Azerbaijan are closed, so Armenians can travel only north to Georgia or south to Iran where oil is traded for goods.
7. Russia has been invited to maintain a base in the northwestern part of the country to protect Armenia from Turkey and Azerbaijan.
8. Yerevan is the cultural heart of the country, boasting excellent museums, art galleries and a large flea market. There is also an eternal flame monument to those who died in 1915.
9. This is a big sports country. Besides mountaineering and trekking, the major sports are weight lifting, judo, wrestling, boxing, football and chess.
10. The food here is quite tasty. Skewered pork or lamb (khoravats) is the national dish, and cognac (konyak) is the national drink. One can hear multiple toasts at any restaurant in the evening.
11. Directly west of Yerevan, toward the Turkish border, lies the famous snowcapped Mt. Ararat, which used to be part of Armenia before the Turks invaded. Continuing on to Echmiadzin, is the Holy seat of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Home to a seminary and beautiful churches, Echmiadzin’s main church contains colorful icons and wonderful medieval manuscripts.
12. One hour to the east of Yerevan is beautiful Lake Sevan, where intrepid travelers can climb up 6,000 feet to a monastery overlooking the lake for thrilling views.
