The Republic of Armenia is a sovereign state in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia. The nation is bordered by Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iran and Georgia.

It is a landlocked country that features mountainous terrain with light forests and fast flowing rivers. The climate is mostly continental with dry sunny weather in summer and chilly snowy conditions in winter.

The capital Yerevan, is one of the oldest continually inhabited city that dates back to the 8th Century BC. Due to the presence of naturally occurring volcanic rocks used in the city’s building materials, Yerevan is popularly known as the ‘Pink City’ by locals and visitors. Yerevan is the country’s industrial, cultural and administrative centre.

Armenia is governed by a unitary, multi-party, democratic nation state with an ancient cultural history. The current republic constitutes one-tenth of historical Armenia.

The country is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, the Council of Europe and the Collective Security. As a former republic of the Soviet Union, the country is an emerging democratic nation that is negotiating with the European Union to become an associate member.

During the Soviet era, Armenia’s economy was mostly dependent on its neighbouring region. Currently, Armenia relies on service (51.3%), industry (29.1%) and agriculture (19.6%), according to the CIA World Factbook.

The country developed its modern industrial sector from the former Soviet central planning system. The system enabled the country to manufacture goods to neighbouring countries in exchange for raw materials and energy.

Its economic activity relies on diamond processing, metal-cutting machine tools, forging and pressing machines, electric motors, knitted wear, hosiery, shoes, silk fabric, chemicals, trucks, instruments, microelectronics, jewellery, software, food processing and mining.

Tourism is developing into a key sector in the Armenian economy since the 1990s. Because of this, the Armenian government has invested heavily in tourism services to attract visitors.

Due to the country’s mountainous terrain, paragliding is one of the most popular sport for tourists. Armenia has various microclimates that provide suitable weather for flying. Flying season usually lasts from May until November within the territories such as Atis, Aparan and Lake Sevan, which are the most attractive locations for paragliders.

It was once part of the ancient Persian Empire before it became the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion. As one of the oldest Christian nations, Armenia is home to countless monasteries, cathedrals and churches that attract numerous tourists.

The country’s history extends over 3,000 years and was once known as the ‘Armenian Highlands’. It has witnessed the rise and falls of empires and kingdoms throughout its history.

There are four tentative locations that are recognised as World Heritage Sites in Armenia such as the archaeological city of Dvin, the basilica of Yererouk, the monasteries of Tatev and Tatevi, as well as the monasteries of Noravank and the upper Amaghou Valley.

Find us on Facebook or Twitter.