Armenia Informative Slideshow

After Russian rule throughout the 1900s, Armenia declared independence in 1991 and shortly after adopted a new constitution modeled after the United States constitution. The government is considered a democratic republic.

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Christianity is rooted deep in the Armenian culture, making monasteries principal centers of life and establishing Armenian as the major spoken language. These monasteries created fertile ground for written literature, hymns and poems. Song writers and novelists still make up a large part of the culture, as well as established art and film organizations such as the Yerevan Film Studios and a State academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet. Music and art is as much a part of the culture as is the natural environment.

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Most known for its mountainous terrain, Armenia is a highland country where much of the country lies at altitudes higher than 5,900 feet (1,800 metres) above sea level. Despite its small size (about the size of Hawaii), Armenia is home to many plants and animal life not seen in the surrounding countries. The summers are short, the autumns are long and enjoyable, and the winters are mild with occasional arctic storms that boost the sales at the local ski resorts.

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The history of Armenia officially begins with the founding of its capital, Yerevan, in the summer of 782 BCE; the world’s oldest city with a documented exact date of its founding. Under the Orontid Dynasty, the Armenian territory grew to encompass many of the surrounding countries over the following centuries. At it’s peak around 95 to 65 BCE, Armenia was the greatest kingdom East of the Roman Empire.

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Around the first century, the country became the first to establish Christianity as its national religion. Throughout its history, Armenia participated in sovereignty and subjection to multiple empires after the Persian empire took control over much of the Armenian kingdom.

The Armenian territories have come under control of the Byzantine and Sasanian Empires around the fourth century, and after being taken back in the ninth century, the kingdom fell to the Turks. During the rest of the middle ages, the Armenian kingdom was was under Ottoman and Iranian rule.

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By the 19th century, Armenia was under Soviet Russian control. In the late 1800s the country was seeing more repression from Russia and the Ottoman Empire, leading to minor conflicts and mass killings.

At the outbreak of World War l, the Young Turk government attempted to deport the entire Armenian population of 1.7 million to Syria and Mesopotamia. Hundreds of thousands were driven from their homes and marched to these countries until they died while those who resisted were massacred. This genocide was later known as the single greatest disaster in Armenian history. Refugees fled to Russia, Lebanon, Syria, France, and the U.S. where descendants can be found living presently.

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After World War l, Armenia fell completely to the Soviet Russian empire where it remained under Soviet rule until they dissolved in 1990. The country then declared sovereignty in 1990 and independence a year later.

However, conflicts within the country intensified to a war, forcing hundreds of thousands to emigrate. After the conflicts died around the turn of the century, many Armenians didn’t return to their home country.

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Today, it's becoming a major trade route for various Middle Eastern countries. Political tensions have remained high since the re-election of the president, but the general government of Armenia remains optimistic through new challenges since switching to a full market economy.

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The Armenian flag is made up of three colored stripes: Red, blue, and orange. Meanings of the colors depend on its history of design shortly after the Soviet Union took control of the country in the early 1900s, and how they changed after claiming independence in 1991.

Red commonly symbolizes the blood spilt by soldiers or energy of the sun, the blue typically represents the sky or clear sky, and the orange represents the fertile soil or harvested wheat.

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Armenia is landlocked between Syria, Russia, and Iran. It covers an area nestled between the Caspian and Black Seas. It is divided up into 10 provinces with the capital having special administrative status. Communities within each province are self-governing, including the capital.

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Byoreks are a type of pie that is filled with cheese or even spinach. It’s often thought of as fast food, snack, or appetizer. Be sure to try one when you visit!

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Be sure to try out some paragliding when you visit! Armenia has the perfect climate to fly through the wind and see incredible views. You won’t want to miss this. Don’t forget to check out the country’s other outdoor activities, like skiing, hiking, picnicking, and more.

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Armenia has what they call World Heritage sites. This is landmark that has been recognized by the United Nations. They’re preserved because they show importance to all humanity. Check one (or four) out while your there!

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