Armenia Key Facts

Location

Caucasus, east of Turkey.

Time

GMT + 3 (GMT + 4 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Area

29,743 sq km (11,484 sq miles).

Population

3 million (2008 estimate).

Population Density

101 per sq km.

Capital

Yerevan. Population: 1.1 million (2007).

Geography

Armenia lies on the southern slopes of the Armenian Mountains in the Lesser Caucasus and is bordered by Georgia, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Iran. Its highest peak is Mount Aragats, 4,090m (13,415ft), and even its deepest valleys lie 450 to 700m (1,200 to 1,870ft) above sea level. Its biggest lake is Lake Sevan in the east.

Government

Republic. Gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Head of State

President Serzh Sarksyan since 2008.  

Head of Government

Prime Minister Tigran Sarksyan since 2008.

Recent History

President Robert Kocharyan, who served since 1998, stepped down in 2008. He was replaced by his ally Serzh Sarksyan, formerly prime minister, in April 2008. Former central bank chief Tigran Sarksyan took over as prime minister in April 2008.

In early 2004, thousands of opposition supporters marched against Kocharyan and allegations of corruption still persist. Sarksyan's election also met with protests and claims of vote rigging. However, observers said that the election was broadly democratic.

Language

Armenian. Russian is usually understood, but rarely used; Kurdish is sometimes used in broadcasting as 56,000 Kurds inhabit Armenia.

Religion

94% Armenian Apostolic Church, with Catholic and Protestant communities and a Russian Orthodox minority. Armenia is the oldest Christian nation in the world, its conversion dating from the year AD 301.

Electricity

220 volts AC, 50Hz. European plugs with two round pins are used.

Social Conventions

Almost all entertaining takes place in private homes, and guests may find themselves subjected to overwhelming hospitality and generosity, as well as being expected to eat enormously and participate in endless toasts. Visitors invited to an Armenian's home should arrive bearing some kind of small gift, such as flowers and alcohol (preferably imported) or chocolates. Handshaking is the normal form of greeting. Business cards are invariably exchanged at any kind of official meeting and not infrequently on first meeting people socially as well.

Conversation tends to be highly politicised, and guests may be well advised to avoid expressing strong opinions. Homosexuality is now decriminalised but is still an unacceptable lifestyle for many Armenians, and discretion should be exercised when in public. Women tend to be less retiring than in nearby Muslim countries, and can usually dress in normal western-style clothing (especially in the capital), although female visitors may wish to avoid wearing short skirts and shorts.

Photography:
Refrain from photographing sites such as military bases equipment and installations. Also be aware of cultural sensitivities when photographing churches and other religious sites.
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