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Armenia

Hayastan

Capital:Yerevan
Population:3.0M
Currency:Armenian Dram (AMD)
Language:Armenian 96%, Russian 2%, other 2%
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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Armenia.

Armenia Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

Armenia possesses one of the world's oldest and most distinctive cultural identities, shaped by millennia of history, a unique alphabet, and the enduring influence of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Armenians take tremendous pride in their cultural continuity, maintaining traditions that predate many modern civilizations. The Armenian alphabet, created by the monk Mesrop Mashtots in 405 AD, is considered a cornerstone of national identity. With 38 letters specifically designed to represent the sounds of the Armenian language, it enabled the translation of religious texts and helped preserve Armenian culture through centuries of foreign rule and occupation.

Christianity is central to Armenian cultural life. Armenia adopted Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD, making it the first nation in the world to do so officially. The Armenian Apostolic Church remains deeply woven into daily life, celebrations, and national consciousness. Monasteries such as Geghard and Khor Virap are not only religious sites but powerful cultural symbols visited by Armenians and tourists alike. The monastic ensembles of Haghpat and Sanahin, both designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites, further reflect the country's extraordinary legacy of religious architecture and craftsmanship.

Armenian cuisine reflects both the country's geography and its cultural exchanges over centuries. Staple dishes include khorovats (barbecue), dolma (grape leaves or vegetables stuffed with spiced meat and rice), lavash (a thin flatbread recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage), and manti (small baked dumplings typically served with yogurt and garlic). Lavash in particular holds ceremonial importance at weddings and holidays, where it is draped over the shoulders of newlyweds as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. Music and dance are vital expressions of Armenian culture. The duduk, an ancient double-reed woodwind instrument carved from apricot wood, produces a haunting, soulful sound that UNESCO has recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Traditional folk dances, often performed at community gatherings and celebrations, vary by region but share expressive, rhythmic movements rooted in ancient customs. Armenia also has a rich classical music tradition, with composers such as Aram Khachaturian — best known internationally for his Sabre Dance — having achieved global recognition in the twentieth century. Hospitality is a deeply ingrained cultural value.

Guests are typically welcomed with generosity, and sharing a meal is considered an important social ritual. The apricot holds special symbolic meaning in Armenian culture — the country is widely regarded as one of the fruit's earliest cultivated homelands, and the species name Prunus armeniaca reflects this association — and it appears frequently in cuisine, art, and cultural references. Literature and oral storytelling also occupy an honored place in Armenian tradition, with the medieval epic poem the Daredevils of Sassoun celebrated as a defining work of national identity and recognized on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

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Land of Ararat's Faith

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6 more cultural topics for members

Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation · Student Life

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Holidays

  • Independence Day

    9/21

    Independence Day

  • Christmas

    1/19

    Christmas

    To understand what day Armenians celebrate Christmas, you must first understand two important points. First, some cultures celebrate the Nativity (Birth of Jesus) and the Epiphany (Baptism of Jesus) at the same time. Armenia is one such country and they celebrate these two events on January 6th. The second important point to understand is that not everyone in the world uses the same calendar. Armenians use the Julian calendar while many countries including the United States and Canada use the Gregorian calendar. Currently the Julian calendar is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar, therefore if you are looking at a Gregorian calendar the Armenian celebration of Christmas would be on January 19th. Whether it is January 6th on the Julian calendar or January 19th on the Gregorian calendar.

    In the Armenian tradition, preparations for Christmas begin weeks in advance. Families start by cleaning their houses from top to bottom in anticipation of the local priest who visits each home to bless it with salt and water. Seeds of lentils, chickpeas, or wheat are placed on cotton balls and allowed to sprout so that families are reminded of the rebirth of life that comes in the spring.

    Armenians usually fast in the week proceeding Christmas avoiding all meat, eggs and dairy products, and break their fast on Christmas Eve, after attending special church services. Foods like braided bread, rice pilaf, fresh vegetables, rice pudding, figs, baklava, and anoushabour (a pudding made from wheat, berries and apricots) have become traditional for the holiday season.

    Food plays a large role in Armenian Christmas trees and ornamentation. Fruits are often hung on trees along with the white doves that symbolize peace and golden bows for decoration. Ribbons in the three colors of the Armenian flag also garland the Christmas tree.

    During the holiday season, most homes feature a nativity scene or crèche. Children hang handkerchiefs from their roofs in the hopes that they will be filled with fried wheat, raisins, and coins. Children sing carols to passersby from the rooftops, chanting, “Rejoice and be glad! Open your bag and fill our handkerchiefs. Hallelujah, Hallelujah!” On New Years Eve their wishes are fulfilled when Gah-ghant Baba, the Old Father, visits them to distribute gifts.

Dates of Interest

  • February 13th

    A traditional Armenian holiday celebrating the end of winter and the arrival of spring. Bonfires are lit, and people gather around to jump over the flames for good luck and purification.

How do people greet each other in Armenia?

Greetings vary by time of day: bari aravot (good morning), barev (hello) in the afternoon, bari yereko (good evening), and bari gisher (good night) before sleep.

Good to know

  • At school, children add 'Comrade' plus the teacher's surname, e.g., 'Good morning, Comrade Hambardzumyan!'

What should I know about eating in Armenia?

Armenian cuisine features dishes like khorovats (roasted meat), dolma (stuffed grape leaves), lavash (flatbread), harissa (chicken porridge), borscht, and fresh trout from Lake Sevan.

Good to know

  • Sharing a meal is an important social ritual
  • Social gatherings often include toasts to each family's good health and good luck
  • Lavash holds ceremonial importance at weddings and holidays

What are the etiquette and hospitality customs in Armenia?

Hospitality is deeply valued, and guests are welcomed with generosity. It is considered polite to visit without an invitation.

Do

  • Feel free to visit without a prior invitation
  • Take part in toasts to good health and good luck

How should I dress in Armenia?

Urban Armenians dress in European styles, and jeans are popular among youth. Traditional costumes include baggy pants under long overcoats.

Good to know

  • Regional accessories include sheepskin hats, engraved metal belts, and jewelry
  • Women traditionally wear their hair in two long braids

What gestures and physical greetings are common in Armenia?

Armenians greet with a handshake, while close friends greet with kisses on the cheek.

Good to know

  • Same-sex friends openly show affection; it's common to see two men or two women walking arm in arm

What is family life like in Armenia?

Newly married couples often live with the husband's parents, and children typically care for their parents in old age. Grandparents play a large role in raising grandchildren.

Good to know

  • When newlyweds first enter their home, lavash is placed over their shoulders for good luck
  • On the fortieth day, the bride's parents visit and give her an ozhit (personal possessions)
  • Village families often have private houses with small farming plots; urban families usually live in apartment buildings of 4 to 15 stories

What do people do for recreation in Armenia?

Men enjoy playing backgammon and chess in city parks, and summer brings trips to Lake Sevan and countryside picnics. Soccer is the most popular sport.

Good to know

  • Skiing and tennis are also popular

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Armenia

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Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Currency
492.7
Time Difference
UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Climate
The climate is highland continental. It is dry, with an average of 550mm (21.6 inches) in annual rainfall. In the Ararat Valley, where Yerevan is located, there is far less rain; with an average range of from 200mm to 250mm (7.9 to 10 inches). Seasonal extremes are pronounced in the Ararat Valley. Temperatures can approach the record summer high of 42°C (107.6°F) or plunge towards the record winter low of -30°C (-22°F). Mean temperatures are more temperate, however. July readings give an average high range of from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). The January low range averages from -5°C (23°F) to -7°C (19°F). Autumns are long and golden; Armenia enjoys around 2700 hours of sunshine each year. Drought is a perennial problem.
Airports
17
Recommended Vaccinations
How important is it to do your research about vaccinations? It might just save your life! Make yourself aware of the different types of vaccinations and which ones you may need to travel to your destination. Schedule an appointment with your doctor at least four to six weeks before you travel to ensure you receive all important shots. Be sure that you and your family are up to date on your routine vaccinations. Which vaccinations you need will depend on a number of factors including your destination, whether you will be spending time in rural areas, the season of the year you are traveling, your age, health status, and previous immunizations.
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Sajoostoo (Flat Thin-Layered Bread)

Bread

Browse all 6 recipes

History

Historical Eras

  1. Ancient & Classical Armenia

    600 BCE – 301

    Armenian tribes settled the highland plateau between the Black Sea and the Caspian, forming a distinct civilization under successive kingdoms. The Armenian Empire reached its zenith under Tigranes the Great (95–55 BCE), stretching from the Caspian to the Mediterranean, before Roman conquest reduced it to a client state. This era established a durable Armenian national identity and set the stage for the country's pivotal religious transformation.

  2. Christian Kingdom & Arab Rule

    301 – 885

    King Tiridates III adopted Christianity in 301 CE, making Armenia the first nation to declare it a state religion — a defining moment that shaped Armenian culture, art, and alphabet development under Saint Mesrop Mashtots. The Byzantine Empire and Sassanid Persia competed for control until Arab conquests absorbed Armenia in 653, installing the Bagratid family as governors by 806. Armenian ecclesiastical and literary traditions flourished even under foreign suzerainty.

  3. Bagratid Golden Age

    885 – 1064

    The Bagratid dynasty established an independent Armenian kingdom in 885, with Ashot I and later Ashot III presiding over a celebrated cultural renaissance — an era of monastic architecture, manuscript illumination, and poetry. The capital Ani became a prosperous metropolis rivaling Constantinople. Seljuk Turkish invasions culminating in the fall of Ani in 1064 shattered this golden age and triggered large-scale Armenian displacement.

  4. Foreign Empires & Genocide

    1064 – 1918

    For nearly nine centuries Armenians lived under successive Seljuk, Mongol, Ottoman, and Persian dominions, with a notable interlude of autonomy in Cilician Armenia (1080–1375) whose forces participated in the Crusades. Russia incorporated eastern Armenia in 1828, while western Armenians remained under Ottoman rule and endured massacres of approximately 300,000 in 1895 and the systematic genocide of 1915–1916, killing an estimated 1–1.5 million people. The collapse of the Ottoman Empire in World War I briefly opened the door to independence.

  5. Soviet Armenia

    1918 – 1991

    A short-lived independent republic (1918–1920) was absorbed into the Soviet Union in 1920, and Armenia became a constituent republic of the USSR. Soviet rule brought rapid industrialization, urbanization, and literacy alongside political repression and the forced collectivization of agriculture. Moscow's 1921 decision to assign the predominantly Armenian enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh to Soviet Azerbaijan planted the seeds of a conflict that would erupt violently in 1988.

  6. Independent Republic

    1991 – present

    Armenia declared independence in September 1991 as the Soviet Union dissolved, but immediately confronted war with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh; a 1994 ceasefire left Armenian forces in control of the enclave and surrounding territories. Turkey's economic blockade and the unresolved conflict severely hampered development, though Armenia pursued democratic reforms and closer ties with both Russia and Western institutions. A renewed Azerbaijani offensive in 2020 and 2023 resulted in the fall of Nagorno-Karabakh, driving its Armenian population into Armenia and redefining the republic's geopolitical position.

Overview

THE THREE REPUBLICS of Transcaucasia--Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia--were included in the Soviet Union in the early 1920s after their inhabitants had passed through long and varied periods as separate nations and as parts of neighboring empires. By the time the Soviet Union dissolved at the end of 1991, the three republics had regained their independence, but their economic weakness and the turmoil surrounding them jeopardized that independence almost immediately.

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Timeline of Key Events

  1. 95 BCE – 55 BCE

    Armenian Empire reaches greatest size and influence under Tigran the Great.

    Armenian Empire reaches greatest size and influence under Tigran the Great.

  2. 30 BCE

    Romans conquer Armenian Empire.

    Romans conquer Armenian Empire.

  3. 310

    Tiridates III accepts Christianity for the Armenian people.

    Tiridates III accepts Christianity for the Armenian people.

  4. 653

    Byzantine Empire cedes Armenia to Arabs.

    Byzantine Empire cedes Armenia to Arabs.

  5. 806

    Arabs install Bagratid family to govern Armenia.

    Arabs install Bagratid family to govern Armenia.

  6. 862

    Second golden age of Armenian culture, under Ashot I and Ashot III.

    Second golden age of Armenian culture, under Ashot I and Ashot III.

  7. 1100 – 1300

    Cilician Armenian and Georgian armies aid European armies in Crusades.

    Cilician Armenian and Georgian armies aid European armies in Crusades to limit Muslim control of Holy Land.

View full timeline (28 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • A common pastime among Armenians is a slow, lazy game of backgammon. Backgammon is probably the oldest game in recorded history. It is believed to have originated in Mesopotamia.

  • Chess is practically the national sport. Chess as a form of education is highly encouraged, children are taught to play at a young age.

  • Shamiram, or the Armenian Women’s Union, was founded in April 1995 to champion and safeguard women’s rights and increase the involvement of women in the field of police, decisionmaking and democratic and market reforms.

  • In Armenia it was a custom that on New Year's Eve, children gathered in-groups and went around their village, singing songs and greeting the New Year by singing to their neighbors. They usually received lots of fruit as present. Decorating a New Year's tree was not one of the customs in the past. Within the family, it was a custom for the family members to exchange presents, but, a wife never received a present from her husband, as this was considered a disgrace. Children in the family, the youngest ones following the elderly, would go to their father, who had the presents hidden in his coat, and after kissing their father's hand everyone would receive their present.

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Geography and Environment

landlocked in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains; Sevana Lich (Lake Sevan) is the largest lake in this mountain range
Terrain
Armenian Highland with mountains; little forest land; fast flowing rivers; good soil in Aras River valley
Climate
The climate is highland continental. It is dry, with an average of 550mm (21.6 inches) in annual rainfall. In the Ararat Valley, where Yerevan is located, there is far less rain; with an average range of from 200mm to 250mm (7.9 to 10 inches). Seasonal extremes are pronounced in the Ararat Valley. Temperatures can approach the record summer high of 42°C (107.6°F) or plunge towards the record winter low of -30°C (-22°F). Mean temperatures are more temperate, however. July readings give an average high range of from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). The January low range averages from -5°C (23°F) to -7°C (19°F). Autumns are long and golden; Armenia enjoys around 2700 hours of sunshine each year. Drought is a perennial problem.
Natural Hazards
occasionally severe earthquakes; droughts
Current Environmental Issues
soil pollution from toxic chemicals such as DDT; the energy crisis of the 1990s led to deforestation when citizens scavenged for firewood; pollution of Hrazdan (Razdan) and Aras Rivers; the draining of Sevana Lich (Lake Sevan), a result of its use as a source for hydropower, threatens drinking water supplies; restart of Metsamor nuclear power plant in spite of its location in a seismically active zone
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Armenian 96%, Russian 2%, other 2%

  • Armenian
  • Russian

Population

Population
2,977,000
Population: Male/Female
male: 1,456,415 female: 1,520,350
Population Distribution
most of the population is located in the northern half of the country; the capital of Yerevan is home to more than five times as many people as Gyumri, the second largest city in the country
Urban Population
urban population: 63.7% of total population rate of urbanization: 0.23% annual rate of change
Population in Major Urban Areas
1.095 million YEREVAN (capital)
Nationality Noun
noun: Armenian(s) adjective: Armenian
Ethnic Groups
Armenian 98.1%, Yezidi 1.1%, other 0.8%
Language Note
Armenian (official) 97.9%, Kurmanji (spoken by Yezidi minority) 1%, other 1.1%; note - Russian is widely spoken

Demographic Profile

Armenia’s population peaked at nearly 3.7 million in the late 1980s but has declined sharply since independence in 1991, to just over 3 million in 2021, largely as a result of its decreasing fertility rate, increasing death rate, and negative net emigration rate. The total fertility rate (the average number of children born per woman) first fell below the 2.1 replacement level in the late 1990s and has hovered around 1.6-1.65 for over 15 years. In an effort to increase the country’s birth rate, the government has expanded its child benefits, including a substantial increase in the lump sum payment for having a first and second child and a boost in the monthly payment to mothers of children under two. Reversing net negative migration, however, remains the biggest obstacle to stabilizing or increasing population growth. Emigration causes Armenia not only lose individuals but also the children they might have.

The emigration of a significant number of working-age people combined with decreased fertility and increased life expectancy is causing the elderly share of Armenia’s population to grow. The growing elderly population will put increasing pressure on the government’s ability to fund the pension system, health care, and other services for seniors. Improving education, creating more jobs (particularly in the formal sector), promoting labor market participation, and increasing productivity would mitigate the financial impact of supporting a growing elderly population.

Armenia has a long history of migration, some forced and some voluntary. Its large diaspora is diverse and dispersed around the world. Widely varying estimates suggest the Armenian diaspora may number anywhere from 5-9 million, easily outnumbering the number of Armenians living in Armenia. Armenians forged communities abroad from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome to Russia and to the Americas, where they excelled as craftsmen, merchants, and in other occupations.

Several waves of Armenian migration occurred in the 20th century. In the aftermath of the 1915 Armenian genocide, hundreds of thousands of survivors fled to communities in the Caucasus (including present day Armenia), Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Europe, and Russia and established new communities in Africa and the Americas. In the 1930s, the Soviets deported thousands of Armenians to Siberia and Central Asia. After World War II, the Soviets encouraged the Armenian diaspora in France, the Middle East, and Iran to return the Armenian homeland in order to encourage population growth after significant losses in the male workforce during the war.

Following Armenian independence in 1991, the economic downturn and high unemployment prompted hundreds of thousands of Armenians to seek better economic opportunities primarily in Russia but also in the US, former Soviet states, and Europe. In the early 1990s, hundreds of thousands of Armenians fled from Azerbaijan to Armenia because of the ongoing Nagorno-Karbakh conflict, but many of them then emigrated again, mainly to Russia and the US. When the economy became more stable in the late 1990s, permanent emigration slowed, but Armenians continued to seek temporary seasonal work in Russia. The remittances families receive from relatives working abroad is vital to Armenian households and the country’s economy.

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write

There are many schools near each other and the ages of those schools are different. There are old buildings and also very new ones built in the post-war period and the number of children studying there also differs. There are about 160 – 300 children at a school.

A typical Armenian school classroom usually has desks for children, a desk for the teacher, a blackboard, domestic flowers on the windowsills, and wallpapers concerning the subjects taught in the classroom. Some classrooms also have bookshelves for different books. Many schools have different classrooms for different subjects and those classrooms are equipped with corresponding equipment. But this does not apply to every school. Many schools do not have audiovisual equipment.

There is a computer room nearly in every school and, perhaps, this is the best and the most interesting classroom for the children.

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
total population: 75.9 years male: 72.6 years female: 79.4 years
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 3.77 liters of pure alcohol beer: 0.52 liters of pure alcohol wine: 0.46 liters of pure alcohol spirits: 2.78 liters of pure alcohol other alcohols: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol
Tobacco Use
total: 25.5% male: 49.4% female: 1.5%
Child Marriage
women married by age 15: 0% women married by age 18: 5.3% men married by age 18: 0.4%
Infant Mortality Rate
total: 8.2 deaths/1,000 live births male: 9.1 deaths/1,000 live births female: 7.2 deaths/1,000 live births

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
total population: 75.9 years male: 72.6 years female: 79.4 years
Median Age
total: 38.9 years male: 37.6 years female: 40.3 years
Age Structure
0-14 years: 17.7% (male 275,589/female 250,630) 15-64 years: 67% (male 991,490/female 1,004,101) 65 years and over: 15.3% (male 189,336/female 265,619)
Infant Mortality Rate
total: 8.2 deaths/1,000 live births male: 9.1 deaths/1,000 live births female: 7.2 deaths/1,000 live births
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Armenia
Full Country Name
Republic of Armenia
Local - Long
Hayastani Hanrapetut'yun
Local - Short
Hayastan
Former Name
Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic; Armenian Republic

Government Structure

Government Type
republic
Legal System
based on civil law system
Executive Branch
chief of state: President Vahagn KHACHATURYAN (since 13 March 2022) head of government: Prime Minister Nikol PASHINYAN (since 8 May 2018, reconfirmed following subsequent elections) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a seven-year term (eligible for a single term); election last held on 2 March 2022 (next to be held in 2029); prime minister nominated by the parliamentary majority and appointed by the president following National Assembly elections election results: Vahagn KHACHATURYAN elected president by the National Assembly; Nikol PASHINYAN's Civil Contract party won a majority in the June 2021 parliamentary elections, securing his continued tenure as prime minister
Legislative Branch
Unicameral National Assembly (Parliament) or Azgayin Zhoghov (105 seats; members elected by proportional representation from party lists to serve five-year terms; a party must receive at least 5% of the vote to enter parliament, while blocs require at least 7%). Elections: Last held on June 20, 2021 (next to be held in 2026). Election results: Percent of vote by party — Civil Contract Party 53.9%, Armenia Alliance 21.0%, I Have Honour Alliance 5.2%; seats by party — Civil Contract Party 71, Armenia Alliance 29, I Have Honour Alliance 7 (two additional seats were allocated under minority representation provisions, bringing the total to 107 seats with gender and minority quotas applied). The Civil Contract Party, led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, secured a commanding majority, continuing its dominance following the snap elections called in the aftermath of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. The two opposition blocs — Armenia Alliance, led by former President Robert Kocharyan, and I Have Honour Alliance, associated with former President Serzh Sargsyan — represent the principal opposition forces. Under constitutional reforms adopted by referendum in 2015 and enacted progressively through 2018, Armenia transitioned from a semi-presidential to a fully parliamentary system of government, substantially increasing the role and authority of the National Assembly in shaping governance.
Judicial Branch
Constitutional Court; Court of Cassation (Appeals Court)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
adopted by nationwide referendum 5 July 1995
Independence
21 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)
National Holiday
Independence Day, 21 September (1991)

Capital City

Capital Name
Yerevan
Capital - geographic coordinate
40 10 N, 44 30 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

name likely derives from the ancient Urartian fortress of Erebuni established on the current site of Yerevan in 782 B.C. and whose impressive ruins still survive

Military

Branches: Armenian Armed Forces: Ground Forces, Air Force, and Air Defense; "Nagorno-Karabakh Republic": Nagorno-Karabakh Self-Defense Force (NKSDF)

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy Yerevan

1 American Avenue

Embassy switchboard: 374 10 46 47 00

Emergency after-hours telephone: 374 10 49 44 44

Facsimile: 374 46 47 37

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Economy

Under the Soviet central planning system, Armenia developed a modern industrial sector that supplied machine tools, textiles, and other manufactured goods to sister republics in exchange for raw materials and energy.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Armenian Dram (AMD)
GDP — official exchange rate
$4,868,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
7.6%
GDP by Sector
agriculture: 23.1% industry: 35.4% services: 41.5%
Gini Index
41.3
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News & Weather

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Latest News

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Climate Overview

The climate is highland continental. It is dry, with an average of 550mm (21.6 inches) in annual rainfall. In the Ararat Valley, where Yerevan is located, there is far less rain; with an average range of from 200mm to 250mm (7.9 to 10 inches).

Seasonal extremes are pronounced in the Ararat Valley. Temperatures can approach the record summer high of 42°C (107.6°F) or plunge towards the record winter low of -30°C (-22°F). Mean temperatures are more temperate, however. July readings give an average high range of from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). The January low range averages from -5°C (23°F) to -7°C (19°F). Autumns are long and golden; Armenia enjoys around 2700 hours of sunshine each year. Drought is a perennial problem.

Videos

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Armenia?
The population of Armenia is approximately 3.0M.
How do people greet each other in Armenia?
Greetings vary by time of day: bari aravot (good morning), barev (hello) in the afternoon, bari yereko (good evening), and bari gisher (good night) before sleep. At school, children add 'Comrade' plus the teacher's surname, e.g., 'Good morning, Comrade Hambardzumyan!'
What should I know about eating in Armenia?
Armenian cuisine features dishes like khorovats (roasted meat), dolma (stuffed grape leaves), lavash (flatbread), harissa (chicken porridge), borscht, and fresh trout from Lake Sevan. Sharing a meal is an important social ritual Social gatherings often include toasts to each family's good health and good luck Lavash holds ceremonial importance at weddings and holidays
What are the etiquette and hospitality customs in Armenia?
Hospitality is deeply valued, and guests are welcomed with generosity. It is considered polite to visit without an invitation. Do: Feel free to visit without a prior invitation Take part in toasts to good health and good luck
How should I dress in Armenia?
Urban Armenians dress in European styles, and jeans are popular among youth. Traditional costumes include baggy pants under long overcoats. Regional accessories include sheepskin hats, engraved metal belts, and jewelry Women traditionally wear their hair in two long braids
What gestures and physical greetings are common in Armenia?
Armenians greet with a handshake, while close friends greet with kisses on the cheek. Same-sex friends openly show affection; it's common to see two men or two women walking arm in arm
What is family life like in Armenia?
Newly married couples often live with the husband's parents, and children typically care for their parents in old age. Grandparents play a large role in raising grandchildren. When newlyweds first enter their home, lavash is placed over their shoulders for good luck On the fortieth day, the bride's parents visit and give her an ozhit (personal possessions) Village families often have private houses with small farming plots; urban families usually live in apartment buildings of 4 to 15 stories
What do people do for recreation in Armenia?
Men enjoy playing backgammon and chess in city parks, and summer brings trips to Lake Sevan and countryside picnics. Soccer is the most popular sport. Skiing and tennis are also popular
What is the capital of Armenia?
Yerevan is the capital and largest city of Armenia, serving as the country's political, cultural, and economic hub. One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, Yerevan has roots stretching back to the 8th century BCE. Today it is a modern metropolis characterized by its distinctive rose-colored tuff stone architecture, vibrant café culture, and sweeping views of Mount Ararat — a peak that, though situated in Turkey, remains the most potent national symbol of the Armenian people.
Where is Armenia located?
Armenia is a landlocked country situated in the South Caucasus region of western Asia, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. It occupies a rugged, mountainous terrain in the Lesser Caucasus range, bordered by the Black Sea basin to the west and the Caspian region to the east. Its geopolitically sensitive position has historically placed it at the intersection of competing empires — Roman, Byzantine, Persian, Ottoman, and Russian — each of which has left a lasting imprint on Armenian culture and history.
What countries border Armenia?
Armenia shares borders with four countries: Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east and northeast, and Iran to the south. The border with Turkey has remained closed since 1993 due to political tensions related to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and unresolved disputes over the Armenian Genocide. Relations with Azerbaijan have similarly been fraught, marked by decades of conflict over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which has shaped much of Armenia's modern foreign policy and national identity.
What is the predominant religion in Armenia?
Armenian Apostolic Christianity is the faith of approximately 94% of the population, making it the overwhelmingly dominant religion in the country. Armenia holds the historic distinction of being the first nation to formally adopt Christianity as a state religion, in the early 4th century CE — a fact central to Armenian national identity. An additional 4% of the population identifies with other Christian denominations, while roughly 2% practice the Yezidi faith, a syncretic religion with Zoroastrian and animist elements, observed primarily among the country's Kurdish-speaking Yezidi minority.
What currency is used in Armenia?
The official currency of Armenia is the Armenian Dram, with the ISO code AMD. The Dram was introduced in 1993, replacing the Soviet ruble following Armenia's independence from the USSR in 1991. Banknotes and coins are issued by the Central Bank of Armenia. While the Dram is the standard medium of exchange, the US dollar and Russian ruble are also informally accepted in some commercial contexts, reflecting Armenia's close economic ties with both Russia and the global diaspora community.
What language is spoken in Armenia?
Armenian is the official language, spoken by approximately 96% of the population. It is an independent branch of the Indo-European language family and one of the oldest literary languages in the world, with an alphabet created in 405 CE by the scholar Mesrop Mashtots — itself considered a cornerstone of national identity. Russian is spoken by about 2% of the population and remains widely understood due to the country's long incorporation into the Soviet Union, functioning as an important language of commerce and regional communication.
What is the geography of Armenia like?
Armenia is a small, landlocked nation defined by dramatic highland terrain. The country lies on the Armenian Plateau, with elevations averaging around 1,800 meters above sea level and peaks reaching well above 4,000 meters. Mount Aragats, at approximately 4,090 meters, is the highest point within the country's borders. The landscape is characterized by volcanic mountains, deep gorges, and Lake Sevan — one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world — which dominates the eastern portion of the country and serves as a vital water and fish resource.
What is Armenia known for?
Armenia is known for being the world's first Christian nation, a distinction that permeates its ancient monasteries, stone churches, and khachkars (intricately carved cross-stones) found across the country. It is also celebrated for its brandy — Armenian cognac-style brandy, historically produced in Yerevan, was famously favored by Winston Churchill. Chess occupies a near-sacred cultural role, taught to children as part of formal education and considered a national pursuit. Armenia is additionally recognized for its rich culinary tradition, including dishes such as dolma and lavash flatbread, the latter inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Last reviewed 2026

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