Question 1

What is the population of Armenia?

Accepted Answer

The population of Armenia is approximately 3.0M.

Question 2

How do people greet each other in Armenia?

Accepted Answer

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!'

Question 3

What should I know about eating in Armenia?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

What are the etiquette and hospitality customs in Armenia?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

How should I dress in Armenia?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

What gestures and physical greetings are common in Armenia?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

What is family life like in Armenia?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

What do people do for recreation in Armenia?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

What is the capital of Armenia?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Where is Armenia located?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What countries border Armenia?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

What is the predominant religion in Armenia?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

What currency is used in Armenia?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

What language is spoken in Armenia?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

What is the geography of Armenia like?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

What is Armenia known for?

Accepted Answer

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.

Armenia

Declare Your Relationship to Armenia

CountryReports Community

Quick Look Factsheet

Unlock the full Armenia factsheet