Armenia, officially the Republic of Armenia, is a landlocked, mountainous country in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia. Located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, it is bordered by Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and Azerbaijan to the east, and Iran and Nakhichevan to the south.
Armenia is a unitary, multiparty, democratic nation-state with an ancient and historic cultural heritage. The Kingdom of Armenia became the first state in the world to adopt Christianity as its religion in the early years of the 4th century (301 AD).
The modern Republic of Armenia recognizes the Armenian Apostolic Church, the world's oldest national church, as the country's primary religious establishment. We have our own unique alphabet invented by Mesrop Mashtots in 405 AD.
Below several basic data about Armenia are brought
Armenian is the only official language even though Russian is widely used, especially in education, and could be considered as de facto "second language". 94% of adult Armenians consider it important that their children learn Russian.
Armenians celebrate both public and religious holidays. The celebrations here are usually accompanied with joyful songs and traditional circle dances. Usually all stores are open on holidays and Saturdays. Most of the shops and supermarkets are open on Sundays, too.
The Armenian banking system consists of 21 commercial banks, which are supervised by the Central Bank of Republic of Armenia. The banks in Yerevan are open from 10 am to 4 pm on week-days and from 10 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. No lunch breaks! The ATMs can be found on all the major streets.
The following means of public transportation are available in Armenia:
Metro: Yerevan subway system has one line stretching from the north to the Railroad Station in the southern edge of the city. There are 10 stations. The fare is 100 AMD ($0.25).
Buses: There are buses running in major directions. The fare is 100 AMD ($0,25).
Minibuses: These small vans seating 12-15 people are available everywhere in the city. They run until late at night. The fare is 100 AMD ($0,25).
Taxi Services: There are many taxi services, which accept orders by phone. They offer very clean, comfortable cars with polite and skillful drivers. The fare varies from 70 AMD ($0.18) to 100 AMD ($0.25) per km.
Regular taxi: There are taxi stands at major and busy intersections. Fares are subject to negotiation.
The country code is 374, Yerevan city code is 10.
Outgoing international calls can be made by dialing:
- 00 followed by the country, city code and the number
- 107 and ordering an operator-assisted call.
The post offices in Armenia have regular working timetable from 9 am to 7 pm. Besides Sunday is a day-off. One of the central post offices is located at the Republic Square opposite the Government building.
Time difference between Armenia and Europe is +3 hours; with GB +4 hours: with East Coast of the US +9 hours and with the West Coast +12 hours.
You can get a visa for 21 days arriving at the airport, it costs 3000 AMD and 15000 AMD for 120 days. After the expiration of the visa, it can be extended by going National Voter Registry Mashtots Avenue. 13 Building, c. Yerevan, Armenia in 0009, and paying 500 AMD for each additional day.
You can also get a visa before arrival via an online communication with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia.