Useful information

Geography 
Armenia occupies 29, 700, 00 square meters, and is situated in the north-east of the Armenian highland. The Republic of Armenia (RA) borders Georgia and Azerbaijan in the north and east, and it borders Turkey and Iran in the west and south. The population is 3, 2 million. The capital is Yerevan. The average elevation is 1800 meters above sea level, the highest peak is Mount Aragats (4090meters), and the lowest altitude is the ravine of the river Debet (380 meters). The largest space is 365 kilometres. The climate is dry and continental. The average temperature in winter is -10C, and in summer it is +30C. 

Political System 
The official name is the Republic of Armenia (RA), short name is Armenia. It is a parliamentary republic with a presidential form of governing. The Constitution of the RA was adopted by a national referendum in 1995. The highest legislative body is the National Assembly. The Republic of Armenia is a member of UNO, OSCE (Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe), ISC and the Council of Europe. 

Currency 
The national currency of the RA is dram. Foreign currency is exchanged at banks or currency exchange points. There are no limitations in currency exchange, and commissions are not levied. International plastic and credit cards can be used. 

Language 
The state language of the RA is Armenian. The Armenian language belongs to a separate branch in the Indo-European family of languages. The Armenian alphabet was created by Mesrop Mashtots in 405, and it is used without any changes up to now. Russian, English, German and French are also widely spread in the country. 

Religion 
As a state religion Christianity was adopted in Armenia in 301. The Church is Armenian Apostolic. 

Ethnic Groups 
The large part of the population consists of Armenians: about 97%. There also live Russians, Ukrainians, Greeks, Asians, Kurds, Yezidis, Jews, and others in the Republic. 

History 
In the IV-III centuries BC. – Genesis of the noble original Armenians in the Armenian Highland. 
In 782 BC. – Establishment of Yerevan City. 
In the VI-V centuries BC. – The termination of ethnic formation of the Armenian nation in the territory of the Armenian Highland. 
In 189 BC. – Formation of the Armenian independent state. 
In 301 – official adoption of Christianity in Armenia. 
In 405 – creation of the Armenian alphabet by Mesrop Mashtots. 
In 428 – division of Armenia between Rome and Persia. 
The VII century – Armenia under Arabs’ power. 
In 884 – liberation of the south-west of Armenia, re-establishment of the state. 
In 1639 – division of Armenia between Turkey (The West Armenia) and Persia (The East Part) 
In 1828 – reunion of the East Armenia with Russia 
In 1915 – deportation and genocide of Armenians in the West Armenia 
In 1918 – re-establishment of the Armenian state in the East Armenia, proclamation of the Republic of Armenia 
1920 – Affirmation of the Soviet power in Armenia 
1991 – collapse of the USSR, proclamation of the independent RA. 

Transportation 
The RA has got a direct aerial communication with many countries of the world. The direct aerial communication from the RA with near and far foreign countries is implemented through the international airport “Zvartnots” which is located within the bounds of Yerevan. There are the following kinds of public transportation in the RA: buses, microbuses, taxis, and underground. One can hire a car and other transportation means with or without a driver. 

Time 
GMT + 4 

Holidays and Memorable Days 
December 31, January 1-2 – The New Year 
January 6 – Christmas 
March 8 – The Women’s Day 
April 7 – The Mother’s and Beauty Day 
April 24 - Memorial Day to the victims of the Armenian Genocide in 1915, Ottoman Empire 
May 9 – The Victory Day 
May 28 – The Day of the First Republic 
September 21 – The Independence Day 
December 7 – The Day of Commemoration of 1988 Earthquake Victims.