Where is Armenia?

Armenia is a unique country with an interesting history. Year by year it attracts more and more tourists, which makes more people to look up where is Armenia located. It is sometimes hard to spot Armenia in a map, because it’s a small country, surrounded by bigger and more popular ones. But once you discover it, you will understand how special this place is.

So where is Armenia?

Armenia is a country in the north-eastern part of the Armenian Highland. It is a mountainous, landlocked country, with total area of 40,000 square kilometers (with Artsakh), centered in Ararat valley, which has historical, cultural and geographical importance for Armenian people. The official language is Armenian, which is an Indo-European language with one of a kind Armenian branch. It is one of the oldest languages, alphabet of which was created by Mesrop Mashtots in 405 AD.

Population of Armenia

The population of Armenia is approximately 3 million people, but there is a huge Armenian diaspora spread all around the world, about two times as big as the whole population of Armenia.

The original name of the country is Hayastan, and Armenians call themselves “hay”. Armenia is mostly a mono-ethnic country, 98% of the population is Armenians. Ethnic minorities of Armenia include Yazidis, Assyrians, Russians, Jews, Greeks, Kurds, Georgians. Armenians are very warm, impulsive, caring people (sometimes too much). If you are surrounded by Armenians, most of the time you will feel like home. It is a unique nation with ancient traditions and culture.

Is Armenia in Europe or Asia?

Let’s go back to the question “Where is Armenia?”. A lot of people wonder, is Armenia located in Europe or Asia? Many of them think, that it is a part of Europe, but in reality, Armenia is located in Asia. One of the names of its geographical location is Armenian Highland, which is situated on the northern border of Western Asia. Armenian Highland is situated within Armenia, Georgia, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Iran. The highest peak of Armenian Highland is mount Ararat – the symbol of Armenia.

Where is Armenia?

Borders

Armenia shares borders with four countries – Georgia on the north, Azerbaijan on the east, Iran on the south, and Turkey on the west.

Mountains of Armenia

Mountains are one of the most significant symbols of Armenia. Countless mountains and extinct volcanoes in Armenia offer endless possibilities for mountain hikers. Monasteries and churches are situated on the slopes of many mountains in Armenia. Even in the territory of Historical Armenia, in the mountains you can see the ruins of Armenian churches.

The highest point of modern-day Armenia is mount Aragats – 4090 m. It is an extinct volcano with four peaks. A huge and picturesque crater is situated between those peaks.

In the mountains of Azhdahak and Ukhtasar traces of ancient Armenia are still remained. Near the Lake Ukhtasar there are petroglyphs of different rituals and animals. Not far from mount Azhdahak there are vishaps from Armenian legends.

Azhdahak / Geghama mountains

Mountains of Armenia are a source of inspiration for many Armenians. People paint pictures, create music and compose legends about them.

Culture and Art in Armenia

Culture and Art have always been a big part of Armenian traditions. Throughout history there were many creative figures, who had a huge impact on country’s development. Starting from architecture, with all of the ancient beautiful churches, medieval miniature painting art, finishing with outstanding examples of music and literature.

Armenian Carpet / Photo from Megerian Carpet

Art is very important for Armenian people. In different regions, different people express their talent differently. There are many people who keep ancient armenian traditions alive with their crafts, such as carpet weaving, playing traditional armenian instruments, recreating old pieces of medieval art. And there are people, who open up more horizons and create new and contemporary pieces of art.

History of Armenia

Throughout its history Armenia has undergone many changes. Once, it was a big empire with rich history and culture. Now it is a landlocked country, but Historic Armenia, especially under the rule of King Tigran the Great was a huge land, extended from the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean. People were calling it “Armenia from sea to sea”. After numerous occupations from different empires, Armenia started to lose its strength.

In 20th century, after all of the oppression and dissolution of Soviet Union, in 1991 Armenia finally became an independent country, with its official name – Republic of Armenia.

Capital of Armenia – Yerevan

Capital and the largest city of Armenia is Yerevan, which is the political, cultural and economic center of Armenia, with population of over one million people. It is a unique city, situated along the Hrazdan river. Yerevan develops year by year, but still doesn’t lose its old traditions. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, which history dates back to 8th century BC. In this city, there are many popular sights, that every tourist must visit, such as Cascade complex, Freedom square, Matenadaran. But Yerevan also has some hidden gems, that will help people to see this city from new and interesting angle.

Yerevan is a city of contrasts, both with architecture and people. Here, you will see low-rise pink buildings of old Yerevan right next to new massive office buildings; small Soviet Khrushchev buildings next to new high-rise residential buildings. At the same place you can meet hipsters and adherents of old traditions.

Yerevan

Yerevan is very active. There are countless events that are happening in this city every single day, such as movie screenings, concerts, exhibitions, national dance master classes, seminars, conferences etc. The more you look, the more events and activities you will find.

Beautiful landscape of Armenia

But there is even more to explore outside of the capital of Armenia. In different parts of the country there are completely different landscapes: massive mountains, deserts, lush forests, fertile valleys, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and so on.

One of the most popular destinations in Armenia is Lake Sevan, in Gegharkunik province. Sevan is the largest lake in Armenia, and one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in Eurasia. For Armenians Lake Sevan is like a replacement of the sea. Many people come and spend their summer holidays here. Also in summertime, in one of the shores of the lake, Sevan Music Festival is being organized.

Summer in Sevan

The Tavush region is rich in beautiful forests and rare plant species. Here, the nature is full of different colors and shades at any time of the year.

This country if full of ancient constructions and natural monuments. It is a perfect place for ancient architecture and history lovers.

Beautiful landscape of Armenia

Now that you have learned about Armenia’s location, consider visiting this country to experience its uniqueness firsthand. Here, you will gain a lot of knowledge, a lot of positive vibes and a whole suitcase of new stories and adventures.

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