WELCOME TO SUNNY ARMENIA

TERRITORY
Armenia is a country in western Asia, bordered by Georgia on the north, Azerbaijan on the east and the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhichevan on the southwest, Iran on the south, and Turkey on the west. Together with Georgia and Azerbaijan, Armenia is located in Transcaucasia (the southern portion of the region of the Caucasus), which occupies part of the isthmus between the Black and Caspian seas. Yerevan is the capital and largest city of Armenia.

POPULATION
Armenian people call their country Haiastan. Ethnic Armenians, who call themselves "hai", constitute more than 90 percent of the country's population. There are 3.8 million people in Armenia according to general census of 1990. Russians, Kurds, Greeks and Assyrians also live in Armenia. Around 6 million Armenians live abroad - in Russia, USA, France, Germany, Iran, Belgium, Turkey and other countries. Armenians belong to the Indian-European race group.

LAND AND RESOURCES
Armenia occupies about 29,800 sq km (about 11,500 sq mi) of the northeastern portion of the Armenian Highland, an extensive upland area that extends as far south as Lake Van in Turkey. Armenia is extremely mountainous. The average elevation is about 1800 m (about 5900 ft). The peak of Mount Aragats at 4090m (13,419 ft) is the highest point in the republic. Mountain ranges in the Armenia include the Pambak, Geghama, Vardenis, and Zangezour branches of the Lesser Caucasus mountain system. As a mountainous country, Armenia is exposed to frequent earthquakes. The last great earthquake, in 1988 wholly destroyed Spitak. Gyumri, Vanadzor and about 60 villages sustained heavy losses. About 25000 people died in this earthquake and 500.000 were left without shelter.

PLANT AMD ANIMAL LIFE
Armenia's plant life is diverse. In the semi desert regions, which occupy the lowest elevations, drought - resistant plants such as sagebrush, juniper, and honeysuckle are common. Grasses predominate in the steppes, which are higher in elevation and constitute most of Armenia's terrain. Beech and oak trees are found in the forest zones of the extreme northeast and southeast. The country is rich in herbs. The V century historian, Ghazar Parpetsi, wrote about herbs in his works. He told these grew in the Ararat valley and their roots were used in pharmaceutics and treatment. Another historian, Tovma Artsruni, who lived in the IX century, told about the sweet-smelling garden, planted by the Armenian king Argishti II. Not only did it smell sweet but its plants also cured many illnesses. Animal life in Armenia includes wild boars, jackals, lynx, and Syrian bears.

NATURAL RESOURCES
Natural resources in Armenia include copper, molybdenum, zinc, gold, pearlite (a lightweight aggregate used in concrete and plaster), and granite. The country lacks deposits of oil, gas, and coal and must import these fuel sources. Armenia's rivers, especially the Hrazdan River, provide considerable hydroelectric power. Armenia is rich in precious and semi - precious colored stones, such as Oeil de chat, Aqua marina (Beryl), Rubis, Kalait, Emerande and others. Many of these stones are claimed to have healing power. From ancient times Emerande was believed to protect from eye illnesses and aid longevity.

CLIMATE
The climate of Armenia varies by altitude but is predominantly dry and continental, with long, hot summers and moderate winters. The elevated plateaus, which are less sheltered by mountains than the inland plains, have more inclement weather in winter. Armenia has lots of sunshine. Precipitation varies by location and is heaviest in autumn last longer than spring. Autumn is considered the finest season with an abundance of fruits and warm and velvety weather. Mountainous areas receive the most precipitation, in the form of rain and snow. The most arid region of the country is along the Araks River.

THE PEOPLE OF ARMENIA
Armenians are an ancient people. We meet the first information about the Armenian country and people in cuneiform of the Persian king Daria I, who ruled in 552-486 BC. The name of Armenian people is supposed to come from the name of Haiassa people. In the II millennium BC the Assyrians called Armenia Nairi - country of rivers. In the 1st millennium BC Assyrians told about the Urartian people predecessors of the Armenians, in their cuneiform. In the beginning of the IX century BC the Urartian Kingdom was founded with its capital at Van. The ethnic formation of the Armenian people and Armenian language goes back to the VI - V centuries BC. Armenia's official language is Armenian, a distinct Indo - European language. It has a 38-letter alphabet that dates from the early 5th century AD.

RELIGION
In 301 King Trdat III declared Christianity the state religion in Armenia. Religion is the anchor of a nation's existence. Religion and culture were connected since ancient times. The Jewish chronicles were wholly religious, sculptures of antique gods were the greatest creations of art, and priests were the scientists and historians of those times. Armenians converted to Christianity in the early 4th century, and by some accounts were the first in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion. During centuries of foreign domination, when Armenians did not have a state of their own, the Armenian Church helped maintain a sense of collective identity. The church developed, as a strong symbol of the Armenian nation. Today, Christianity remains the country's predominant religion. Most ethnic Armenians belong to the Armenian Apostolic Church.

EDUCATION
In the early 1990s, after achieving independence, Armenia made substantial changes to its educational system. Most notably, curricula began to emphasize Armenian history and culture, and Armenian replaced Russian as the dominant language of instruction. Today, primary and secondary levels of instruction are compulsory and available free of charge. The country's largest university is Yerevan State University, founded in 1919. Other establishments of higher education offer specialized instruction in engineering, agriculture, architecture, fine arts, and theatre arts.

WAY OP LIFE
Armenians typically maintain close family ties and pride themselves on their distinctive cultural traditions. Armenian music and cuisine are similar to those of the Middle Eastern countries. On festive occasions, Armenians enjoy traditional folk music and circle dances. Spectator sports such as basketball, soccer, and tennis are popular, and in international competitions Armenians have excelled in wrestling, boxing, and gymnastics. Armenians also like to play chess and backgammon in their leisure time. Rural residents live mostly in single-family houses, and many members of an extended family often live together. Family and friends are the center of social life, and respect for elders' links generations.

ART AND LITERATURE
Art that was distinctively Armenian in form first emerged in the early 4th century, coinciding with the introduction of Christianity in the country. Religious icons were a favored subject during that time. Armenia subsequently had three, major artistic periods, which coincided with periods of independence or semi-independence. These periods occurred from the 5th to 7th century, during the 9th and 10th centuries, and from the 12th to the 14th century. The carving of decorative stone monuments called khachkars is an ancient Armenian art form that continues to be practice today. Khachkars were put in many places arid could be devoted to any event-economic, religious or political. Various constructions of the middle Ages established the fame of skilful Armenian masters all over the world. Signs of their involvement can be found on the walls of many buildings in the Caucasus, Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Russia and other places "he original dome 01 Hagia Sophia Cathedral in Constantinople (now Istanbul) was destroyed after an earthquake and was replaced in 563. The restoration works were trusted to the Armenian architect Trdat. In the VII AD the Georgian rulers engaged to the Armenian architect Todosak for the construction of churches in Georgia. On the walls of these churches one can find the j construction tokens of Todosak and other Armenian masters Aharon and Grigor. There were many remarkable legends about the architects of those days - people said that they ate nothing and drank only holy water. An Armenian literary tradition first emerged in the 5th century AD. Early literary themes were historical or religious, as represented by two great works of the period, the History of Armenia, by Movses Khorenatsi, and Eznik Koghbatsfs "Reputation of the Sects". Another History of Armenia was written by Agatangeghos, who was the personal secretary of King Trdat. He wrote about Trdat and Grigor the offspring of the two families that were enemies. When Trdat became King he persecuted many Christians and Christian preachers. The historian told about the miraculous conversion of the king to the faith. Grigor was declared the first Armenian Cathoghicos, named Grigor Lusavorich (Gregory the Illuminator) and after his death was recognized as a saint. Grigor Lusavorich was a good planner and led the construction of churches. Grigor was a Saint because he converted Armenia to Christianity and that is what he was famous for not because of his skill as an architect--builder. A secular, or nonreligious, literary (and musical) tradition began to develop in the 16th century with the appearance of poet-minstrels called ashugh, whose lyric poems were written and performed in the vernacular language. Even the Church was reconciled with them, when during religious holidays they -sang for people from the neighboring villages in the yards of churches. Sacred music was developed on the bases of peasant songs. In the IX century AD the notation in music appeared that was later used by the great composer Komitas in the 19th and 20th century. Komitas is the pearl of Armenian music. He was educated in Echmiadzin Academy and at the Academy and Conservatory in Berlin. He taught music and worked with church chorus. His unfinished "Liturgy" is a jewel of Armenian culture. Discord in Echmiadzin made the composer leave for Constantinople. Some five years later he was eyewitness to the horrors of the Armenian genocide. Broken by this Komitas went mad and never composed again. He died in Paris in 1935. In 1868 Tigran Choukhajian wrote the first Armenian opera "Arshak II". Alexander Spendiarian is the founder of Armenian classic-symphonic music. Using the richness of national music in 1912 he wrote opera "Anoush". Makar Yekmalian developed Komitas' unfinished masterpiece "Liturgy" for a choir. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries several Armenian writers gained attention for their modem novels, short stories, and plays. The most famous novelist of this period was Hakob Melik-Hakobian, who is best known by his pen name, Raffi. His novels include Jalaleddin (published in 1878), Khent (1880), David-Bek (1881-1887), and Samvel (1888).

PAINTING
Urartian wall - paintings related to the VIII BC, mosaic floor at the historical site at Garni tell much about painting in Armenia. Writings were also illustrated. The Bible and many manuscripts were illustrated with miniatures. The Matenadaran Manuscript Museum in Yerevan is the depository of ancient Armenian manuscripts and books. It holds about 15.000 manuscripts 2.500 of which are illustrated with miniatures. The collection of the Museum is increasing with the discovery of various works. The heaviest book in the world is reputedly-kept here. Armenian manuscripts are also found in other museums including the British museum and the National Library of Paris. The XVII-XVIII centuries were famous for paintings by the Hovnatanian family's artists. Naghash Hovnatan (1661-1722) illustrated churches. The illustrations of the Echmiadzin Cathedral are connected with his name. The painting of the XVIII-XIX centuries was full of new ideas while at the same time under the influence of XVII century painting. A good example of the painting of those days is the work of the portraitist Hakob Hovnatanian. The works of three great painters, Gevork Bashinjaghian, Vardges Sureniants and Edgar Shahin, date at the end of the XIX century. G. Bashinjaghian was a landscape-painter. The most famous among his works are "Birch Grove" (1883) and "Ararat" (1892). V. Sureniants was a founder of the historic painting genre. E. Shahin pained in Paris. His fame is comparable with Hovhanness Ayvazovski and Martiros Sarian. The painter Hovhanness Ayvazovski is well known for his sea paintings. These are diamonds of two cultures - Russian and Armenian. In addition to his sea paintings he painted nature in the Caucasus, Ararat and Ararat valley. He also produced many paintings on Bible themes. Martiros Sarian, one of the most famous painters, was a genre painter. He created a great number of portraits, landscapes, still-lives, drawings. A rich collection of his paintings is found in the museum bearing his name.

DECORATIVE-APPLIED ART
Decorative - applied art in Armenia has an old history, going back to the Bronze Age. Many articles, adornments, vessels, gilt belts, jewellery, even separate types of arms tell us about the jewelers' art in Armenia. The excellent technique of these works means it is difficult to categorize the work as art or handicraft. Carpet - making was very popular in Armenia. These used sheep wool which was considered comparable in quality to Egyptian wool, the finest in the world. Many designs were used in carpet - making dragons, eagles, crosses, and the tree of life. The palaces of Arabian caliphs were decorated with Armenian carpets. Wealth was measured by the number of carpets one owned. Armenian carpets are found in many museums including The Victoria and Albert Museum in London (carp. of the XVIII c.), New-York Museum (carp. of the XVI c.) and the Budapest Museum of Applied Art.

YEREVAN ZOO
Yerevan Zoo is one of children's favorite places. It is founded in 1941 and is situated on the right side of the avenue leading to the suburb Avan. It occupies a territory of 12 hectares. About 1200 animals are kept and shown here today. From the plan - directory of the Zoo which is kept at the entrance, we discover that unique animals, specific for Armenian fauna, are permanently registered here: Armenian mouflons, bezoarian goats, wild pigs, mountain grey partridges and white willow - ptarmigans, striped hyenas as well as various types of animals from different continents and countries of the world such as Asiatic elephant, Turkmenian kulan, African buffalo. Here you can meet slow-moving turtles, beautiful swans, heavy-moving hippopotamus, jolly parrots, funny monkeys, lions, tigers, desert camels, peacocks, dragons, snakes, eagles, falcons and many other animals and birds. The park is not only a favorite place of pastime for thousands of Yerevanians and guests but also a scientific important centre where experts who love their profession take care, support and raise rare animals, birds, creepers, amphibians most of which are registered in the Red Book. While visiting the Zoo, you must remember and remind the youngsters that all the animals are tender and expect special respect, attention, love and care from people.

BOTANICAL GARDENS
The Botanical Gardens in Yerevan are founded in 1935 by E. S. Ghazarian. They are 1200-1250 meters high above sea level. They are situated in the semi desert zone of the sharp continental climate. The total area of the Gardens is 80 hectares. There are expositions of various dendroflors in the territory of the gardens. The collection fond of the gardens makes about 5 thousand names including dendrological collections. 1300 (207 generic and 75 family names of plants 75 specific) types, out of which 1070 types are in the Botanical Gardens of Yerevan, 590 types are in Vanadzor and 450 are in Sevan regions. Botanical Gardens are also founded in the mountainous regions of Vanadzor (1935) and in Sevan (1944).

MUSEUMS
Major Armenian museums include the Armenian State Historical Museum, the Armenian State Picture Gallery, and the State Museum of Literature and Art, all in Yerevan. The city is also the site of the State Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet. A National Ensemble of Dance and several orchestras tour throughout the country. Some of the popular museums in Yerevan are:

Yervand Kochar Museum
Yervand Kochar lived in Europe for part of his life. In Italy, in 1922, he became acquainted with the ancient minisculpters. In Paris in 1923-36, living in Paris, he knew E. Shahin, Garzu, and A. Issahakian. In 1936 he returned to Armenia from Marseilles and created many majestic monuments. His Monument to the national hero, Sasountsi David, was opened in 1959. His last monumental work was devoted to the military commander Vardan Mamikonyan (1975).

Aram Khachatrian Museum
Aram Khachatrians Museum tells us about the great composer, conductor and teacher. One of the exhibits of the Museum, the grand piano "Playel", is connected with an interesting story. When touring Brazil in 1957 A. Khachatrian was the guest in Sao Paolo of a rich Armenian antiquarian, T. Mostidjyan. His host liked the music of the great composer and idolized him. During a party the antiquarian found out that he could not enjoy Khachatrian's music because there was no piano in the house. The host bought a piano immediately, the party was saved and everybody enjoyed the Armenian music. Years later in 1988 the host's family presented the instrument to the museum of the composer. Three music competitions are devoted to the memory of A. Khachatrian - they take place in Yerevan, Los Angeles and Marseilles.

Martiros Sarian Museum
The Museum of Martiros Sarian was opened in 1967, when the painter was still alive. On exhibit are more than 50 paintings and around 30 unfinished works. The collection consists of several cycles: 'Tales and Dreams" (1904), "Mountains", "Armenia", "Aragats", "Yerevan" and others. The loveliest theme for Sarian is flowers. When you look at his paintings it seems that you hear his dialogue with nature.

DIASPORA
In the IV-V centuries there were Armenian communities lived in Cyprus, Iran and the Caucasus. Slav culture was enriched by contacts not only with western - European countries but also with the Transcaucasian countries especially Armenia. Large numbers of Armenians went to live in southwestern Russia and the Arabian Caliphate. The Armenian communities in Poland and the Balkans were rich and famous. The tragic events of the end of the XIX century and beginning of the XX century the Armenian genocide in Turkey spread people all over the world. In the thirties Armenians lived in Europe - Greece, Bulgaria, Rumania, France, Italy, the Great Britain, Middle Asia, Africa, the USA, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, India, China. Later, in fifties and seventies many Armenians left Egypt for Canada and Australia. Others left Syria, Iran and Lebanon for European countries and Latin America. Armenians live in Belgium, Austria, Portugal, Spain, and Germany. The Armenian Apostolic Church helps Armenians living in foreign countries.

ECONOMY
Armenia is slowly recovering from natural and man made calamities that beset it during the late 1980s and early 1990s. An earthquake in 1988 severely damaged its infrastructure. A prolonged war in Nagorno-Karabakh led to blockades of the country's chief trade routs. Armenia has a strong tradition of education and entrepreneurship. Its highly skilled workforce is seen as the country's principal advantage in a land of few natural resources. The government of Armenia, even in the midst of crisis, laid the foundation for a market economy by liberalizing prices and implementing an aggressive privatization program. By 1995, inflation, which had increased the" price of goods by as much as 20 fold a year, was under control. In 2000 the AMD/USD exchange rate averaged 580 drams per US dollar. The GDP per capita was nearly USD 500 and is increasing.

Agriculture
Agriculture grew in importance in Armenia as the country's industrial base declined. Principal crops include fruits and vegetables grown on the Ararat plain in southwestern Armenia, irrigated by water from the Araks River. Potatoes, grain, and livestock are raised in the uplands. Armenia is noted for the quality of its fruits, and grapes grown near Yerevan are made into well - regarded brandy and various liqueurs.

Mining
Armenia produced about one-third of the molybdenum for the former Soviet Union and has significant deposits of copper and zinc. Also important is production of industrial minerals. Armenia imports nearly all of its oil and natural gas. This dependence on foreign supplies created economic hardship when borders were closed during political disputes. Recent surveys suggest there may be oil and gas resources in Armenia. The country is seeking international assistance for further exploration and development.

Energy
Early in the 1990s Armenia depended almost exclusively on hydroelectric facilities to produce its power-essentially the country's only indigenous source of energy. However, the aging hydroelectric facilities were insufficient to meet the country's needs, and in 1995 Armenia restarted the nuclear power plant at Metsamor, the only nuclear power plant in Transcaucasia. This plant had been shut down because of seismic and safety fears after the severe earthquake in 1988. In May 1998 the Armenian and Iranian governments signed an agreement under which Iran will supply Armenia with natural gas for 20 years. The deal requires construction of a gas pipeline between the two countries. In 1996 thermal plants fuelled by natural gas produced 46 percent of Armenia's electricity. Some 26 percent came from hydroelectric facilities, and Armenia's single nuclear plant produced 28 percent.

Currency
Armenian national currency, the Dram, was introduced in November 1993. There are banknotes in 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1.000, 5.000, 20.000 Dram denominations. On June 4, 2001 the Central Bank of Armenia put a banknote of 50000 Dram into circulation. This banknote commemorates the 1700 anniversary of the adoption of Christianity in Armenia.

GOVERNMENT
Armenia's constitution was approved by referendum in July 1995. It declares Armenia to bean independent democratic state and guarantees the protection of basic human rights and freedoms. All citizens age 18 and older may vote. The new constitution gave the president, who is head of state, broad executive power. He or she is elected by direct vote for a term of five years and may serve no more than two consecutive terms. The president appoints the Prime Minister, who presides over the council of ministers. The president upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister appoints the council's members. Armenia's parliament, called the National Assembly, is a unicameral (single-chamber) legislative body. The members of National Assembly are elected for four-year terms under a mixed system of direct vote and proportional representation.

JUDICIARY
The science of law (jurisprudence) in Armenia first appeared in the Middle Ages. The scientist and faber Mkhitar Gosh, who lived in Getic Church (later called Goshavank) for many years, wrote the first labor code in Armenia - "Code of Law". Many of the provisions of this book are still instructive: "If one gets angry and goes and fells one's fruit tree, the law orders him to plant another". Or "Again and again the law repeats and insures that the father, who does not support and feed his children until they attach their majority, must be punished". Armenia's 1995 constitution provides for an independent judiciary. The highest appellate court is the Court of Appeal, which ensures uniformity in how the country's laws are applied through its final review of cases. The Court of Appeals members are nominated by the Council of Justice, an administrative body created to ensure independence of the courts, and then appointed by the president Armenia also has a Constitutional Court, which is charged with ensuring that legislative decisions and presidential decrees are consistent with the Constitution. Of the Constitutional Court's 9 members five are appointed by the president and four by the National Assembly. The president of Armenia heads the Council of Justice. The minister of justice and the prosecutor general serve as deputy heads of the council.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT
For purposes of local government, Armenia is divided into eleven marzes (marz -region), including Yerevan. The regions are subdivided into communities. The National Assembly appoints and dismisses governors who administer the regions in accordance with national policies. The communities exercise local self-government. They hold local elections every three years to select a community leader.

YEREVAN
Yerevan is the capital of Armenia. It is located on the Hrazdan River just north of the border with Turkey. The author of the first map of the city was the academician and architect A. Tamanian (1924). In 2000 Yerevan celebrated its 2783 anniversary. The name of Yerevan probably comes from the name of Erebuni town-fortress, which was constructed in the VIII century BC by Urartian King Argishti. Yerevan is known as a capital of Armenia since the XIV century AD. In the XVI-XVIII centuries Yerevan was exposed to Turkish and Iranian invasions. In 1735 Yerevan was occupied by Iran. Russian occupied the town in 1827. Iran then signed the Turkmenchai agreement and withdrew from Yerevan. No important monuments from the VII to XIX centuries survive in Yerevan. In 1902 the railroad reached Yerevan. Several hospitals and many hotels were built in the capital at the beginning of the XX century. Here is the list of major buildings constructed in Yerevan in the XX century: 1912 - First telephone-station, 1920 - National University, 1923 - Komitas Conservatory, 1929 - Radio Station, 1933 - Opera house, 1935-National Academy, 1936 - "Moscow" cinema, 1959 - Matenadaran, Monument to Sasountsi David, 1965 - Memorial monument of the victims of the Armenian genocide , 1971-"Hrazdan" stadium, 1973-Chamber house, 1975-Palace of Youth, 1980-"Zvartnots" Airport, 1981 -Yerevan Underground, 1984-Center of Culture (Sports and Culture Center named by Karen Demirchian). Today Yerevan is an important economic and cultural center with universities, museums, libraries, performing arts venues and other attractions.

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Armenia is a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the United Nations (UN), and the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). In October 1994 the country joined the Partnership for Peace program, which provides for limited military cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The Republic of Armenia is separated into 11 regions. These are listed below together with the principal city in each.

Region Center
Shirak - Gyumri,
Lori - Vanadzor,
Tavoush - Ijevan,
Aragatzotn - Ashtarak,
Kotayk - Hrazdan,
Gegharkunik - Gavar,
Armavir - Armavir,
Yerevan - Yerevan,
Ararat - Artashat,
Vayots Dzor - Yeghegnadzor,
Syunik - Kapan.