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- Armenia
Armenia
Historically, culturally and scenically the Republic of Armenia
is a captivating destination. Not only has it been acknowledged as
a cradle of civilisation with centuries of ancient history to
unravel, but it also boasts natural attractions aplenty and is
spoilt for beauty.
Armenia was one of the first countries to adopt Christianity as
its official state religion in 301 AD and many of the country's
surviving ancient monuments are Christian churches and monasteries.
Mt Ararat, in Turkey, was once within the borders of Armenia before
the area was divided between Turkey and the USSR, and is believed
to be the site of Biblical Noah's landing of the ark following the
great flood. Armenians still consider the mountain, the highest in
the region at 16,946 feet (5,165m), to be a symbol of their land,
and it features on their national emblem today. The story of Noah's
Ark is important in Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
The tiny landlocked country is part of the Southern Caucasus
region sandwiched between Europe and Asia and between the Black and
Caspian Seas. Present-day Armenia occupies but a fraction of the
ancient Armenia, and was once a republic of the Soviet Union. Its
capital, Yerevan, is one of the world's oldest cities, founded
years before the founding of ancient Rome.
Armenia is largely mountainous, with the alluring Mount Ararats
its highest peak at 13,435 feet (4,095m). The countryside is
riddled with small lakes, and also boasts one of the world's
biggest mountain lakes, Lake Sevan. The mountains are also home to
health spas and treatment centres, and the Tavush region is known
for its healing mineral waters where resorts such as Ijevan and
Dilijan are recognised treatment centres.
The Kotayk region boasts some of Armenia's most spectacular
scenery and is a popular destination for local and foreign
tourists. The resort of Tsakhkadzor ('canyon of flowers') is most
popular in winter with excellent skiing. Visitors to the Syunik
region will find beautiful scenery and natural springs, as well as
sights like the Tatev Monastery, the Stonehenge of Armenia
(Karahunj), Goris and the Shake waterfall. To the north, the Lori
region is sought out by campers and hikers, but also boasts two
UNESCO World Heritage sites, the monasteries of Sanahin and
Haghpat, as well as the Odzun Cathedral. East of Yerevan lies the
spiritual centre of Armenia, the Holy See of Echmiadzin, the most
significant cathedral in the world's oldest Christian nation.
Information & Facts
Business
Business is conducted formally in Armenia. Business hours are
Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm.
Climate
Most of Armenia experiences a continental climate due to its
high elevation, with hot summers and cold winters. The higher
elevations receive more precipitation and are cooler. Summer is the
most popular season for travellers, but spring and autumn are the
best time of year to travel in Armenia with milder temperatures.
Yerevan has average summer temperatures of and 23°F (-5°C) in
winter, but temperatures are often more extreme.
Communications
The international dialling code for Armenia is +374. The
outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
0044 for the UK). Cities codes are in use, and the national prefix
to call between cities is 0 e.g. (0)10 for Yerevan. For mobile
phones the prefix is 09. Public pre-paid card phones are available
throughout the country, but not all will allow international calls;
post offices and major hotels have international dialling access,
but calls are expensive. Internet cafes are available in Yerevan
and other large cities. Mobile phones can be rented.
Customs
Armenia is an orthodox Christian country and outside the capital
people are conservative, so women in particular should avoid
wearing shorts and short skirts. Military bases and installations
should not be photographed.
Duty Free
There is free import on 400 cigarettes, one bottle of alcohol,
perfume up to the amount of US$500, and personal goods of up to
US$500 in value.
Electricity
Electrical current in Armenia is 220 volts, 50 Hz.
Round two-pin attachment plugs and ?Schuko' plugs are in
use.
Health
There are no immunizations required for travellers to Armenia;
however there is a small risk of malaria between June and October
in some of the villages of the Ararat Valley. Medical care is
limited, particularly outside of Yerevan, and treatment is not
recommended for anything major. Comprehensive medical insurance
should include emergency medical evacuation.
Language
Armenian is the official language, and it has its own
alphabet. Russian is widely spoken and English is becoming more
prominent.
Money
The official currency of Armenia is the Dram (AMD), which is
divided into 100 lumas. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks
as well as many hotels, with US dollars the most widely recognised
and easily changed, although notes should be in good condition.
Credit cards are not widely accepted other than in some large
hotels and restaurants. Travellers cheques should be in US dollars
to avoid additional charges and there are few ATMs in Yerevan,
including HSBC. It is advisable to carry plenty of small change in
local currency as shops and markets will often not have change.
Passport Visa
All passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. It
is recommended that all visitors requiring a visa should obtain it
prior to arrival from the Armenian Embassy in their home country,
however visas are obtainable for most nationalities for a tourist
stay of up to four months at Yerevan Zvartnots Airport if holding
sufficient funds.
Safety
Crime is relatively low in Armenia, but travellers should still
be careful with their personal possessions and avoid any
unnecessary displays of wealth. Pickpockets take advantage of
crowded market areas. Avoid travel near the border with Azerbaijan
due to the unresolved dispute over Nagorno Karabakh.
Time
Local time in Armenia is GMT +4.
Tipping
Many restaurants in the capital will add a service charge onto
the bill, but this does not go to the staff, so tips are welcome in
Armenia.