Armenia by Michael Fitzgerald

Երևան - jɛrəˈvɑːn - Yerevan

alexissebjornson — 2016-01-27 11:47:09 UTC

Not only is it the capital, but it is also the largest city in Armenia - Yerevan. With its beautiful (albeit post-soviet union) architecture and scenery, its such a pity that not many people considered this a definite tourist destination.

alexissebjornson — 2016-01-27 12:04:36 UTC

նուռ - Nour - Pomegranate

alexissebjornson — 2016-01-27 12:13:10 UTC

The pomegranate is an important aspect to Armenian culture. It represents fertility, abundance and marriage. A classic tradition (dating back to ancient times) in a typical wedding, is for the bride to throw a pomegranate at a wall till the seeds scatter. The scattering of the seeds would bring and promise children. Fairy tales often ended with, “Three pomegranates fell down from heaven: One for the story teller, one for the listener, and one for the whole world.” It is also a sign of overal happiness and positivity.

Languages

alexissebjornson — 2016-01-27 12:24:53 UTC

The official language, although quite obvious, is Armenian. It is learned first by many (many many many) of the people there. Minority languages include Kurdish, Assyrian, Greek and Russian. The most widely used foreign language is Russian. Don't be frightened, as English has been gaining popularity these past few years.

Sources

mafjr — 2016-01-27 12:33:15 UTC

Pomegranates: http://mominaaa.tumblr.com/post/76134338609/armenianhighland-%D5%B6%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%BC-pomegranate-the

Armenian Alphabet: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenian_alphabet

http://www.omniglot.com/writing/armenian.htm

Words to Know: Google Translate

Landforms: http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/europe/armenia/amland.htm

Land forms: http://www.atb.am/en/armenia/geo/

Flora: http://www.atb.am/en/armenia/nature/flora/

Fauna: http://www.listofcountriesoftheworld.com/am-animals.html
http://earthsendangered.com/search-regions3.asp?search=1&sgroup=allgroups&ID=516

Pollution: http://naturvernforbundet.no/international/environmental-issues-in-armenia/category931.html

Ethnicity, Religion, Unifying characteristics: http://www.armeniainfo.am/about/?section=religion
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Armenia#Ethnic_groups

Economy: https://www.gfmag.com/global-data/country-data/armenia-gdp-country-report
http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/armenia/overview

Standard of Living; http://countrystudies.us/armenia/40.htm

Prices - http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Armenia

Armenian Alphabet

alexissebjornson — 2016-01-27 12:52:00 UTC

It consists of 36 letters, nearly identical 1,500 years ago. They write left to write, horizontally. Different locations (I.e. Western and Eastern sides) have slightly different pronunciation. Armenian is spoken not only in Armenia, but also in Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, Russia, Georgia, Lebanon, Iran, Syria, Turkey, and Egypt.

Words to Know

alexissebjornson — 2016-01-28 12:04:14 UTC

Some universally useful phrases and words to help you on your trip. First word will be in English, second in Armenian, and third will be translation.

(pronounce "Khn" from the back of the throat)

Hello ~ Բարեւ ~ Bah-rehv

Goodbye ~ Ցտեսություն ~ Tsuh-peh-zoo-toon

Please ~ Խնդրում եմ ~ Khn-droom-yehm

Thank you ~ Շնորհակալություն ~ Shyun-noh-hahk-ah-loot-yoohn

Your welcome ~ Խնդրեմ ~ Khn-drem (roll the 'R')

Where's the bathroom? - Որտեղ է զուգարանը. ~ Vor-teh-eh-guh-zoo-gah-rahn-ooh

Help ~ Օգնություն ~ Ohg-noot-yuhn

Stop ~ կանգ առնել ~ Kahng-ar-nell

Currency

alexissebjornson — 2016-01-28 12:51:06 UTC

The Armenian currency is the Dram.

1 US Dollar = 488.48 Drams

1 Euro = 532.76 Drams

Landforms

2016-02-01 11:37:49 UTC

Armenia is home to many mountain ranges (although mainly lesser mountains). This includes the Armenian Highlands and the Geghama, Caucasus, and the Zangezur Mountains. The highest point would be on the top of Mt. Aragats, at a high of 13,418 ft. (4,090m). Armenia has 15 rivers, the largest of which being 158km long. The Araks river. The largest body of water would be Lake Sevan, in total it takes up 5% of Armenia's land area.

Climate

2016-02-01 11:56:17 UTC

Spring - Short, mild temperature. Snow is melting, but some can still be seen till late April. Everything is in bloom, and baby animals are being born.

Summer - Summers are usually very dry and quite sunny. Summers go from beginning of June to around the middle of September.

Fall/Autumn – Lasts quite a while, and is well known for the beautiful earth-toned leaves that adorn the trees. The weather can be a little tricky at this time. Some days it will warm and other days it’ll be very cool. Usually though, the weather gets colder and colder the closer it gets to winter.

Winter - Very cold. Armenia gets lots of snow in the winter, and is a great place to go skiing, as it is a mountainous country after all.

Flora

alexissebjornson — 2016-02-02 22:00:09 UTC

Vegetation is very diverse in Armenia, from desert plants to pine forests to wet marshlands, you are with a doubt going to be a new experience seemingly everywhere you turn. 3,500+ species of plants have been found, including virgin fields of wild grain, AKA the first wheat in (most likely) the entire ancient world. You could drive from one end of Armenia to the other and come across at least five different vegetation zones.

Pollution

alexissebjornson — 2016-02-02 22:52:29 UTC

Like most places in the world, Armenia’s environment is polluted. This issue rose specifically during the Soviet period, when the Soviet government had “pushed heavy industry development to a massive scale, throughout the Soviet union.” As usual, the government had ignored the issue until they could no longer turn their heads. Once Armenia became an independent country (who don’t need no USSR) quite a few environmental protection laws have been made to try and help stop and hopefully restore everything that has been touched by pollution.

Ethnicity, Religion, Unifying Characteristics- Oh my!

alexissebjornson — 2016-02-02 22:53:44 UTC

Ethnicity in Armenia includes;
Armenian, Yazidis, Kurds, Russians, Assyrians, Ukranians, Greeks, Georgians, etc,

Up to 94% of Armenians are Christian, and follow the Armenian Apostolic Church. Armenia was the first country to declare Christianity as its official religion; however, anyone has the freedom to practice or convert to any other religion they would like.

A unifying characteristic would definitely be religion. Another note worthy one would be language and culture.

Interesting Places To Check Out

alexissebjornson — 2016-02-02 23:14:56 UTC

Follow these places in order, and you'll be cruising around Armenia in the most cost efficient way.

1. Republic Square in Yerevan, the cities "down town" area where you can shop and marvel at the pink stone buildings, all while in seeing distance of the main clock tower (a really nice sight on its own).

2. Matenadaran, a museum dedicated to ancient manuscripts. Also in Yerevan

3. Lake Sevan, the largest body of water in Armenia. Breathtaking lake you wouldn't think twice about taking a dip in. Located in the Gegharkunik Province.

4. The Debed Canyon! Amazing tourist attraction with so much history and culture incorporated into it!

5. Goris, a wonderful mountain town that dates back centuries!

I definitely recommend checking out these sites for a more in depth travel guide!

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g293932-Activities-Yerevan.html

http://travel.allwomenstalk.com/outstanding-places-to-visit-in-armenia

What to Pack

alexissebjornson — 2016-02-02 23:37:50 UTC

Pack reasonably. If you were to visit Yerevan in the summer, think ahead and pack t-shirts/tank tops and shorts. Because the heat is truly bothersome and can affect your Armenian experience in a negative way if you choose to pack long sleeve shirts and jeans.

If you are going to go visit the mountains, bring sport/tennis shoes, comfy and supportive enough to walk all day in. Also bring clothes that will protect you from the cold. As typically the higher in the mountains you get, the lower the temperature gets.

For more information, click on the link provided http://herpackinglist.com/2014/11/packing-list-for-armenia/

Economy

alexissebjornson — 2016-02-02 23:56:17 UTC

Armenia is slowly making its way to a more stable economy. For the past few years it has been having a constant increase in growth and development. Still though, many people are surviving on bare minimum. In general, the economy can be considered market oriented. Although, the global financial crisis has effected the market profit of Armenia. The GDP per capita (ppp) is 7,748 International Dollar; however, the GDP per capita is (current prices) is US $3,475.

Standard of Living

alexissebjornson — 2016-02-03 00:09:12 UTC

Many people live on bare minimum. The standard of living in Armenia, right after the fall of the Soviet Union was rather low. It seemed like everything just fell. Production slowed significantly, food and fuel started running out, and most Armenians were living below the official poverty line. Monthly income could only pay for rent, public transport and just two staple foods (as well as some eggs and butter).

The standard of living is slowly increasing, and everything has been taking small steps towards a better future.

National Anthem

alexissebjornson — 2016-02-03 00:19:33 UTC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-oGr2axXbE

Fauna

alexissebjornson — 2016-02-03 12:10:03 UTC

Armenia has quite diverse animals, ranging from the East Imperial Eagle to the Persian Leopard to the Afghan Tortoise. All of which, are endangered animals. Armenia is actually home to a total of 55 endangered species. One of the main issue’s is poaching. Poaching has caused a lot of problems, especially with the Perisan Leopard. Once a decently plentiful animal, is now almost impossible to find. The same with a Sevan Trout, a type of fish that dominated the population in lake Sevan.

Prices of Everyday Foods

alexissebjornson — 2016-02-03 12:14:22 UTC

Milk (1 liter) – 417.43
Fresh White Bread – 216.67
Rice (1 kg) – 564. 98
Eggs (12) – 743.64
Apples (1 kg) – 415.38
Beef (1kg) – 2,877.78
Tomato’s (1 kg) – 515.00
Water (1.5 liter) – 219.09

Prices of Transportion

alexissebjornson — 2016-02-03 12:15:13 UTC

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)- 100.00
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)- 6,000.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) - 600.00
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)- 100.00
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)- 1,000.00
Gasoline (1 liter)- 446.50

Lake Sevan

alexissebjornson — 2016-02-03 13:04:06 UTC

Largest lake in Armenia

The Debed Canyon

alexissebjornson — 2016-02-03 13:14:12 UTC

Goris

alexissebjornson — 2016-02-03 13:16:00 UTC

Collection of mountain towns