Armenia

Middle East

Southwestern Asia, east of Turkey.

40 00 N, 45 00 E

President Serzh Sargsyan	Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan

Capital

Yerevan

Government
Presidential republic

Religion
Armenian Apostolic 94.7%, other Christian 4%, Yezidi (monotheist with elements of nature worship) 1.3%.
Population
3,254,000

Ethnic group
Armenian 97.9%, Yezidi (Kurd) 1.3%, Russian 0.5%, other 0.3%.

National Language                   
Armenian
          
National Day
21 September 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Anthem
Mer Hayrenik "Our Fatherland"

Currency
Dram (AMD)

Attractions
Ashtarak Ancient Fortress

Website               

Art & Cultural

The ICON

Ashtarak Ancient Fortress               Ashtarak is one of the oldest cities of Armenia with numerous historical and cultural monuments that allowed the town to retain the flavour of the ancient and beautiful Armenian town. It was founded in the 9th century and reconstructed in the 17th century. According to a legend, three sisters lived in Ashtarak, all of whom fell in love with the same man, prince Sargis. The elder two sisters decided to commit suicide in favour of the youngest one. One wearing an apricot-orange dress and the other wearing a red dress, they threw themselves into the gorge. When the youngest sister found out, she put on a white dress and also threw herself into the gorge. Sargis then became a hermit and three small churches appeared at the edge of the gorge, named after the sisters' dress colours.

Etchmiadzin Cathedral