Georgia: Maps, History, Geography, Government, Culture, Facts, Guide & Travel/Holidays/Cities Unrest in Abkhazia as Parliament Calls for Early Elections Geography Georgia is bordered by the Black Sea in the west, by Turkey and Armenia in the south, by Azerbaijan in the east, and Russia in the north. The republic also includes the Abkhazia and Ajara autonomous republics and South Ossetia. Government Republic. History Georgia became a kingdom about 4 B.C. and Christianity was introduced in A.D. 337. During the reign of Queen Tamara (1184–1213), its territory included the whole of Transcaucasia. During the 13th century, Tamerlane and the Mongols decimated its population. From the 16th century on, the country was the scene of a struggle between Persia and Turkey. In the 18th century, it became a vassal to Russia in exchange for protection from the Turks and Persians. Georgia joined Azerbaijan and Armenia in 1917 to establish the anti-Bolshevik Transcaucasian Federation, and upon its dissolution in 1918, Georgia proclaimed its independence.

In 1922, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan were annexed by the USSR and formed the Transcaucasian Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1936, Georgia became a separate Soviet republic. Under Soviet rule, the country was transformed from an agrarian to a largely industrial, urban society. Azerbaijan Map and Satellite Image Azerbaijan Map and Satellite Image Azerbaijan Bordering Countries: Azerbaijan Satellite Image Azerbaijan Information: Azerbaijan is located in southwestern Asia. Azerbaijan is bordered by the Caspian Sea, Russian and Georgia to the north, Armenia and Turkey to the west, and Iran to the south. Explore Azerbaijan Using Google Earth: Google Earth is a free program from Google that allows you to explore satellite images showing the cities and landscapes of Azerbaijan and all of Asia in fantastic detail. It works on your desktop computer, tablet, or mobile phone. The images in many areas are detailed enough that you can see houses, vehicles and even people on a city street. Google Earth is free and easy-to-use. Azerbaijan on a World Wall Map: Azerbaijan is one of nearly 200 countries illustrated on our Blue Ocean Laminated Map of the World. This map shows a combination of political and physical features.

It includes country boundaries, major cities, major mountains in shaded relief, ocean depth in blue color gradient, along with many other features. This is a great map for students, schools, offices and anywhere that a nice map of the world is needed for education, display or decor. Azerbaijan On a Large Wall Map of Asia: If you are interested in Azerbaijan and the geography of Asia our large laminated map of Asia might be just what you need. It is a large political map of Asia that also shows many of the continent's physical features in color or shaded relief. Major lakes, rivers,cities, roads, country boundaries, coastlines and surrounding islands are all shown on the map.

Azerbaijan Cities: Agdam, Aghjabadi, Aghsu, Agstafa, Alat, Ali Bayramli, Artyom, Astara, Baki (Baku), Barda, Bilasuvar, Fuzuli, Gadabay, Ganca, Goycay, Khanlar, Kurdamir, Lachyn, Lankaran, Lerik, Lykai, Masalli, Mastaga, Mingacevi, Muganly, Naxcivan, Neftcala, Nidzh, Ordubad, Qax, Qazakh, Qazimammad, Quba, Qusar, Saki, Salyan, Sarur, Shakhbuz, Shaumyan, Shemakha, Sumqayit, Tovuz, Xacmaz, Xudat, Yardymly, Yevlax and Zakataly. Azerbaijan Locations: Aras River, Caspian Sea, Caucasus Mountains, Kur River, Kura Lowlands, Lesser Caucasus, Mingacevir Reservoir, Qizilagac Korfazi and Talish Mountains.

Azerbaijan Natural Resources: Azerbaijan has significant petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, alumina and nonferrous metal resources. Azerbaijan Natural Hazards: Armenia Map and Satellite Image Armenia Map and Satellite Image Armenia Bordering Countries: Armenia Satellite Image Armenia Information: Armenia is located in southwestern Asia. Armenia is bordered by Azerbaijan to the east, Iran to the south, Turkey to the west, and Georgia to the north. Explore Armenia Using Google Earth: Google Earth is a free program from Google that allows you to explore satellite images showing the cities and landscapes of Armenia and all of Asia in fantastic detail. It works on your desktop computer, tablet, or mobile phone. The images in many areas are detailed enough that you can see houses, vehicles and even people on a city street. Google Earth is free and easy-to-use. Armenia on a World Wall Map: Armenia is one of nearly 200 countries illustrated on our Blue Ocean Laminated Map of the World. This map shows a combination of political and physical features. It includes country boundaries, major cities, major mountains in shaded relief, ocean depth in blue color gradient, along with many other features.

This is a great map for students, schools, offices and anywhere that a nice map of the world is needed for education, display or decor. Armenia On a Large Wall Map of Asia: If you are interested in Armenia and the geography of Asia our large laminated map of Asia might be just what you need. It is a large political map of Asia that also shows many of the continent's physical features in color or shaded relief. Major lakes, rivers,cities, roads, country boundaries, coastlines and surrounding islands are all shown on the map.

Armenia Cities: Akhta, Alaverdi, Amasia, Angeghakot', Anipemza, Aparan, Aragats, Ararat, Ardzun, Armavir, Artashat, Art'ik, Artsvashen, Ashtarak, Banadzor, Basargech'ar, Damnah, Dilijan, Echmiadzin, Gorayk', Goris, Gyumri, Hrazdan, Ijevan, K'ajarqn, Kamo, Kapan, Karmir Blur, Krasnosel'sk, Maralik, Martuni, Meghri, Sevan, Sisian, Sot'k, Spitak, Step'anavan, T'alin, Tashir, Vanadzor, Yeghegnadzor and Yerevan. Armenia Locations: Akhuryan River, Aras, Arpa, Arpacay River, Hrazdan, Lesser Caucasus, Ozero Sevan and Sevana Lich. Armenia Natural Resources: Armenia's geologic resources include small deposits of gold, zinc, molybdenum, copper, and alumina.

Armenia Natural Hazards: What countries border Iran? | Reference.com What countries border Iran? A: Quick Answer Iran is bounded to the northwest by Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia, to the east by Pakistan and Afghanistan, to the north by Turkmenistan and to the west by Iraq. The country shares around 228 miles of its borders with Turkey, 428 miles with Azerbaijan, 27 miles with Armenia, 596 miles with Pakistan, 572 miles with Afghanistan, 713 miles with Turkmenistan and 994 miles with Iraq. Georgia Georgia Georgian is the official language. Armenian and Russian are also spoken. Currency: Orthodox Christianity, ethnic Armenian Church, Islam, Roman Catholicism, Jewish. National Anthem: 'Freedom' or 'Dideba zetsit kurtheuls' Newspaper: Georgian Times, The Messenger, Georgia Today Places to Visit: Tbilisi, Vani, Kutaisi, Nokalakevi, Poti, Gudauri, Batumi, Kakheti.

Transport Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is directly connected through air network to cities like Berlin and Frankfurt in Germany, Amsterdam, London, Athens, Istanbul, Moscow, Vienna, Prague and Paris. The major airlines flying to Tbilisi are Austrian Airlines, Air Ukraine, Aeroflot, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, and the national carrier Airzena Georgian Airlines.Road network is also quite developed with highways connecting Tbilisi with Istanbul, although the journey maybe a tedious affair with over 40 hours of ride. Shopping: Georgian ceramics, embroidery, jewelry, wine, brandy, and antique pieces Physical Map of Georgia Georgia is known as the mountainous country wherein the Caucasus Mountains extend along the northern, central and southern side, while the Lesser Caucasus Mountains dictate over the serene landscape, corresponding along the borders of Turkish and Armenia while connecting itself to the Greater Mountainous range of Caucasus. It is due to these ranges the region's linguistic differences thrive in unity. Mt. Kazbek: Country's highest peak point, which is about 16,558 ft. Mt. Elbrus: Europe's highest point nestled in northern border of Georgia that is about 18,841 ft.

Brasstown Bald: Georgia's highest point in Georgia that is about 4,784 feet and the lowest being the sea level. Location of Georgia The Republic of Georgia is a picturesque country located in the southeastern parts of Europe sharing its borders with the neighboring countries of Turkey and Armenia in the south, Azerbaijan in the east and Russia in the north. The western coastline of Georgia is bordered by the Black Sea. Georgia can ideally be called a Eurasian country because it is situated at the juncture of Western Asia and Eastern Europe. The Kolkhida Lowlands faces the Black Sea in the western part of the country while the Blue Ridge Mountains stand majestically along the northern side of the region. The central region of the area extends from the mountainous foothills that descend along the continental coastal plain near the southern part of the state. The largest river of this region is Mtkvari, which was previously named as Kura, passes through the northeastern part of the Turkey crossing the eastern plains of Georgia that ultimately ascends into the Caspian Sea. The Rioni River meander along the western part of the Georgia while originating from the Greater Caucasus, finally resides into the Black Sea along the port of Poti.

The place is even prone to regular occurrence of earthquakes and landslides. Flag of Georgia The present flag of Georgia was adopted on 14th January 2004. It is rectangular in shape in the ratio of 2:3. The base color of the flag is white with a red cross and four smaller crosses in the four quarters. Climate Of Georgia Georgia can be identified as a subtropical climatic region, which is affected from the western and eastern Mediterranean influences. The Greater Caucasus ranges act as a barricade against the northern cold air. The Black Sea generates a warm with slightly moist air, slide along the coastal lowlands from the western region. It is the Black sea, which determines the climatic condition of this area. Caucasus Mountain regions have cold winters with heavy snow. Southern part of the region witness mild chilly weather. Hot summers affect the eastern region. The Kolkhida Lowlands inland especially the region from Abkhazia to the Turkish border is governed with a high level of humidity and intense precipitation. The eastern Georgia plains are safeguarded through the mountains from the effects of the Black Sea, which witnesses a continental climatic condition round the year.

Summers are ranging between 20° C to 24° C, whereas winters tend to amount to 2° C to 4° C. The highland Alpine regions near the east and west are affected with semi-arid weather accompanied with frequent amount of snow and ice. The higher altitude, precipitation is quite recurrent as noticed along the eastern plain. Flora and fauna of Georgia Republic of Georgia is home to a rich and varied resource of flora and fauna. The rolling plains and subtropical climate supports the growth of trees such as oak, elm, beech, and black alder. Amongst the wild animals found in the forests of Georgia the most common are Caucasian antelope, European wild boar, Caucasian goats, mountain goats, leopards and various types of reptiles and amphibians. There are about 160 assorted species of birds in Georgia, among which the mockingbird, brown thrasher (the state bird), sparrows, snowy egret, bobwhite quail and white ibis can be frequently seen. People of Georgia In spite of overseas supremacy Georgia still retains a discrete and a distinctive culture that gained its influence from the Asian and European way of life.

Most of the population has settled along the coastal region of the Black Sea and along the Kura River valley. There are several national groups residing in Georgia like the Georgians, Armenians, Russians, and Azerbaijanis. The Georgian language is the official language spoken within the region. The religions that thrive within the country are Orthodox Christianity, Muslim, Azerbaijanis, Kurds, and Judaism. Art, Culture and Music of Georgia Art: The history of art in Georgia dates back to the prehistoric times. Remnants of cave paintings can still be seen in the rural parts of the country. In the medieval ages, Greek and Roman influences on the art of Georgia was profound. Modern art here is dominated by visual arts. Niko Pirosmani, Elene Akhvlediani and Lado Gudiashvili are some of the twentieth century famous artists of Georgia. Culture: The 11th century marks the Golden Period in the culture of Georgia. Art, literature, science and philosophy reached their zenith during this period. The cultural character of Georgia is the result of thousands of years of social evolution. Iberian Colchian civiliozations had a marked influence over the culture of Georgia.

Later on the Greek and Roman civilizations and Russian Empire contributed the distinctive characteristics to the culture of Georgia. Presently, Georgia is noted for its theatre, art and cinema. Folklores and traditional music are also celebrated in the country. Music: In Georgia music is celebrated as the soul of life. Georgia boasts of a music tradition that is ancient in nature. Some of world's oldest polyphonic music can be found in Georgia. Traditional Georgian songs are sung deep-throated with a sonorous vocal quality. The tonal modulations of Georgian folksongs are truly soul-stirring. Zedashe Ensemble is a Georgian group of folk musicians and dancers who perform at various international events. Economy of Georgia The economic growth of Georgia revolves round the country's agricultural production and even around the tourism industry as it attracts several tourists around the Black Sea. Citrus, tea, grapes, hazelnut are cultivated in this place that stabilizes the revenue growth within the country. Manganese and copper mining is also done within the country. The production of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, metals, machinery and chemicals add to the income earned by the state.

The country suffices its needs through the goods imported from other nations like fuels, machinery and parts, transport equipment, grain, pharmaceuticals and many other items. The goods that are supplied to other regions include commodities like scrap metal, machinery, chemicals, fuel, citrus fruits, tea, wine. Photos of Turkey Istanbul Turkey (Türkiye), known officially as the Republic of Turkey (Türkiye Cumhuriyeti), is a country that stretches across the Anatolian peninsula in western Asia and Thrace in southeastern Europe. Turkey is bordered by eight countries: Bulgaria to the northwest; Greece to the west; Georgia to the northeast; Armenia, Azerbaijan and Iran to the east; and Iraq and Syria to the southeast. The Mediterranean Sea and Cyprus are to the south; the Aegean Sea to the west; and the Black Sea is to the north. Separating Anatolia and Thrace are the Sea of Marmara and the Bosporus and the Dardanelles, which are commonly reckoned to delineate the boundary between Europe and Asia, thereby making Turkey transcontinental. Black Sea Geography Map courtesy of the Black Sea Web Project. The Black Sea lies between southeastern Europe and Asia Minor.

Excluding its northern arm, the Sea of Azov, the Black Sea occupies about 168,500 square miles (436,400 square kilometers). It is connected to the Aegean Sea through the Bosporus, the Sea of Marmara, and the Dardanelles, and has been of critical importance to regional commerce throughout the ages. This major inland sea is bordered by six countries — Romania and Bulgaria to the west; Ukraine, Russia, and Georgia to the north and east; and Turkey to the south. Additionally, it is impacted by another 10 nations through the five major rivers that empty into the Black Sea, the largest of which is the Danube River. The Bordering Countries The following is a brief geographic overview of the nations that border the Black Sea. Also see the History and Culture section to learn more about them. Bulgaria. This mostly mountainous nation, slightly larger than Tennessee, occupies 42,823 square miles (110,912 sq km) and is home to an estimated 7.6 million people. The capital city is Sofia.

About 85% of the people are ethnic Bulgarians, and nearly 10% are Turkish. The Golden Sands Resort along Bulgaria's Black Sea coast. The Balkan Mountains cross the northwestern corner of Bulgaria to the Black Sea, sloping gradually to a plateau that ends at the Danube, the country's chief river. The southern side of the mountain range is bounded by narrow plains, such as the Thracian Plain, an important agricultural region. Forests cover about a third of Bulgaria, and the country has a wealth of minerals, mainly iron ore and coal. Bulgaria has mild summers and cold, snowy winters. In addition to agriculture (primary products: vegetables, fruits, tobacco, livestock, wine, wheat, barley, sunflowers, sugar beets), Bulgaria has major industries for the production of electricity, gas and water, food and beverages, machinery and equipment, base metals, chemical products, refined petroleum, and nuclear fuel. A major emphasis on the development of heavy industry occurred in the country after World War II. Chief exports include clothing, footwear, iron and steel, machinery and equipment, and fuels. Varna , the country's largest city, is Bulgaria's principal port on the Black Sea. Romania.

With a total land area of about 91,700 square miles (237,500 sq km), Romania is slightly larger than the state of Oregon. More than 89% of the country's 22.3 million people are ethnic Romanians. Hungarians are the largest minority (about 8%), living chiefly in Transylvania. Romania's capital and largest city is Bucharest. A forest-lined lake fringes the Black Sea coast at Neptun, Romania. Romania is shaped roughly like an oval. The central Transylvanian Basin is separated from the lowlands of Moldavia on the east by the Carpathian Mountains and from the Walachian Plain on the south by the Transylvanian Alps. Wild boar, wolves, bears, and deer may be found in the mountainous regions. The lowlands serve as important agricultural areas. The country's most important river, the Danube, flows through a delta in the Dobruja region into the Black Sea. More than 43% of Romania is cultivated. The chief agricultural products include wheat, corn, sugar beets, sunflower seeds, potatoes, grapes, eggs, and sheep.

The country's major industries include textiles and footwear, light machinery and auto assembly, mining, timber, construction materials, metallurgy, chemicals, food processing, and petroleum refining. Constanta is one of Romania's principal Black Sea ports. Monument to the scuttled ships of the Black Sea Fleet, Sevastopol. Ukraine. The second largest country in Europe, Ukraine is mostly a broad, flat plain. At 233,090 square miles (603,700 sq km), Ukraine is slightly smaller than Texas and has an estimated population of 48.3 million. Over 73% are ethnic Ukrainians, while Russians represent the largest minority, at 22%. The capital and largest city is Kyiv (Kiev). Mountains are found only in the west (the Carpathians), and in the Crimean Peninsula in the extreme south. Deer, beaver, marten, vultures, and the steppe eagle are among the wildlife found in Ukraine. In the fertile soil of the central and southern regions, agriculture is a top industry, producing wheat, sugar beets, potatoes, beef, milk, vegetables, and sunflower seeds.

Other industry is based on the country's rich mineral resources, including coal, iron ore, manganese, bauxite, and salt. Odessa and Sevastopol are Ukraine's largest ports on the Black Sea. Russia. At nearly 6.6 million square miles (17 million sq km), Russia is the largest country in the world in geographic size, occupying more than one-ninth of the world's total land area. It is just slightly less than 1.8 times the size of the United States. Russia has a population of nearly 145 million. The majority live in European Russia, but sizable communities also live near mining and industrial centers. Russians are the predominant nationality at over 80%, with Tatars, Ukrainians, and Chuvash the largest minorities. Russia's three major geographic regions include European Russia, consisting of the territory west of the Ural Mountains; Siberia, stretching east of the Urals nearly to the Pacific Ocean; and far eastern Russia, including the extreme southeast and Pacific coast. Russia's capital and largest city is Moscow. European Russian is primarily a rocky, rolling plain with broad marshes. Its southern border includes the Caucasus Mountains, which extend between the Black and Caspian seas.

While the winters may be cool along the Black Sea coast, this part of Russia has a much more temperate climate than Siberia, where temperatures average -59°F in January and have reached as cold as 90 degrees below zero. Novorossijsk is Russia's only deep-water port on the Black Sea. It is a major oil port. Forests cover over two-fifths of Russia, amounting to nearly one-fourth of the world's forest area. The taiga, or boreal forest, in the north contains the world's largest coniferous forest, representing about half the Earth's softwood timber. Lowland areas have a natural vegetation of grasslands with scattered groves of trees. Russia's chief agricultural products include grain, sugar beets, sunflower seeds, vegetables, fruits, beef, and milk.

The country has a complete range of mining and extractive industries producing coal, oil, gas, chemicals, and metals; all forms of machine building from rolling mills to high-performance aircraft and space vehicles; shipbuilding; road and rail transportation equipment; communications equipment; agricultural machinery, tractors, and construction equipment; electric power generating and transmitting equipment; medical and scientific instruments; consumer durables, textiles, food stuffs, and handicrafts. Novorossijsk is Russia's primary Black Sea port. The port of Batumi on Georgia's Black Sea Coast. Georgia. The Caucasus Mountains dominate this country, which is slightly smaller than South Carolina, with a total area of 26,900 square miles (69,700 sq km). The main ridge of the Caucasus Mountains forms most of the northern boundary of Georgia, while the Lesser Caucasus Mountains occupy the southern regions. The Kolkhida Lowland opens to the Black Sea in the west. The uplands are dry, while the coastal climate along the Black Sea is very Mediterranean-like — warm and pleasant. The coastal climate and soils are conducive to growing tea, citrus fruit, hazelnuts, and grapes, which are important agricultural products.

Other industries include the mining of manganese and copper, the production of steel, aircraft, appliances, machine tools, chemicals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, wood products, and wine. Nearly 5 million people live in Georgia. Georgians form about 70% of the population, followed by numbers of Armenians, Russians, and Azeris. The capital and largest city is T'blisi. Batumi, Poti, and Sokhumi are the country's primary Black Sea ports. Turkey. The main area of Turkey, known as Anatolia, is in Asia while Turkish Thrace, representing about 3% of the nation's total area, is in Europe. At nearly 301,000 square miles (780,000 sq km), Turkey is a little larger than Texas. Its capital is Ankara, and Istanbul is the largest city. Istanbul, Turkey, links Europe and Asia. Copyright R. A. Taylor, Images of the World. Turkey is mostly mountainous, with a narrow coastal plain and high central plateau (Anatolia).

The country is located in several active seismic zones and is subject to frequent earthquakes.Thrace and the lands bordering the Sea of Marmara is a region of gently rolling hills rising in the east to Mount Ulu (Olympus) at 8,343 feet (2,543 meters). The Aegean and Mediterranean coastlands are narrow and hilly with little arable land, except for a plain in the east where cotton is grown. The steep slopes of the Black Sea coastline rise directly to the Pontic Mountains. The most mountainous area is the eastern highlands. This is where Mount Ararat is located, noted in the Bible as the place where Noah's ark came to rest. Over 67 million people live in Turkey. About 69% live in urban areas compared to only 21 % in 1950. Turks form about 80% of the population, while Kurds constitute most of the remaining 20%. Turkey is one of the few countries of the world that is self-sufficient in providing basic foods. Nearly half the work force is engaged in farming.

The chief crops include wheat, sugar beets, barley, tobacco, olives, cotton, citrus, tomatoes, melons, grapes, maize, livestock, and apples. Fishing also is important, with most of the catch coming from the Mediterranean and Black seas. In addition to rich agricultural resources, Turkey has significant deposits of lignite, coal, iron ore, and chromium. Its most important industry and largest export is textiles and clothing. Other major industries include food processing, automobiles, mining, steel, petroleum, construction, lumber, and paper. Turkey's principal port on the Black Sea is Istanbul . Armenia travel guide - Wikitravel 101 for fire 103 for medical Armenia (Armenian Հայաստան, Hayastan) is the only country remaining from 3,000 year old maps of Anatolia. It became the world's first Christian country more than 1,700 years ago in 301 AD and has a large Diaspora all over the world. As a former Soviet republic lying in the Caucasus region straddling Asia and Europe , Armenia has a rich and ancient culture.

Landlocked, Armenia is bordered by Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, Iran to the south, Azerbaijan to the east, and Azerbaijan's Naxcivan exclave to the southwest. Five percent of the country's surface area consists of Lake Sevan (Sevana Lich), the largest lake in the Lesser Caucasus mountain range. Armenia's many mountains and mountain valleys create a great number of microclimates, with scenery changing from arid to lush forest at the top of a mountain ridge. Understand[ edit ] Although there are more and more road signs in Latin script, especially in Yerevan, English is not widely spoken in Armenia. Many taxi drivers and sales ladies in grocery stores and malls do not speak or understand English. Russian has remained the most important foreign language. You will be reminded frequently when visiting Armenia that it was the world's first officially Christian country, since countless monasteries are among Armenia's premier tourist attractions.

Fortunately for those who might otherwise suffer monastery fatigue, many of these monasteries are built in places of incredible natural beauty, making the sites of monasteries like Tatev, Noravank, Haghartsin, Haghpat and Geghard well worth a visit even without the impressive, millennium old monasteries found there. Since 2001 when Armenia celebrated the 1,700th anniversary of the nation’s conversion to Christianity, the number of tourists visiting the country has grown by about 25% every year. Straddling Europe and Asia in the lesser Caucasus Mountains, an ex-Soviet state with a culture over 3,000 years old and examples of ancient architecture and art all over the countryside, this beautiful country offers something exotic for many tourists. History[ edit ] Armenian history extends for over 3,000 years. Armenians have historically inhabited the "Armenian Highlands", a vast section of mountains and valleys across eastern Anatolia and the Southern Caucasus. Armenian vassal states, principalities, kingdoms and empires have risen and fallen in different parts of this highland throughout history.

They were only unified once, just before the time of Christ in the empire of Tigran the Great, an empire that stretched from the Caspian to the Mediterranean Sea. Much of Armenia's history has been spent under the domination of the great powers of the region. The western parts of Armenia were under Byzantine or Ottoman Turkish rule for long periods, while the eastern parts were under Persian or Russian rule. These empires often fought their wars on Armenian territory, using Armenian soldiers. It was a rough neighborhood, but Armenians managed to hold onto their language and church and prosper whenever given a chance. Armenia was located on the silk road, and Armenians built a network of merchant communities and ties extending from eastern Asia to Venice. Eventually, with the rise of nationalism, Armenians paid a heavy price for their religion and their envy-inducing wealth. Armenian Genocide[ edit ] The Armenian Genocide was the Ottoman government's systematic extermination of about 1.5 million of its minority Armenian subjects inside their historic homeland, which lies within the present-day Republic of Turkey.

The starting date is conventionally held to be 24 April 1915, the day that Ottoman authorities rounded up, arrested, and deported 235 to 270 Armenian intellectuals and community leaders from Constantinople to Ankara, the majority of whom were eventually murdered. The genocide was carried out during and after World War I and implemented in two phases: the wholesale killing of the able-bodied male population through massacre and subjection of army conscripts to forced labour, followed by the deportation of women, children, the elderly and infirm on death marches leading to the Syrian desert. Driven forward by military escorts, the deportees were deprived of food and water and subjected to periodic robbery, rape, and massacre. The Armenian Diaspora, which is larger than the number of Armenians within Armenia, was created. The Armenian Genocide is still actively denied by Turkey. Soviet Armenia[ edit ] In many ways, the Soviet period was a golden one for Armenians. The price they paid for it was extraordinarily high, though, with arbitrary borders being drawn between Armenia and Azerbaijan (setting the stage for future conflict)). The country boomed economically, and there were heavily subsidized cultural education and activities.

Yerevan mushroomed from a dusty garrison town of 20,000 to a metropolis of 1 million. Modern Armenia[ edit ] In the early 1990s, the Armenians in Karabakh fought for independence from Azerbaijan with support from Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora. The war was won militarily, resulting in Azerbaijan losing control of 20% of its territory, but no diplomatic solution was reached. A ceasefire has been in place since 1994, although it remains weak due to frequent skirmishes alongside the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. As a result, Azerbaijan has closed their borders with Armenia, and Turkey has also closed their borders with Armenia in support of their Azeri-Turk kinsmen. Both countries have since imposed sanctions against Armenia, putting the local economy in a delicate situation because Armenia depends on outside supplies of energy and most raw materials. Land routes through Georgia and Iran are inadequate and unreliable. As a result, the economy relies heavily on investment and support from Armenians abroad. The economic situation has also been beset due to widespread corruption and poverty.

In 2008, diplomatic efforts to normalize relations with Turkey were initiated but were later suspended due to intense internal pressure on both sides, and disagreements between the two countries. Diplomatic efforts to normalize relations with Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh territory have since been initiated and moderated by Russia , but these efforts have often proved ineffective due to frequent skirmishes alongside the border separating Armenia and Azerbaijan. Although highly unlikely, the government of Azerbaijan regularly threatens to launch an invasion against Armenia if mediation over the Nagorno-Karabakh territory fails. Until or unless the Armenians can resolve their differences with Turkey and Azerbaijan, the prospects of change seem remote at present. Culture[ edit ] As Armenia straddles Europe and Asia, East and West, so does Armenian culture. Many Armenians refer to Armenia as a European nation, but their social conservatism in some realms hasn't been seen in Europe proper for a few decades. The collapse of the Soviet Union has opened up many channels with the West again and change is coming rapidly, although much more so in Yerevan than in the rest of the country. Armenia's small, very homogeneous population (about 99% Armenian) is strongly family-oriented.

All across the land, people place a lot of pride in their hospitality. Show up in a village without a penny, and food and a place to stay will come to you along with drinks and endless toasts. Religion[ edit ] In 301 AD, Armenia became the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion. One can find thousands of churches and monasteries in Armenia. Armenians are Apostolic Christians and have their own Catholicos (religious leader, like the Pope for Roman Catholics). Geography[ edit ] Armenia is a small, mountainous, landlocked country whose geography almost never fails to surprise foreign visitors. Mountain passes, valleys and canyons make Armenia feel much larger than it really is, and when you're on its southern shores, Lake Sevan provides the sight of endless water. In addition to its geographic variation, Armenia's climate varies a great deal as well; be ready for everything from barren lunar landscapes to rain forests to snow-capped peaks and a vast alpine lake. There are some places in Armenia where several of these can be experienced at once.

Visas[ edit ] European Union passport holders and nationals of Schengen Agreement member states can now enter Armenia without a visa and stay for a period of up to 180 days per year. Together with other countries, that means the list of passports that don't need a visa now includes: Argentina, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Uzbekistan. U.S. passport holders no longer require visas to enter Armenia (as of January 1, 2015). Citizens of most other countries may obtain single-entry tourist visas at any border control point. 21/120 day tourist visas cost 3000/15000 dram. Alternatively, those eligible for a visa on arrival can arrange an e-Visa beforehand.

They cost US$40 and are generally approved within two business days. Travelers arriving with an e-Visa can enter Armenia at Ayrum railway station, Bavra, Bagratashen, and Gogavan land borders with the Republic of Georgia, Zvartnots International Airport, and Meghri land border with Iran. Passport holders of Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Iraq, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Sierra Leone, Tunisia, and Vietnam require an invitation and must apply for a visa at the nearest embassy/consulate before arriving . Holders of Indian and Chinese passports are now exempt from the invitation requirement, but the e-visa facility is not available to them. Although border guards at land crossings do accept non-Armenian currencies, they may not give you a good exchange rate, so it is best to have Armenian dram before you arrive at the border. Some travelers have been charged as much as US$20 to purchase a visa. Border guards and customs officials cannot give change for large foreign notes.

Visas bought at the Yerevan airport must be paid for in local currency. There is a change booth and an ATM at the Yerevan airport before immigration control. There is a hefty surcharge of approximately US$10 for changing traveler's cheques, which are not widely used in Armenia. By plane[ edit ] Zvartnots International Airport ( IATA : EVN) [1] , 10 km west of Yerevan is the country's main airport. The national carrier was Armavia (now defunct), and served destinations across the CIS, Europe and the Middle East. Some West Asian airlines (Syrian, Iranian, etc.) also serve the airport. There are very frequent flights from across the CIS . Russian airlines include: Aeroflot, S7, Ural, Polet, Kuban Airlines, Saravia, Tatarstan, UTAir and Yamal. Others include Belevia (Belarus), Dniproavia (Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine) and SCAT (Kazakhstan). Several European airlines also serve Yerevan: Czech Airlines, Air France, Austrian, LOT.

Shirak Airport ( IATA : LWN) in Gyumri has a few flights from Russia. By train[ edit ] There is an overnight train once every other day to Tbilisi , Georgia . The train links with Turkey and Azerbaijan are severed. By car[ edit ] It is possible to drive to Armenia via Iran or Georgia. The borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan are closed. Local travel agents can arrange transport to the border; some Georgian agents can arrange transport all the way through to Tbilisi. Although more expensive than a train or bus, a private car may be more comfortable and can be used for some sightseeing along the way. Georgia[ edit ] As of 2014 there is a comfortable Mercedes Vito minibus (marshrutka) service from Tbilisi to Yerevan for about US$17 (30GEL). Marshrutkas leave from the parking lot in front of the railway station (old name: vagzlis moadeni; new name and name of the metro stop: sadguris moedani) at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm.

Reservations can be made under +995 598 57 12 12 in Russian, Georgian and possibly basic English, too. From this service, it is also possible to get out at Alaverdi (closest major town to Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries). Iran[ edit ] There is a daily modern bus service to Yerevan available from Tehran or Tabriz for about $60/$50; check travel agencies for that. Otherwise, the only Iran/Armenia land border at Norduz/ Agarak is very badly served by public transport. On the Armenian side, you can get as far as Meghri by one Marshrutka a day from Yerevan . It leaves from the Sasuntsidavit bus stop that is near/behind the main train station. It leaves when it's full, so be there by 7:30 or 8:00 at the latest. Also be prepared for the marshrutka to be packed with luggage and people. That marshrutka might head down to Agarak after passing Meghri, though it's best to confirm this with the driver.

The driver might also be able to set you up with a sleepover option close to the border in Agarak for about 10 € per night. In both directions, the marshrutka leaves quite early in the morning. Kapan and Kajaran are more frequently served by marshrutkas, but it is a long and mountainous (and therefore expensive) stretch to the border from there. From Meghri, it is around 8 km to the border, and hitching or taking a taxi is the only option if your marshrutka didn't take you all the way to Agarak in the first place. On the Iranian side, the closest public transport can be found around 50 km to the west in Jolfa , so a taxi (around 10-15$) again is the only (commercial) choice. The border is not busy at all, so when hitching, you have to mainly stick with the truck drivers and knowing some Russian, Persian or Azeri/Turkish helps a lot here. Many truck drivers go from Norduz to Tabriz . Consider for yourself whether this is a safe option. Noravank Monastery in Southern Armenia .

By day tour[ edit ] One of the best options for getting to the major tourist sites - some of which have infrequent public transport - are the many day tours advertised throughout Yerevan. Starting at $6, you can choose from a variety of half to full day trips which include a good number of the country’s major attractions. Some of the more remote and exotic destinations such as the Petroglyphs of Ughtasar and many of the caves require special planning. By mini-bus or bus[ edit ] Public transportation is very good and inexpensive in Armenia, but it can be tough to get to more remote sites outside of populated areas. The system could be described as a hub and spoke system, with each city offering local transportation to its surrounding villages as well as connections to Yerevan. Most inter-city travel is by 14-seat minibuses or buses. Yerevan has several bus interchange stations that serve the whole country, so you should find out which bus interchange station services the area of your destination. Note that unlike many countries in Eastern Europe, Armenian minibuses do not sell tickets beforehand and, in fact, do not issue tickets at all. You simply pay the driver at any point during the trip (though some will collect at the beginning).

Exact change is never required, but a 20,000 note for a 1,000 dram ride might present a problem. Tips are unheard of on public transportation. By taxi or car[ edit ] The average Western tourist can hire a taxi to go almost anywhere in the country on very short notice. If you are traveling with a lot of big or heavy bags, then going by taxi is the best option. Prices are about 100 drams (33 US cents) per km. Most taxis do not have meters, though, so you should negotiate a price before you leave. A taxi is a good option for longer trips, especially if you don't like waiting for hours for a minibus. If you are used to driving in the West and have not driven outside of America or Western or Central Europe, you should hire a driver when you rent your car, as driving in Armenia is often a difficult undertaking for the average tourist. A growing number of car rental companies may be used, including SIXT (office at Zvartnots airport), Europacar, Hertz, and Naniko. Most main roads around Yerevan are in decent to fair shape, with some being in unusually good condition.

When you travel north (Dilidjan) or south (Jermuk), roads are less well-maintained and rather bumpy, and you can feel this especially when using public transport! (Minibuses are often in bad condition, too.) Potholes are very much a part of the experience and can test your driving skills. Be careful and consider getting an all-wheel drive or sport utility vehicle when renting. By thumb[ edit ] Not as common as in the days of the post-Soviet collapse, hitchhiking is still perfectly safe and acceptable. Drivers often don't expect anything in the way of compensation, but offer anyway and sometimes they'll take the marshutni fare. Flag cars down by holding your arm in front of you and patting the air; this is how taxis, buses and marshutnis are flagged. Don't be too surprised if you befriend a driver during your ride and eventually end up staying at his house for a few days with his family! By bicycle[ edit ] Due to the mountainous terrain, bicycling is not as common a mode of transport in Armenia as it is in the rest of Europe.

It can be a great way to see and experience much of the countryside, though, if you can handle the inclines. Recommended Reading: "Tour De Armenia", a cycling travel book By train[ edit ] Trains in Armenia are Soviet-style and a little slow as a means of moving around the country. Trains can be taken up to Gyumri and from there on to Alaverdi and Georgia, or they can be taken up to Lake Sevan all the way to the far side. By plane[ edit ] Domestic flights are not an option as there are only two working airports and no internal flights in this small country. Intermittent service to Karabakh has been available in the past and scheduled flights from Yerevan to Stepanakert [2] may start up again - if passengers can be assured that Azerbaijan will not shoot them down ! By tour operator[ edit ] Talk[ edit ] Armenian is the only official language in Armenia and forms its own language group in the Indo-European language family. However, almost all Armenians can speak some Russian because Armenia was part of the Soviet Union . English is becoming more widely spoken, particularly in Yerevan ; however, very few people outside the capital speak any English.

Remember that issues pertaining to Turkey and Azerbaijan remain tense - A visitor speaking Turkish or Azerbaijani may attract unwanted attention from the locals. See[ edit ][ add listing ] Consider seeing some of the churches and other religious buildings in Armenia built more than 1700 years ago. One particularly interesting church is located a short drive from Yerevan in Khor Virap; close to the Armenian-Turkish border, this ancient monastery is a perfect place to observe Mount Ararat in its full beauty. And of course one should visit the famous Etchmiadzin Monastery, a World Heritage Site. Buy[ edit ][ add listing ] Carpets for sale at a Yerevan market. Armenian carpets, cognac, fruits, handicrafts and Soviet memorabilia are some of the most popular things people take home from Armenia. Most of these are plentiful at Vernissage, a seemingly never-ending weekend flea market next to Republic Square (the more touristy stuff can be found in the back half, farther from Republic Square). Another gift is a duduk, or traditional flute, which is part of the Unesco immaterial heritage.

Currency[ edit ] The Armenian currency is known as the "dram", and the currency code often used in exchange rate terminology is AMD. The dram is accepted everywhere. The dollar is often accepted for larger purchases, though the dram is the only legal currency for commerce. Dollars, euros and rubles can be exchanged almost anywhere in the country, with other major currencies also easy to exchange. Exchange booths do not charge a commission, and rates are almost always quite competitive. ATMs (Bankomats) are widely available in larger towns. Outside of Yerevan, though, you should have a major system such as Visa Electron on your card for it to work. Credit cards are not widely accepted yet, though they will get you pretty far in Yerevan. Exchange rates (approximate, May 2016): €1 = 540 dram Purchasing customs[ edit ] Bargaining is uncommon in Armenian stores, though when purchasing expensive items or in bulk, merchants may be amenable to it. In markets, however, bargaining is a must! Tipping is increasingly common in Armenia, especially at cafes and restaurants. Many Armenians will simply round up their checks or else leave ten percent.

Some café staff are only compensated with the tips they earn, though you cannot always tell by the service they provide. Many restaurants have begun to charge a ten percent “service fee” which they usually do not share with the waiters, and it is not clear what it is used for. This fee is often not clearly stated on the menu, so you should ask if you want to know. Tipping is usually not expected in taxis, but again, rounding up is not uncommon. Markets[ edit ] Vernissage - every Saturday near Republic Square, there is an open market with great shopping for tourists and locals alike. You can buy everything from a 300 year-old carpet to a 1970s Soviet phone to Russian nesting dolls. The "covered market" on Mashtots Street has fresh fruits and vegetables along with great dried fruits. For Armenian- and Russian-speaking visitors, a visit to the underground book market can be quite interesting. Located in an underground passageway under Abovyan Street, close to the medical school and the Yeritasardakan Metro Station, vendors sell thousands upon thousands of books. Bargaining is a must!

Eat[ edit ][ add listing ] Khorovats (BBQ) can be pork, lamb, chicken or beef and is flavored with onions and other Armenian spices. Tomatoes, eggplant and bell peppers are also part of the khorovats meal. Borscht is a vegetable soup traditionally made with beetroot as a main ingredient, which gives it a strong red color. It is usually served warm with fresh sour cream. Khash is a traditional dish that originated in the Shirak region. Formerly a nutritious winter food for the rural poor, it is now considered a delicacy and is enjoyed as a festive winter meal. Dolma (stuffed grape leaves; a variety with stuffed cabbage leaves, bell peppers and eggplants) also exists. Armenian fruits and vegetables are special. One should definitely try them and will never forget the taste of Armenian apricot, peach, grapes, pomegranate, etc. Armenian bread is very tasty as well. There is a wide range of different types of bread, starting from black and white till lavash (a soft, thin flatbread) and matnaqash. Don’t miss trying milk products!

Along with ordinary milk products, there are some traditional and really tasty and refreshing ones. Matsun (yogurt) is a traditional Armenian dairy product that has centuries of history. It contains a number of natural microelements, which have high biochemical activity. It’s really refreshing, especially when you try it cold during hot summers. Okroshka, cold soup with kefir and cucumber and dill, is a healthy and refreshing dairy dish. Spas is really tasty hot kefir soup with grains in it. Café culture rules in Armenia, and the best places to have a cup of coffee and people-watch are sidewalk cafés. Any place near the Opera is certain to be jumping late into the summer nights. A popular chain is "Jazzve" (several locations throughout the city, including near the Opera and off Mesrop Mashtots Avenue), which offers many varieties of tea and coffee as well as great desserts.

Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] Alcoholic: Vodka, tutti oghi (mulberry vodka), honi oghi (cornelian cherry vodka), Tsirani oghi (apricot vodka), local beer (Kilikia, Kotayk, Gumri), wine (can also be made of pomegranate), and brandy. Other: Tan (yogurt combined with water and salt), Jermuk (mineral water), masuri hyut (rose hip juice), chichkhani hyut (sea buckthorne juice), bali hyut (sour cherry juice), Armenian coffee, and herbal teas. Sleep[ edit ][ add listing ] Across Armenia, it is possible to find pleasant bed and breakfasts that will give you a true taste of Armenian culture. The language barrier will be significant in rural areas of Armenia if you do not speak Armenian or Russian , but if you take a phrase dictionary with you, you shouldn't have a lot of trouble, as people are patient. If you don't personally know any Armenians, one way to access the true Armenia away from the Westernized hotels and "Armenian branded" hotels is to find a reliable travel agent based in Armenia.

There are a couple of hostels in Yerevan. Outside Yerevan, there are a few main recreational areas that offer very reasonable accommodations, but you will be required to live without some conveniences. At the high end are some hotels on Lake Sevan and in Northern Lori Marz (50 km from the Georgian border). You won't miss anything here, but you will pay Western prices for the accommodations. Around Lake Sevan, there are numerous types of cottages and hotels. Prices are reasonable and start at about US$10 per day for a cottage with electricity and within walking distance from the lake. The city of Sevan, because of its proximity to Yerevan, is the most popular place on Lake Sevan. The history, culture and non-Western feel of the accommodations change as you go south along the lake. Tavush Marz is a wonderful place to spend time during the summer. Dilijan and Ijevan are wonderful towns to be based in, as day trips are possible to the many ancient churches that pepper this remote region. Costs are very reasonable. Dilijan is known for its sanatoriums from the Soviet era.

Don't expect hot water all hours of the day, but you can have a lovely room that will accommodate a family and include food for about US$20 a day. Take another US$20 to hire a car for the day to visit the surrounding historical sites. Lori Marz is the second most beautiful region after Vayots Dzor. It has many health resort areas such as Stepanavan and Dendropark (Sojut) next to village Gyulagarak. Lori is considered to be the Armenian Switzerland. It has numerous churches, monasteries, medieval bridges and monuments. The Stepanavan area is great for hiking, tasting fresh dairy products, etc. Small hotels and B&Bs are available in Stepanavan, Odzun, Tumanian, etc. Tzaghkadzor is a well-known winter retreat. It has many lovely hotels and is popular year-round. Check with a travel agent to find the best deal for the activity you are interested in. Jermuk, made famous by the bottled water of the same name, is a wonderful getaway, but will require you to leave your Western expectations behind. Learn[ edit ] The Armenian language and history.

Since Armenians are very proud to be citizens of the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion, nearly everyone is somewhat of an expert in Armenian history, which goes back more than 3,000 years. The Museum of Ancient scripts , In "Matenadaran" , which is located in central Yerevan, one can learn about history and see really ancient manuscripts. Sevanavank in Lake Sevan Region . Overall, Yerevan is not a dangerous city. However, theft and pickpocketing targeting foreigners are not unheard of, and utmost care is essential. Use common sense when walking on the street at night, especially after drinking. There are well known scams operating on some ATM machines, particularly those accepting VISA cards, where no money is issued but cash is withdrawn from the account nevertheless. Female visitors should be aware that unaccompanied women are an unusual sight after dark. In the outskirts of the city, a single woman walking alone at night may attract unwanted attention. There are people at the Zvartnots International Airport who ask tourists if they need a taxi. These people escort tourists to a car and claim that it is an airport taxi which costs two or three times more than a regular taxi.

Never trust such people, even if they have already put your luggage in the trunk! You can find a taxi which costs 2,000-3,000 dram instead of the c.10,000 dram they are asking. That's definitely a scam, and many tourists have been tricked in this way. If you want to know whether a car is a real taxi, look at the number plate: if it is yellow or the first are 3 digit numbers (NOT 2 digit), then it is a taxi you want to take a ride in! And keep in mind that in almost every taxi 1km is 100 drams, but you must pay 500 drams for the first km (even if you only ride 2km). Stay healthy[ edit ] As with any travel experience, eat well, but do not overeat. If you are dining with Armenians, they will feed you until you cannot eat anymore. The food is generally safe, even food from the roadside khorovats stands. There is little to worry about where food safety in Armenia is concerned. The tap water is generally safe as it comes directly from mountains, but you may also purchase bottled water.

You can get both mineral water and spring water on almost every street corner in both rural areas and the capital. Smoke[ edit ] Smoking is illegal in many public places. But bear that in mind that Armenia has the highest rate of cigarette smoking in Europe. Open air cafes will generally have a smoking area; if you see an ashtray on the table, you can smoke there. Respect[ edit ] Avoid discussing Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh because it is an extremely sensitive subject due to the frozen but still very bitter ongoing conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. In order to avoid financial expenses to run paid professional army based on contract, the government forces male citizens to serve in army sending them to war zones, which results in death of many innocent young men. Bitterness and hatred against Azerbaijanis (because of Karabakh conflict) and Turks (because of the Armenian Genocide) run very high. History is more than a science in Armenia; it is a part of Armenian nationalistic ideology.

So the issue of the Armenian Genocide, in which most of the Armenian people and a majority of Western scholars believe up to one and a half million Armenians were killed by the Young Turk government during World War One, is an extremely sensitive one, and caution and great respect should be shown when discussing the subject. One can find out more about the Armenian Genocide by visiting the Genocide Memorial 'Tzitzernakabert'. There is also a museum near the memorial. [6] Having been liberated by the then-Russian Empire in 1828, Armenians are partly Slavophiles; ask as many questions as you like about soccer and Soviet TV programs. Respect is generally shown for Slavs, including Russians. People often have no problem talking about the Soviet Union. Most Armenians do not mind if you speak to them in Russian. It is very common to give up your seat for an elderly passenger on public transport. Usually, men will give up their seat to women, too. The "ladies first" rule is considered important, and it is considered polite to let women be the first to board the bus or train or enter a room.

When visiting churches, both men and women are expected to dress modestly (i.e., no shorts, miniskirts, sleeveless shirts or tops, etc.). Lighting a candle is always a nice gesture, but is optional. You should always talk quietly when you are visiting a church. Contact[ edit ] Yerevan is full of internet cafes and internet phone offices, and these are beginning to pop up in a number of towns outside of Yerevan as well. International calling is available through prepaid mobile phone cards. Short-term mobile phone rental is also possible. Regular calls can always be made from the post office and is cheap within Armenia, but is a bit expensive for international calls. For much cheaper rates, try to find a phone office that uses the internet. Local calls can be made from kiosks or the rare payphone. Mobile phone providers[ edit ] There are three 2G, 3G and one 4G service providers operating in Armenia. You're strongly advised to acquire a temporary pre-paid SIM card as they are cheap and convenient, allow both local and international calls, do not charge for incoming calls, and charge no monthly fee.

Mobile internet and UTMS are also offered from all companies, as well as the normal full range of wireless services. VivaCell and Orange have booths offering free SIM-Cards to incoming visitors at the airport. They are also easiest to top-up (at pretty much any store or kiosk in the country) and have better English services, rates and coverage. The majority of foreign visitors find their unlocked mobile phones compatible with Armenian SIM cards (GSM 900/1800). GSM coverage maps of Armenia . VivaCell (Armenian, English and Russian) is the leading GSM service provider in Armenia and offers quality service at reasonable rates (owned by the Russian giant MTS). They have the best coverage outside of Yerevan. A VivaCell pre-paid SIM card ("ALO" card) costs 1,100-7,000 dram, depending on how much starting credit you want. At their flagship store off Republic Square, VivaCell is very helpful to foreigners and will make sure that you understand everything in English, French or Russian.

They offer very low priced "Distant Calls" for international calls from your phone via VoIP (be sure to dial 77001 + country code + the number!); in fact, it is much cheaper per minute to call the US or Canada (13 dram) or Russia (30 dram) than it is to dial Armenian networks! Orange (Armenian and English) (The French multi-national is a newcomer, in the country since mid-2009) offers a pre-paid card called Let's Talk with complicated, but competitive rates. All networks in Armenia (35 dram) lower rates may apply within the network or for night-time calls, US or Canada (15 dram), Russia (30 dram). Beeline (Armenian and Russian) (formerly ArmenTel but have switched to the Russian brand) also have a pre-paid card. This option may no longer be available to those without Armenian residency, although Russians and Ukrainians seem to be exempt. All three networks cover 90% of the population with 2G and 70-80% with 3G so having network signal is not often a worry.

Orange and Viva Cell MTS are recommended to foreigners or tourists as they have a helpful variety of languages for tourists such as Armenian, English, French and Russian. Europe Europe Andorra Andorra, a tiny landlocked principality in southwestern Europe, is situated in the eastern Pyrenees Mountains, bordered on the north and east by France and on the south and west by Spain. It comprises a region of 7 narrow valleys and the adjacent peaks reaching heights of more than 2,700 meters (about 8,860 feet) above sea level. Armenia Armenia is located in the southwest Caucasus Region, neighboring on Georgia and Azerbaijan to the north, Iran and Turkey to the south, and a separate province of Azerbaijan in the southeast. The total area of the country is 29,800 square kilometers (11,505 square miles), making it about the size of Maryland. Austria Austria is a landlocked country situated in southern Central Europe. Slightly smaller than Maine, it occupies a territory of approximately 84,000 square kilometers (32,000 square miles), which includes much of the mountainous territory of the eastern Alps and the Danube region.

Belarus Belarus is a landlocked state in Eastern Europe bordering Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia to the west; Ukraine to the south; and Russia to the east and north. It has a total border of 3,100 kilometers (1,900 miles), with almost one-third of its border (960 kilometers, or 600 miles) touching Russia. Bulgaria The Republic of Bulgaria shares its borders with 5 other countries in southeastern Europe and has a coastline on the Black Sea. Romania lies to the north, Turkey to the southeast, Greece to the south, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the southwest, and Serbia (with Montenegro part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia) to the west. Croatia The Republic of Croatia is located in southeastern Europe, with a long coastline on the Adriatic Sea to the south, and borders with Slovenia and Hungary to the north, and Yugoslavia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the east. It has an area of 56,538 square kilometers (21,829 square miles), approximately the size of West Virginia.

Germany Located in western Central Europe, Germany has an area of 357,021 square kilometers (137,810 square miles), which makes it slightly smaller than the state of Montana. The country is bordered by the North Sea, Denmark, and the Baltic Sea to the north; Poland and the Czech Republic to the east; Austria and Switzerland to the south; and France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands to the west. Greece Greece is located on the southernmost point of the Balkan Peninsula and is flanked by 3 large bodies of water: the Aegean Sea, the Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. Greece is bordered to the north by Albania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (F.Y.R.O.M.), and Bulgaria. Iceland A small volcanic island located between the Greenland Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean in the Arctic, Iceland is the westernmost European country.

Found between Greenland and Europe, just northwest of the United Kingdom, Iceland has an area of 103,000 square kilometers (39,768 square miles) of which 100,250 square kilometers (38,707 square miles) is land and 2,750 square kilometers (1,062 square miles) is water. Ireland The Republic of Ireland constitutes 26 out of the 32 counties that make up the island of Ireland, with 6 northern counties under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom. Situated in Western Europe, it is bordered on the east by the Irish Sea from the United Kingdom and bordered on the west by the North Atlantic Ocean. Latvia Located in the Baltic region of Eastern Europe, Latvia is bordered by Estonia (339 kilometers; 211 miles), Russia (217 kilometers; 135 miles), Belarus (141 kilometers; 88 miles), Lithuania (453 kilometers; 281 miles), and the Baltic Sea (531 kilometers; 330 miles).

Slightly larger than the state of West Virginia, Latvia has a total area of 64,589 square kilometers (40,136 square miles). Liechtenstein The independent principality of Liechtenstein is located in central Europe and bordered on the east by Austria and on the south, west, and north by Switzerland. It is one of the smallest countries in the world, with a total area of only 160 square kilometers (62 square miles). Lithuania An East European country bordering on the Baltic Sea, Lithuania has an area of 65,200 square kilometers (25,174 square miles) and a total coastline of 99 kilometers (62 miles). Lithuania is a mid-size country by European standards and is about the size of West Virginia. Luxembourg Luxembourg is a landlocked nation in Western Europe, at the intersection of Belgium, France, and Germany. It is one of the smallest nations in the world with an area of 2,586 square kilometers (998 square miles), which makes it slightly smaller than Rhode Island.

Macedonia Located in southeastern Europe, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (generally referred to as Macedonia) is a completely landlocked country, covering an area of 25,333 square kilometers (9,781 square miles). It is bounded on the north by Serbia and Montenegro (collectively the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia)—mostly by the province of Kosovo—on the east by Bulgaria, on the south by Greece, and on the west by Albania. Malta Malta consists of a series of small islands in the Mediterranean Sea, 97 kilometers (60 miles) south of the Italian territory of Sicily and 288 kilometers (179 miles) north of Africa. It is at the crossroads of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Moldova Located in southeastern Europe and bordered on the west by Romania and on all other sides by Ukraine, landlocked Moldova has an area of 33,843 square kilometers (13,067 square miles), making it slightly larger than Maryland. Moldova's border totals 1,389 kilometers (864 miles).

Monaco Monaco, a small independent hereditary principality in Western Europe, is located on the Mediterranean Sea along the southern coast of France, which is also known as the French Riviera or Côte d'Azur. Monaco is 18 kilometers (11 miles) east of the French city of Nice, near the border with Italy. Norway Norway is situated in the western and northern parts of the Scandinavian Peninsula in northern Europe. It is bordered on the north by the Barents Sea (an arm of the Arctic Ocean), on the northeast by Finland and Russia, on the east by Sweden, on the south by Skagerrak Strait and the North Sea, and on the west by the Norwegian Sea. Poland Located in Central Europe, Poland is bordered on the west by Germany, in the north by the Baltic Sea, in the north-east by Russia and Lithuania, in the east by Belarus and Ukraine, and in the south by Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Poland covers a total area of 312,685 square kilometers (120,728 square miles), making it slightly smaller than the state of New Mexico.

Portugal Located in southwestern Europe in the western part of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal borders Spain to the north and east and the Atlantic Ocean to the south and west. The total area of the country—including the overseas territories of Azores (2,247 square kilometers/868 square miles) and the Madeira Islands (794 square kilometers/307 square miles), both autonomous regions of Portugal—is 92,345 square kilometers (35,655 square miles). Romania Located in southeastern Europe on the Black Sea, Romania covers an area of 238,500 square kilometers (92,085 square miles), making it slightly smaller than Oregon. It borders Hungary, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine, and has a coastline of 225 kilometers (140 miles). San Marino San Marino is an enclave lying wholly within northern Italy. It surrounds the 3-peaked Mount Titano (739 meters/2,425 feet) in the central Apennine Mountains, east of the city of Florence, Italy, and southwest of the city of Rimini, Italy, near the Adriatic Sea.

Slovakia The Slovak Republic is a land-locked nation in the eastern portion of Central Europe, with access to the Black Sea via the Danube River. Its neighbors are the Czech Republic to the northwest, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south, and Austria to the west. Slovenia Located in southeastern Europe, bounded on the north by Austria, on the northeast by Hungary, on the southeast and south by Croatia, and on the west by Italy and the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia has an area of 20,253 square kilometers (7,820 square miles), slightly smaller comparatively than New Jersey, and a coastline of 46.6 kilometers (29 miles). The capital city, Ljubljana, is situated on the Sava River in the central part of the country; the second major city is Maribor on the Drava River in the northeast.

Sweden Located in northern Europe, in the eastern part of the Scandinavian peninsula, Sweden is bordered on the west and northwest by Norway, on the northeast by Finland, on the east by the Baltic Sea and its arm, the Gulf of Bothnia, On the southwest, Sweden is separated from Denmark by the Skagerrak, Kattegat, and Ôresund straits that connect the Baltic and the North Seas. The fourth largest country in Europe, Sweden has an area of 449,964 square kilometers (173,731 square miles), slightly larger than California. Switzerland Located in west central Europe, bordered on the north by France and Germany, on the east by Austria and Liechtenstein, on the south by Italy, and on the west and south-west by France, this landlocked alpine country has an area of 41,290 square kilometers (15,942 square mi), making it slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey.

The capital, Bern, is situated on the Aare River in the north-western part of the country; the largest city is Zürich in the north; other major cities include Geneva and Lausanne in the south-west, Basel in the north, and Lugano in the south.

Question: Which country is bordered by Georgia to the north, Turkey to the west and Azerbaijan to the east?
Answer: ARMENIA