Armenia is located in the southern Caucasus, bordered by Georgia from the north,
Azerbaijan from the east, Iran from the south and Turkey from the west.
Contemporary Armenia has a territory of 29 800 square km, lying between 1000 and
2500 meters above sea level. The highest peak is mount Aragats (4090m), while
the lowest point is Debed River Canyon (400m). Yerevan is the capital and the
largest city of Armenia. According to the general census of 2003 the population
of Armenia is 3,2 million, 1,1 million of which lives in the capital.
Climate and Temperature
Armenia is usually referred to as a sunny country. Its climate ranges from
dry subtropical to cold. The summers are hot, the temperature fluctuates between
+22C to +36C. The winters are short but cold, the temperature is between -15C to
-1C. http://www.meteo.am
The mountain peaks are covered with
eternal snow, while their slopes are lined by alpine meadows. The best time to
visit Armenia is spring or autumn.
Banking
The Armenian banking system consists of 21 commercial banks, which are
supervised by the Central Bank of Republic of Armenia. The banks in Yerevan are
open from 10 am to 4 pm on week-days and from 10 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. No
lunch breaks! The ATMs can be found on all the major streets.
Currency
Armenian national currency, the Dram, was introduced in November 1993. There
are banknotes of 500, 1000, 5000, 20000, 50000 Dram denomination. There are also
coins of 10, 50, 100, 200, 500 Dram denomination.
Foreign currency (USD,
Euro, Canadian Dollar, Japanese Yen, Dutch Guilder, Russian Ruble, etc.) can be
exchanged in banks and currency exchange offices throughout the country.
Holidays
Armenians celebrate both public and religious holidays. The celebrations
here are usually accompanied with joyful songs and traditional circle dances.
Usually all stores are open on holidays and Saturdays. Most of the shops and
supermarkets are open on Sundays, too.
Language
The official language is Armenian, a separate branch of Indo-European
family. The written characters are very unique and are not similar to any other
alphabets. However most of the shops and official buildings are also marked with
Latin-letter signboards. Besides Armenian, nearly everyone speaks Russian here,
and many can communicate in English, too.
Meals
The traditional Armenian cuisine has a large variety of richly flavored
dishes. Fresh vegetable and meat is considered to be the most favorite food in
Armenia. No Armenian celebratory table can be imagined without the most favorite
barbecue, kyufta, dolma or ghapama. There is also a traditional dish called
khash, which foresees a great ritual, starting from its preparatory process till
the last moment at the table. The numerous restaurants in Yerevan offer
authentic local food. There are also many restaurants serving the dishes of
different world-known cuisines.
Post Office
The post offices in Armenia have regular working timetable from 9 am to 7
pm. Sunday is a day-off. One of the central post offices is located at the
Republic Square opposite the Government building.
Public Transportation
The following means of public transportation are available in Armenia:
Metro: Yerevan subway system has one line stretching from
the north to the Railroad Station in the southern edge of the city. There are 10
stations. The fare is 50 AMD ($0.11). Buses: There are
buses running in major directions. The fare is 70 AMD.
Minibuses: These small vans seating 12-15 people are
available everywhere in the city. They run until late at night. The fare is 100
AMD ($0,22). Taxi Services: There are many taxi services,
which accept orders by phone. They offer very clean, comfortable cars with
polite and skillful drivers. The fare varies from 70 AMD ($0.22) to 100 AMD
($0.18) per km. Regular taxi: There are taxi stands at
major and busy intersections. Fares are subject to negotiation.
Religion
Armenians accepted Christianity as a state religion in 301 AD. The religion
is deeply rooted in Armenia.
Most ethnic Armenians belong to the Armenian
Apostolic Orthodox church. The head of the church is the Catholicos of All
Armenians, who resides in Holy Echmiadzin.
Telephone Calls
The country code is 374, Yerevan city code is 10.
Outgoing international
calls can be made by dialing:
- 00 followed by the country, city code and
the number
- 107 and ordering an operator-assisted call.
Cellular phones
for rent can be obtained at the office of Hyur Service. For more details click
here.
Time Differences
Time difference between Armenia and Europe is +3 hours; with GB +4 hours:
with East Coast of the US +9 hours and with the West Coast +12 hours. Armenia
observes the clock changes for daylight savings.
Visa
You can get a visa upon arrival in Yerevan, at the airport for 15000 dram,
approx. 50 USD/35 EUR. In general the procedure lasts 20-25 minutes. The visa is
provided for 120 days. By the expiration of the visa dates it should be
prolonged (500 dram approx. 1.6 USD/1 EUR per extra day). Visa can also be
obtained on the Internet at http://www.armeniaforeignministry.com/eVisa/. The combined
application processing and e-Visa fee is $60. Only credit card payments are
accepted.
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