Armenia

circa 600 BCE – Kingdom of Urartu established, precursor to Armenia

301 CE – Armenia becomes the first nation to adopt Christianity as the state religion

428 CE – Armenia becomes part of the Byzantine Empire

1045 CE – Fall of the Kingdom of Armenia, decline of independent statehood

1915–1917 – Armenian Genocide by Ottoman Empire

1991 – Independence from the Soviet Union (date of modern state formation)

1994 – Ceasefire in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict (with Azerbaijan)

2018 – Velvet Revolution, peaceful change of government

2020 – Nagorno-Karabakh conflict reignited

2021 – Political reforms under Prime Minister Pashinyan

Continent: Asia (Caucasus region, bordered by Europe and Asia)
Location: Landlocked, located between the Black and Caspian Seas
Capital: Yerevan
Language: Armenian (official)
Currency: Armenian Dram (AMD)
Population: ~3 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Armenia Time (AMT, UTC+4)

Borders: Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran
Landscape: Mountainous terrain, highlands, river valleys, forests
Major Rivers: Arax, Hrazdan
Notable Features: Mount Ararat (symbolic, located across the border in Turkey), Lake Sevan

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Armenian (98%)
Religion: Armenian Apostolic Church (Christianity)
Urban Population: ~64% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: High emigration rate due to economic opportunities abroad; diaspora communities, particularly in Russia and the U.S.

Famous For: Ancient history, Armenian Apostolic Church, unique alphabet, music, and dance
Cuisine: Khorovats (barbecue), dolma, lavash (flatbread), khorovats
Arts: Ancient manuscripts, music (duduk), dance, medieval architecture
Sports: Wrestling, football (soccer), chess

Economy Type: Mixed, transitioning from post-Soviet system
GDP: Approx. $15 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Mining, agriculture (grapes, fruits, vegetables), textiles
Key Exports: Copper, gold, machinery, wine, fruits
Unemployment Rate: ~18% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Strong mining and agriculture sectors; focus on regional trade

Government Type: Parliamentary republic
Head of State: President Vahagn Khachaturyan (last updated: April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan (last updated: April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral National Assembly
Constitution: In effect since 2005 (last revised in 2015)

Yerevan: Republic Square, Matenadaran (ancient manuscript repository), Armenian Genocide Memorial
Lake Sevan: One of the largest freshwater lakes in the world
Geghard Monastery: UNESCO World Heritage Site, cave architecture
Dilijan National Park: Nature reserve, hiking, forests
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 3 (last updated: 2023)