Armenia

Armenia occupies roughly 29,743 km² in the southern Caucasus, bordered by Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, Iran to the south, and Turkey to the west. The capital, Yerevan, is one of the world's continuously inhabited cities and serves as the country's cultural and political centre. Armenian is the official language, the dram (AMD) is the currency, and the country's identity is shaped by its early adoption of Christianity in 301 AD and a deep literary and artistic tradition.

Citizens of many countries, including EU member states, the United States, Russia, and several others, can enter Armenia visa-free for stays of varying lengths. Those not eligible for visa-free entry can apply for an e-Visa through Armenia's official electronic visa portal before travelling. Requirements and permitted stay durations vary by nationality, so checking official sources ahead of travel is advisable.

The monastery complex of Geghard, partially carved into a cliff face in the Azat River gorge, holds UNESCO World Heritage status alongside nearby Zvartnots Cathedral ruins. Noravank Monastery sits dramatically in a narrow gorge of red rock in the Vayots Dzor region. Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world, dominates the country's centre. The ancient temple of Garni, the only surviving Hellenistic structure in the region, stands near Yerevan. The Cascade complex in central Yerevan links the city's lower districts to residential heights through a grand stairway lined with contemporary sculpture.

Armenia has a highland continental climate with considerable variation by elevation. Summers in Yerevan are hot and dry, reaching 35–38 °C in July, while winters are cold, dropping to −5 °C or below. Higher elevations see significantly more snowfall and cooler temperatures year-round. Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer mild conditions and are generally considered the most comfortable periods for travel. A light layer is advisable even in summer, as evenings at altitude cool quickly.

• First nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion.
• Armenia's alphabet was created by scholar Mesrop Mashtots in 405 AD.
• Home to one of the world's oldest winemaking traditions, over 6,000 years.
• The chess programme is part of the national school curriculum.
• Apricots originated in Armenia according to the Latin name *Prunus armeniaca*.

• e-visa.am — official Armenian e-Visa application portal
• armenia.travel — national tourism information portal operated by the tourism committee
• police.am — Armenian police service including border and entry information
• meteo.am — official national meteorological service of Armenia