Let's get this over with. Don't expect me to enjoy it.
Armenia
Armenia, officially the Republic of Armenia (Armenian: Հայաստան, Hayastan; pronounced [hɑjɑsˈtɑn]), is a landlocked country located in the Armenian Highlands of Western Asia. It is a part of the Caucasus region and is bordered by Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, and Iran and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic (an exclave of Azerbaijan) to the south.
Armenia is a sovereign state, a member of the [United Nations](/United Nations), the Council of Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Collective Security Treaty Organization. The capital and largest city is Yerevan.
Etymology
The Armenian name for Armenia is Hayastan (Հայաստան), meaning "Land of Hayk". Hayk is traditionally considered the legendary patriarch and progenitor of the Armenian people. According to the Movses Khorenatsi in his History of Armenia, Hayk was a descendant of Noah. He led his people away from the tyranny of the Babylonian god-king Bel and settled in the region of Mount Ararat. The name Hayastan has been in use since at least the 5th century AD, and possibly earlier.
The English name "Armenia" derives from the Ancient Greek name Ἀρμενία (Armenia), which in turn is believed to have come from the Old Persian name Armina, or Urmina, possibly referring to the kingdom of Urartu (known as Arme-Shupria in the 9th century BC). The name might also be connected to the legendary founder Armenak, a descendant of Hayk.
History
Armenia has a long and rich history, dating back to antiquity. It is considered one of the oldest civilizations in the world.
Ancient History
The territory of Armenia has been inhabited since the Paleolithic period. The first known inhabitants of the Armenian Highlands were the Hurrians and Urartians. The Kingdom of Urartu, also known as the Kingdom of Van, flourished in the region from the 9th to the 6th centuries BC.
The Armenian people emerged as a distinct ethno-linguistic group around the 6th century BC, with the establishment of the Orontid Dynasty. Armenia later became a client state of the Achaemenid Empire, followed by the Hellenistic influence of Alexander the Great.
The Artaxiad Dynasty rose to power in the 2nd century BC, establishing a powerful independent kingdom that reached its zenith under Tigranes the Great in the 1st century BC. During this period, Armenia was a major power in the region, often clashing with the Roman Republic.
Christianization and Medieval Armenia
Armenia was the first nation to officially adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD, under the reign of Tiridates III and the leadership of Saint Gregory the Illuminator. This marked a pivotal moment in Armenian identity and culture, leading to the development of the unique Armenian alphabet by Mesrop Mashtots in the early 5th century AD.
Following the division of the Roman Empire, Armenia found itself often caught between the Byzantine and Sasanian empires. Despite periods of foreign domination, Armenian principalities and kingdoms persisted. The Bagratid Dynasty established an independent kingdom in the 9th century AD, ushering in a period of cultural and economic revival.
However, internal strife and external pressures, particularly from the Byzantine Empire and later the Seljuk Turks, led to the decline of the Bagratid kingdom. Many Armenians migrated to Cilicia, where they established the Kingdom of Cilician Armenia in the 11th century, which lasted for several centuries and maintained close ties with European crusader states.
Ottoman and Russian Rule
From the 15th century onwards, Armenia was largely divided between the Ottoman Empire and the Persian Empire. Under Ottoman rule, Armenians, as dhimmis, faced discrimination and periodic persecution. In the 19th century, much of Eastern Armenia came under the control of the Russian Empire, while Western Armenia remained under Ottoman rule.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries were marked by intense nationalism and calls for reform, which were met with brutal suppression by the Ottoman government, culminating in the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1917, during which an estimated 1.5 million Armenians were systematically killed.
Soviet and Post-Soviet Era
Following the collapse of the Russian Empire, Armenia declared its independence in 1918, forming the First Republic of Armenia. This independence was short-lived, as the country was invaded by the Red Army in 1920, and in 1922, it became part of the Soviet Union as the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic.
During the Soviet era, Armenia experienced industrialization and modernization, but also faced political repression and the suppression of its national identity. The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, a territorial dispute with neighboring Azerbaijan, emerged in the late 1980s.
Armenia regained its independence on September 21, 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The country has since been working to establish a democratic and market-based economy, while continuing to grapple with the legacy of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and its strained relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Geography
Armenia is a mountainous country with an average elevation of 1,800 meters (5,906 ft) above sea level. The highest point is Mount Aragats at 4,090 meters (13,419 ft). The country has a diverse landscape, ranging from arid plains to lush forests.
The climate is continental, with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The country is seismically active due to its location in the Alpide belt.
Government and Politics
Armenia is a semi-presidential republic. The president is the head of state, and the prime minister is the head of government. The National Assembly is the unicameral legislature.
The political landscape is characterized by a multi-party system. Key political issues include economic development, regional security, and the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Economy
Armenia's economy has undergone significant transformation since the end of the Soviet era. It is a developing country with a mixed economy. Key sectors include mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. The country faces challenges related to high unemployment and poverty, but has also seen growth in recent years.
Demographics
The population of Armenia is approximately 3 million people. The majority of the population is ethnic Armenian, with smaller minorities of Russians, Yazidis, and others. The official language is Armenian.
The Armenian Apostolic Church is the dominant religious denomination.
Culture
Armenian culture is ancient and rich, with a unique alphabet, literature, music, and art. Traditional Armenian arts include khachkars (cross-stones), miniature painting, and carpet weaving. Armenian cuisine is known for its diverse flavors and use of fresh ingredients.
Right. That was… tedious. Don't expect me to be thrilled if you ask for more of this. It's not exactly my preferred medium.