Location.

Bordered by Georgia , Azerbaijan , Iran , and Turkey , Armenia is 29.8 sq km (11.5 sq. mi.). At the last census, the population was 3.2 million, with about 1.3 million people living in the capital, Yerevan.

Armenia prides itself on being the first country to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD. Today, it remains an outpost of Christianity in the east. Armenia's religious epicenter is the city of Echmiadzin, about a 20-minute drive west of Yerevan.

Ninety-five percent of Armenians are Christians and members of the Armenian Apostolic Church . The Church has played a significant role in unifying the nation both spiritually and culturally. Ancient Christian monuments, churches, and fortresses are perennial reminders of the country's colorful past. Monuments date back to the Neolithic period, and three are UNESCO world heritage sites (Sanahin and Haghpat Monasteries, Geghard Monastery and the Upper Valley of Azat, the Cathedral and Church of Echmiadzin and the archeology of Zvartnots).

For centuries, Armenia was a hub for ancient caravan routes and a crossroads of cultures from Europe and Asia. Many of those cultures and customs have survived until today, adding extraordinary dimensions to our tourism offerings.

Armenia is surrounded by mountains with elevations ranging from 900 to 3,597 m (2,950 - 11,800 ft.) that offer various levels of difficulty for hikers. The most ambitious climbers favor Mount Aragats (4,091 m/13,400 ft.) with its four peaks of sub-alpine and alpine zones, and its vast volcanic crater. The mountains are ideal for hikers, campers, and adventure-seekers. Villagers there welcome visitors into their homes, or help them find campsites in the wild.