Armenia

Armenia is a country in the middle of the caucasus, between the caspian sea and the black sea. The state territory is about 30000 m2 and touches the fronts of Turkey, Georgia, Aserbaidschan and Iran. Armenia is a very mountainous country because 90% of the territory lies higher than 1000 meters above sea level. The average height is 1800 meters above sea level. The highest part builds the vulcan Aragaz with his 4090 meters.

The Armenian people live all across the world due to their tragic history. At the moment 3 million people are living in the Republic of Armenia (half of them in the capital Jerewan) and another 3 million in the diaspora.

Between 1898 and 1918 1,5 million Armenians have been deported, tortured and executed in Turkey. This first genocide in the 20^th century has only been recognised by few states and has left deep scars.

In 1988 Armenia has been struck by a very hard earth quake, from which some regions still haven't recovered. After the Sowjet Union has ended Armenia fell into a big economic crisis. The 3 million people who live in Armenia live mostly from agriculture (based on the cultivation of fruits, vegetables and tobacco) and few export products (primary materials). The average annual income per head was 790 dollars in 2004.

Christianity has deep roots in Armenia. In the year 301 a.c. Armenia has recognised christianity as their official state religion as the first nation in the world. Religion in general plays a important role for the Armenian identity.