Armenia is one of the oldest civilizations known to man.
back to the great ark builder, Noah. Armenia is located in western Asia. Land locked, it relies on its vast network of rivers and lakes for its water. With no deposits of coal or oil, water is the only source of electricity. Armenia is very mountainous and its climate varies according to the elevation but it stays mainly dry with moderate winters. Armenia soil is very well adapted to growing a variety of plants. Spices, fruits and many varieties of vegetables are grown though out the country with each region specializing in their own variations. .
Throughout their history, Armenia has come to know numerous cultures. Such people as Greeks, Romans, Persians, Byzantines, Mongols, Arabs, Turks and Russians have conquered them and each leaving their mark. Today, Armenian's enjoy their independence. Once a republic of the former USSR, Armenia now celebrates being a separate state. .
During the 4th century, Armenians where converted to Christianity. This put an end to its long pagan tradition. Surrounded by Muslims countries, Armenia boasts to be the first state to adopt Christianity as a state religion and the Armenian Church being the oldest of the Christian faith. Ethnic minorities who occupy Armenia practice Russian Orthodox, Protestant and Muslim religions. .
Of the 15 republics, which, made up the USSR, Armenia has the most ethnic homogenous culture. Ethnic Armenians (Hay), Kurds Russian, Ukrainians, Assyrians, Greeks and Georgians all contribute to the makeup of the population with the Ethnic Armenians rounding out the top at 90%. Armenia is the official language but it does contain two distinct dialects, Eastern (the official) and Turkish. .
Family and friends are a very big part of the life of an Armenian. Armenians pride themselves on their close families ties and traditions. Majority of Armenians are city dwellers living in apartments while others live the rural area in single-family homes.