Since the 1990s, tourism has been an important part of Armenia's economy, as half a million Armenians visit the country every year. Tourists visiting Armenia are primarily ethnic Armenians from the diaspora who mostly live in Russia, the United States, Lebanon, Syria Iran, and EU states. As a result of the country's growing tourism industry, many non-Armenians have begun to visit Armenia too, most particularly for its stunning scenery, majestic mountains, UNESCO heritage sites, unique architecture, diverse landscape, as well as for its hospitable, friendly and warm population. It is important to note that Armenia has been at the crossroads of human civilization for thousands of years, so you can be certain that there are many interesting stories to be found once you visit Armenia. This article will cover some of the interesting facts about Armenia that may surprise and at the same time inspire you to visit this beautiful country. 

Armenia is Among the Oldest Countries in the World 

Many scientists and archeologists believe that Armenia is among the top 10 oldest countries of the world. Armenia was founded by the Urartians more than 3000 years ago. The country's rich culture includes thousands of ancient historical cave cities, a UNESCO list site dating from the Bronze Age to Medieval periods, unique monuments and churches, thousands of ancient petroglyphs and artifacts that provide evidence about the early inhabitants. Even the majestic Mount Ararat, which is Noah's Ark landing place, is situated within the borders of Armenia. Archaeologists  also discovered the world's oldest leather shoe, called the Areni-1 shoe, in a cave next to the village of Areni in Vayots Dzor province, Armenia, which dates back to 3500 BC. 

Armenia is the First Nation that Adopted Christanity 

Armenia is the first country to adopt Christianity as the state religion. In 301 C.E., St. Gregory the Illuminator, the apostle to the Armenians and a priest, declared Christianity as the official religion of Armenia after converting King Tiridates III to Christianity. It was a conversion from paganism to Christianity as a whole. Holy Etchmiadzin Church was built back in the early 4th century when Armenia was still a pagan country and Christianity was just starting to spread across Europe. Today, Echmiadzin Church is the center of the Armenian Church and also a popular pilgrimage site.Many diaspora Armenians visit Echmiadzin as part of their pilgrimage to Armenia.

Armenia is Home to the World's Oldest Winery

 Armenia is home to the world's oldest winery. The winery is located at Areni-1 cave complex, the same complex where the oldest shoe in the world was discovered near the town of Vayots Dzor, Armenia. Carbon tests on samples excavated in 2010 proved that wine production there dates back over 7,000 years. Armenia today is well known for its winemaking tradition and produces some of the world's best wines. Some of the well known Armenian wines include  Karas, Voskevaz, Takar, and Areni.  

Armenia is Home to World’s Longest Cable Car 

The longest non-stop double track cable car, according to Guinness World Records, is the Tatev Aerial Tramway in Armenia which measures 5,752 meters (18,871 ft) in length. Tatev Aerial Tramway which is also known as Wings of Tatev connects the village of Halidzor with the Tatev Monastery offering a beautiful view of the Vorotan River Gorge. 

Apricot was First Found in Armenian Highlands

Armenia is considered to be the birthplace of the apricot. Many historians, scientists and leaders believe that the apricot originated in Armenia. For instance, De Poerderle, a famous French scientist wrote in his book centuries ago that “The name of this tree comes from Armenian, Asian province, where it appeared and from where it was brought to Europe.” At the times of the Roman Empire, Apricot was called Armenian Apple. Moreover, the famous Arab geographer, Ibn al- Faqih mentions Armenian Apricot and calls it the fruit of Armenia in his famous book “Book of countries' '. 

Chess is Taught in Armenian Schools 

Chess existed in Armenia since the 9th Century. For Armenians, chess is an integral part of their culture. Since 2011, Chess has become a mandatory school subject in all schools in Armenia. Since chess is a grand game of strategy, schools offer chess lessons in order to contribute to the cognitive development of children and help them learn how to think flexibly and wisely. Several chess players from Armenia have gained international recognition. Tigran Petrosian, who was the ninth world champion in the 1960s, is one example. Armenian-born Levon Aronian has been named grandmaster and is currently one of the strongest chess players in the world. 

Other interesting facts: 

• Echmiadzin is the world’s first state church built  in Armenia.
• Yerevan, Armenia’s capital, is nicknamed “the pink city” due to the pink-colored volcanic rocks used in many of its buildings.
• The only pagan temple in the caucasus region that has survived to this day is located in Armenia and is called “Garni Temple”. 
• Geghard Church which is located near Garni Temple is partly carved out of a mountain. 
• Armenian bread “Lavash” is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage․ 
• Armenia's population is about 3 million. However, 10 million ethnic Armenians live outside Armenia in the global Armenian diaspora.
• The world’s first textbook arithmetic problems was founded by Armenian mathematician, David the Invincible. 
• Armenia’s capital city Yerevan is 29 years older than Rome․ 
• Churchill's favorite drink is the Armenian brandy Cognac. 
• Famous actor Cher, tennis player Andre Agasi, and the metal rock band System of a Down are all of Armenian descendents. 
• Armenia has one of the world’s largest bird populations. 
• Armenia’s Lake Sevan is the largest lake in the caucasus region 

Conclusion

As you can tell Armenia is a country with a rich history. It has a history going back thousands of years before Christ. Its historical heritage is not only magnificent but it's filled with stories and facts that are worth exploring. Not only does the country boast an amazing history, it is also a popular destination for tourists. When you visit Armenia, you will realize that there is so much to explore, it's not just a country but a nation of stories waiting to be told.