Armenia

Armenia is a landlocked mountainous region during the Southern Caucasus, bordered by Turkey towards West, Georgia towards the North, Azerbaijan towards East, and Iran and the Nakhichevan exclave of Azerbaijan to the South. A former republic in the Soviet Union, Armenia is a single in the oldest and most historic civilizations from the world. Capital - Yerevan. Population - 3,016,000.

Watching over revered Mt Ararat, Armenia spans rocky highlands whilst also boasting lush forests and serene, turquoise Lake Sevan. You'll find remote regions and monasteries to explore (Vayots Dzor & Syunik, for example), but highlights are as almost certainly to be Yerevan’s buzzing arts scene, the Mediterranean mind-set and cafe culture, or a spontaneous shared meal – and tipple – with locals.

Much of the modern tourist targeted traffic comprises diaspora Armenians trying to find a slice of their homeland. Their high standards enticed some international hotel chains and caused overdevelopment in places like Sevan. Yet it’s nonetheless simple to escape to hidden gems, just like stalactite-filled caves and summer villages inhabited by Yezidi Kurds and Armenian shepherds. The Debed Canyon is rich with history and culture, and Goris is a interesting time-warp town that warrants a few days' exploration. As most travellers whiz through over a brief side trip among other places, serious explorers will have one of the most sights to themselves.

While the country's ancient monasteries, candle-lit churches and high-walled forts are obvious highlights, your fondest memories of Armenia will possibly lie in the locals themselves. You’ll quickly discover buddies among these gracious, humble and easygoing people, even with out a popular language. Ties are best forged close to a dinner table, wherever endless rounds of toasting accompany a meal bursting with fresh vegetables and grilled meats.

Although Armenians carry plenty of psychological baggage from a traumatic 20th century, you’ll hardly notice it. The quickly modernizing capital, the boutique tourism market as well as the warm welcome you’ll receive everywhere seems to belie the country’s reputation for tragedy. Rather than letting past woes weigh it down, Armenia has created its memorials, dusted itself off and moved on. Politicians have set their sights on EU membership, although businessmen are enjoying a booming economy dubbed the ‘Caucasian Tiger’.