Travel Guide Armenia - Country Information

Coordinates: 40 00 N, 45 00 E
Population: 2,976,372 (July 2006 est.)
Religions: Armenian Apostolic 94.7%, other Christian 4%, Yezidi (monotheist with elements of nature worship) 1.3%
Languages: Armenian 97.7%, Yezidi 1%, Russian 0.9%, other 0.4% (2001 census)
Climate: highland continental, hot summers, cold winters
Elevation: lowest point: Debed River 400 m / highest point: Aragats Lerrnagagat' 4,090 m
Hazards: occasionally severe earthquakes; droughts
Background Armenia: Armenia prides itself on being the first nation to formally adopt Christianity (early 4th century). Despite periods of autonomy, over the centuries Armenia came under the sway of various empires including the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman. During World War I in the western portion of Armenia, Ottoman Turkey instituted a policy of forced resettlement coupled with other harsh practices that resulted in an estimated 1 million Armenian deaths. The eastern area of Armenia was ceded by the Ottomans to Russia in 1828; this portion declared its independence in 1918, but was conquered by the Soviet Red Army in 1920. Armenian leaders remain preoccupied by the long conflict with Muslim Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, a primarily Armenian-populated region, assigned to Soviet Azerbaijan in the 1920s by Moscow. Armenia and Azerbaijan began fighting over the area in 1988; the struggle escalated after both countries attained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. By May 1994, when a cease-fire took hold, Armenian forces held not only Nagorno-Karabakh but also a significant portion of Azerbaijan proper. The economies of both sides have been hurt by their inability to make substantial progress toward a peaceful resolution. Turkey imposed an economic blockade on Armenia and closed the common border because of the Armenian occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas.

Summary of recommendations:All travelers should visit either their personal physician or a travel health clinic 4-8 weeks before departure.
Malaria: Prophylaxis is recommended only for travel to the Masis, Artashat, and Ararat regions in Ararat District near the Turkish border in the west.
Vaccinations:
Tetanus-diphtheria	For all travelers who have not received a tetanus-diphtheria immunization within the last 10 years.
Hepatitis A	Recommended for all travelers
Typhoid	For travelers who may eat or drink outside major restaurants and hotels
Hepatitis B	For travelers who may have intimate contact with local residents, especially if visiting for more than 6 months
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)	Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given