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Amenian flag and an ancient building in Armenia | Source: Shutterstock
Interesting Facts about Armenia — Historical Firsts, Compulsory Chess Education, and More
Feb 11, 202411:30 A.M.
From ancient traditions to modern marvels, these interesting facts about Armenia will ignite your curiosity and inspire your wanderlust. Read on to find out.
Armenia is among the few ancient countries that have survived for thousands of years. This beautiful country, located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, is a land rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.
From its ancient roots to modern marvels, Armenia attracts travelers with its captivating allure. In this article, we embark on a journey to uncover interesting facts about Armenia, shedding light on the unique charm of this ancient land. Get ready to explore the wonders of this beautiful country!
Armenian flag | Source: Shutterstock
Four Interesting Facts about Armenia
1. In Armenia, chess is a compulsory subject in schools.
Did you know that in Armenia, chess is a required subject in schools, complete with exams? Despite its small size, Armenia has a significant presence in global chess. In fact, it's known as a chess superpower.
In 2011, the country included chess in its primary school curriculum, alongside subjects like math and history. This passion stems from Armenia's grand master, Tigran Petrosian's success in the 1960s, inspiring a new generation of enthusiasts.
Chess board game | Source: Pexels
2. Armenia is the first country to adopt Christianity.
One of the most interesting facts about Armenia is that it holds a significant place in religious history. It was the first country to embrace Christianity as its state religion, with over 97% of the population being Christians.
The country was converted from paganism to Christianity by St. Gregory the Illuminator in 301 AD. The world's first church was built in Armenia, and today, Holy Etchmiadzin stands as one of the most visited pilgrimage sites globally.
Oldest church in the world, Holy Etchmiadzin in Armenia | Source: Shutterstock
3. Approximately 1.5 million Armenians died in a genocide.
Around 1.5 million Armenians lost their lives in the genocide that began under the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Following this tragedy, millions of Armenians sought refuge abroad, settling in countries like the U.S., Italy, France, and Lebanon. Today, approximately 3 million Armenians reside in Armenia, while around 7 million live elsewhere around the world.
A person pouring Armenia's red wine in a glass | Source: Shutterstock
4. Armenia is home to the world's oldest winery.
Armenia boasts the world's oldest winery, discovered in a cave near the village of Areni in 2011. Archaeologists unearthed evidence of press juice extraction, fermentation vessels, drinking cups, and remnants of vines and seeds.
The country's ancient winemaking tradition is attributed to its fertile valleys, particularly around Mount Ararat, where high-quality grapes thrive, making it one of the oldest wine-producing regions globally.
Yerevan, Armenia | Source: Shuttersctock
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