I was born in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, a mountainous country east of Turkey. My country is often presented in the popular culture as the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion. Most people know it as the homeland of Kim Kardashian, System of a Down, Cher, Angela Sarafian, Kirk Kirkorian etc. Armenians brag about their unique culture claiming they have the best water, apricots, pomegranates, cognac (brandy) and wine in the world (I don't take a stance in the argument 🙂 .)
However, I think there is more to the country than Kim Kardashian. I will try to present the country avoiding the usual maximalist approach.
Armenia is a small country roughly the size of Belgium. It is situated in Southern Caucasus region bordering four countries: Iran to the south and Turkey to the west. First kingdom of Armenia was founded in the sixth century BC by a Seleucid noble Orontes the Short-Living. The Kingdom exchanged royal dynasties becoming an Empire, then a medieval feudal kingdom and vanished in late middle ages when occupied by the ottomans (eventually.)
The people, however, managed to preserve their identity and lived in the area up until 1918 establishing a democratic republic in the modern-day Armenian territories. Having it's size shrunk by more than 70% the country soon fell into a crisis. Influx of Armenian refugees fleeing the Ottoman Empire after the Genocide (where Armenia claims 1.5 million people were killed) led to the spread of diseases and hunger. In just two years the country collapsed and was invaded by the soviet union from the east and Turkey from the west.
After 70 years of relatively prosperous life as on of the 15 USSR states, Armenia seceded from the union in 1990 soon to be involved in a war with its neighbor to the east, Azerbaijan, over a territory called Nagorno Karabakh (now Artsakh.) The mountainous region is half the size of Armenia and historically belonged to Armenia with 98% Armenian population. The war ended in an unstable armistice that lasts until this very day, with Armenia being the de facto victor and occupying the land.
Now Armenia is considered a "hybrid" democracy (which means it is not autocratic but is not completely democratic either.) However, in my non-professional opinion, it is moving towards democracy day by day.
Why would anyone visit Armenia nowadays?
Well... for several reasons.
It is cheap.
Armenia is one of the cheapest countries ini the world. To give you an idea, one ticket for a public bus is worth less than $0.20. Same goes with the groceries, services and clothes.
It is safe.
The capital and the biggest cities in the country are very safe, to the extent that you can walk in the street at night and be confident that nobody will bother rob you. Even if so, the (heavily funded) police is regularly patrolling the streets to ensure your safety.
There is a lot to see.
The countryside is filled with historical sites – castles, medieval churches, hellenic temples, ancient cities and cave dwellings some of which date back to the first millennium BC. The capital Yerevan is very tourist-friendly with its restaurants, clubs, bars and boutiques that will please your wallet and will not disappoint you quality-wise.
Nature
Back to the countryside! The lush forests, majestic mountains and overall beautiful sceneries will fill the memory card of your camera. You will relax in mountain resorts in the north, visit the hot springs in the south and ski resorts in the central Armenia.
Food
Being a part of various countries over its history, Armenians have inherited tradition from numerous cuisines now lost to the world: Byzantine, Assyrian, Anatolian etc. The quality of agricultural products is what makes the food delicious. On top of that you will discover dishes that you have never thought could exist, while at the same time feel so familiar to you tongue.
Overall, the best way to experience Armenia is to buy that $200 plane ticket and visit the country that you have probably heard a lot about for long time but haven't given much thought about.