Time Zone |
Asia/Yerevan |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+4 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Time Zone |
Africa/Asmara |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+3 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Armenia is a landlocked country located in the Transcaucasus region of Western Asia, with its capital Yerevan as its political, economic and cultural center. One of the oldest countries in the world, Armenia has a long history dating back to the 6th century B.C. and was the first country to adopt Christianity as its state religion (301 A.D.). Cities such as Yerevan are dotted with medieval churches, monasteries and stone crosses (khachkars) and are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Armenian language is a separate branch of the Indo-European family and has a unique script. The cities are a blend of Eastern and Western cultures, and Yerevan's Republic Square, the Blue Mosque, and the ancient monasteries on the shores of Lake Sevan are a testament to its diverse charms. Despite the changes in history, Armenia has maintained its rich national traditions and hospitality.
Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, is located on the country's central plateau at an altitude of about 2,350 meters and has a pleasant climate that has been described as the "Italy of Africa". The city is a blend of Italian colonial architecture and local culture, with a large number of well-preserved modernist buildings, including futuristic churches, Art Deco theaters, and colorful homes. An example of early 20th century urban planning, its historic center was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. Asmara is not only a political and economic hub, but is also known for its unique cultural scene and laid-back pace of life, and is a window to explore Eritrea's history and diverse civilizations.