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/Porto-Novo |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+1 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Sevan is a small town in the Armenian province of Gegharkunik, located in the eastern part of the country on the shores of Lake Sevan, about 66 kilometers from the capital city of Yerevan. The town is famous for its eponymous alpine lake, Lake Sevan, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Eurasia, at an altitude of about 1,900 meters above sea level, which is known as the "Pearl of Armenia".
Lake Sevan is surrounded by magnificent landscapes and crystal clear waters, making it an important tourist and recreational destination in Armenia. The town boasts historical monuments such as the Sevan Monastery, a 9th-century monastery situated on a peninsula overlooking the lake, which attracts many tourists and pilgrims. The local economy is based on fishing, tourism and agriculture, and the climate is cool enough for summer vacations.
With a population of around 20,000, the town of Sevan retains its traditional Armenian culture, while the infrastructure is constantly being improved to provide accommodation and catering services. It is an ideal starting point for exploring the nature and history of the Caucasus and is easily accessible for short trips.
Abomey is the capital of the Ancestral Department of the Republic of Benin, located in the south of the country, about 145 kilometers from the economic capital of Cotonou. The city was once the capital of the historically powerful Kingdom of Dahomey in West Africa (c. 1600-1894) and is known for its unique cultural heritage.
Abomey's most famous landmark is the Abomey Palace, a complex of 12 palaces built by successive kings. Constructed in traditional earthen materials and decorated with beautiful shallow reliefs that tell the history and mythology of the kingdom, the Abomey Palace was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and has become Benin's most important tourist attraction.
Today Abomey is an important cultural center and agricultural market town. The economy is predominantly agricultural, with corn, cassava and palms grown. The city retains a strong traditional atmosphere and is a must-visit place to learn about Benin's history, voodoo culture and the glorious past of the Kingdom of Dahomey.