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/Juba |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+2 |
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.
Malakal is the capital of Upper Nile State in South Sudan, located on the east bank of the White Nile River, about 650 kilometers from the capital, Juba. As an important river port city in South Sudan, it was once an oil industry hub, connecting oil-producing regions such as Bentiu. The city has a population of about 150,000 (2014 estimate), and is predominantly Dinka, with residents mostly engaged in fishing, agriculture, and trade.
Malakal is situated on a swampy plain and often faces the threat of flooding during the rainy season. The economy was once dependent on oil transportation, but the civil war (2013-2020) led to the closure of oil fields and destruction of infrastructure. Currently subsisting on local markets, Nile fishing and small-scale agriculture, the rebuilt port is a key node for transportation of goods.
The city was a strategic location during the Sudanese civil war and became the disputed site of the interim capital after the independence of South Sudan in 2011. Affected by the conflict in recent years, it has suffered from a severe humanitarian crisis and is dependent on the United Nations and aid organizations for support. As the peace process advances, Malakal is gradually regaining its function as a regional trade center.