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Travel Blog

31.05.2019
Is Armenia in Europe or Asia?

Armenia is a country that is ancient but modern, small in size but rich in history, and finally, stands in what can be considered a transit spot between Europe and Asia. Throughout its history, it has taken the influence of so many geographical, cultural, and political factors. And that’s what makes the country so exciting to discover.

Geographical Location

Generally, Armenia’s location in the world is in the South Caucasus in Eurasia. Armenia’s neighboring countries are Turkey to the west, Azerbaijan to the east, Georgia to the north and Iran to the south.

As it is pretty much on a transit zone between Europe and Asia, Armenia struggles to define itself on which part it belongs to.

Armenia is technically leaning more towards the East and with the land mass divide of Eurasia it belongs to the Asian side. As diplomatic relations developed with European countries in the past decade Armenia is often referred to as a country in Eastern Europe. And since it is part of the Eastern Partnership (along with some of its post-Soviet partners), Armenia is sometimes also considered to be Europe but not fully referred to as a European country.

Culture & Values

In terms of culture and values, Armenia is a very unique mix, picking and choosing from both sides.

Even though the country is very small, values and ideologies of living are very different from place to place. For example, in the capital Yerevan or the second largest city Gyumri the lifestyle is definitely more European than what you would see in much smaller communities in the regions. While in the capital people may live with more liberal values, regions have more conservative way of living, community spirit is stronger and family ties are even more solid.

Other Influences

There are so many other influences that have shaped Armenia throughout history. Many of the local Armenians have been influenced by the Soviet style of living as it is the most recent historical change the country has gone through. So, the influence of the Soviet Union is major.

The country is also highly influenced by its neighbours. Now a huge part of food culture, Armenia is diversified with more Middle Eastern, Iranian and Georgian cuisine and the dialects in different regions are influenced by Turkish and Farsi words. And finally, because of the recent repatriation from diaspora-Armenians around the world, Armenians of Armenia are now exposed to different ways of living, which they learn from other Armenians coming to live here from around the world.

Finding itself between Asia and Europe, Armenia is in a unique geographical location. And its diverse history influences mix well with the country’s own values and ways of living. The many layers involved for such a small place make Armenia worth the visit.