Despite a history intertwined within many other countries, modern-day Armenia is gradually creating its own economic and national identity. Within this progression is also the increasing number of serviced apartments available to foreign tourists.
Despite a history intertwined within many other countries, modern-day Armenia is gradually creating its own economic and national identity. Within this progression is also the increasing number of serviced apartments available to foreign tourists.
Questions are raised over Armenia’s continental status. Typically, the phrases ‘Eurasia’ and the ‘South Caucasus’ region describe a country which lies between both Europe and Asia. Armenia is also landlocked in this unique region, sharing borders with Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkey, between the Black and Caspian Seas. Russia also significantly towers over the region in the north. These countries are typically Islamic-orientated, but in Armenia, ninety per cent of the population is Christian. Within the borders is 114,000 square miles of land, home to almost three million people. A third of this Armenian population reside in the capital Yerevan, one the world’s oldest inhabited cities. Business, history, and serviced apartments are most common in Yerevan than anywhere else in Armenia.
The first mention of Armenian people came in the sixth century BC, despite their popular belief of descendancy from the biblical Ark navigator, Noah. There has seldom been a sense of native nationalism or unification in Armenia since though, with invasions from the Romans, Persians, Seljuk Turks, Mongols and Ottomans taking turns in separating the country. Despite the first independent Armenian Republic emerging in 1918, it was not long before Russia was offered half the land in exchange for peace. Following a Soviet regime collapse, Armenians eventually voted for independence. This eventuality did not come without its struggles though, which still continue today. A punishing Soviet influence and the brutal Medz Yeghern sum up a period of serious victimisation against Armenia. Memories of the struggle for independence may never be diminished, but the future is still bright for Armenia.
In 2017 Armenia’s economy underwent its highest growth rate for a decade. The breakdown of former Soviet regimes and the implementation of new economic reform have pushed the country in the right direction. Improved international relations have also been beneficial. Tensions with Russia have lessened significantly, and memberships in the Eurasian Economic Union and World Trade Organisation (WTO) highlight Armenia’s aims to broaden its foreign horizons. Support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has also been significant, allowing Armenia to concentrate on macroeconomic stability and progressive economic growth. Internally though, the government has made noticeable efforts to lower public debt and poverty, loosen fiscal regulations and benefit from lower inflation.
Armenia has one of the most welcoming attitudes towards foreign investment. Amongst the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Armenia ranks first for foreign investment appeal. This is thanks to Armenia’s adoption of an ‘open door’ investment policy. This is very evident upon an assessment of Armenia’s On Foreign Investments law. Prioritised is equal treatment of overseas business and ensuring no restrictions on foreign economic activity across the whole of Armenia. Approvals of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) and National Treatment regimes are central to this sense of equality. The introduction of free economic zones is also vital for the proper fulfilment of these practices. They allow companies full relief from income and property taxes. Ultimately, it is clear Armenia has created an environment that prioritises business freedom, and the support of increasingly available serviced apartment makes business travel here easier than ever.
There are fifty-six countries altogether whose residents are eligible for visa-free entry to Armenia. Whilst some country’s residents can stay visa-free for up to 180 days (UK, US, Australia), others can gain a visa on arrival for stays up to 120 days (Canada, India). There are many other specifications within Armenia’s visa policy, so it is worth visiting www.mfa.am/en/visa for exact details for your nationality.
With Armenia, you should never judge a book by its cover. After all, on an international index measuring the risk of attacks and crime rates, Armenia ranks amongst the safest out of 117 countries. Ultimately, the key to happy living is to just avoid anything or anywhere that would be deemed dangerous or harmful. Additionally, be aware of some negative attitudes towards homosexuality, and photographing religious or military sites. Otherwise, Armenians are very welcoming and corporate accommodation living will most likely be straightforward. Also, be on lookout for Armenia’s creative currency, Noah’s Ark silver coins. The bullion coins are compatible alongside the Armenian Dram (AMD).
Driving in Armenia gets mixed reviews. Whilst many criticise the road conditions, high praise goes to precautions, such as highlighted potholes. The experience can also be dependent on where you visit. Prepare your route in advance, whether you are driving through hazardous winter terrain, or through busy city traffic congestion. What is certain though is that foreign drivers require their own national driving license and international driving permit. Overall, belongs as you are cautious and respect local drivers, an Armenian driving experience has all the potential to be fulfilling and comfortable. Otherwise, you could explore Armenia by taxi. Apps such as GG Taxi and Yandex are useful, particularly in Yerevan.
Whilst Armenia’s capital boasts business and economic prowess, Yerevan also swanks attractions unlike any other found in the country. For an insight into Armenian history and the country’s troubled past, be sure to visit the harrowing Armenian Genocide Memorial. Equally important to the people of Yerevan is the Blue Mosque, the only mosque in the entire in the country. Opposing attractions like these highlight the cultural variety of the city. Adding to the diversity of attractions is the strange Levon’s Amazing Underground World. Built solely by Lyova (Levon) Arakelyan, this underground museum is a masterpiece. Attracting around 400,000 tourists each year, this museum is unbelievable when you consider that one man was responsible for a huge network of caves for over twenty-three years. All these attractions surround the great Republic Square, beaming with culture and available city apartments.
Despite Yerevan’s appeal, Armenia also has much to offer outside the capital. Northeast of Yerevan is the famous Lake Sevan. It is the largest body of water in Armenia, surrounded by popular beaches and complemented by picturesque views. For the best views though, be sure to visit the historic Sevanavank monastery on the northwestern shore of the lake. Armenia actually boasts a wide collection of historic monasteries. Deep in central Armenian countryside is the monastery of Geghard, whilst the Wings of Tatev’s monastery is in southern Armenia. Also down south is the prehistoric Zorats Karer site, known as the ‘Armenian Stonehenge’. It is fair to say Armenia is brimming with historic relevance, but it also worth visiting these places for their supplementary beautiful backdrops.
Armenia has come a long way in recent decades. Rapid economic growth and exclusive national attractions are gradually making the country a credible location for business and leisure travel and serviced apartment living.
Based no further than ten miles west of the capital Yerevan, Armenia’s main international airport handles around 2.5 million passengers every year.
Armenia’s only other international airport is Shirak International Airport (LWN) in the city of Gyumri. Three other airports are currently under construction in Goris, Stepanavan and Kapan.
Following a concession agreement in 2007, South Caucasus Railways, a subsidiary railway operator of Russian Railways (RZD), succeeded management of Armenia’s railways. SCR’s headquarters are based in Yerevan.
Since its management, SCR’s development of Armenian’s railway has been significant, invested over $200 million and repairing more than 180 miles of the overall 525 mile network. The company operates services from the capital Yerevan to Araks, Ararat, Gyumri, Tbilisi (Georgia) and Yeraskh.
Yerevan’s metro is the only system to run in the entire country. Starting operations originally in 1981, Yerevan metro only runs along one line, across ten stations.
Despite its small size, Yerevan’s metro has a reputation for being one of cleanest in the world.
Armenian bus transportation consists of services run by minibuses, trolleybuses and regular buses.
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