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Armenia prides itself on being the first nation to formally adopt Christianity (early 4th century). Despite periods of autonomy, over the centuries Armenia came under the sway of various empires including the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman. It was incorporated into Russia in 1828 and the USSR in 1920.

Armenian leaders remain preoccupied by the long conflict with Muslim Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, a primarily Armenian-populated region, assigned to Soviet Azerbaijan in the 1920s by Moscow. Armenia and Azerbaijan began fighting over the area in 1988; the struggle escalated after both countries attained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

By May 1994, when a cease-fire took hold, Armenian forces held not only Nagorno-Karabakh but also a significant portion of Azerbaijan proper. The economies of both sides have been hurt by their inability to make substantial progress toward a peaceful resolution. Turkey imposed an economic blockade on Armenia and closed the common border because of the Armenian occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas.

Geography

Armenia is located in the southern Caucasus and is the smallest of the former Soviet republics. It is bounded by Georgia on the north, Azerbaijan on the east, Iran on the south, and Turkey on the west. Contemporary Armenia is a fraction of the size of ancient Armenia. A land of rugged mountains and extinct volcanoes, its highest point is Mount Aragats, 13,435 ft (4,095 m).

Government: Republic

President: Robert Kocharian (1998)

Prime Minister: Andranik Markarian (2000)

Area: 11,506 sq mi (29,800 sq km)

Population (2004 est.): 2,991,360 (growth rate: �0.3%); (Armenian, 93%; others, Kurds, Ukrainians, and Russians); birth rate: 11.4/1000; infant mortality rate: 24.2/1000; life expectancy: 71.2; density per sq mi: 260

Capital and largest city: Yerevan, 1,462,700 (metro. area), 1,267,600 (city proper)

Other large cities: Vanadzor, 147,400; Gyumri (Leninakan), 125,300; Abovian, 59,300

Monetary unit: Dram

Language: Armenian 96%, Russian 2%, other 2%

Ethnicity/race: Armenian 93%, Russian 2%, Azeri 1%, other (mostly Yezidi Kurds) 4% (2002).
Note: as of the end of 1993, virtually all Azeris had emigrated from Armenia

Religion: Armenian Apostolic 94%, other Christian 4%, Yezidi 2%

About The Author

Armine Hareyan - the owner of the site http://etraveling.blogspot.com
Travel Destination articles
harminka@yahoo.com

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5 Tips For Finding Cheap Last Minute Cruises
By Robert R. Taylor

If your vacation budget is a little low, why not try a cheap last minute cruises? You can get on a fantastic cruise ship to a variety of locations for less than half the price. It just takes a little patience and some flexibility. Using the following five tips, you�ll be able to enjoy a memorable cruise vacation for just pennies on the dollar.

Be Flexible with Your Vacation Date

Cheap last minute cruises are available for such a low price because cruise lines would rather fill their ships up than leave with empty rooms. These companies know that you�ll spend money in their casinos, restaurants, and bars since you saved so much money on the cruise to start with. For this reason, you might not be able to find a cruise ship that matches your date preferences, so be flexible with the dates.

Conduct a Cruise Search Online

The easiest and most convenient way to find a cheap last minute cruises is to conduct a search online. You can use any search engine to type in a phrase like, "cheap last minute cruises" or "discount cruises". There are many travel sites that list cheap last minute cruise deals, so take your time look browse a few sites before making a decision.

Visit a Travel Agent

Sometimes, travel agents will be able to help you find a great deal on cheap last minute cruises. Call or visit the office and let them know what your budget is, and approximately when you would like to go. They can conduct a quick search for you and find you a good variety of deals. This will save you time in having to search for one on your own.

Go Directly to the Cruise Line

There are many cruise lines to choose from. You can visit a cruise line�s website or call a representative to see if there are any cheap last minute cruises available. Many times, it is listed on their website. It is sometimes better to call the cruise line directly to see if you can get a discount. If they are undersold on some cruise ships, they might charge you for a lower end cabin but upgrade you to a larger room or suite for the same price.

Be Flexible with the Location

Not all cruise ships are undersold, especially during busy seasons. If you wanted to enjoy a nice cruise to the Caribbean islands, there may be none available for the time you want to go. Research different locations and choose a different one. There are cruises that go to private cruise line-owned islands as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands, or even to exotic Alaska.

Register or Sign up with a Cruise Line or Vacation Site

Some cruise lines offer an option for you to sign up to receive promotional offers. Being on the list means that you�ll receive mailings with valuable money saving offers and deals on cruises. Because you are alerted with offers for cheap last minute cruises and other savings, all you have to do is check your mailbox. Vacation sites also have email newsletters that can be delivered to your inbox with current cheap last minute cruise deals.

As you can see, there are many ways that you can find a cheap last minute cruises. Be persistent and flexible and you will be sure to find that very special cruise deal.

Discover more ways to find cheap last minute cruises. Go to http://www.allcruisenetwork.com and sign up for our free report now!

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