Armenia Needs Humvees Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Armenia Needs Humvees - Essay Example However, this process was not finalised until December 25, 1991. It is also a member of NATO and the UN. As it is in the limits between Europe and Asia, it shares features with both. Due to this strategic geographical location, it is within the sphere of influence of the US and Russia. The Republic covers an area of 29,800 km2 and has a population of more than 3 million inhabitants of which 97.7% are Armenian, 1.3% are Yazidi Kurds and 0.5% are Russians. In 2005 the Gross Domestic Product, or GDP, was 14.17 billion dollars (circa 4,270 dollars per capita), situating it in the 127th position of the list supplied by the International Monetary Fund, just above countries like Iceland, Jamaica or Brunei [1]. Armenia is a poorly industrialized country, with a manufacturing sector that represents circa 30% of the GNI. A total of 40% of the work force is employed in industry and the building sector. In terms of production, the most successful areas are mining (the extraction and refining of minerals such as gold, copper, silver or zinc) and manufacture, with the production of machinery and synthetic rubber at the forefront. It is a complex but beautiful language [2], which shows influences from Hindu, Persian, Arabic, Greek and Latin. It also incorporates expressions and words from English, Russian or French. Interestingly, Armenian has remained virtually unchanged since it was first used more than 1,500 years ago. Armenian alphabet is truly unique. It was designed by Mesrop Mashtots at the beginning of the 5th century. Due to the uncertainties of those years, it was received as a divine gift, as an intellectual tool in the fight against fanaticism. Until that point, any documents in the Armenian language had been written by "borrowing" the Greek alphabet. Armenians soon started using the new alphabet to translate, for example, philosophical, scientific or religious documents, which has allowed them to safeguard their identity during successive invasions and thus avoid the loss of their traditions and customs. 1.3. Culture Armenia is an interesting tourist destination. In total, on the territory of Armenia there are 10 natural lakes, 15 rivers and 5 canyons. Natural attractions include the hot springs of Jermuk and Arzni, where one can take a bath immersed in medicinal mineral water; the beautiful Lake Sevan, where one can relax on its shores or practice water sports; the spectacular waterfall of Shaki; the forests of Dilijan, Gugark or Bjurakan; and the caves and cliffs of the Southeast of the country, all locations of great natural beauty. One of the symbols of Armenia is the Mount Ararat, which at 5,265 m high can be seen from many locations in the Southwest of the country. Yerevan, the capital of