Armenia was the first country to declare Christianity as its national religion, all the way back in 301 A.D. In fact, the Armenian Apostolic Church was founded by two of Jesus' Apostles between 40 and 60 A.D., so it makes sense!

In a similar vein, the country boasts the world's first church. The Holy Etchimiadzin was built in the 4th century, and it is currently the headquarters of all churches in Armenia and one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world.

One of Armenia's most beloved symbols are the peaks of Mount Ararat that towers beautifully over the country and serves as a striking back-drop for many important locations, including the capital city, Yerevan. From time to time throughout history, the mountain has sat within the border of Armenia, and today sits just across the border in Turkey.

Speaking of Mount Ararat, it is commonly believed throughout the region and among many Biblical believers across the world that Noah's Ark is embedded in ice atop Mount Ararat, although, despite many explorations, it has yet to be found.

Armenia can also lay claim to the world's oldest winery, which was discovered in recent years during an archaeological exploration.

Chess is considered a very important sport to the country, and in fact, is a compulsory subject in school for all students.

More Armenians currently live abroad (5.6 Million) than live within the border of the country itself (3 Million).

Some worldwide household names claim Armenian heritage: Cher; Andre Agassi; Serj Takian (of System of a Down fame, which has been using its public platform to raise awareness about the struggles that Armenia currently faces); and, of course... the Kardashians!

The capital city of Armenia - Yerevan - is one of the world's oldest capital cities (older even than Rome!).

Yerevan is often referred to as "the Pink City" in a nod to the ancient Rosy Volcanic Rock used to construct many of the buildings throughout downtown. (Of note is that most of the buildings constructed of this material had to be repaired following the devastating 1988 earthquake that killed more than 25,000 people and left many homeless.)

Armenian cognac, brandy and wine were a particular favorite of Winston Churchill, who had discovered it at the Yalta Conference in 1945 and reportedly loved it so much that he was gifted a bottle of it by Stalin each year until his death. The truth of this story may be left to history, as sources dispute its accuracy.

Armenia boasts a world record with 'Wings of Tatev,' the longest reversible aerial tramway built in only one section, and holds the record for longest non-stop double track cable car.

Wrestling and Weightlifting are the Olympic sports in which the country takes national pride.

The country is apparently a paradise for birds, serving as home to at least 345 of the 530 known bird species in Europe.

With the simple tri-stripe design of the current national flag of Armenia, it is especially important to take care in holding the flag upright. Upside down, the flag resembles the national flag of Colombia, and there have been some notorious public faux pas when public figures have made such a mistake!

One of Armenia's prized foods, Lavash, a tasty flatbread, was part of UNESCO's list of 'Intangible Cultural Heritage' in 2014.

Cars run on natural gas in Armenia, and the country leads the way in moving vehicles toward this fuel source.

There is a restriction on playing guitars, pianos, drums or other musical instruments at night. Anyone caught can be charged in a court of law.

Apricots are beloved throughout Armenia, and are enjoyed in all sorts of ways - especially beloved as dried fruit or in wine, brandy or juice.

Armenia is technically at war with its neighbor, Azerbaijan.

In addition to all the wonderful things we are learning about this beautiful country, it is important that we always remember and honor the up to 1.5 Million Armenians murdered in 1915 as a part of the horror that was the Armenian genocide, perpetrated by the Ottoman government. We must never forget these atrocities.