Christianity is the largest religious faith in the world, with approximately 2.2 billion adherents across the globe. But while the faith is widespread, it could be argued that Armenians are among its most devout followers, considering the fact that approximately 94 percent of the population belong to the Armenian Apostolic Church. Christianity has been an important part of Armenia's identity for centuries. In fact, Armenia was the first nation to make Christianity the state religion, in 301 A.D. The faith's influence can be seen everywhere, from the many ancient monasteries to the carved stone crosses known as khachkars that dot the landscape. The Armenian Apostolic Church was named for the apostles Bartholomew and Thaddeus, who are considered to have been the main impetus for the Christian conversions that started in Armenia in the 1st century A.D.
Inside Armenia:
- Armenia's capital, Yerevan, is nicknamed the "pink city" because many of its buildings were made from pink volcanic rock.
- Armenia boasts a 100 percent literacy rate and includes chess as a mandatory class in public schools.
- A cave in Armenia contains the oldest known winery, which dates back more than 6,000 years.