• Norway!

    Norway: Sunnylvsfjord. Go Now!

    Norway
    Known for its natural beauty, Norway is home to isolated villages, fjords, and mountains that create a culture and landscape without compare. Begin Your Journey!

  • Vatican City!

    Vatican City: Vatican Museums. Go Now!

    Vatican City
    The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

  • Macedonia!

    Macedonia: Traditional architecture. Go Now!

    Macedonia
    Macedonia is a country still finding its unique identity, but its architecture is already one of a kind. Explore Macedonia!

  • Austria!

    Austria: Belvedere Palace. Go Now!

    Austria
    Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and incredible history & food. Go Now!

  • Spain!

    Spain: Guell Park and Gaudi architecture. Go Now!

    Spain
    Fusion foods, lively music, historic ruins, and cultural events like the Running of the Bulls and La Tomatina make Spain and Barcelona (pictured) a favorite tourist destination. Explore Spain!

  • Ukraine!

    Ukraine: Traditional Village. Go Now!

    Ukraine
    Ukrainian culture is based on village life, particularly that found in the Carpathian Mountains (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

Social Life in Armenia

Behavior

The Armenians are conservative in most aspects of their lives and this is best seen in their behaviors, dress, and dining etiquette. They tend to dress and act conservatively, much of which is based on their deeply rooted Christian faith. To a degree they also maintain much of the Soviet mentality as they rarely get involved in other people's personal affairs and tend to keep to themselves when in public. Due to this attitude, the people take offense at few things. Although everyone will notice odd behaviors and cultural abnormalities, rarely will anyone point out your cultural mistakes.

As a visitor to Armenia try to follow the lead of the locals by dressing in alike manner (see below for details), dining in the local etiquette (see our Armenia Dining & Food Page), and avoid sensitive conversation topics, such as politics, finances, and business unless initiated by your local counterpart. Also try to avoid being loud, rude, or showing off wealth.

Dress

The traditional dress of the Armenians was fairly constant throughout the country, whose borders have shifted significantly over time. For women this traditional outfit was a long dress, typically in white or an earth-toned color. Sometimes this dress was a singular piece with a vest or coat over the top and others included a shirt with a dress over the top. Women also generally wore a scarf and sometimes an apron, which was generally decorated. For men dark pants with light colored shirts were common, with perhaps a short coat over the top and a hat.

Today the Armenians dress in modern western-styled clothing that is no different from that of the rest of Europe and much of the world. They do tend to be a bit conservative though so shorts are uncommon as are clothes that are too revealing. As a visitor, you should dress in a like style. Shorts are fine in Armenia; although you may get a couple odd looks, wearing them offers no offense unless you are in a church or another more formal setting. Just try to dress for the occasion and if in doubt dress on the more formal and conservative side.

This page was last updated: November, 2013