Armenios

Armenians (Armenios in Spanish) are an ethnic group native to the Armenian Highlands in the South Caucasus. They speak Armenian, a unique Indo-European language with two standard varieties: Eastern Armenian, used mainly in Armenia and much of the post-Soviet space, and Western Armenian, historically spoken in the Armenian communities of the former Ottoman Empire and in the diaspora.

The Armenian alphabet was created by Mesrop Mashtots around 405 CE, enabling a distinct literary culture and a long tradition of education and scholarship. This writing system helped sustain Armenian identity through periods of foreign rule.

Religion: The Armenian Apostolic Church is the historic national church. Armenia adopted Christianity as a state religion in 301 CE, making it one of the earliest Christian nations. Armenian communities also include Armenian Catholics and Armenian Evangelicals.

History: Armenians formed early polities in the region, including the Orontid and Artaxiad dynasties and the medieval Kingdom of Armenia. Despite frequent upheavals, a distinct Armenian culture endured. In 1915, mass killings and deportations in the Ottoman Empire triggered a large diaspora and shaped global Armenian identity.

Diaspora and demography: Today Armenians live in Armenia and widespread communities worldwide, notably in the United States, Russia, France, Lebanon, Iran, and Georgia. Global estimates place the Armenian population in the several millions, with the majority outside Armenia.

Culture: Armenian arts, music, literature, and cuisine reflect a long history. Notable cultural features include medieval monasteries such as Geghard and the twin sites of Haghpat and Sanahin, as well as modern contributions in science, cinema, and the arts.