Today the population of Armenia is about 3.5 million people. It is estimated that there are from 8 to 11 million Armenians around the world; during the genocide many Armenians were forced to leave their native land.
Armenians call themselves Hay (pronounced Hye). The word has traditionally been linked to the name of the legendary founder of the Armenian nation, Hayk, is the legendary patriarch and founder of the Armenian nation. It is also a popular Armenian name.
About 95 % of the population of Armenia is ethnic Armenians; the rest of the population consists of ethnic groups of Assyrians, Greeks, Russians, Kurds, Georgians, Belarusians and Ukrainians. The urban areas of the Armenian Territory are much more populated than its rural part. The capital city of Yerevan is the most densely crowded urban locality in the Armenian Republic. Abroad, the Armenians live in more than 60 countries around the world – the CIS countries, USA, France, Greece, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Turkey, Argentina and other countries.
Armenians are one of the oldest nations and belong to the Europeoid race, in different classifications is called Caucasoid, the Balkan-Caucasian race. Therefore, it is not surprising that from amongst the Aryans it was the Armenians, who spread around the ancient world of Mesopotamia and Indus valley first. It is generally agreed that the modern Armenians have been a distinct ethnic group centered in eastern Anatolia since at least 600 B.C.
Within the Balkan-Caucasian race are Armenoids, they are described as relatively tall, usually have somewhat darker skins, large round eyes usually black; a round, brachycephalic head shape with a straight backing (planocciput), high cheekbones and non-prominent chins. Lips are full usually with often-hooked noses. With the peculiarities of the genetic relationships and its origin Armenoid type is tending to the areas of Minor Asia (the territory of modern Turkey and Iran).
Customs, traditions, lifestyle features, family life of other nations are always interesting and instructive. They reflect history. Modern Armenian family life and lifestyles of the people remarkably preserved in a certain tradition, in which everything new is just the thoroughly forgotten old. This is evident everywhere. Let us describe some details of lifestyle, which today are fundamental in the social formation of the Armenian family. The Armenians are glad for the growth of their families; children, no matter which brother’s sons and daughters they are, they are called brothers and sisters instead of cousins.
Traditionally, Armenians have special respect for the elder people, whose opinion, especially in matters of family life, are usually considered. If during the life of his old father the head of the family are a son or daughter, the father still plays a significant role in addressing the important family matters, as recognized experience elderly.
Another ancient custom of Armenians is hospitality; guests are always welcome in the house. Many rural families have preserved the tradition to have a special room for guests furnished with the best furniture, carpets and bed.
Despite dispersion and effects of globalization, which have drawn Armenians to the four corners of the world, Armenians continue to uphold strong cultural, religious, and historical customs and traditions, and have a rekindled spirit regarding their homeland, Armenia.
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