Retiring peacefully with a rich cultural backdrop and a lower cost of living, perhaps, is in Armenia—a landlocked country located in the Caucasus Mountains. Drawing from the CIA World Factbook at cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/armenia, this guide gives a rundown of what Armenia can offer pensioners.
Climate and Geography:
Mountain Majesty: Armenia has very scenic land. It is mostly mountainous, with the Armenian Highland dominating the topography. There are fast-flowing rivers and some good soil, specifically in the Aras River Valley.
Seasonal Extremes: This is a continental climate with very hot summers and cold winters. Reflect for a moment on how you stand concerning both extremes before coming to a decision.
Landlocked Beauty: Bordered by Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, and Turkey, there isn’t a piece of Armenia that touches the sea. But stunning mountain scenery and historical sites abound.
People and Society:
Warm Welcome:
Over 98% of the population is Armenian, known for their hospitality.
Linguistic Landscape: Armenian is the official language. Russian is still widely spoken, especially by older generations. English may be less common, particularly out of the major cities. Learning basic Armenian phrases will help you appreciate your experience.
Religious Tapestry: Predominantly Armenian Apostolic Christian, 95%, Armenia is very diverse when speaking about its religious heritage.
Cost of Living:
Budget-Friendly: Armenia maintains a comparably low cost of living to Western Europe. This can be a huge boon to retirees living on fixed incomes. Consider things like housing, food, and utilities when estimating how much your cost of living might be.
Housing Options: Apartments are widely available and come at fluctuating costs depending on location, size, and amenities. Be prepared for a different standard in housing compared to what may be accustomed to you.
Healthcare:
Universal System: A universal healthcare system means everyone gets coverage, and, in the case of Armenia, extremely rudimentary medical care. The system may be limited in some ways.
Private Insurance: It is highly advisable to purchase private health insurance for you to be covered against any health problem or other types of medical services not covered by the public system.
Other Considerations:
Safety and Security: Armenia is generally considered pretty safe, with a low rate of crime. However, as it would be in any new location, precautionary measures against petty theft are in order.
Transportation: Buses and minibusses offer a public service, but without speaking Armenian, you would need to rent a car or hire a driver to explore Armenia at.
Social Activities: Ex-pat or cultural groups might be a good means to get acquainted with people and merge into local life.
Additional Resources:
The Anglo-Armenian Society: https://www.facebook.com/groups/308055582542878/
The British Embassy in Armenia: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-yerevan
Note:
This is a general outline from the CIA World Factbook. Final decisions should not be made without additional research regarding the issue at hand, such as visa requirements, personal safety, cultural adjustment, and availability of health amenities.
According to GOV.UK, the following are the requirements for entry to Armenia:
Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.
You can travel to Armenia as a visitor and stay for up to 180 days in a calendar year without a visa.
If you want to stay longer than 180 days, you’ll need to apply for a visa from the Armenian Embassy in your country.
COVID-19: No test or vaccination certificates are required to enter Armenia.
Important Notice: For the most updated information concerning entry requirements, it is always best to contact the Armenian Embassy in your country, as these are subject to frequent change.
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Ray Brocklesby, the site owner, is a Brit who now lives in the Philippines. He is retired and lives with his wife Weng, Daughter Kristelle, nephews, Harvey and Boknoy, and mother-in-law. Ray also has a son and daughter living in the UK, and a son in New Zealand.
