Armenians have had a presence in the Armenian Highland for over four thousand years, since the time when Hayk, the legendary patriarch and founder of the first Armenian nation, led them to victory over Bel of Babylon. Today, with a population of 3.5 million, they not only constitute an overwhelming majority in Armenia, but also in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenians in the diaspora informally refer to them as Hayastantsis (Հայաստանցի), meaning those that are from Armenia (that is, those born and raised in Armenia). They, as well as the Armenians of Iran and Russia speak the Eastern dialect of the Armenian language. The country itself is secular as a result of Soviet domination, but most of its citizens identify themselves as Apostolic Armenian Christian. COUNT 5
QSN1 How long have Armenians lived in the highlands? ANS1 over four thousand years QSN2 Who founded the first Armenian nation? ANS2 Hayk QSN3 Who did Hayk defeat? ANS3 Bel of Babylon QSN4 What does Hayastantsis mean? ANS4 those that are from Armenia QSN5 How many native Armenians are in Armenia today? ANS5 3.5 million