# Armenia

> sovereign state in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia

**Wikidata**: [Q399](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q399)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenia)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/armenia

## Summary

Armenia is a country located in the continent of Asia[1]. It has an area of 30k and a population of 2.9M as of 2017[2]. The nation operates in the UTC+04:00 time zone, which is designated as Armenia Time and Asia/Yerevan[3][4].

## Summary

Armenia is a sovereign state located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, bordered by Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Iran. It declared independence from the Soviet Union on September 23, 1991, and its capital and largest city is Yerevan. Armenia is a landlocked country with a rich cultural heritage dating back to ancient times, known for its Christian identity, mountainous terrain, and significant Armenian diaspora worldwide.

## Key Facts

- **Official Name**: Հայաստան (Hayastan), Republic of Armenia
- **Independence**: September 23, 1991 (from Soviet Union)
- **Capital**: Yerevan
- **Area**: 29,743.423459 km² (square kilometres)
- **Population**: 2,930,450 (2017, preferred value)
- **Official Language**: Armenian
- **Currency**: Armenian dram
- **National Anthem**: Mer Hayrenik
- **Flag**: Flag of Armenia
- **Coat of Arms**: Coat of arms of Armenia
- **Coordinates**: 40.383333°N, 44.95°E
- **Timezone**: UTC+4 (Armenia Time, Asia/Yerevan)
- **Driving Side**: Right
- **Electrical Voltage**: 220V (50Hz)
- **International Calling Code**: +374
- **Internet TLD**: .am, .հայ
- **ISO Codes**: AM (alpha-2), ARM (alpha-3), 051 (numeric)
- **M49 Code**: 051
- **Highest Point**: Mount Aragats
- **Lowest Point**: Debed (400m above sea level)
- **Continent**: Asia
- **Part Of**: West Asia
- **Government Type**: Republic, unitary state, parliamentary system
- **Head of Government**: Nikol Pashinyan (since May 8, 2018)
- **Head of State**: Vahagn Khachatryan (since March 13, 2022)
- **Legislative Body**: National Assembly of Armenia
- **Official Religion**: Christianity
- **Literacy Rate**: 100% (2011)
- **Age of Majority**: 18 years old
- **Marriageable Age**: 18 years (all genders)
- **Retirement Age**: 63 years old
- **VAT Rate**: 20%
- **Gini Coefficient**: 25.2 (2020)
- **Human Development Index**: 0.759 (2021)
- **Inequality-Adjusted HDI**: 0.688 (2021)
- **Democracy Index**: 5.49 (2021, most recent)
- **Life Expectancy**: 73 years (2022)
- **Ethnic Composition**: Armenians (98.1%, 2011), Yazidis (1.1%, 2011)
- **Emergency Numbers**: 112 (general), 101 (fire), 102 (police), 103 (ambulance)

## FAQs

### What countries border Armenia?

Armenia shares borders with four countries: Iran (to the east), Turkey (to the west), Azerbaijan (to the east and north), and Georgia (to the north). It also borders the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic (an exclave of Azerbaijan) and has a small border point with Karki.

### What international organizations is Armenia a member of?

Armenia is a member of the United Nations (since 1991), World Trade Organization (since 2003), Council of Europe (since 2001), Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (since 1992), Interpol (since 1992), UNESCO (since 1992), World Health Organization, World Customs Organization, International Criminal Court (since 2023), Commonwealth of Independent States, Collective Security Treaty Organization, and many other international bodies.

### What is Armenia's economic profile?

Armenia's nominal GDP was approximately $19.5 billion in 2022 and $24 billion in 2023. The country has a diverse economy with sectors including mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Key exports include food products, base metals, and machinery. The unemployment rate was 17% in 2014.

### What are Armenia's provinces and administrative divisions?

Armenia is divided into 10 provinces (marzer): Aragatsotn, Ararat, Armavir, Gegharkunik, Kotayk, Lori, Shirak, Syunik, Tavush, and Vayots Dzor. Yerevan is a separate administrative unit with city status.

### What is Armenia's demographic situation?

Armenia's population has fluctuated significantly, from approximately 2.5 million in 1970 to a peak of around 3.6 million in 1988-1990, then declining to about 2.9 million by 2017. The population is predominantly Armenian (98.1%), with Yazidis as the largest minority (1.1%). The urban population was approximately 1.77 million in 2022, while rural population was about 1.01 million.

### What languages are spoken in Armenia?

The official language is Armenian. Other languages used include Western Armenian, Armenian Sign Language, Lomavren, Kurmanji (Kurdish), and North Azerbaijani. The country has a 100% literacy rate.

### What is Armenia's relationship with its neighbors?

Armenia has diplomatic relations with numerous countries including Russia, Iran, France, Italy, the United States, China, and many others. Relations with Turkey remain closed due to historical disputes, and tensions with Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict have been ongoing. Armenia maintains close ties with Russia through the Collective Security Treaty Organization and other agreements.

### What is Armenia's cultural significance?

Armenia claims to be the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion (traditionally dated to 301 AD). The country has a rich literary tradition, distinctive architecture (including medieval monasteries and churches), and a famous national anthem "Mer Hayrenik." Armenia is known for its diaspora communities worldwide, particularly in Russia, the United States, France, and Lebanon.

## Why It Matters

Armenia holds significant historical and geopolitical importance as one of the world's oldest continuous civilizations and the first country to officially adopt Christianity as a state religion. Its strategic location in the South Caucasus places it at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, making it a key player in regional politics, trade, and energy transit routes.

The country's independence in 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union marked the restoration of Armenian statehood after decades of Soviet rule. Armenia's subsequent integration into international organizations demonstrates its commitment to democratic governance and economic development, though it faces ongoing challenges including the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Azerbaijan, economic dependence on Russia, and the need for continued political and economic reforms.

Armenia's cultural soft power is substantial, with a diaspora of several million Armenians worldwide maintaining strong cultural, economic, and political ties to the homeland. The Armenian Apostolic Church serves as a unifying institution for both citizens and diaspora communities. The country's contributions to mathematics, science, literature, and arts have been significant throughout history, with notable Armenians making impacts globally.

The country's membership in various international organizations, including the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and Council of Europe, reflects its integration into the global community. Armenia's role in regional security arrangements, particularly through the Collective Security Treaty Organization, and its developing relationships with the European Union and other Western partners shape its geopolitical positioning.

## Notable For

- First country to adopt Christianity as state religion (traditionally 301 AD)
- One of the world's oldest continuous civilizations with documented history dating to ancient times
- Home to Mount Aragats, the highest peak in the Caucasus region
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites including monasteries at Tatev, Haghpat, and Sanahin
- 100% literacy rate (2011)
- Unique Armenian alphabet created by Mesrop Mashtots in 405 AD
- Significant diaspora population exceeding the domestic population
- Rich tradition of khachkar (cross-stone) carving
- Famous for Armenian cognac and wine production
- Birthplace of prominent figures including composer Aram Khachaturian and painter Ivan Aivazovsky
- Active participation in the Eurovision Song Contest since 2006
- Strong tradition of chess education and producing grandmasters

## Body

### History and Independence

Armenia traces its statehood back to ancient times, with the Kingdom of Armenia reaching its peak under Tigranes the Great in the 1st century BC. The country was later incorporated into the Russian Empire in the 19th century following the Russo-Persian wars. After the Russian Revolution, Armenia became part of the Soviet Union as the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic on December 4, 1920.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Armenia declared independence on September 23, 1991, through a national referendum. The country joined the United Nations on September 17, 1991, and subsequently established membership in numerous international organizations. The transition from Soviet rule to independence was marked by economic challenges, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Azerbaijan, and significant political transformation.

### Geography and Natural Features

Armenia is a landlocked country in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, covering an area of 29,743.423459 square kilometres. The country's terrain is predominantly mountainous, with the Lesser Caucasus mountains running through the northern and eastern regions. Mount Aragats stands as the highest point, while the Debed River valley at approximately 400 meters represents the lowest elevation.

The country is located at coordinates 40.383333°N latitude and 44.95°E longitude. Armenia shares borders with Turkey (west), Georgia (north), Azerbaijan (east and northeast), and Iran (southeast). The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan forms an exclave separated from mainland Azerbaijan by Armenian territory.

Armenia's climate varies with elevation, featuring cold winters and warm summers. The country has numerous rivers, lakes, and forests, though much of the terrain is semi-arid. The capital Yerevan and other major cities are situated in the Ararat Plain, which forms part of the broader Caucasus region.

### Government and Politics

Armenia operates as a unitary republic with a parliamentary system of government. The head of government is the Prime Minister, currently Nikol Pashinyan since May 8, 2018, following the Velvet Revolution. The head of state is the President, currently Vahagn Khachatryan, who took office on March 13, 2022.

The legislative body is the National Assembly (Azgayin Zhoghov), which exercises legislative power. The judicial system includes the Constitutional Court as the highest judicial authority. The country has undergone significant political reforms since independence, including constitutional changes in 2015 shifting from a semi-presidential to a parliamentary system.

The basic form of government is characterized as a republic, unitary state, and parliamentary system. The country is divided into ten provinces (marzer) and the capital city of Yerevan, each with local self-governance.

### Economy and Trade

Armenia has developed a mixed economy since independence, with GDP growing from $2.26 billion in 1990 to approximately $24 billion in 2023. The economy encompasses sectors including mining (copper, gold, molybdenum), agriculture (grains, fruits, vegetables), manufacturing (textiles, machinery), and services.

The national currency is the Armenian dram (AMD), introduced in 1993. The country joined the World Trade Organization on February 5, 2003, facilitating its integration into global trade. Key trading partners include Russia, China, Iran, the European Union, and the United States.

The nominal GDP figures show significant growth: $13.9 billion (2021), $19.5 billion (2022), and $24 billion (2023). The country has attracted foreign investment and developed sectors including information technology, tourism, and renewable energy. The Gini coefficient was 25.2 in 2020, indicating relatively moderate income inequality.

### Demographics and Society

Armenia's population was approximately 2.93 million in 2017, though historical figures show significant fluctuation. The population peaked at around 3.5 million in the late 1980s before declining due to the 1988 earthquake, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and emigration. As of 2022, the male population was approximately 1.25 million and female population was approximately 1.53 million.

The population is predominantly urban, with about 1.77 million living in urban areas and 1.01 million in rural areas as of 2022. The capital Yerevan is home to over one million residents, making it the largest city and cultural center.

Ethnic composition is overwhelmingly Armenian (98.1% as of 2011), with Yazidis comprising 1.1%. Other minority groups include Russians, Assyrians, and others. The official language is Armenian, and Christianity, specifically Armenian Apostolic Christianity, is the official religion.

Life expectancy at birth was 73 years in 2022, with the country achieving a literacy rate of 100% by 2011. The total fertility rate was 1.531 in 2014, below replacement level. The human development index was 0.759 in 2021, classifying Armenia as a country with high human development.

### Culture and Heritage

Armenian culture represents one of the world's oldest continuous civilizations, with unique traditions in music, dance, literature, and visual arts. The Armenian alphabet, created by Mesrop Mashtots in 405 AD, is a significant cultural achievement and the basis for Armenian literary tradition.

The national anthem is "Mer Hayrenik" (Our Fatherland), with instrumental accompaniment available. Traditional Armenian cuisine features dishes like dolma, lavash (flatbread), and various meat preparations. Armenian cognac and wine have international recognition.

Architectural heritage includes numerous medieval monasteries, churches, and khachkars (cross-stones). UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the Monastery of Tatev, Haghpat Monastery, Sanahin Monastery, and the Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin. The country celebrates numerous national holidays including Independence Day (September 21-23) and Armenian Christmas (January 6).

### International Relations and Memberships

Armenia maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries worldwide and is a member of multiple international organizations. Key memberships include:

The United Nations since 1991, with membership in various UN agencies including UNESCO. The World Trade Organization since February 5, 2003. The Council of Europe since January 25, 2001. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe since January 30, 1992. Interpol since November 4, 1992. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons since April 29, 1997. The International Criminal Court since October 3, 2023.

Regional memberships include the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (since 1994), and the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation. Armenia also participates in the Eastern Partnership (since 2009) and has developing relations with the European Union.

Bilateral relations are maintained with countries including Russia, Iran, France, Italy, the United States, China, Greece, Cyprus, Lebanon, and many others. Relations with Turkey remain closed due to historical disputes regarding the events of 1915, and relations with Azerbaijan are complicated by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

### Infrastructure and Standards

Armenia operates on the right side of the road for driving. The electrical system uses 220V at 50Hz, with common plug types including the Europlug. The country uses the metric system for measurements.

Standard emergency numbers include 112 (general emergency), 101 (fire department), 102 (police), and 103 (emergency medical services). The country uses UTC+4 as its timezone, known as Armenia Time.

Communication infrastructure includes the international calling code +374 and internet top-level domains .am and .հայ. The mobile country code is 283, and Armenia participates in the ITU/ISO/IEC object identification system.

### Social Indicators and Development

Armenia's human development index was 0.759 in 2021, ranking it among countries with high human development. The inequality-adjusted HDI was 0.688 in the same year, reflecting some loss due to inequality.

The democracy index was 5.49 in 2021, indicating a hybrid regime classification. The BTI Governance Index has shown variation, reaching 5.32 in 2020. The country is classified as "partly free" according to Freedom House reports.

Education and healthcare systems have developed since independence, with 100% literacy achieved by 2011. The retirement age is 63 years, and the age of majority is 18 years. Marriageable age is 18 years for all genders.

### Military and Security

Armenia maintains armed forces for defense, with military service available for citizens. The country participates in collective security arrangements through the Collective Security Treaty Organization. Military expenditures and capabilities have been shaped by the ongoing conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh.

The country has developed defense cooperation with Russia and other partners. Armenia's security situation has been influenced by regional conflicts and its strategic location.

### Natural Resources and Environment

Armenia has significant mineral resources including copper, gold, molybdenum, and other metals. The country has developed mining as an economic sector. Water resources include rivers originating from mountain snowmelt and lakes, though the country faces water scarcity challenges in some regions.

Environmental concerns include deforestation, soil erosion, and air pollution in urban areas. The government has established protected areas and environmental regulations to address these challenges.

### Transportation and Connectivity

Armenia has developed transportation infrastructure including roads, railways, and air connections. Yerevan's Zvartnots International Airport serves as the main air gateway. The country is connected to regional transportation networks despite being landlocked.

Railway traffic operates on the right side. The country participates in international transportation agreements and has developed transit connections with neighboring countries and beyond.

### Science, Education, and Technology

Armenia has a tradition of scientific achievement, particularly in mathematics, physics, and engineering. The country has developed higher education institutions including Yerevan State University and the National Polytechnic University of Armenia.

Information technology has been a growing sector, with Armenia developing a reputation for software development and IT services. The country participates in international scientific cooperation and has research institutions in various fields.

### Religion and Society

Christianity is the official religion, with the Armenian Apostolic Church playing a central role in national identity and culture. The church traces its origins to the conversion of King Tiridates III in 301 AD, making Armenia the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion.

Religious minorities include Yazidis, who follow a distinct faith tradition, as well as small communities of other Christian denominations and other religions. The constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and religious institutions play roles in education, social services, and cultural preservation.

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