Overview of Armenia
Republic with ancient history positioned in landlocked South Caucasus mountains, first in world to adopt Christianity as state religion.
Profile
Most national territory exceeds 1,000m elevation highland, with fertile Ararat Valley and mystical Lake Sevan creating symbolic landscapes. Surrounded by Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Iran with no sea access. After Soviet Union collapse, became independent and currently advancing economic reforms and tourism promotion as parliamentary democratic nation. Diverse food, crafts, and festivals combining tradition and diaspora culture attract travelers.
- Official name
- Republic of Armenia
- Common name
- Armenia
- Numeric code
- 051
- Alpha-3 code
- ARM
- Alpha-2 code
- AM
- Population
- 2.96 million (2023)
- Population density
- 98
- Primary languages
- Armenian
- Major religions
- Armenian Apostolic Church
- National anthem
- Mer Hayrenik (Our Fatherland)
- Calling code
- +374
- Internet TLD
- .am
History
Inheriting traditions since ancient Kingdom of Armenia, gained independence from USSR in 1991.
In 1st century BCE, Kingdom of Greater Armenia boasted maximum extent under Tigranes the Great, adopting Christianity as state religion in 301, world's first. From medieval period onward, experienced divided rule in interstices of great powers including Byzantium, Persia, Ottoman, and Russia. After late-19th century Armenian genocide, short-lived First Republic of Armenia established after WWI. Entered Soviet system in 1920, and modern Republic of Armenia was born through 1991 Soviet collapse and referendum. Conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh remains ongoing.
Geography & climate
Approximately 90% of national territory composed of highlands and mountains, deep canyons and volcanic plateaus alternating. Alpine Lake Sevan shines in central area.
Highland continental climate (lowlands steppe)
- Area
- Eurasia (South Caucasus) / 29743 km²
- Capital
- Yerevan
- Largest city
- Yerevan
- Coastal status
- No
- Major lakes
- Lake Sevan
- Bordering countries
- Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran
Politics
Government: Parliamentary republic
Economy
Currency: Dram (AMD)
GDP (nominal): 20.2 billion dollars (2023)
GDP (PPP): 64.2 billion dollars (2023)
Language & timezone
Primary languages: Armenian
Time zone: Armenia Time
Culture & customs
Ethnic groups
Armenian, Yazidi Kurdish, Russian, Assyrian, Ukrainian
Life expectancy
75.0 years
Literacy rate
99.7%
National sports
Wrestling, Weightlifting, Football, Chess, Boxing, Gymnastics, Judo
Flag
Emblem
