Country Profile: Armenia

Armenia, a landlocked country in Southwestern Asia, boasts a rich historical legacy as the first state to adopt Christianity in the early 4th century. With a population of approximately 2.98 million, it is characterized by its mountainous terrain and notable highland continental climate. The economy is classified as upper-middle income, relying significantly on the export of copper and gold while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics, particularly with neighboring Azerbaijan and Turkey. Governed as a parliamentary democracy, Armenia's political landscape has been shaped by significant events such as the Velvet Revolution of 2018.

Geography

Armenia is located in the Armenian Highland, bordered by Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Iran. The country's total area is approximately 29,743 square kilometers, making it slightly smaller than Maryland. Armenia's terrain consists of mountains and fast-flowing rivers, with significant agricultural land concentrated in the Aras River valley. The nation is landlocked, experiencing a highland continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.

Total area: 29,743 sq km
Land boundaries: 1,570 km (Azerbaijan 996 km, Georgia 219 km, Iran 44 km, Turkey 311 km)
Highest point: Aragats Lerrnagagat' at 4,090 m
Climate: Highland continental, with significant agricultural land at 58.8%

People and Society

With a population of approximately 2.98 million, Armenia is ethnically homogeneous, with 98.1% identifying as Armenian. The country has a high literacy rate of 99.8%, and the predominant religion is the Armenian Apostolic Church. Armenia faces demographic challenges, including a declining population growth rate of -0.42% and a significant migration rate. Urbanization is notable, with 63.7% of the population living in urban areas, primarily in the capital, Yerevan.

Total population: 2,976,765 (2024 est.)
Ethnic groups: Armenian 98.1%, Yezidi 1.1%
Literacy rate: 99.8% (2022 est.)
Life expectancy: 76.7 years (2024 est.)
Urban population: 63.7% (2023)

Economy

Armenia's economy is an upper-middle income and is considered one of the fastest-growing in the Caucasus region, with a real GDP of approximately $60.91 billion projected for 2024. The economy relies heavily on copper and gold exports while also pursuing closer economic ties with the EU and the US. However, it faces challenges such as persistent unemployment, currently at 13.4%, and significant emigration rates. Inflation remains low at 0.3% in 2024.

Real GDP (PPP): $60.909 billion (2024 est.)
GDP per capita: $20,100 (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 13.4% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate: 0.3% (2024 est.)
Exports: $18.618 billion (2024 est.)

Government

Armenia is a parliamentary democracy, with significant governance reforms implemented since the 2015 constitutional changes. The country is divided into 11 provinces and has a unicameral National Assembly with 107 seats. The President serves as the chief of state, while the Prime Minister, currently Nikol Pashinyan, heads the government. Armenia's legal system is based on civil law, and citizens have the right to vote at 18 years of age.

Government type: Parliamentary democracy
Capital: Yerevan
President: Vahagn Khachaturyan (since March 2022)
Legislature: National Assembly (107 seats)
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years

Military and Security

Armenia maintains a military force that includes the Armenian Army and Police, responsible for internal security and national defense. The country has historically relied on military assistance from Russia and remains a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Its military expenditures represent about 5.5% of GDP, reflecting ongoing security concerns, especially regarding its relationship with Azerbaijan.

Military expenditures: 5.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Active military personnel: Approximately 40,000-50,000 (2025)
Compulsory military service: Ages 18-27
Military alliances: CSTO member since 1994
Recent conflicts: Active tensions with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh

Energy

Armenia's energy sector is diverse, with 100% electrification achieved in 2022. The country has a significant installed generating capacity of 4.265 million kW, with a notable reliance on nuclear power, which contributed to 31.1% of total electricity production in 2023. Armenia imports most of its natural gas and engages in limited coal production.

Installed generating capacity: 4.265 million kW (2023 est.)
Electricity consumption: 7.012 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity access: 100% of the population (2022 est.)
Nuclear energy share: 31.1% of total electricity (2023 est.)
Coal production: 300 metric tons (2023 est.)

Environment

Armenia faces several environmental challenges, including soil pollution, deforestation, and threats to drinking water supplies. It is a party to several international environmental agreements, including the Paris Agreement. As an upper-middle-income country, Armenia is focused on sustainability while maintaining its agricultural land, which constitutes 58.8% of its total area.

Forested area: 11.5% of total land (2022 est.)
Urbanization rate: 0.23% annual rate (2020-25 est.)
Total water withdrawal: 2.83 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
Major environmental issue: Soil pollution from toxic chemicals

Transportation

Armenia's transportation infrastructure includes a network of civil aircraft, railways, and numerous airports. The country has 11 airports and a railway network totaling 686 km, facilitating domestic and regional travel.

Airports: 11 (2025)
Railway length: 686 km (2017)
Heliports: 1 (2025)

Communications

Armenia has a robust communication network, with a high percentage of internet usage (80% of the population). Fixed line and mobile subscriptions reflect a growing access to telecommunication services.

Mobile cellular subscriptions: 3.96 million (2023)
Fixed line subscriptions: 331,000 (2023)
Broadband fixed subscriptions: 546,000 (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	2,976,765	2024 estimate
Total area	29,743 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$60.909 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment rate	13.4%	2024 estimate
Electricity access	100%	2022 estimate
Military expenditures	5.5% of GDP	2024 estimate
Life expectancy at birth	76.7 years	2024 estimate
Literacy rate	99.8%	2022 estimate
Urban population	63.7%	2023 estimate
Total energy consumption per capita	54.689 million Btu/person	2023 estimate