Country Profile: Armenia

Armenia, a landlocked country situated in Southwestern Asia, is known for its rich historical tapestry and cultural heritage, being the first nation to adopt Christianity in the early 4th century. Despite its long-standing conflicts, particularly concerning the Nagorno-Karabakh region, Armenia has established a parliamentary democracy and is categorized as an upper-middle-income economy, heavily reliant on exports of copper and gold. The nation faces geopolitical challenges but has begun to diversify its economic partnerships beyond Russia to include ties with the EU and the US.

Geography

Armenia is located between Turkey and Azerbaijan, in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, and is characterized by a highland continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. It occupies an area of 29,743 square kilometers, making it slightly smaller than Maryland, and possesses varied terrain featuring mountains and fast-flowing rivers. As a landlocked country, Armenia has no coastline and relies heavily on its agricultural land, which constitutes 58.6% of total land use.

38.9 years: Median age of the population (2024).
1,792 m: Mean elevation above sea level.
1,360 sq km: Area of Lake Sevan, the largest lake in Armenia.
58.6%: Proportion of land used for agriculture (2023 est.).

People and Society

With a population of approximately 2.98 million as of 2024, Armenia is predominantly ethnic Armenian (98.1%). The official language is Armenian, and the majority practice Armenian Apostolic Christianity. The country has a high literacy rate of 99.8%, and urbanization is notable, with 63.7% of the population living in urban areas. Armenia's demographic trends indicate an aging population and a negative population growth rate.

76.7 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
10.5 births: Birth rate per 1,000 population (2024).
63.7%: Percentage of the population living in urban areas (2023).
99.9%: Literacy rate for females (2023).

Economy

Armenia's economy is classified as upper-middle income, with a robust growth trajectory driven by reforms and an emphasis on anti-corruption measures. The GDP reached approximately $60.9 billion in 2024, with services sectors dominating the economy, followed by industry and agriculture. Despite a stable fiscal regime, Armenia faces challenges such as persistent unemployment and high dependency on external markets.

13.4%: Unemployment rate (2024).
$20,100: GDP per capita (2024).
5.9%: Projected GDP growth rate (2024).
24.8%: Percentage of the population below the national poverty line (2022).

Government

Armenia operates as a parliamentary democracy with a president and a prime minister. The political landscape has evolved since the Velvet Revolution in 2018, which saw significant reforms and an increase in democratic participation. The legislative body is unicameral, and elections are held regularly, with the most recent parliamentary election occurring in June 2021.

5,001: Total number of seats in the National Assembly.
18 years: The minimum voting age.
11 provinces: Division of the country into administrative regions (2024).
$5.812 billion: Central government revenues (2023).

Military and Security

The Armenian Republic Armed Forces, established in 1992, comprise land, air, and air defense forces, and face ongoing tensions with Azerbaijan, particularly over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Military expenditures represent 5.5% of GDP as of 2024. Armenia maintains military ties primarily with Russia and participates in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

40,000-50,000: Active personnel in the Armenian Armed Forces (2025).
24 months: Length of compulsory military service for men.
1: Number of operational nuclear reactors (2025).

Energy

The energy sector in Armenia is diverse, with a reliance on nuclear, hydropower, and fossil fuels. Armenia has achieved 100% electricity access for its population, and electricity generation is a mix of various sources, underscoring the challenges and vulnerabilities in energy security.

4.265 million kW: Total installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
7.012 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
31.1%: Share of nuclear in total electricity production (2023).

Environment

Armenia faces several environmental challenges, including soil pollution, deforestation, and river pollution. Nevertheless, the country has engaged in numerous international agreements aimed at combating climate change and protecting biodiversity.

58.6%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023).
7.144 million metric tonnes: Total CO2 emissions (2023).
492,800 tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.).

Transportation

Armenia's transport infrastructure includes 11 airports and a developing railway system. The country's geographic location requires reliance on land transport for trade and travel, with ongoing developments to enhance connectivity.

686 km: Total railway length (2017).
11: Number of airports serving Armenia (2025).

Communications

The communications sector is evolving, with high mobile cellular usage and a growing internet user base. Most of the population has access to various forms of media, signifying a well-connected society.

80%: Internet penetration rate (2023).
3.96 million: Total mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
546,000: Total fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	2,976,765	(2024 est.)
Area	29,743 sq km	Landlocked, slightly smaller than Maryland
GDP	$60.909 billion	(2024 est.)
Energy Consumption	54.689 million Btu/person	(2023 est.)
Birth Rate	10.5 births/1,000 population	(2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	13.4%	(2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	76.7 years	(2024 est.)
Urban Population	63.7%	(2023)
Literacy Rate	99.8%	(2023 est.)
Military Expenditures	5.5% of GDP	(2024 est.)