Country Profile: Armenia

Armenia, a landlocked nation in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, is bordered by Turkey to the west and Azerbaijan to the east. The country has a population of approximately 2.96 million and a parliamentary democracy, having undergone significant political changes following the Velvet Revolution in 2018. Armenia's economy is classified as upper-middle income, characterized by a focus on mining and agriculture, while also seeking to strengthen ties with both Russia and the EU. The country is rich in history, being the first to adopt Christianity as a state religion in the early 4th century.

Geography

Armenia is located in Southwestern Asia, nestled in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains and encompasses a total area of 29,743 sq km, making it slightly smaller than Maryland. The country is landlocked, with its highest point at Aragats Lerrnagagat' (4,090 m) and a climate that ranges from hot summers to cold winters. Most of Armenia's population resides in the northern half, especially in the capital city, Yerevan.

Total area: 29,743 sq km
Highest point: Aragats Lerrnagagat' at 4,090 m
Mean elevation: 1,792 m
Arable land: 15.7% of total agricultural land
Major lake: Lake Sevan (1,360 sq km)
Land borders: 1,570 km total with Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, and Turkey

People and Society

Armenia has a population of approximately 2.96 million, predominantly ethnic Armenians (98.1%). The official language is Armenian, and the majority adhere to the Armenian Apostolic Church, one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. The country faces demographic challenges, including a declining birth rate and a significant youth unemployment rate of 26.2%.

Population: 2,963,837 (2025 est.)
Urban population: 63.7% of total population
Life expectancy: 76.7 years (2024 est.)
Literacy rate: 99.8% (2023 est.)
Birth rate: 10.24 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Median age: 39.5 years (2025 est.)

Economy

Armenia's economy is fast-growing and categorized as upper-middle income, with a valuable mining sector, particularly in copper and gold. The country’s real GDP was estimated at $57.5 billion in 2023, with expectations of continued growth at 5.9% for 2024. However, it is also vulnerable to external shocks, with public debt at 48.3% of GDP in 2023.

GDP (2024 est.): $25.787 billion
Real GDP per capita: $20,100 (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 13.4% (2024 est.)
Public debt: 48.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Exports (2024 est.): $18.618 billion
Population below poverty line: 24.8% (2022 est.)

Government

Armenia operates as a parliamentary democracy, with significant reforms adopted in 2015 that shifted power from a presidential to a parliamentary system. The capital, Yerevan, is the political and cultural hub, and the government is headed by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Armenia has been actively involved in various international organizations and maintains a complex relationship with both Russia and the West.

Independence: 21 September 1991
Legal system: Civil law system
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years
Executive branch: President Vahagn Khachatryan; Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan
Total number of provinces: 11
Next legislative elections: June 2026

Military and Security

The Armenian military comprises around 40,000 to 50,000 personnel and is primarily focused on territorial defense, especially concerning tensions with Azerbaijan. Military expenditure is significant, accounting for 5.5% of GDP. Armenia has historical ties with Russia but is also building relations with other nations for defense equipment and support.

Military expenditures: 5.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Active military personnel: 40,000 to 50,000 (2025)
Mandatory service age: 18-27 years
Nuclear reactor operational: 1 (2025)
Military inventory: Primarily Russian equipment

Energy

Armenia has a fully electrified population and a diverse energy generation mix including nuclear, fossil fuels, and renewable sources. The country's energy consumption per capita was 54.689 million Btu in 2023, and it relies heavily on natural gas imports.

Electricity access: 100% (2022 est.)
Total installed generating capacity: 4.265 million kW (2023 est.)
Energy consumption: 7.012 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Nuclear contribution: 31.1% of total electricity production (2023 est.)
Natural gas consumption: 2.631 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)

Environment

Armenia faces environmental challenges, including soil and river pollution, deforestation, and issues related to drinking water supply. The country is a party to multiple international environmental agreements, indicating its commitment to addressing these issues.

Total renewable water resources: 7.769 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Urban population with improved sanitation: 100% (2022 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 7.144 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Municipal solid waste recycled: 13.5% (2022 est.)
Forest cover: 11.8% (2023 est.)

Transportation

Armenia has a limited but functional transportation infrastructure, including 11 airports and a railway network of 686 km. The country focuses on strengthening its connectivity despite challenges due to geographical constraints.

Airports: 11 (2025)
Railway length: 686 km (2017)
Public transport options: Limited in rural areas

Communications

The communications infrastructure in Armenia is advanced, with a high percentage of internet usage and mobile phone subscriptions. The country has made significant strides in digital broadcasting and telecommunications.

Internet users: 80% of the population (2023 est.)
Mobile cellular subscriptions: 4.01 million (2024 est.)
Fixed-line subscriptions: 297,000 (2024 est.)
Broadband subscriptions: 546,000 (2023 est.)
Television stations: Over 100 privately owned TV stations

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	2,963,837 (2025 est.)
Area	29,743 sq km
GDP (official exchange rate)	$25.787 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	13.4% (2024 est.)
Birth rate	10.24 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life expectancy	76.7 years (2024 est.)
Military expenditures	5.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Electricity access	100% (2022 est.)
Urban population	63.7% (2023)
Forest cover	11.8% (2023 est.)