Country Profile: Armenia

Armenia, located in Southwestern Asia, is a landlocked country bordered by Turkey and Azerbaijan. Known for being the first nation to adopt Christianity, Armenia has a rich historical legacy influenced by numerous empires. With a population of approximately 2.96 million, the country is characterized by its mountainous terrain and a highland continental climate. The economy is considered upper-middle income and is primarily dependent on gold and copper exports, with a growing emphasis on business-friendly reforms.

Geography

Armenia lies between Turkey to the west and Azerbaijan to the east, situated in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. The country features a highland continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, making it prone to droughts and severe earthquakes. Its area is approximately 29,743 square kilometers, predominantly land, with minimal forest cover and fertile valleys.

29,743 sq km: Total area of Armenia.
4,090 m: Highest point (Aragats Lerrnagagat').
58.6%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023 est.).
1,559 sq km: Area of irrigated land (2022).
11.8%: Forest cover (2023 est.).
1,360 sq km: Area of Lake Sevan, the largest freshwater lake.

People and Society

The population of Armenia is estimated at 2.96 million, predominantly Armenian (98.1%), with a substantial urban population residing mainly in the capital, Yerevan. The country enjoys a high literacy rate of 99.8% and adheres largely to the Armenian Apostolic faith. However, Armenia faces challenges of population decline and migration.

63.7%: Urban population (2023).
99.8%: Literacy rate (2023).
17.7%: Percentage of the population aged 0-14 years (2025).
15.3%: Percentage of the population aged 65 years and above (2024 est.).
10.24 births/1,000 population: Birth rate (2025).
76.7 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).

Economy

Armenia's economy is classified as upper-middle income, characterized by significant growth mainly driven by copper and gold exports. The country faces persistent challenges such as unemployment and geopolitical vulnerabilities but is making strides in anti-corruption reforms and business facilitation.

GDP (PPP): Estimated at $60.909 billion in 2024.
Real GDP growth rate: Expected at 5.9% for 2024 (projected).
$25.787 billion: GDP at official exchange rate (2024 est.).
Unemployment rate: Estimated at 13.4% in 2024.
24.8%: Population below the poverty line (2022).
$18.618 billion: Exports projected for 2024.

Government

Armenia is a parliamentary democracy with a legal system based on civil law. The country’s governance has shifted over the years, with significant political changes following the Velvet Revolution in 2018. Nikol Pashinyan currently serves as Prime Minister, with legislative power held by the National Assembly.

Capital: Yerevan, coordinates 40 10 N, 44 30 E.
Population: Approximately 2.96 million (2025 estimate).
Executive: President Vahagn Khachatryan (since March 2022) and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
Legislature: Unicameral National Assembly with 107 seats.

Military and Security

The Armenian Republic Armed Forces comprises the army, air force, and air defense forces. The military budget is a significant part of the economy, focusing primarily on territorial defense, especially regarding tensions with Azerbaijan.

5.5%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024).
40,000-50,000: Active personnel in the military (2025).
18-27 years: Age range for military service.
1: Number of operational nuclear reactors as of 2025.

Energy

Armenia's energy sector includes a mix of nuclear, fossil fuel, and renewable sources. The country has made efforts to diversify its energy portfolio while maintaining high levels of electrification.

100%: Total population with electricity access (2022).
4.265 million kW: Installed generating capacity (2023 est.).
31.1%: Contribution of nuclear energy to total electricity production (2023).
2.631 billion cubic meters: Natural gas consumption (2023 est.).

Environment

Armenia faces several environmental issues, including soil and river pollution, deforestation, and risks associated with its nuclear power plant located in an earthquake-prone region. The country participates in multiple international environmental agreements.

7.144 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023 est.).
58.6%: Agricultural land use (2023).
492,800 tons: Annual municipal solid waste generated (2024 est.).
13.5%: Percent of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.).

Transportation

Armenia's transportation infrastructure includes several airports and a developing railway system. The capital city is well-connected, facilitating both domestic and international travel.

11: Number of airports (2025).
686 km: Total railways (as of 2017).
1: Heliport (2025).

Communications

The communication landscape in Armenia is marked by a high mobile subscription rate and an increasing number of internet users, showcasing a trend towards digital inclusion.

4.01 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 est.).
80%: Population using the Internet (2023 est.).
546,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	2,963,837	Estimated for 2025
Area	29,743 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$60.909 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	13.4%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	10.24 births/1,000 population	Estimated for 2025
Life Expectancy	76.7 years	Estimated for 2024
Exports	$18.618 billion	Projected for 2024
Military Expenditure	5.5% of GDP	Estimated for 2024
Literacy	99.8%	Estimated for 2023
Urban Population	63.7%	Percentage of total population (2023)