{{short description|Country in West Asia}}
{{about|the country}}
{{redirect|Hayastan}}
{{pp-move}}
{{protection padlock|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2025}}
{{Infobox country
| conventional_long_name = Republic of Armenia
| common_name = Armenia
| native_name = {{lang|hy|Հայաստանի Հանրապետություն}}
{{transliteration|hy|Hayastani Hanrapetut'yun}}
| image_flag = Flag of Armenia.svg
| image_coat = Coat of arms of Armenia.svg
| national_anthem = {{lang|hy|Մեր Հայրենիք}}
{{transliteration|hy|[[Mer Hayrenik]]}}
"Our Fatherland"{{parabr}}{{center|[[File:Mer Hayrenik instrumental.ogg]]}}
| image_map = Armenia (orthographic projection).svg
| map_width = 250px
| map_caption = Location of Armenia
| capital = [[Yerevan]]
| coordinates = {{Coord|40|11|N|44|31|E|type:city(1,100,000)_region:AM-ER|display=inline,title}}
| largest_city = capital
| official_languages = [[Armenian language|Armenian]][{{cite web|title=Constitution of Armenia, Article 20|url=https://president.am/en/constitution-2015|publisher=president.am|access-date=18 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203013237/https://president.am/en/constitution-2015/|archive-date=3 December 2022|url-status=live}}]
| languages2_type = [[Official script]]
| languages2 = [[Armenian alphabet]]
| ethnic_groups = {{Unbulleted list |98.1% [[Armenians]] |1.1% [[Yazidis in Armenia|Yazidis]] |0.8% [[Ethnic minorities in Armenia|other]]}}
| ethnic_groups_ref = [
| ethnic_groups_year = 2022
| religion = {{unbulleted list
|{{Tree list}}
* 96.8% [[Christianity]]
** 95.2% [[Religion in Armenia#Armenian Apostolic Church|Armenian Apostolic Church]]
** 1.6% [[Religion in Armenia#Other Christian denominations|other Christian]]
{{Tree list/end}}
|0.6% no religion
|0.9% [[Religion in Armenia|other]]
|1.7% unspecified
}}
| religion_ref = ][
| demonym = [[Armenians|Armenian]]
| government_type = [[Unitary parliamentary republic]]
| leader_title1 = [[President of Armenia|President]]
| leader_name1 = [[Vahagn Khachaturyan]]
| leader_title2 = [[Prime Minister of Armenia|Prime Minister]]
| leader_name2 = [[Nikol Pashinyan]]
| leader_title3 = [[President of the National Assembly of Armenia|President of the National Assembly]]
| leader_name3 = [[Alen Simonyan]]
| legislature = [[National Assembly (Armenia)|National Assembly]]
| sovereignty_type = [[History of Armenia|Establishment]]
| established_event1 = [[Urartu]]
| established_date1 = 860 BC–547/90 BC
| established_event2 = [[Kingdom of Armenia (antiquity)|Kingdom of Armenia]]
| established_date2 = 331 BC–428 AD
| established_event3 = [[Bagratid Armenia]]
| established_date3 = 880s–1045
| established_event4 = [[Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia]]
| established_date4 = 1198/99–1375
| established_event5 = [[Zakarid Armenia]]
| established_date5 = 1201–1350
| established_event6 = [[First Republic of Armenia]]
| established_date6 = 28 May 1918
| established_event7 = [[Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic]]
| established_date7 = 29 November 1920
| established_event8 = [[1991 Armenian independence referendum|Independence]] from the [[Soviet Union|USSR]]
| established_date8 = 23 September 1991
| established_event9 = [[Alma-Ata Protocol|CIS accession]]
| established_date9 = 21 December 1991
| established_event10 = [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 735|Admission]] to the [[United Nations]]
| established_date10 = 2 March 1992
| established_event11 = [[Constitution of Armenia|Current constitution]]
| established_date11 = 5 July 1995
| area_km2 = 29,743
| area_rank = 138th
| area_sq_mi = 11,484
| percent_water = 4.71][{{cite web|title=Armenia |date=25 March 2025 |work=The World Factbook |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/armenia/ |access-date=29 March 2025 |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency |language=en|url-status=deviated|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250315225833/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/armenia/|archive-date=2025-03-15}}]
| population_estimate = 3,100,100[{{cite web|title=PERMANENT POPULATION NUMBER OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA as of 1 April in 2026 (Armenian, Russian)|url=https://armstat.am/file/article/population_01_04_26.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250716000224/https://armstat.am/file/article/sv_03_25a_510.pdf|url-status=live |archive-date=16 July 2025 }}]
| population_estimate_year = 2026
| population_estimate_rank = 135th
| population_density_km2 = 104.2
| population_density_sq_mi = 262.9
| GDP_PPP = {{increase}} $82.743 billion[{{cite web |title=World Economic Outlook (WEO) database, April 2026 |url=https://data.imf.org/en/Data-Explorer?datasetUrn=IMF.RES:WEO(9.0.0) |publisher=[[International Monetary Fund]] |access-date=14 April 2026 |location=Washington, D.C. |date=14 April 2026}}]
| GDP_PPP_year = 2026
| GDP_PPP_rank = 112th
| GDP_PPP_per_capita = {{increase}} $27,024[{{cite web |url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI?locations=AM |title=Gini index - Armenia |publisher=[[World Bank]] |access-date=22 April 2024 |archive-date=21 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121041937/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI?locations=AM |url-status=live}}]
| HDI = 0.811
| HDI_year = 2023
| HDI_change = increase
| HDI_ref = [{{Cite web |date=6 May 2025 |title=Human Development Report 2025 |url=https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/global-report-document/hdr2025reporten.pdf|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250506051232/https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/global-report-document/hdr2025reporten.pdf |archive-date=6 May 2025 |access-date=6 May 2025 |publisher=[[United Nations Development Programme]]}}]
| HDI_rank = 69th
| currency = [[Armenian dram|Dram]] ([[Armenian dram sign|֏]])
| currency_code = AMD
| time_zone = [[Armenia Time|AMT]]
| utc_offset = +4
| date_format = dd.mm.yyyy
| calling_code = [[Telephone numbers in Armenia|+374]]
| cctld = {{hlist |[[.am]] |[[.հայ]]}}
| official_website = {{URL|https://www.gov.am}}
| recognized_languages = {{Collapsible list
| title = {{nobold|'''List''':[{{cite web |title=States Parties to the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages and their regional or minority languages |url=https://rm.coe.int/november-2022-revised-table-languages-covered-english-/1680a8fef4 |website=Council of Europe |access-date=13 December 2023 |date=1 November 2022 |archive-date=29 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229062609/https://rm.coe.int/november-2022-revised-table-languages-covered-english-/1680a8fef4 |url-status=live }}]{{efn|Through the [[European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages]].}}}}
| [[Suret language|Assyrian]]
| [[German language|German]]
| [[Greek language|Greek]]
| [[Kurdish language|Kurdish]]{{efn|The list recognises the language of Yazidis, as separate from Kurdish.}}
| [[Russian language|Russian]]
| [[Ukrainian language|Ukrainian]]
}}
| religion_year = 2022
}}
'''Armenia''',{{efn|{{IPAc-en|audio=en-us-Armenia.ogg|ɑr|ˈ|m|iː|n|i|ə}} {{respell|ar|MEE|nee|ə}}["[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/armenia?s=t Armenia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210220614/http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/armenia?s=t |date=10 December 2015}}." Dictionary.com Unabridged. 2015.]
{{langx|hy|Հայաստան|translit=Hayastan}} {{IPA|hy|hɑjɑsˈtɑn|IPA}} |group=pron}} officially the '''Republic of Armenia''',{{efn|{{langx|hy|Հայաստանի Հանրապետություն|translit=Hayastani Hanrapetut'yun}}, {{IPA|hy|hɑjɑstɑˈni hɑnɾɑpɛtutʰˈjun|IPA}}}} is a [[landlocked country]] in the [[Armenian highlands]] of [[West Asia]].[{{Cite web |title=Armenia |url=https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095424405 |access-date=29 March 2025 |website=Oxford Reference |language=en |archive-date=29 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250329163321/https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095424405 |url-status=live }}]{{efn|Armenia is widely accepted as part of West Asia geographically, although other definitions place it either fully in Europe or across Europe and Asia.[}} It is a part of the [[Caucasus]] region and is bordered by [[Turkey]] to the west, [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] to the north, [[Azerbaijan]] to the east, and [[Iran]] and the Azerbaijani exclave of [[Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic|Nakhchivan]] to the south.][{{Cite book|title=The Oxford Encyclopedia of Economic History|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2003|isbn=978-0-19-510507-0|page=[https://archive.org/details/oxfordencycloped0000unse/page/156 156]|url=https://archive.org/details/oxfordencycloped0000unse/page/156}}] [[Yerevan]] is the capital, largest city and financial center.
The Armenian highlands have been home to the [[Hayasa-Azzi]], [[Shupria]], and [[Nairi]] peoples. By at least 600 BC, an archaic form of [[Proto-Armenian language|Proto-Armenian]], an [[Indo-European languages|Indo-European]] language, had diffused into the Armenian highlands.[{{Cite book |last1=Mallory |first1=J. P. |title=Encyclopedia of Indo-European culture |last2=Adams |first2=Douglas Q. |date=1997 |publisher=Fitzroy Dearborn |isbn=978-1-884964-98-5 |location=London |page=30 |oclc=37931209 |quote=Armenian presence in their historical seats should then be sought at some time before c 600 BC; [...] Armenian phonology, for instance, appears to have been greatly affected by Urartian, which may suggest a long period of bilingualism.}}][Robert Drews (2017). ''Militarism and the Indo-Europeanizing of Europe''. Routledge. {{ISBN|978-0-367-88600-4}}. p. 228: "The vernacular of the Great Kingdom of Biainili was quite certainly Armenian. The Armenian language was obviously the region's vernacular in the fifth century BC, when Persian commanders and Greek writers paired it with Phrygian. That it as brought into the region between the early sixth and the early fifth century BC, and that it immediately obliterated whatever else had been spoken there, can hardly be supposed; [...] Because Proto-Armenian speakers seem to have lived not far from Hurrian speakers our conclusion must be that the Armenian language of Mesrop Mashtots was descended from an Indo-European language that had been spoken in southern Caucasia in the Bronze Age."] The first Armenian state of [[Urartu]] was established in 860 BC, and by the 6th century BC it was replaced by the [[Satrapy of Armenia]]. The [[Kingdom of Armenia (antiquity)|Kingdom of Armenia]] reached its height under [[Tigranes the Great]] in the 1st century BC and in AD 301 became the first state in the world to adopt [[Christianity]] as its [[State religion|official religion]].[{{cite book |last=Garsoïan |first=Nina G. |author-link=Nina Garsoïan |title=The Armenian People from Ancient to Modern Times|volume=1 |url=https://archive.org/details/armenianpeoplefr0001unse|publisher=St. Martin's Press |year=1997 |isbn=0-312-10169-4 |editor-last=Hovannisian |editor-first=Richard G. |location=New York |pages=81 |chapter=The Aršakuni Dynasty}}][{{cite book|last=Stringer|first=Martin D.|title=A Sociological History of Christian Worship|url=https://archive.org/details/sociologicalhist00stri|url-access=limited|year=2005|publisher=Cambridge University Press|location=Cambridge|isbn=978-0-521-81955-8|page=[https://archive.org/details/sociologicalhist00stri/page/n101 92]}}][{{cite book|first=René|last=Grousset|title=Histoire de l'Arménie|publisher=Payot|year=1947|edition=1984|page=122}}. Estimated dates vary from 284 to 314. Garsoïan (''op.cit.'' p. 82), following the research of Ananian, favours the latter.]{{efn|Smaller nations that have claimed a prior official adoption of Christianity include [[Osroene]], the [[Silures]], and [[San Marino]]. See [[Timeline of official adoptions of Christianity]].}} Armenia still recognises the [[Armenian Apostolic Church]], the world's oldest [[national church]], as the country's primary religious establishment.[{{Cite web|url=https://president.am/en/constitution-2015|title=Constitution of Armenia - Library - The President of Armenia|website=president.am|access-date=7 March 2020|archive-date=3 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203013237/https://president.am/en/constitution-2015/|url-status=live}}]{{efn|The republic has [[separation of church and state]].}} The ancient Armenian kingdom was split between the [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] and [[Sasanian Empire]]s around the early 5th century. Under the [[Bagratuni dynasty]], the [[Bagratid Armenia|Bagratid Kingdom of Armenia]] was restored in the 9th century before falling in 1045. [[Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia|Cilician Armenia]], an Armenian principality and later a kingdom, was located on the coast of the [[Mediterranean Sea]] between the 11th and 14th centuries.
Between the 16th and 19th centuries, the traditional Armenian homeland composed of [[Eastern Armenia|Eastern]] and [[Western Armenia]] was divided between the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] and [[Iranian Armenia (1502–1828)|Persian]] empires, with control of various regions shifting between the two powers over time. By the 19th century, Eastern Armenia had been conquered by the [[Russian Empire]] while most of Western Armenia remained under Ottoman rule. During [[World War I]], up to 1.5 million Armenians were systematically exterminated in the [[Armenian genocide]]. Following the [[Russian Revolution]], the [[First Republic of Armenia]] declared independence in 1918. By 1920, the state was incorporated into the [[Soviet Union]] as the [[Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic]]. The Republic of Armenia became independent in 1991 during the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]].
Modern Armenia is a [[Unitary state|unitary]], [[Multi-party system|multi-party]], democratic [[Nation state|nation-state]]. It is a [[developing country]] and ranks 69th on the [[Human Development Index]] as of 2023.[ and is generally considered [[Geopolitics|geopolitically]] European. The country is a member of numerous European organisations including the [[Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe]], the [[Council of Europe]], the [[Eastern Partnership]], [[Eurocontrol]], the [[Assembly of European Regions]], and the [[European Bank for Reconstruction and Development]]. Armenia is a member of certain regional groups throughout Eurasia, including the [[Asian Development Bank]], the [[Collective Security Treaty Organization]],{{efn|On 12 June 2024, Armenia announced that it would formally withdraw from the CSTO at a later unspecified date}} the [[Eurasian Economic Union]], and the [[Eurasian Development Bank]]. Armenia supported the once ''de facto'' independent [[Republic of Artsakh]] (Nagorno-Karabakh), which had [[1991 Nagorno-Karabakh independence referendum|seceded from Azerbaijan in 1991]], until Azerbaijan reincorporated the region through a [[Blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh|siege]] and [[2023 Azerbaijani offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh|military offensive in 2023]].
==Etymology==
{{Main|Name of Armenia}}
The original native [[Armenian language|Armenian]] name for the country was {{lang|hy|Հայք}} ([[wikt:Հայք|{{lang|hy-Latn|Hayk'|nocat=yes}}]]) after the legendary founder [[Hayk|'''Hayk Nahapet''']]; however, it is currently rarely used. The contemporary name {{lang|hy|Հայաստան}} (''[[wikt:Հայաստան|Hayastan]]'') became popular in the [[Middle Ages]] by addition of the [[Persian language|Persian]] suffix ''[[-stan]]'' (place).][{{cite book|last= Acharian|first= Hrachia|author-link= Hrachia Acharian|title= Hayocʿ anjnanunneri baṙaran|trans-title= Dictionary of Personal Names of Armenians|publisher= Yerevan University Press|volume= 3|language= hy|page= 29|url= http://www.nayiri.com/imagedDictionaryBrowser.jsp?dictionaryId=35&query=%D5%80%D5%A1%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%BD%D5%BF%D5%A1%D5%B6|year= 1946|location= Yerevan|access-date= 2 October 2023|archive-date= 5 October 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231005071515/http://www.nayiri.com/imagedDictionaryBrowser.jsp?dictionaryId=35&query=%D5%80%D5%A1%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%BD%D5%BF%D5%A1%D5%B6|url-status= live}}] However the origins of the name Hayastan trace back to much earlier dates and were first attested in {{Circa|5th century}} in the works of [[Agathangelos]],[Ագաթանգեղոս §§ 13 (ի Հայաստան աշխարհէս), 16 (Հայաստան աշխարհիս 2x, ի Հայաստան աշխարհիս), 35 (Հայաստան աշխարհին), 160 (Հայաստան աշխարհիս), 249 (Հայաստան աշխարհիս), 715 (Հայաստան աշխարհիս), 776 (Հայաստան աշխարհին), 784 (Հայաստան աշխարհին), 796 (ի մէջ Հայաստան աշխարհի), 808 (հասանէին ի Հայաստան աշխարհն)։][Ագաթանգեղոս § 885 (ի Հայաստան երկրին)] [[Faustus of Byzantium]],[Փաւստոս Բուզանդ 1883=1984, էջ 1 (Հայաստան աշխարհին)][Փաւստոս Բուզանդ 1883=1984, 4.բ, էջ 56 (Հայաստան երկրին)] [[Ghazar Parpetsi]],[904=1985, էջ 2 (Հայաստան աշխարհիս), 110 (կանայս ի Հայաստան աշխարհիս)] [[Koryun]],[Կորիւն 1994, էջ 83 (Հայաստան աշխարհի), 93 (Հայաստան աշխարհին), 103 (ի Հայաստան աշխարհին), 120 (ի Հայաստան աշխարհէս)] and [[Sebeos]].[ժը (սեռ. Հայաստանեայց, բացառ. ի Հայաստանեայց), տես Աբգարյան 1979, էջ 66, 90]
The name has traditionally been derived from [[Hayk]] ({{lang|hy|Հայկ}}), the legendary patriarch of the [[Armenians]] and a great-great-grandson of [[Noah]], who, according to the 5th-century AD author [[Movses Khorenatsi|Movsis Khorenatsi]], defeated the [[List of Kings of Babylon|Babylonian king]] Bel in 2492 BC and established his nation in the [[Ararat, Armenia|Ararat]] region.{{sfn|Panossian|2006|p=106}} Further origin of the name is uncertain. It is postulated[Rafael Ishkhanyan, "Illustrated History of Armenia," Yerevan, 1989][Elisabeth Bauer. ''Armenia: Past and Present'' (1981), p. 49] that the name ''Hay'' comes from one of the two confederated, Hittite vassal states{{snd}}the [[Hayasa|Ḫayaša]]-Azzi (1600–1200 BC).
The [[exonym and endonym|exonym]] ''Armenia'' is attested in the [[Old Persian]] [[Behistun Inscription]] (515 BC) as ''[[wikt:𐎠𐎼𐎷𐎡𐎴#Old Persian|Armina]]'' ({{script|Xpeo|𐎠𐎼𐎷𐎡𐎴}}). The [[Ancient Greek]] terms {{wikt-lang|grc|Ἀρμενία}} (''Armenía'') and {{wikt-lang|grc|Ἀρμένιος|Ἀρμένιοι}} (''Arménioi'', "Armenians") are first mentioned by [[Hecataeus of Miletus]] ({{circa|550 BC}} – {{circa|476 BC}}).["{{lang|grc|Χαλύβοισι πρὸς νότον Ἀρμένιοι ὁμουρέουσι}} (The Armenians border on the [[Chalybes]] to the south)".
{{cite book|last=Chahin|first=Mark|title=The Kingdom of Armenia|publisher=[[Routledge]]|year=2001|location=London|page=fr. 203|isbn=978-0-7007-1452-0}}] [[Xenophon]], a Greek general serving in some of the Persian expeditions, describes many aspects of Armenian village life and hospitality in around 401 BC.[{{cite book |last=[[Xenophon]]|title=Anabasis|pages=IV.v.2–9|title-link=Anabasis (Xenophon)}}]
Some scholars have linked the name ''Armenia'' with the Early Bronze Age state of ''[[Armani (kingdom)|Armani (Armanum, Armi)]]'' or the Late Bronze Age state of ''[[Shupria|Arme (Shupria)]]''.[{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3WqaAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA42|title= Armenia Country Study Guide Volume 1 Strategic Information and Developments|author= Ibp Inc| page=42|isbn= 978-1-4387-7382-7|date= 1 September 2013|publisher= International Business Publications, USA}}] These connections are inconclusive as it is not known what languages were spoken in these kingdoms. Additionally, while it is agreed that Arme was located to the immediate west of [[Lake Van]] (probably in the vicinity of [[Sason]], and therefore in the greater Armenia region), the location of the older site of Armani is a matter of debate. Some modern researchers have placed it near modern [[Samsat]],[{{cite journal|last=Archi|first=Alfonso|title=Egypt or Iran in the Ebla Texts?|journal=Orientalia|date=2016|volume=85|page=3|url=https://www.academia.edu/34915656|access-date=8 June 2019|archive-date=15 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815194611/https://www.academia.edu/34915656|url-status=live}}] and have suggested it was populated, at least partially, by an early Indo-European-speaking people.[{{cite journal |vauthors=Kroonen G, Barjamovic G, Peyrot M |title=Linguistic supplement to Damgaard et al. 2018: Early Indo-European languages, Anatolian, Tocharian and Indo-Iranian |date=9 May 2018 |page=3 |journal=Zenodo |doi=10.5281/zenodo.1240524 |url=https://zenodo.org/record/1240524 |access-date=8 June 2019 |archive-date=29 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629152739/https://zenodo.org/record/1240524|url-status=live}}] It is possible that the name ''Armenia'' originates in ''Armini'', Urartian for "inhabitant of Arme" or "Armean country".[Armen Petrosyan. ''The Indo-European and Ancient Near Eastern Sources of the Armenian Epic''. ''Journal of Indo-European Studies.'' Institute for the Study of Man. 2002. p. 184. [https://www.academia.edu/3656244/The_Indo_European_and_Ancient_Near_Eastern_Sources_of_the_Armenian_Epic_Washington_D_C_2002?auto=download] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184415/https://www.academia.edu/3656244/The_Indo_European_and_Ancient_Near_Eastern_Sources_of_the_Armenian_Epic_Washington_D_C_2002?auto=download|date=9 July 2021}}] The Arme tribe of Urartian texts may have been the Urumu, who in the 12th century BC attempted to invade Assyria from the north with their allies the [[Mushki]] and the [[Kaskians]]. The Urumu apparently settled in the vicinity of Sason, lending their name to the regions of Arme and the nearby lands of Urme and Inner Urumu.[Armen Petrosyan. ''The Indo-European and Ancient Near Eastern Sources of the Armenian Epic''. ''Journal of Indo-European Studies''. Institute for the Study of Man. 2002. pp. 166–167. [https://www.academia.edu/3656244/The_Indo_European_and_Ancient_Near_Eastern_Sources_of_the_Armenian_Epic_Washington_D_C_2002?auto=download] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184415/https://www.academia.edu/3656244/The_Indo_European_and_Ancient_Near_Eastern_Sources_of_the_Armenian_Epic_Washington_D_C_2002?auto=download|date=9 July 2021}}]
According to the histories of both Movsis Khorenatsi and Michael Chamchian, ''Armenia'' derives from the name of [[Aram (Nahapet)|Aram]], a lineal descendant of Hayk.[Moses of Chorene,[http://www.vehi.net/istoriya/armenia/khorenaci/index.html ''The History of Armenia''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030419093358/http://www.vehi.net/istoriya/armenia/khorenaci/index.html |date=19 April 2003}}, Book 1, Ch. 12 {{in lang|ru}}][''History of Armenia'' by Father Michael Chamich from B.C. 2247 to the Year of Christ 1780, or 1229 of the Armenian era, Bishop's College Press, Calcutta, 1827, p. 19: "[Aram] was the first to raise the Armenian name to any degree of renown; so that contemporary nations... called them the Aramians, or followers of [[Aram (given name)|Aram]], a name which has been corrupted into Armenians; and the country they inhabited, by universal consent, took the name of Armenia."] In the [[Hebrew Bible]], the [[Generations of Noah|Table of Nations]] lists [[Aram, son of Shem|Aram]] as the son of [[Shem]], to whom the [[Book of Jubilees]] attests, {{blockquote|And for Aram there came forth the fourth portion, all the land of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and the Euphrates to the north of the Chaldees to the border of the mountains of Asshur and the land of 'Arara'.[{{cite web |title=Charles, R.H. (1913). The Book of Jubilees 9:5 from The Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament. Clarendon Press |url=http://www.pseudepigrapha.com/jubilees/8.htm |website=www.pseudepigrapha.com |access-date=13 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614031249/http://www.pseudepigrapha.com/jubilees/8.htm |archive-date=14 June 2018 |url-status=live}}][{{cite web |title=Charles, R.H. (1913). The Book of Jubilees 8:21 from The Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament. Clarendon Press. |url=https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1003&context=papers |website=digitalcommons.andrews.edu |access-date=13 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613134227/https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1003&context=papers |archive-date=13 June 2018 |url-status=live}}]}} Jubilees 8:21 also apportions the Mountains of Ararat to Shem, which Jubilees 9:5 expounds to be apportioned to Aram.[{{cite book|last1=Josephus|first1=Flavius|title=Antiquities of the Jews|page=Book 1, section 143|url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0146:book=1:section=143&highlight=aram|access-date=13 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014101850/http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0146:book=1:section=143&highlight=aram|archive-date=14 October 2017|url-status=live}}]}}
==History==
{{Main|History of Armenia}}
===Prehistoric===
{{Main|Prehistoric Armenia|Origin of the Armenians|Archaeology of Armenia}}
[[File:Zorats Karer 2008, part of the stone circle.jpg|right|thumb|Bronze Age burial site [[Zorats Karer]] (also known as [[Zorats Karer|Karahunj]])]]
The first human traces are supported by the presence of [[Acheulean]] tools, generally close to the [[obsidian]] outcrops more than 1 million years ago.[{{cite journal|last1=Dolukhanov|first1=Pavel|last2=Aslanian|first2=Stepan|last3=Kolpakov|first3=Evgeny|last4=Belyaeva|first4=Elena|date=2004|title=Prehistoric Sites in Northern Armenia|url=http://www.antiquity.ac.uk/projgall/dolukhanov301/#author|journal=Antiquity|volume=78|issue=301|access-date=26 March 2024|archive-date=29 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170529032337/http://antiquity.ac.uk/projgall/dolukhanov301/#author|url-status=live}}] The most recent and important excavation is at the [[Nor Geghi|Nor Geghi 1]] [[Stone Age]] site in the [[Hrazdan (river)|Hrazdan river]] valley.[{{Cite journal|last1=Adler|first1=D. S.|last2=Wilkinson|first2=K. N.|last3=Blockley|first3=S.|last4=Mark|first4=D. F.|last5=Pinhasi|first5=R.|last6=Schmidt-Magee|first6=B. A.|last7=Nahapetyan|first7=S.|last8=Mallol|first8=C.|last9=Berna|first9=F.|date=26 September 2014|title=Early Levallois technology and the Lower to Middle Paleolithic transition in the Southern Caucasus|journal=Science|language=en|volume=345|issue=6204|pages=1609–1613|doi=10.1126/science.1256484|issn=0036-8075|pmid=25258079|bibcode=2014Sci...345.1609A|s2cid=10266660}}] Thousands of 325,000 year-old artifacts may indicate that this stage of human technological innovation occurred intermittently throughout the Old World, rather than spreading from a single point of origin (usually hypothesized to be Africa), as was previously thought.[{{Cite web |url=http://www.science20.com/news_articles/325000_year_old_stone_age_site_in_armenia_leads_to_human_technology_rethink-145698 |title=325,000 Year Old Stone Age Site In Armenia Leads To Human Technology Rethink |date=28 September 2014 |access-date=26 March 2024 |archive-date=6 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306142614/https://www.science20.com/news_articles/325000_year_old_stone_age_site_in_armenia_leads_to_human_technology_rethink-145698 |url-status=live }}]
[[Image:Bull Petroglyph Ukhtasar Volcano.jpg|thumb|[[Petroglyph]]s with images of various animals on Mount [[Ughtasar Petroglyphs|Ughtasar]]]]
Many early [[Bronze Age]] settlements were built in Armenia (Valley of Ararat, Shengavit, Harich, Karaz, Amiranisgora, Margahovit, Garni, etc.). One of the important sites of the Early Bronze Age is [[Shengavit (site)|Shengavit settlement]].[{{cite web | title=A View from the Highlands: The History of Shengavit, Armenia in the 4th and 3rd Millennia BCE | website=The Shelby White and Leon Levy Program for Archaeological Publications | url=https://whitelevy.fas.harvard.edu/view-highlands-history-shengavit-armenia-4th-and-3rd-millennia-bce | access-date=11 May 2024 | archive-date=11 May 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511151201/https://whitelevy.fas.harvard.edu/view-highlands-history-shengavit-armenia-4th-and-3rd-millennia-bce | url-status=live }}] It was located on the site of today's capital of Armenia, [[Yerevan]].
===Antiquity===
{{Main|Lesser Armenia|Satrapy of Armenia|Kingdom of Armenia (antiquity)|Roman Armenia|Sasanian Armenia}}
[[File:Arshakuni Armenia 150-en.svg|thumb|upright=1.3|Historical Armenia, 150 BC]]
Armenia lies in the highlands surrounding the mountains of [[Mount Ararat|Ararat]]. There is evidence of an early civilisation in Armenia in the Bronze Age and earlier, dating to about 4000 BC. Archaeological surveys in 2010 and 2011 at the [[Areni-1 cave]] complex have resulted in the discovery of [[Areni-1 shoe|the world's earliest known leather shoe]],[{{cite web | url=https://www.peopleofar.com/2014/12/17/10-worlds-oldest-things-from-armenia/ | title=10 World's Oldest Things from Armenia | date=17 December 2014 | access-date=21 August 2024 | archive-date=21 August 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821142722/https://www.peopleofar.com/2014/12/17/10-worlds-oldest-things-from-armenia/ | url-status=live }}][{{cite news |publisher=[[CNN]] |title=Armenian cave yields what may be world's oldest leather shoe |url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/06/09/armenia.old.shoe/ |date=9 June 2010 |access-date=28 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128074651/http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/06/09/armenia.old.shoe/ |archive-date=28 January 2018 |url-status=live }}] skirt,[{{cite web |url = http://news.am/eng/news/73915.html |title = 5,900-year-old women's skirt discovered in Armenian cave |work = News Armenia |date = 13 September 2011 |access-date = 14 September 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171010142655/https://news.am/eng/news/73915.html |archive-date = 10 October 2017 }}] and [[Areni-1 winery|wine-producing facility]].[{{cite web|publisher=[[National Geographic Society|National Geographic]]|title=Earliest Known Winery Found in Armenian Cave|url=https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/01/110111-oldest-wine-press-making-winery-armenia-science-ucla/|date=12 January 2011|access-date=28 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108093549/https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/01/110111-oldest-wine-press-making-winery-armenia-science-ucla/|archive-date=8 January 2018}}]
Several Bronze Age cultures and states flourished in the area of Greater Armenia, including the [[Trialeti culture|Trialeti-Vanadzor culture]], [[Hayasa-Azzi]], and [[Mitanni]] (located in southwestern historical Armenia), all of which are believed to have had Indo-European populations.[{{cite journal | jstor=603403 | last1=Greppin | first1=John A. C. | last2=Diakonoff | first2=I. M. | title=Some Effects of the Hurro-Urartian People and Their Languages upon the Earliest Armenians | journal=Journal of the American Oriental Society | year=1991 | volume=111 | issue=4 | pages=720–730 | doi=10.2307/603403 |issn=0003-0279}}][Joan Aruz, Kim Benzel, Jean M. Evans, ''Beyond Babylon: Art, Trade, and Diplomacy in the Second Millennium B.C.'' Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, N.Y.)[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_gr5BgOwEJicC/page/n179] (2008) pp. 92][{{citation|url=https://docplayer.net/108120425-The-mushki-problem-reconsidered.html|title=The Mushki Problem Reconsidered|date=1997|first=Aram V.|last=Kossian|access-date=31 August 2019|archive-date=29 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829005531/https://docplayer.net/108120425-The-mushki-problem-reconsidered.html}} pp. 254][Peter I. Bogucki and Pam J. Crabtree [http://lukashevichus.info/knigi/ancient_europe_encycl_bogucki_crabtree_1.pdf ''Ancient Europe, 8000 B.C. to A.D. 1000: An Encyclopedia of the Barbarian World''.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109082658/http://lukashevichus.info/knigi/ancient_europe_encycl_bogucki_crabtree_1.pdf |date=9 January 2016 }} Charles Scribner's Sons, 2004 {{ISBN|978-0-684-80668-6}}][Paul Thieme, The 'Aryan' Gods of the Mitanni Treaties. JAOS 80, 1960, 301–17][{{cite journal|last=Petrosyan|first=Armen|title=Towards the Origins of the Armenian People: The Problem of Identification of the Proto-Armenians: A Critical Review (in English)|journal=Journal for the Society of Armenian Studies|date=2007|volume=16|pages=49–54|url=https://www.academia.edu/3657764|access-date=30 August 2019|archive-date=4 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004180224/https://www.academia.edu/3657764/Towards_the_Origins_of_the_Armenian_People_The_Problem_of_Identification_of_the_Proto_Armenians_A_Critical_Review_in_English_|url-status=live}}] The [[Nairi]] confederation and its successor, [[Urartu]], successively established their sovereignty over the [[Armenian Highlands]]. Each of the aforementioned nations and confederacies participated in the ethnogenesis of the [[Armenians]].[{{cite book|first=Vahan|last=Kurkjian|title=History of Armenia|location=Michigan|publisher=[[Armenian General Benevolent Union]]|year=1958|edition=1964|url=https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Gazetteer/Places/Asia/Armenia/_Texts/KURARM/home.html|access-date=22 July 2009|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120527052930/http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Gazetteer/Places/Asia/Armenia/_Texts/KURARM/home.html|archive-date=27 May 2012|url-status=live}}][{{cite book |title=Armenian Soviet Encyclopedia|page=v. 12|location=Yerevan|publisher=Armenian Encyclopedia|year=1987|title-link=Armenian Soviet Encyclopedia}}][{{cite book |first=Artak|last=Movsisyan|title=Sacred Highland: Armenia in the spiritual conception of the Near East|publisher=Yerevan|year=2000}}][{{cite book |first=Martiros|last=Kavoukjian|title=The Genesis of Armenian People|publisher=Montreal|year=1982|author-link=Martiros Kavoukjian}}] A large cuneiform lapidary inscription found in [[Yerevan]] established that the modern capital of Armenia was founded in the summer of 782 BC by King [[Argishti I of Urartu|Argishti I]]. Yerevan is one of the world's [[List of oldest continuously inhabited cities|oldest continuously inhabited cities]].{{sfn|Bournoutian|2006|p=12}}
[[File:Darius I the Great's inscription.jpg|thumb|[[Behistun Inscription|Behistun Inscription of Darius I]] mentioning Armenia. 6th century BC.]]
After the fall of the state of [[Urartu]] at the beginning of the 6th century BC, the [[Armenian highlands]] were for some time under the hegemony of the [[Medes]], and after that they were part of the [[Achaemenid Empire]]. Armenia was part of the Achaemenid state from the second half of the 6th century BC until the second half of the 4th century BC divided into two satrapies: XIII (western part, with the capital in [[Melitene]]) and XVIII (northeastern part).[История Востока: в шести томах. Т. 1. Восток в древности / Отв. ред. В. А. Якобсен. — М.: Вост. лит., 1997. — 688 с. — {{ISBN|5-02-017936-1}}. Раздел «[http://gumilevica.kulichki.net/HE1/he129.htm#he129para1 Закавказье и сопредельные страны в период эллинизма] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712015334/http://gumilevica.kulichki.net/HE1/he129.htm#he129para1|date=12 July 2015}}»] During the late 6th century BC, the [[Satrapy of Armenia|first geographical entity that was called Armenia]] by neighbouring populations was established under the [[Orontid dynasty]].[{{cite web |title=Report on the Activities on the national standardization of the names of geographical objects of the Republic of Armenia |publisher=United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names |url=https://unstats.un.org/unsd/ungegn/sessions/3rd_session_2023/documents/GEGN.2_2023_97_CRP97.pdf |access-date=11 May 2024 |archive-date=11 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511151605/https://unstats.un.org/unsd/ungegn/sessions/3rd_session_2023/documents/GEGN.2_2023_97_CRP97.pdf |url-status=live }}]
[[File:Coin of Tigranes II the Great, Antioch mint.jpg|thumb|Coin of [[Tigranes the Great]]]]
The kingdom became fully sovereign from the sphere of influence of the [[Seleucid Empire]] in 190 BC under King [[Artaxias I]] and begun the rule of the [[Artaxiad dynasty]].{{sfn|Hewsen|2001|p=34}} Armenia reached its height between 95 and 66 BC under [[Tigranes the Great]], becoming the most powerful kingdom of its time east of the [[Roman Republic]].[{{cite book |editor1=Lennart Rydén |editor2=Jan Olof Rosenqvist |author=Svenska forskningsinstitutet i Istanbul |date=1993 |title=Aspects of Late Antiquity and Early Byzantium: Papers Read at a Colloquium Held at the Swedish Research Institute in Istanbul 31 May-5 June, 1992 |publisher=Swedish Research Institute |pages= |isbn=978-91-86884-05-5 |oclc=1131566057}}]
In the next centuries, Armenia was in the [[Persian Empire]]'s sphere of influence during the reign of [[Tiridates I of Armenia|Tiridates I]], the founder of the [[Arsacid dynasty of Armenia]], which was a branch of the [[Parthian Empire]]. Throughout its history, the kingdom of Armenia enjoyed both periods of independence and periods of autonomy subject to contemporary empires. Its strategic location between two continents has subjected it to invasions by many peoples, including [[Assyria]] (under [[Ashurbanipal]], at around 669–627 BC, the boundaries of Assyria reached as far as Armenia and the [[Caucasus Mountains]]),[{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.worldhistory.org/assyria/ |title=Assyria |author=Joshua J. Mark |encyclopedia=[[World History Encyclopedia]] |access-date=13 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416073851/https://www.worldhistory.org/assyria/ |archive-date=16 April 2021 |url-status=live}}] Medes, Achaemenid Empire, [[Greeks]], Parthians, [[ancient Rome|Romans]], [[Sasanian Empire]], [[Byzantine Empire]], [[Arabs]], [[Seljuk Empire]], [[Mongols]], [[Ottoman Empire]], the successive [[Safavid dynasty|Safavid]], [[Afsharid dynasty|Afsharid]], and [[Qajar dynasty|Qajar]] dynasties of Iran, and the Russians.
[[File:Garni Temple 02.JPG|thumb|The pagan [[Garni Temple]], probably built in the first century, is the only "Greco-Roman [[colonnade]]d building" in the [[Post-Soviet states|post-Soviet space]].[{{cite book|title=The Archaeology of Power and Politics in Eurasia: Regimes and Revolutions|date=2012|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-1-107-01652-1|page=65|editor1=Charles W. Hartley |editor2=G. Bike Yazicioğlu |editor3=Adam T. Smith |quote=...the unique temple-tomb at Garni, just east of Yerevan – the only Greco-Roman colonnaded building anywhere in the Soviet Union.}}]]]
Religion in ancient Armenia was historically related to a set of beliefs that, in Persia, led to the emergence of [[Zoroastrianism]]. It particularly focused on the worship of [[Mithra]] and also included a pantheon of gods such as [[Aramazd]], [[Vahagn]], [[Anahit]], and [[Astghik]]. The country used the solar [[Armenian calendar]], which consisted of 12 months.[{{cite book | last1=Melton | first1=J.G. | last2=Baumann | first2=M. | title=Religions of the World: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Beliefs and Practices [6 volumes] | publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing | year=2010 | isbn=978-1-59884-204-3 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qejaEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA470 | access-date=11 May 2024 | page=470 | archive-date=29 July 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729094342/https://books.google.com/books?id=qejaEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA470 | url-status=live }}]
Christianity first appeared in Armenia in the 1st century AD, with the arrival of two of [[Jesus]]'s twelve [[Apostles in the New Testament|apostles]] – [[Jude the Apostle|Thaddaeus]] and [[Bartholomew the Apostle|Bartholomew]].{{sfn|Hacikyan|Basmajian|Franchuk|Ouzounian|2000|pp=75-76}}{{sfn|Walker|1990|p=24}} Under the influence of [[Gregory the Illuminator]], King [[Tiridates III of Armenia|Tiridates III]] proclaimed Christianity as the [[state religion]] in 301,{{sfn|Hacikyan|Basmajian|Franchuk|Ouzounian|2000|pp=77-79}} partly in defiance of the [[Sasanian Empire]].[Mary Boyce. [https://books.google.com/books?id=a6gbxVfjtUEC&pg=PA84 ''Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919131431/https://books.google.com/books?id=a6gbxVfjtUEC&pg=PA84 |date=19 September 2015 }} Psychology Press, 2001 {{ISBN|0-415-23902-8}} p. 84] Armenia thus became the first officially Christian state.[{{cite book |last=Garsoïan |first=Nina G. |title=The Armenian People from Ancient to Modern Times|volume=1 |url=https://archive.org/details/armenianpeoplefr0001unse|publisher=St. Martin's Press |year=1997 |isbn=0-312-10169-4 |editor-last=Hovannisian |editor-first=Richard G. |location=New York |pages=95–96 |chapter=The Marzpanate}}] Following the [[Battle of Avarayr]] in 451, Christian Armenians maintained their religion, and Armenia gained autonomy in the [[Treaty of Nvarsak]] in 484.{{sfn|Panossian|2006|pp=47-48}}
===Middle Ages===
{{main|Medieval Armenia|Zakarid Armenia|Mongol Armenia}}
[[File:Etchmiadzin cathedral.jpg|thumb|The [[Etchmiadzin Cathedral]], Armenia's Mother Church traditionally dated 303 AD, is considered the oldest cathedral in the world.[{{cite book|title=Encyclopedia of the Peoples of Africa and the Middle East|year=2008|publisher=[[Infobase Publishing]]|location=New York|isbn=978-1-4381-2676-0|page=65|editor=Stokes, Jamie|quote=Etchmiatzin is located in the west of modern Armenia, close to the border with Turkey, and its fourth-century cathedral is generally regarded as the oldest in the world.}}][{{cite book|last=Bauer-Manndorff|first=Elisabeth|title=Armenia: Past and Present|year=1981|publisher=Reich Verlag|location=Lucerne|oclc=8063377|quote=Etchmiadzin, with the world's oldest cathedral and the seat of the Catholicos, draws tourists from all over the world.}}][{{cite book|last=Utudjian|first=Édouard|title=Armenian Architecture: fourth to 17th Century|year=1968|publisher=Editions A. Morancé|location=Paris|oclc=464421|page=7|author-link=Édouard Utudjian|quote=...the oldest cathedral in Christendom, that of Etchmiadzin, founded in the fourth century.}}]]]
The Sassanid Empire was conquered by the [[Rashidun Caliphate]] in the mid 7th century, reuniting Armenian lands previously taken by the Byzantine Empire, and Armenia subsequently emerged as [[Arminiya]], an autonomous principality under the [[Umayyad Caliphate]]. The principality was ruled by the Prince of Armenia, and recognised by the [[Caliphate|Caliph]] and the [[List of Byzantine emperors|Byzantine Emperor]]. It was part of the administrative division/emirate ''Arminiya'' created by the Arabs, which also included parts of Georgia and [[Caucasian Albania]], and had its centre in the Armenian city [[Dvin (ancient city)|Dvin]]. Arminiya lasted until 884, when it regained its independence from the weakened [[Abbasid Caliphate]] under [[Ashot I of Armenia]].{{Sfn|Canard|Cahen|1960}}
The reemergent Armenian kingdom was ruled by the [[Bagratuni dynasty]] and lasted until 1045. In time, several areas of the [[Bagratid Armenia]] separated as independent kingdoms and principalities such as the Kingdom of [[Vaspurakan]] ruled by the House of [[Artsruni]] in the south, Kingdom of [[Syunik Province|Syunik]] in the east, or [[Kingdom of Artsakh]] on the territory of modern [[Nagorno-Karabakh]], while still recognising the supremacy of the Bagratid kings.{{sfn|Payaslian|2007|p=52}}
In 1045, the Byzantine Empire conquered Bagratid Armenia. Soon, the other Armenian states fell under Byzantine control as well. The Byzantine rule was short-lived, as in 1071 the [[Seljuk Empire]] defeated the Byzantines and conquered Armenia at the [[Battle of Manzikert]].[{{Cite book |last1=Holt |first1=Peter Malcolm |last2=Lambton |first2=Ann Katharine Swynford |last3=Lewis |first3=Bernard |name-list-style=amp |title=The Cambridge History of Islam |year=1977 |pages=231–32 }}] [[Ruben I, Prince of Armenia]], went with some of his countrymen into the gorges of the [[Taurus Mountains]] and then into [[Tarsus, Mersin|Tarsus]] of [[Cilicia]]; he was escaping death or servitude at the hands of those who had killed [[Gagik II of Armenia|Gagik II]], King of [[Ani]], his relative. The Byzantine governor of the palace gave them shelter where the [[Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia]] was eventually established on 6 January 1198 under [[Leo I, King of Armenia]], a descendant of Prince Ruben.[{{cite book | editor1 = Helen C. Evans | editor2 = William D. Wixom | editor3 = William D.. Wixom | author1 = Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, N.Y.) | author2 = N. Y.) Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York | author3 = Speros P. (jr.) Vryonis | author4 = Thomas F. Mathews | author5 = Jeffrey C. Anderson | author6 = Annemarie Weyl Carr | author7 = Henry Maguire | author8 = Robert G. Ousterhout | author9 = Ioli Kalavrezou | author10 = Eunice Dauterman Maguire | author11 = Olenka Z. Pevny | author12 = Joseph D. Alchermes | author13 = S. Peter Cowe | author14 = Thelma K. Thomas | author15 = Jaroslav Folda | author16 = Priscilla Soucek | date = 1997 | title = The Glory of Byzantium: Art and Culture of the Middle Byzantine Era, A.D. 843-1261 | publisher = Metropolitan Museum of Art | page = 361 | isbn = 978-0-87099-777-8 | oclc = 1008249298 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=Caqa12aj55wC&pg=PA361}}]
Cilicia was a strong ally of the [[Crusades|European Crusaders]] and saw itself as a bastion of [[Christendom]] in the East. Cilicia's significance in Armenian history and statehood is also attested by the transfer of the seat of the [[Catholicos]] of the [[Armenian Apostolic Church]], the spiritual leader of the Armenian people, to the region.[{{cite book | last=Ghazarian | first=J.G. | title=The Armenian Kingdom in Cilicia During the Crusades: The Integration of Cilician Armenians with the Latins, 1080-1393 | publisher=Curzon | series=Caucasus world | year=2000 | isbn=978-0-7007-1418-6 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3W89PVbKLZwC&pg=PA23 | access-date=11 May 2024 | page=23}}]
In the early 12th century, Armenian princes of the [[Zakarid dynasty|Zakarid family]] drove out the Seljuk Turks and established a semi-independent principality in northern and eastern Armenia known as [[Zakarid Armenia]], which lasted under the patronage of the [[History of Georgia (country)|Georgian Kingdom]]. The [[Orbelian dynasty]] shared control with the Zakarids in various parts of the country, especially in [[Syunik Province|Syunik]] and [[Vayots Dzor Province|Vayots Dzor]], while the [[House of Hasan-Jalalyan]] controlled provinces of [[Artsakh (historical province)|Artsakh]] and [[Utik]] as the [[Kingdom of Artsakh]].[{{cite book |author=Richard G. Hovannisian |url=https://archive.org/details/armenianpeoplefr00rich_0/page/57/mode/2up |title=The Armenian People from Ancient to Modern Times: Volume I: The Dynastic Periods: From Antiquity to the Fourteenth Century |date=11 February 2004 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan US |isbn=978-1-4039-6422-9 |page=57 |oclc=805125065 |url-access=registration}}]
===Early modern era===
{{further|Iranian Armenia (1502–1828)|Armenians in the Ottoman Empire|Russian Armenia}}
[[File:Map Safavid persia.png|thumb|In 1501–02, most of the [[Eastern Armenia]]n territories, including Yerevan, were conquered by the emerging [[Safavid dynasty]] of Iran led by Shah [[Ismail I]].]]
During the 1230s, the [[Mongol Empire]] conquered Zakarid Armenia and then the remainder of Armenia. The Mongolian invasions were soon followed by those of other Central Asian tribes, such as the [[Kara Koyunlu]], [[Timurid dynasty]] and [[Ağ Qoyunlu]], which continued from the 13th century until the 15th century. After incessant invasions, each bringing destruction to the country, with time Armenia became weakened.[{{cite book | author = Richard G. Hovannisian | date = 11 February 2004 | title = The Armenian People from Ancient to Modern Times: Volume I: The Dynastic Periods: From Antiquity to the Fourteenth Century | publisher = Palgrave Macmillan US | pages =23–31 | isbn = 978-1-4039-6422-9 | oclc = 805125065}}]
In the 16th century, the [[Ottoman Empire]] and the [[Safavid dynasty]] of Iran divided Armenia. From the early 16th century, both [[Western Armenia]] and [[Eastern Armenia]] fell to the Safavids.[{{cite book|last=Rayfield|first=Donald|title=Edge of Empires: A History of Georgia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PxQpmg_JIpwC&pg=PA165|year=2013|publisher=Reaktion Books|isbn=978-1-78023-070-2|page=165|access-date=28 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205172633/https://books.google.com/books?id=PxQpmg_JIpwC&pg=PA165|archive-date=5 February 2017|url-status=live}}][{{cite book|last=Ward|first=Steven R.|title=Immortal, Updated Edition: A Military History of Iran and Its Armed Forces|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MOuVAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA43|year=2014|publisher=Georgetown University Press|isbn=978-1-62616-032-3|page=43|access-date=28 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205171942/https://books.google.com/books?id=MOuVAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA43|archive-date=5 February 2017|url-status=live}}] Owing to the century long [[Ottoman–Safavid relations|Turco-Iranian geopolitical rivalry]] that would last in West Asia, significant parts of the region were frequently fought over between the two rivalling empires during the [[Ottoman–Persian Wars]]. From the mid 16th century with the [[Peace of Amasya]], and decisively from the first half of the 17th century with the [[Treaty of Zuhab]] until the first half of the 19th century,[{{cite book|last1=Herzig|first1=Edmund|last2=Kurkchiyan|first2=Marina|title=The Armenians: Past and Present in the Making of National Identity|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B8WRAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA47|year=2004|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-135-79837-6|page=47|access-date=28 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170111210219/https://books.google.com/books?id=B8WRAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA47|archive-date=11 January 2017|url-status=live}}] Eastern Armenia was ruled by the successive Safavid, [[Afsharid dynasty|Afsharid]] and [[Qajar dynasty|Qajar]] dynasties, while Western Armenia remained under Ottoman rule. From 1604, [[Abbas I of Persia|Abbas I of Iran]] implemented a "[[scorched earth]]" policy in the region to protect his north-western frontier against any [[Ottoman–Safavid War (1603–1618)|invading Ottoman forces]], a policy that involved a [[History of Armenia#Persian Armenia|forced resettlement]] of masses of Armenians outside of their homelands.[H. Nahavandi, Y. Bomati, ''Shah Abbas, empereur de Perse (1587–1629)'' (Perrin, Paris, 1998)]
[[File:Siege of Erivan Fortress on 1 October 1827.jpg|thumb|[[Capture of Erivan]] fortress by Russian troops in 1827 during the [[Russo-Persian War (1826–28)]] by [[Franz Roubaud]]]]
The 18th century saw the first foray of the [[Russian Empire]] into the region, with [[Peter the Great]] and his alliance with the Armenian [[melik]]s of [[Syunik (historical province)|Syunik]] and [[Melikdoms of Karabakh|Artsakh]] during the [[Russo-Persian War (1722–1723)]].{{sfn|Hewsen|2001|pp=163-165}}[{{cite book |last=Bournoutian |first=George A. |title=From the Kur to the Aras: A Military History of Russia's Move into the South Caucasus and the First Russo-Iranian War, 1801–1813 |date=2021 |publisher=Brill |location=Leiden |isbn=978-9004445154|pages=5–8}}] Despite the setbacks of Peter's campaign, this initial move encouraged the meliks in their [[Armenian liberation struggle (1722–1730)|resistance struggle]] against the Safavids and the Ottomans.{{sfn|Hewsen|2001|pp=163-165}} However, it was not until the early 19th century that Eastern Armenia formally passed to Russian control, following the [[Russo-Persian War (1804–1813)]] and the [[Russo-Persian War (1826–1828)]].{{sfn|Badalyan Riegg|2020|pp=55, 91}} In the 1813 [[Treaty of Gulistan]] and the 1828 [[Treaty of Turkmenchay]], Qajar Iran ceded to Russia the [[Karabakh Khanate|Karabakh]], [[Erivan Khanate|Erivan]], and [[Nakhichevan Khanate]]s.{{sfn|Bournoutian|2018|pp=6-7}}{{sfn|Tsutsiev|2014|pp=15-17}} The [[Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878)]] resulted in further gains for [[Russian Armenia]], notably the regions of [[Kars]] and [[Ardahan]].{{sfn|Panossian|2006|p=120}}{{sfn|Badalyan Riegg|2020|p=164}}
Most of Western Armenia, however, remained under Ottoman rule. Within the Ottoman ''[[Millet (Ottoman Empire)|millet]]'' system, Armenians lived in relative harmony with other groups, including the ruling Turks. However, as Christians under a strict Muslim [[social structure]], Armenians faced pervasive discrimination. In response to the [[1894 Sasun rebellion]], Sultan [[Abdul Hamid II]] organised state-sponsored massacres against the Armenians between 1894 and 1896, resulting in close to 200,000 deaths.{{sfn|Kévorkian|2011|p=11}} The [[Hamidian massacres]], as they came to be known, gave Abdul Hamid international infamy as the "Bloody Sultan"{{sfn|Suny|1993|p=99}} or the "Red Sultan".{{sfn|Kévorkian|2011|p=67}}
[[File:ErevanKhanate.gif|thumb|The [[Armenian Oblast]] (1828–1840) included the territory of the former Erivan (marked in yellow) and Nakhichevan (marked in light green) khanates.]]
During the 1890s, the [[Armenian Revolutionary Federation]], commonly known as the ''Dashnaktsutyun'', became active within the Ottoman Empire with the aim of unifying the various small groups in the empire that were advocating for reform and defending Armenian villages from massacres that were widespread in some of the Armenian-populated areas of the empire. Dashnaktsutyun members also formed [[Armenian fedayi]] groups that defended Armenian civilians through armed resistance.{{sfn|Walker|1990|p=177}} The Dashnaks also worked for the wider goal of creating a "free, independent and unified" Armenia, although they sometimes set aside this goal in favour of a more realistic approach, such as advocating autonomy.{{sfn|Suny|1993|p=100}}[{{cite book |last=Ter Minassian |first=Anahide |author-link=Anahide Ter Minassian |title=Nationalism and Socialism in the Armenian Revolutionary Movement (1887–1912) |translator=A. M. Berrett |date=1984 |publisher=[[Zoryan Institute]] |location=Cambridge, MA |isbn=978-0916431044 |page=46}}]
The Ottoman Empire began to collapse, and in 1908, the [[Young Turk Revolution]] overthrew the government of Sultan Hamid. In April 1909, the [[Adana massacre]] occurred in the [[Adana Vilayet]] resulting in the deaths of as many as 20,000–30,000 Armenians. The Armenians living in the empire hoped that the [[Committee of Union and Progress]] would change their second-class status. The [[Armenian reform package]] (1914) was presented as a solution by appointing an [[inspector general]] over Armenian issues.[{{cite book |last=Kirakosian|first=J. S.|title=Hayastane michazkayin divanakitut'yan ew sovetakan artakin kaghakakanut'yan pastateghterum, 1828–1923 |trans-title=Armenia in the documents of international diplomacy and Soviet foreign policy, 1828–1923 |publisher=Yerevan|year=1972|pages=149–358|language=hy}}]
===World War I and the Armenian genocide===
[[File:Morgenthau336.jpg|thumb|[[Armenian genocide]] victims in 1915]]
The outbreak of World War I led to confrontation between the Ottoman Empire and the Russian Empire in the [[Caucasus campaign|Caucasus]] and [[Persian campaign (World War I)|Persian campaign]]s. The new government in [[Istanbul]] began to look on the Armenians with distrust and suspicion because the [[Imperial Russian Army]] contained a contingent of [[Armenian volunteer units|Armenian volunteers]]. On 24 April 1915, [[Deportation of Armenian intellectuals on 24 April 1915|Armenian intellectuals were arrested by Ottoman authorities]] and, with the [[Temporary Law of Deportation|Tehcir Law]] (29 May 1915), eventually a large proportion of Armenians living in [[Anatolia]] perished in what has become known as the [[Armenian genocide]].[{{cite web | last=Kifner | first=John | title=Armenian Genocide of 1915: An Overview | website=New York Times | date=9 April 2018 | url=https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/ref/timestopics/topics_armeniangenocide.html?onwardjourney=584162_v1 | access-date=11 May 2024 | archive-date=11 May 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511152905/https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/ref/timestopics/topics_armeniangenocide.html?onwardjourney=584162_v1 | url-status=live }}][{{cite book | last=Akçam | first=Taner | title=The Cambridge World History of Genocide | chapter=The Armenian Genocide | publisher=Cambridge University Press | date=4 May 2023 | isbn=978-1-108-76711-8 | doi=10.1017/9781108767118.004 | pages=67–92}}]
The genocide was implemented in two phases: the wholesale killing of the able-bodied male population through massacre and subjection of army conscripts to forced labour, followed by the deportation of women, children, the elderly and infirm on [[death march]]es leading to the [[Syrian desert]]. Driven forward by military escorts, the deportees were deprived of food and water and subjected to periodic robbery, rape, and massacre.{{sfn|Walker|1990|pp=200-203}}[{{Citation|first1=Hans-Lukas|last1=Kieser|first2=Dominik J.|last2=Schaller|language=de|title=Der Völkermord an den Armeniern und die Shoah|trans-title=The Armenian genocide and the Shoah|publisher=Chronos|year=2002|isbn=978-3-0340-0561-6|page=114}}] There was local [[Armenian resistance during the Armenian genocide|Armenian resistance]] in the region, developed against the activities of the Ottoman Empire. The events of 1915 to 1917 are regarded by Armenians and the vast majority of Western historians to have been state-sponsored mass killings, or genocide.[{{cite web|url=http://www.umd.umich.edu/dept/armenian/facts/gen_bib1.html|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20011116212954/http://www.umd.umich.edu/dept/armenian/facts/gen_bib1.html|archive-date=16 November 2001|title=Extensive bibliography by University of Michigan on the Armenian genocide |publisher=Umd.umich.edu |access-date=30 December 2010}}]
Turkish authorities deny the genocide took place to this day. The Armenian genocide is acknowledged to have been one of the first modern genocides.{{sfn|Suny|1993|p=106}}[{{cite web |url = http://www.armenian-genocide.org/Affirmation.153/current_category.7/affirmation_detail.html |title = Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Resolution |publisher = Armenian genocide |access-date = 10 February 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303171925/http://www.armenian-genocide.org/Affirmation.153/current_category.7/affirmation_detail.html |archive-date = 3 March 2016 |url-status=live}}] According to the research conducted by [[Arnold J. Toynbee]], an estimated 600,000 Armenians died during deportation from 1915 to 1916. This figure, however, accounts for solely the first year of the genocide and does not take into account those who died or were killed after the report was compiled on 24 May 1916.[[[Robert Melson (political scientist)|Robert Melson]], ''Revolution and Genocide: On the Origins of the Armenian genocide and the Holocaust'', University of Chicago Press, 15 October 1992, p. 147] The [[International Association of Genocide Scholars]] places the death toll at "more than a million".[[https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6045182.stm Q&A: Armenian genocide dispute] . BBC News. 10 July 2008.] The total number of people killed has been most widely estimated at between 1 and 1.5 million.[{{cite web|title = Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex|url = http://www.genocide-museum.am/eng/Description_and_history.php|publisher = [[Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute]]|access-date = 10 February 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160120092829/http://www.genocide-museum.am/eng/Description_and_history.php|archive-date = 20 January 2016|url-status=live}}] Armenia and the Armenian diaspora have been campaigning for [[Armenian genocide recognition|official recognition]] of the events as genocide for over 30 years. These events are traditionally commemorated yearly on 24 April, the Armenian Martyr Day, or the Day of the Armenian genocide.[{{cite book | author = Vartan Matiossian | date = 23 September 2021 | title = The Politics of Naming the Armenian Genocide: Language, History and 'Medz Yeghern' | publisher = Bloomsbury Publishing | page = 125 | isbn = 978-0-7556-4109-3 | oclc = 1247655673 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=-j9DEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA125}}]
===First Republic of Armenia===
[[File:First Republic of Armenia.png|thumb|{{legend|#FF7F00|Territory held by [[First Republic of Armenia|Armenia]] and the [[Karabakh Council]] at some point}} {{legend|beige|Area given to Armenia by the [[Treaty of Sèvres]], which was never enforced[{{cite book|last=Hille|first=Charlotte Mathilde Louise|title=State Building and Conflict Resolution in the Caucasus|url=https://archive.org/details/statebuildingcon00hill|url-access=limited|year=2010|publisher=Brill|location=Leiden, Netherlands|isbn=978-90-04-17901-1|page=[https://archive.org/details/statebuildingcon00hill/page/n165 151]}}]}}]]
The [[Caucasus Army (Russian Empire, 1914–1917)|Imperial Russian Caucasus Army]], commanded by [[Nikolai Yudenich]], and the Armenian volunteer units, led by [[Andranik Ozanian]] and [[Tovmas Nazarbekian]], succeeded in gaining much of Western Armenia during World War I. However, their gains were lost with the [[October Revolution]] of 1917.[{{cite book | last=Zarifian | first=J. | title=The United States and the Armenian Genocide: History, Memory, Politics | publisher=Rutgers University Press | series=Genocide, Political Violence, Human Rights | year=2024 | isbn=978-1-9788-3794-2 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oT8DEQAAQBAJ&pg=PP29 | access-date=11 May 2024 | page=29 | archive-date=28 July 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728051503/https://books.google.com/books?id=oT8DEQAAQBAJ&pg=PP29 | url-status=live }}] At the time, Russian-controlled Eastern Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan attempted to bond together in the [[Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic]]. This federation, however, lasted from only February to May 1918, when all three parties decided to dissolve it. As a result, the Dashnak-dominated government of Eastern Armenia declared its independence on 28 May as the [[First Republic of Armenia]] under the leadership of [[Aram Manukian]].[{{cite book | last1=Herzig | first1=E. | last2=Kurkchiyan | first2=M. | title=The Armenians: Past and Present in the Making of National Identity | publisher=Taylor & Francis | series=Caucasus World: Peoples of the Caucasus | year=2004 | isbn=978-1-135-79837-6 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B8WRAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA98 | access-date=11 May 2024 | page=98 | archive-date=28 July 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728041447/https://books.google.com/books?id=B8WRAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA98 | url-status=live }}]
[[File:Government-House-of-Republic-of-Armenia-1918-1920.jpg|thumb|upright|The Government house of the [[First Republic of Armenia]] (1918–1920)]]
The First Republic's short-lived independence was fraught with war, territorial disputes, [[Muslim uprisings in Kars and Sharur–Nakhichevan|ethnic unrest]], [[May Uprising|Bolshevik rebellions]], and a mass influx of refugees from Western Armenia, bringing with them disease and starvation. The [[Allies of World War I|Entente Powers]] sought to help the newly founded Armenian state through relief funds and other forms of support.[{{cite journal |last=Hovannisian |first=Richard G. |title=The Allies and Armenia, 1915-18 |journal=Journal of Contemporary History |publisher=Sage Publications, Ltd. |volume=3 |issue=1 |year=1968 |issn=0022-0094 |jstor=259971 |pages=145–168|doi=10.1177/002200946800300108 }}]
At the end of the war, the victorious powers sought to divide up the Ottoman Empire. Signed between the Allied Powers and the Ottoman Empire at [[Sèvres]] on 10 August 1920, the [[Treaty of Sèvres]] promised to maintain the existence of the Armenian republic and to attach the former territories of Western Armenia to it.{{sfn|Panossian|2006|pp=247-248}} Because the new borders of Armenia were to be drawn by United States President [[Woodrow Wilson]], Western Armenia was also referred to as "[[Wilsonian Armenia]]". In addition, just days prior on 5 August, [[Mihran Damadian]] of the Armenian National Union, the de facto Armenian administration in Cilicia, declared the independence of Cilicia as an Armenian autonomous republic under French protectorate.[Hovannisian, Richard, and Simon Payaslian. Armenian Cilicia. Costa Mesa: Mazda Publishers, Inc., 2008. 483. Print.] There was even consideration of making Armenia a [[League of Nations mandate|mandate]] under the protection of the United States. The treaty, however, was rejected by the [[Turkish National Movement]] and never came into effect.{{sfn|Panossian|2006|pp=247-248}}
In 1920, Turkish nationalist forces [[Turkish invasion of Armenia|invaded]] the fledgling Armenian republic from the east. Under the command of [[Kâzım Karabekir]], they captured the Armenian territories that Imperial Russia had annexed in 1878 and occupied Alexandropol (today [[Gyumri]]). Hostilities finally concluded with the [[Treaty of Alexandropol]] on 2 December 1920. The treaty forced Armenia to disarm most of its military forces and to cede all former Ottoman territory granted to it by the Treaty of Sèvres. Simultaneously, the [[11th Army (RSFSR)|11th Red Army]], led by [[Sergo Ordzhonikidze]], invaded Armenia at Karavansarai (today [[Ijevan]]) on 29 November. By early December, Ordzhonikidze's forces entered Yerevan and the short-lived Armenian republic collapsed.{{sfn|Hovannisian|1996b|pp=389–390}}
After the fall of the First Republic, the [[war communism]] policies of the new [[Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic|Soviet Armenian government]] led to the [[February Uprising]] of 1921.{{sfn|Hovannisian|1996b|pp=405–406}} Following the defeat of that revolt, Armenian forces under the command of [[Garegin Nzhdeh]] established the [[Republic of Mountainous Armenia]] and continued to fight Soviet forces in the southern region of [[Zangezur]].{{sfn|Saparov|2015|pp=104-106}} To end the rebellion, Soviet authorities pledged to include the [[Syunik Province]] within Armenia's borders.{{sfn|Panossian|2006|p=259}} The Red Army soon took control of the region, driving the leaders of the revolt out of Armenia, across the [[Aras (river)|Araks River]] into Iran on 15 July 1921.{{sfn|Saparov|2015|pp=104-106}}
===Soviet Armenia===
{{main|Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic}}
[[File:Emblem of the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic (1937–1990), Emblem of Armenia (1990–1992).svg|thumb|The [[Emblem of the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic|state emblem]] of [[Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic|Soviet Armenia]] depicting [[Mount Ararat]]]]
====Sovietization to Stalinism====
Following Armenia's [[Soviet invasion of Armenia|Sovietization]], the Treaty of Alexandropol was superseded by the [[Treaty of Moscow (1921)|Treaty of Moscow]] and the [[Treaty of Kars]]. In these agreements, Turkey renounced its claims on [[Batumi]] to [[Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic|Soviet Georgia]] in exchange for the provinces of [[Kars oblast|Kars]], [[Ardahan okrug|Ardahan]], and [[Surmalu uezd|Surmalu]], all of which had been under Turkish military control since the Turkish invasion of Armenia in 1920. The territory ceded to Turkey included the medieval Armenian capital [[Ani]] and [[Mount Ararat]], the national symbol of the Armenian people.{{sfn|Tsutsiev|2014|pp=74–76, 79}} Together with Soviet Georgia and [[Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic|Soviet Azerbaijan]], Soviet Armenia officially entered the [[Soviet Union|USSR]] as part of the [[Transcaucasian SFSR]] (TSFSR) in March 1922.{{sfn|Panossian|2006|p=246}} The TSFSR later split into three separate republics in December 1936 – the Armenian SSR, the Azerbaijan SSR, and the Georgian SSR.{{sfn|Panossian|2006|p=266}}
[[Vladimir Lenin]], who "favored a moderate policy in Armenia,"{{sfn|Shakarian|2025|p=49}} appointed [[Alexander Miasnikian]], an experienced administrator, to oversee affairs in the republic.{{sfn|Saparov|2015|p=103}} During the era of the [[New Economic Policy]] (NEP), Armenia enjoyed a period of stability and cultural revival within the USSR, in contrast to the turbulent years of the First Republic.{{sfn|Suny|1993|p=140}} However, after the [[Death and state funeral of Vladimir Lenin|death of Lenin]] and the [[Joseph Stalin's rise to power|rise]] of [[Joseph Stalin]] to the Soviet leadership, the situation changed significantly. Armenians suffered greatly during [[Armenian victims of the Great Purge|Stalin's Great Purge]], with [[Lavrentiy Beria]] playing an especially conspicuous role, beginning with the death of the popular Soviet Armenian leader [[Aghasi Khanjian]] in 1936.{{sfn|Shakarian|2025|pp=14-15}}{{sfn|Suny|1993|pp=156-157}} The repressions claimed the lives of major Armenian intellectual figures like [[Yeghishe Charents]], [[Axel Bakunts]], and [[Vahan Totovents]].{{sfn|Suny|1993|p=155}} The Armenian Church also suffered in this period, culminating in the murder of the Armenian Catholicos [[Khoren I of Armenia|Khoren I]], an act for which Beria is usually held responsible.[{{cite journal |last=Hayrapetyan |first=Kanakara |title=Ամենայն Հայոց Կաթողիկոս Խորէն Ա. Մուրադբեկյանի մահվան առեղծվածի վերլուծությունը պատմագիտության մեջ |trans-title=Historiographical Analysis of the Mysterious Death of Khoren I Muradbekyan, Catholicos of All Armenians |journal=[[Etchmiadzin (magazine)|Ejmiatsin]] |date=2018 |volume=75 |issue=7 |page=145 |url=http://echmiadzin.asj-oa.am/16176/ |language=Armenian |archive-date=20 February 2020 |access-date=12 October 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220145242/http://echmiadzin.asj-oa.am/16176/ |url-status=live }}]
====Great Patriotic War and post-war period====
[[File:ArmenianStamps-066-069.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|Armenian [[Marshal of the Soviet Union|Marshal]]s and [[Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union|Admiral]] of World War II on stamps: [[Ivan Bagramyan|Bagramyan]], [[Ivan Isakov|Isakov]], [[Hamazasp Babadzhanian|Babadzhanian]], [[Sergei Khudyakov|Khudyakov]]]]
Armenia was not the scene of any battles in the [[Eastern Front (World War II)|Great Patriotic War]] of [[World War II]]. Nevertheless, an estimated 500,000 Armenians (nearly a third of the population) served in the [[Red Army]] during the war, and 175,000 died.[{{cite book|last=Mouradian|first=Claire|author-link=Claire Mouradian|title=De Staline à Gorbatchev. Histoire d'une république soviétique|publisher=Ramsay|location=Paris|year=1996|isbn=2859568379|language=French|page=49}}] A total of 117 citizens of Soviet Armenia, including 10 non-Armenians, were awarded [[Hero of the Soviet Union]]. Six special military divisions were formed in Armenia in 1941–42. Five of them, the [[89th Rifle Division|89th]], [[409th Rifle Division|409th]], [[408th Rifle Division (Soviet Union)|408th]], [[390th Rifle Division|390th]], and [[76th Rifle Division (Soviet Union)|76th]] Divisions, would have a distinguished war record, while the sixth was ordered to stay in Armenia to guard the republic's western borders against a possible incursion by neighboring Turkey. The 89th Tamanyan Division, composed of ethnic Armenians, fought in the [[Battle of Berlin]]. Over 60 Armenians were promoted to the rank of general, while one attained the rank of [[Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union|Admiral]] ([[Ivan Isakov]]) and three achieved the rank of [[Marshal of the Soviet Union]] ([[Ivan Bagramyan]], [[Hamazasp Babadzhanian]], and [[Sergei Khudyakov]]).[{{cite encyclopedia |last=Khudaverdyan |first=Konstantin S. |author-link=Konstantin Khudaverdyan |editor-last=Hambardzumyan |editor-first=Viktor |date=1984 |title=Սովետական Միության Հայրենական Մեծ Պատերազմ 1941–45 |trans-title=The Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War, 1941-1945 |url=https://hy.wikisource.org/wiki/%D4%B7%D5%BB:%D5%80%D5%A1%D5%B5%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%B6_%D5%8D%D5%B8%D5%BE%D5%A5%D5%BF%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%B6_%D5%80%D5%A1%D5%B6%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%A3%D5%AB%D5%BF%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%B6_(Soviet_Armenian_Encyclopedia)_10.djvu/542 |encyclopedia=Soviet Armenian Encyclopedia |location=Yerevan |publisher=Armenian Academy of Sciences |language=Armenian |volume=10 |pages=542–547}}]
After the [[State funeral of Joseph Stalin|death of Stalin]] in 1953, Armenia experienced a new period of liberalization under [[Nikita Khrushchev]]'s [[Khrushchev Thaw|Thaw]]. In March 1954, two years before Khrushchev [[On the Cult of Personality and Its Consequences|denounced Stalin]], his close ally, the Armenian statesman [[Anastas Mikoyan]], flew to Yerevan and called for the [[Rehabilitation (Soviet)|rehabilitation]] of Charents and the republication of the writers [[Raphael Patkanian]] and [[Raffi (novelist)|Raffi]].{{sfn|Shakarian|2025|pp=34-35}} During the Thaw, life in Soviet Armenia soon began to see rapid improvement with greater investment in housing and the consumer economy. The Armenian Church, which was limited under Stalin, was revived when [[Catholicos of All Armenians|Catholicos]] [[Vazgen I]] assumed the duties of his office in 1955.{{sfn|Panossian|2006|p=352}} In 1962, the massive statue of Stalin that towered over Yerevan was pulled down from its pedestal by troops and replaced with that of [[Mother Armenia]] in 1967.{{sfn|Panossian|2006|p=349}} That same year, a memorial to the victims of the Armenian genocide was built at the [[Tsitsernakaberd]] hill above the Hrazdan gorge in [[Yerevan]].{{sfn|Panossian|2006|p=349}} This occurred after [[1965 Yerevan demonstrations|mass demonstrations]] took place on the tragic event's fiftieth anniversary in 1965.[{{cite journal|first=Maike|last=Lehmann|title=Apricot Socialism: The National Past, the Soviet Project, and the Imagining of Community in Late Soviet Armenia|journal=[[Slavic Review]]|volume=74|date=Spring 2015|pages=9–31 |doi=10.5612/slavicreview.74.1.9 }}]
====Glasnost and perestroika====
[[File:Karabakh movement demonstration at Yerevan Opera square (4).jpg|thumb|Armenians gather at [[Freedom Square, Yerevan|Theater Square]] in central [[Yerevan]] to claim unification of [[Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast]] with the [[Armenian SSR]], 1988.]]
Following the [[Leonid Brezhnev|Brezhnev]] era, [[Mikhail Gorbachev]]'s reforms of ''[[glasnost]]'' and ''[[perestroika]]'' witnessed a major national revival in Armenia with the rise of the [[Karabakh movement]]. Taking advantage of the new political climate, the Armenians of the [[Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast]] (NKAO) of Soviet Azerbaijan began to demand unification with Soviet Armenia, citing [[Forced assimilation in Azerbaijan|discrimination by Baku]].{{sfn|Suny|1993|pp=192-194}} Peaceful protests in Armenia supporting the Karabakh Armenians became common. By the beginning of 1988, nearly one million Armenians from several regions of the republic engaged in these demonstrations, centered on Yerevan's Theater Square (today [[Freedom Square, Yerevan|Freedom Square]]).[{{cite book|last=Malkasian|first=Mark|title=Gha-ra-bagh!: The Emergence of the National Democratic Movement in Armenia|publisher=Wayne State University Press|location=Detroit|year=1996|isbn=0-8143-2605-6|page=41}}] However, in neighboring Azerbaijan, [[Sumgait pogrom|violence against Armenians]] erupted in the city of [[Sumgait]].{{sfn|Saparov|2015|p=166}} Ethnic rioting soon broke out between Armenians and Azeris, preventing any peaceful resolution from taking place.{{sfn|Tsutsiev|2014|p=113}} Compounding Armenia's problems was a [[1988 Armenian earthquake|devastating earthquake]] in 1988 with a [[surface-wave magnitude]] of 6.8.[{{cite web|title=Significant Earthquake Information|url=https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazel/view/hazards/earthquake/event-more-info/5184|last=National Geophysical Data Center / World Data Service (NGDC/WDS): NCEI/WDS Global Significant Earthquake Database. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.|date=1972|publisher=NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information|doi=10.7289/V5TD9V7K|access-date=March 19, 2024|archive-date=7 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207081726/https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazel/view/hazards/earthquake/event-more-info/5184|url-status=live}}] Another major [[Baku pogrom|pogrom against Armenians]] in [[Baku]] in January 1990 forced almost all of the 200,000 Armenians in the Azerbaijani capital to flee to Armenia.[[http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/rights/articles/pp021603.shtml Notes from Baku: Black January] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090827072157/http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/rights/articles/pp021603.shtml |date=27 August 2009}}. Rufat Ahmedov. EurasiaNet Human Rights.]
Gorbachev's inability to alleviate any of Armenia's problems created disillusionment among the Armenians and fed a growing hunger for independence. On 23 August 1990, Armenia declared its sovereignty on its territory. On 17 March 1991, Armenia, along with the [[Baltic states]], Georgia and [[Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic|Moldova]], boycotted a nationwide [[1991 Soviet Union referendum|referendum]] in which 78% of all voters voted for the retention of the Soviet Union in a reformed form.[{{cite web|url=http://soviethistory.org/index.php?action=L2&SubjectID=1991march&Year=1991 |title=The March Referendum |access-date=10 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061015092843/http://www.soviethistory.org/index.php?action=L2&SubjectID=1991march&Year=1991 |archive-date=15 October 2006}}]
===Post-Soviet independence===
{{Main|History of Armenia#Independent Armenia (1991-today)}}
[[File:NKR war.JPG|thumb|Armenian soldiers in 2008, during [[Nagorno-Karabakh conflict]]]]
On 21 September 1991, Armenia officially declared its [[statehood]] after the [[1991 Soviet coup d'état attempt|failed August coup]] in [[Moscow]] in the [[Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic|Russian SFSR]]. [[Levon Ter-Petrosyan]], who rose to prominence during the Karabakh movement, was [[1991 Armenian presidential election|popularly elected]] the first president of the newly independent Republic of Armenia in October 1991.{{sfn|Payaslian|2007|p=198}} The Soviet Union formally [[dissolution of the Soviet Union|dissolved]] following the [[Belovezha Accords]] in December 1991 and Armenia's independence was recognised.[{{cite book|last=Sakwa|first=Richard|author-link=Richard Sakwa|date=2021|title=Russian Politics and Society|edition=5th|publisher=Routledge|location=London|isbn=978-0-415-53846-6|pages=77–78}}]
Ter-Petrosyan led Armenia alongside defence minister [[Vazgen Sargsyan]] through the [[First Nagorno-Karabakh War]] with neighbouring Azerbaijan. The initial post-Soviet years were marred by economic difficulties and a [[1990s Armenian energy crisis|severe energy crisis]]. The latter was rooted in the early years of the Karabakh conflict when the [[Azerbaijani Popular Front Party|Azerbaijani Popular Front]] managed to pressure the Azerbaijan SSR to instigate a railway and air [[Turkish–Azeri blockade of Armenia|blockade against Armenia]]. This move effectively debilitated Armenia's economy as 85% of its cargo and goods arrived through rail traffic.[{{cite book|last1=Verluise|first1=Pierre|first2=Levon|last2=Chorbajian|date=1995|title=Armenia in Crisis: The 1988 Earthquake|publisher=Wayne State University Press|location=Detroit|isbn=0-8143-2527-0|pages=115–116}}] In 1993, Turkey joined the blockade against Armenia in support of Azerbaijan.[{{cite web |url=http://www.globalheritagefund.org/news/GHF_in_the_news/economist_ties_that_divide_june_17_06.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060820170846/http://www.globalheritagefund.org/news/GHF_in_the_news/economist_ties_that_divide_june_17_06.asp |archive-date=20 August 2006 |publisher=[[Global Heritage Fund]] |title=The Ties That Divide |date=17 June 2006 |access-date=22 July 2009}}]
The first Karabakh war ended after a Russian-brokered [[ceasefire]] was concluded in 1994. The war was a success for the Karabakh Armenian forces who managed to capture practically the entire territory of the former NKAO as well as most of [[Armenian-occupied territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh|seven adjacent districts of Azerbaijan]].{{sfn|Tsutsiev|2014|p=114}} The Armenian backed forces remained in control of almost all of that territory until 2020. By the time both Azerbaijan and Armenia had finally agreed to a ceasefire in 1994, an estimated 30,000 people had been killed and over a million had been displaced.[[http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/publication/1283/conflict_that_can_be_resolved_in_time.html A Conflict That Can Be Resolved in Time: Nagorno-Karabakh] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081001192200/http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/publication/1283/conflict_that_can_be_resolved_in_time.html |date=1 October 2008 }}. International Herald Tribune. 29 November 2003.]
===21st century===
In the 21st century, Armenia continued to face many hardships. The [[2018 Armenian revolution|2018 Armenian Revolution]] was a series of anti-government protests in Armenia from April to May 2018 staged by various political and civil groups led by a member of the Armenian parliament—[[Nikol Pashinyan]] (head of the [[Civil Contract (Armenia)|Civil Contract]] party). Protests and marches took place initially in response to [[Serzh Sargsyan]]'s third consecutive term as President of Armenia and later against the [[Republican Party of Armenia|Republican Party]] controlled government in general. Pashinyan declared the movement, which led to Sargsyan's resignation, a "[[velvet revolution]]".[{{cite news|title="Velvet Revolution" Takes Armenia into the Unknown|url=https://www.crisisgroup.org/europe-central-asia/caucasus/armenia/velvet-revolution-takes-armenia-unknown|publisher=[[Crisis Group]]|date=20 November 2020|access-date=21 November 2020|archive-date=26 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426124258/https://www.crisisgroup.org/europe-central-asia/caucasus/armenia/velvet-revolution-takes-armenia-unknown|url-status=live}}]
In March 2018, the Armenian parliament elected [[Armen Sarkissian]] as the new President of Armenia. The controversial constitutional reform to reduce presidential power was implemented, while the authority of the prime minister was strengthened.[{{Cite web|url = https://www.dw.com/en/armenia-armen-sarkissian-elected-into-new-less-powerful-presidential-role/a-42797330|title = Armenia: Armen Sarkissian elected into new, less powerful presidential role |date=2 March 2018 |website = [[Deutsche Welle]]|access-date = 18 May 2021|archive-date = 18 April 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180418050344/https://www.dw.com/en/armenia-armen-sarkissian-elected-into-new-less-powerful-presidential-role/a-42797330|url-status = live}}] In May 2018, parliament elected opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan as the new prime minister. His predecessor Serzh Sargsyan resigned two weeks earlier following [[2018 Armenian revolution|widespread anti-government demonstrations]].[{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/5/8/armenia-nikol-pashinyan-elected-as-new-prime-minister|title=Pashinyan elected as Armenia's new prime minister|website=Al Jazeera|access-date=18 May 2021|archive-date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109132248/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/5/8/armenia-nikol-pashinyan-elected-as-new-prime-minister|url-status=live}}]
On 27 September 2020, a full-scale war erupted due to the unresolved [[Nagorno-Karabakh conflict]].[{{cite news |title=Fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh goes on despite US mediation |url=https://apnews.com/article/europe-azerbaijan-armenia-41a103bcde14fa8b28968000d7992b84 |work=Associated Press |date=24 October 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404032113/https://apnews.com/article/europe-azerbaijan-armenia-41a103bcde14fa8b28968000d7992b84 |url-status=live }}] Both the armed forces of Armenia and Azerbaijan reported military and civilian casualties.[{{cite news |title=Fury and celebrations as Russia brokers peace deal to end Nagorno-Karabakh war |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/russia-armenia-azerbaijan-war-fighting-peace-deal-b1720219.html |work=The Independent |date=11 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404091111/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/russia-armenia-azerbaijan-war-fighting-peace-deal-b1720219.html |url-status=live }}] The [[2020 Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement|Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement]] to end the six-week [[2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war|war between Armenia and Azerbaijan]] was seen by many as Armenia's defeat and capitulation.[{{cite news |title=Armenians vent fury at West after truce in bloody war in Nagorno-Karabakh |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/armenia-azerbaijan-nagorno-karabakh-truce-1.5796470 |work=CBC News |date=11 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020 |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405035231/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/armenia-azerbaijan-nagorno-karabakh-truce-1.5796470 |url-status=live }}] The year-long [[2020–2021 Armenian protests|March of Dignity]] protests forced early elections.
On 20 June 2021, Pashinyan's Civil Contract party won an early parliamentary [[2021 Armenian parliamentary election|election]]. Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was officially appointed to the post of prime minister by Armenia's President Armen Sarkissian.[{{cite news |title=Nikol Pashinyan officially appointed Armenia's prime minister |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2021/aug/02/nikol-pashinyan-officially-appointed-armenias-prime-minister-2339082.html |work=The New Indian Express |date=2 August 2021 |access-date=20 December 2021 |archive-date=20 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220082131/https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2021/aug/02/nikol-pashinyan-officially-appointed-armenias-prime-minister-2339082.html |url-status=live }}] In January 2022, Armenian President Armen Sarkissian resigned from office, stating that the constitution no longer gives the president sufficient powers or influence.[{{cite news |title=Armenian president resigns over lack of influence |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1/23/armenian-president-armen-sarkissian-resigns |work=www.aljazeera.com |language=en |access-date=8 February 2022 |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404120554/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1/23/armenian-president-armen-sarkissian-resigns |url-status=live }}] On 3 March 2022, [[Vahagn Khachaturyan]] was elected as the fifth president of Armenia in the second round of parliamentary vote.[{{cite news |title=Vahagn Khachaturyan elected new Armenian president |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/vahagn-khachaturyan-elected-new-armenian-president/2522507 |work=www.aa.com.tr |access-date=3 March 2022 |archive-date=15 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015154740/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/vahagn-khachaturyan-elected-new-armenian-president/2522507 |url-status=live }}] The next month [[2022 Armenian protests|yet more protests broke out]].[{{Cite news |title=Facing Mass Protests Calling For Him To Resign, Armenia's Prime Minister Is Running Out Of Options |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/armenia-pashinian-karabakh-options-protests/31837928.html |access-date=7 May 2022 |newspaper=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=7 May 2022 |language=en |last1=Wesolowsky |first1=Tony |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404120554/https://www.rferl.org/a/armenia-pashinian-karabakh-options-protests/31837928.html |url-status=live }}]
==== 2023 Azerbaijani offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh ====
{{Main|2023 Azerbaijani offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh}}
{{See also|Flight of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians}}
Between 19 and 20 September 2023, [[Azerbaijan]] launched a large-scale military offensive against the [[Political status of Nagorno-Karabakh|self-declared]] breakaway state of [[Republic of Artsakh|Artsakh]], a move seen by the European Parliament as a violation of the [[2020 Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement|2020 ceasefire agreement]].[{{Cite web|date=19 September 2023|title=Armenia, Azerbaijan: Baku Launches Military Operation In Nagorno-Karabakh|url=https://worldview.stratfor.com/situation-report/armenia-azerbaijan-baku-launches-military-operation-nagorno-karabakh|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230919182727/https://worldview.stratfor.com/situation-report/armenia-azerbaijan-baku-launches-military-operation-nagorno-karabakh|archive-date=19 September 2023|access-date=22 September 2023|website=[[Stratfor]]|quote=...the Russian peacekeeping contingent is incapable of preventing Azerbaijan's seizure of the region, despite this being a clear violation of the November 2020 ceasefire brokered by Russia that ended the last war.}}][{{Cite web|title=Joint statement on Azerbaijan's attack on Nagorno-Karabakh |url=https://www.europarl.europa.eu/delegations/en/joint-statement-on-azerbaijan-s-attack-o/product-details/20230919DPU37422|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922111407/https://www.europarl.europa.eu/delegations/en/joint-statement-on-azerbaijan-s-attack-o/product-details/20230919DPU37422|archive-date=22 September 2023|access-date=21 September 2023|publisher=European Parliament|quote=We condemn in the strongest terms today's pre-planned and unjustified attack of Azerbaijan against Nagorno-Karabakh...We recall that the attack takes place in the context of a major humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, following Azerbaijan's blockade of the Lachin Corridor for the past nine months, in violation of Baku's commitments under the ceasefire statement of 9 November 2020 and of the legally binding orders of the International Court of Justice. Humanitarian access to Nagorno-Karabakh needs to be fully and permanently restored.}}] The offensive took place in the disputed region of [[Nagorno-Karabakh]], which is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, but populated by [[Armenians]].[{{Cite news|title=Azerbaijani forces strike Armenian-controlled Karabakh, raising risk of new Caucasus war|work=Reuters|date=19 September 2023|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/azerbaijan-says-six-its-citizens-were-killed-by-land-mines-karabakh-2023-09-19/|access-date=19 September 2023|archive-date=19 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919114910/https://www.reuters.com/world/azerbaijan-says-six-its-citizens-were-killed-by-land-mines-karabakh-2023-09-19/|url-status=live}}][{{cite news|last1=Ilyushina|first1=Mary|title=Fighting flares between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Nagorno-Karabakh|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/09/19/nagorno-karabakh-azerbaijan-armenia/|access-date=19 September 2023|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=19 September 2023|quote=Azerbaijan and Armenia have repeatedly clashed over Nagorno-Karabakh, which is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but largely populated by ethnic Armenians and largely governed by the unrecognized Republic of Artsakh.|archive-date=19 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919200531/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/09/19/nagorno-karabakh-azerbaijan-armenia/|url-status=live}}] The attacks occurred in the midst of an escalating crisis caused by Azerbaijan [[Blockade of the Republic of Artsakh (2022–present)|blockading Artsakh]], which resulted in significant scarcities of essential supplies such as food, medicine, and other goods in the affected region.[{{cite web|last=Roth|first=Andrew|date=19 September 2023|title=Azerbaijan launches 'anti-terrorist' campaign in disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/19/azerbaijan-launches-anti-terrorist-campaign-in-disputed-nagorno-karabakh-region|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919111008/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/19/azerbaijan-launches-anti-terrorist-campaign-in-disputed-nagorno-karabakh-region|archive-date=19 September 2023|access-date=19 September 2023|website=[[The Guardian]]}}]
One day after the offensive started, on 20 September, a [[2023 Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement|ceasefire agreement]] was reached at the mediation of the [[Peacekeeping operations in Nagorno-Karabakh|Russian peacekeeping command]] in Nagorno-Karabakh.[{{Cite web|title=Russian-mediated ceasefire announced in Nagorno-Karabakh|url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1120051.html|website=Armenpress|date=20 September 2023 |access-date=2 October 2023|archive-date=19 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019071651/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1120051.html|url-status=live}}] Azerbaijan held a meeting with representatives of the Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians on 21 September in [[Yevlakh]], to be followed by another meeting in October.[{{cite news|title=Ethnic Armenians accept Russia ceasefire plan after Azerbaijan offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/20/asia/nagorno-karabakh-russia-ceasefire-intl/index.html|access-date=20 September 2023|publisher=[[CNN]]|date=20 September 2023|archive-date=20 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920132915/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/20/asia/nagorno-karabakh-russia-ceasefire-intl/index.html|url-status=live}}][{{cite news|title=BREAKING: Stepanakert to disband army in ceasefire deal|url=https://www.civilnet.am/en/news/751112/breaking-stepanakert-to-disband-army-in-ceasefire-deal/|access-date=20 September 2023|publisher=CIVILNET|date=20 September 2023|archive-date=20 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920132923/https://www.civilnet.am/en/news/751112/breaking-stepanakert-to-disband-army-in-ceasefire-deal/|url-status=live}}] Ceasefire violations by Azerbaijan were nonetheless reported by both Artsakhi residents and officials.[{{Cite web|title=МВД Нагорного Карабаха обвинило Азербайджан в нарушении договора о прекращении огня|url=https://meduza.io/news/2023/09/21/mvd-nagornogo-karabaha-obvinilo-azerbaydzhan-v-narushenii-dogovora-o-prekraschenii-ognya|website=[[Meduza (website)|Meduza]]|access-date=21 September 2023|archive-date=21 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921113954/https://meduza.io/news/2023/09/21/mvd-nagornogo-karabaha-obvinilo-azerbaydzhan-v-narushenii-dogovora-o-prekraschenii-ognya|url-status=live}}][{{Cite web|title=Aserbaidschan soll Waffenruhe gebrochen haben|url=https://rp-online.de/politik/ausland/berg-karabach-aserbaidschan-soll-waffenruhe-gebrochen-haben_aid-98086627|website=[[Rheinische Post]]|date=21 September 2023|access-date=21 September 2023|archive-date=21 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921114231/https://rp-online.de/politik/ausland/berg-karabach-aliyev-entschuldigt-sich-fuer-tod-russischer-soldaten_aid-98086627|url-status=live}}]
Human rights organisations and experts in genocide prevention issued multiple alerts, stating that the region's Armenian population was at risk or actively [[Flight of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians|being subjected to ethnic cleansing and genocide]]. [[Luis Moreno Ocampo]], a former [[prosecutor of the International Criminal Court]], warned that another [[Armenian genocide]] could take place, and attributed the inaction of the international community to encouraging Azerbaijan that it would face no serious consequences.[{{cite news|last=Moreno Ocampo|first=Luis|author-link=Luis Moreno Ocampo|date=22 September 2023|title=Call what is happening in Nagorno-Karabakh by its proper name|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/09/22/nagorno-karabakh-genocide-armenia/|url-status=live|access-date=22 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922173112/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/09/22/nagorno-karabakh-genocide-armenia/|archive-date=22 September 2023}}]
On 8 August 2025, Armenian Prime Minister [[Nikol Pashinyan]] and Azerbaijani President [[Ilham Aliyev]] signed a joint declaration at the [[White House]],[[https://www.reuters.com/world/us-secures-strategic-transit-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-deal-2025-08-07/ U.S. secures strategic transit corridor in Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal – Reuters]] committing to a [[Armenia–Azerbaijan peace agreement|peace deal]] facilitated by the [[Second presidency of Donald Trump|Trump administration]] that would end nearly four decades of conflict between the two countries.[{{Cite news |last=Cancryn |first=Alejandra Jaramillo, Adam |date=8 August 2025 |title=Trump touts his favorite type of foreign deal — promoting peace in Armenia-Azerbaijan with some personal branding {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/08/politics/strategic-armenia-azerbaijan-corridor-named-after-trump |access-date=8 August 2025 |work=[[CNN]] |language=en |archive-date=8 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250808182809/https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/08/politics/strategic-armenia-azerbaijan-corridor-named-after-trump |url-status=live }}]
==Geography==
{{Main|Geography of Armenia}}
[[File:Satellite image of Armenia in May 2003.jpg|thumb|Satellite image of the territory of Armenia (2003)]]
Armenia is a [[landlocked country]] in the [[geopolitical]] [[Transcaucasus]] (South [[Caucasus]]) region, that is located in the Southern [[Caucasus Mountains]] and their lowlands between the [[Black Sea]] and [[Caspian Sea]], and northeast of the [[Armenian Highland]]s. Armenia is widely accepted as part of [[West Asia]] geographically, although other definitions place it either fully in Europe or across Europe and Asia.[{{Cite web |date=18 March 2025 |title=Caucasus |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Caucasus |access-date=29 March 2025 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en |quote=The watershed of the Greater Caucasus, the backbone of the system, traditionally has been part of the line dividing Europe and Asia, but Europe's eastern boundary has been the subject of much debate. One widely accepted scheme draws the dividing line along the crest of the Greater Caucasus range, putting the portion of the region north of the line in Europe and the portion south of it in Asia. Another puts the western portion of the Caucasus region in Europe and the eastern part (the bulk of Azerbaijan and small portions of Armenia, Georgia, and Russia's Caspian Sea coast) in Asia. Still another scheme identifies the Aras River and the Turkish border as the line of continental demarcation, thereby locating Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia in Europe. |archive-date=4 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200504123439/https://www.britannica.com/place/Caucasus |url-status=live }}][{{Cite news |date=16 March 2012 |title=Armenia country profile |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17398605 |access-date=29 March 2025 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB |archive-date=8 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808123804/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17398605 |url-status=live }}] Located on the [[Armenian Highlands]], it is bordered by Turkey to the west, [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] to the north, the [[Lachin corridor]] which is a part of [[Lachin District]] that is under the control of a Russian peacekeeping force and [[Azerbaijan]] proper to the east, and [[Iran]] and Azerbaijan's [[exclave]] of [[Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic|Nakhchivan]] to the south.[{{cite journal|last1=Dinerstein|first1=Eric|last2=Olson|first2=David|last3=Joshi|first3=Anup|last4=Vynne|first4=Carly|last5=Burgess|first5=Neil D.|last6=Wikramanayake|first6=Eric|last7=Hahn|first7=Nathan|last8=Palminteri|first8=Suzanne|last9=Hedao|first9=Prashant|last10=Noss|first10=Reed|last11=Hansen|first11=Matt|last12=Locke|first12=Harvey|last13=Ellis|first13=Erle C|last14=Jones|first14=Benjamin|last15=Barber|first15=Charles Victor|last16=Hayes|first16=Randy|last17=Kormos|first17=Cyril|last18=Martin|first18=Vance|last19=Crist|first19=Eileen|last20=Sechrest|first20=Wes|last21=Price|first21=Lori|last22=Baillie|first22=Jonathan E. M.|last23=Weeden|first23=Don|last24=Suckling|first24=Kierán|last25=Davis|first25=Crystal|last26=Sizer|first26=Nigel|last27=Moore|first27=Rebecca|last28=Thau|first28=David|last29=Birch|first29=Tanya|last30=Potapov|first30=Peter|last31=Turubanova|first31=Svetlana|last32=Tyukavina|first32=Alexandra|last33=de Souza|first33=Nadia|last34=Pintea|first34=Lilian|last35=Brito|first35=José C.|last36=Llewellyn|first36=Othman A.|last37=Miller|first37=Anthony G.|last38=Patzelt|first38=Annette|last39=Ghazanfar|first39=Shahina A.|last40=Timberlake|first40=Jonathan|last41=Klöser|first41=Heinz|last42=Shennan-Farpón|first42=Yara|last43=Kindt|first43=Roeland|last44=Lillesø|first44=Jens-Peter Barnekow|last45=van Breugel|first45=Paulo|last46=Graudal|first46=Lars|last47=Voge|first47=Maianna|last48=Al-Shammari|first48=Khalaf F.|last49=Saleem|first49=Muhammad|title=An Ecoregion-Based Approach to Protecting Half the Terrestrial Realm|journal=BioScience|volume=67|issue=6|year=2017|pages=534–545|issn=0006-3568|doi=10.1093/biosci/bix014|pmid=28608869|pmc=5451287|doi-access=free}}]
===Topography===
[[File:Armenien topo.jpg|thumb|Armenia's mountainous and volcanic [[topography]]]]
Armenia has a territorial area of {{convert|29743|km2|sqmi|0}}. The terrain is mostly mountainous, with fast flowing rivers, and few forests. The land rises to {{convert|4090|m|ft|0|abbr=off}} [[Metres above sea level|above sea level]] at [[Mount Aragats]], and no point is below {{convert|390|m|ft|0}} above sea level.[{{cite web|title=Geographic Characteristic of The Republic of Armenia|work=Marzes of the Republic of Armenia in Figures, 2002–2006|publisher=National Statistical Service of the Republic of Armenia|url=http://www.armstat.am/file/article/marz_07_e_2.pdf|year=2007|access-date=22 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325034102/http://www.armstat.am/file/article/marz_07_e_2.pdf|archive-date=25 March 2009|url-status=live}}] [[List of countries by average elevation|Average elevation of the country]] area is tenth highest in the world and it has 85.9% mountain area, more than Switzerland or [[Nepal]].[{{Cite web|url=https://farm1.staticflickr.com/779/30949572663_37d588c515_o.jpg|title=Percentage of Mountain Area per Country (map)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109155517/https://farm1.staticflickr.com/779/30949572663_37d588c515_o.jpg|archive-date=9 January 2019|url-status=live}}]
[[Mount Ararat]], which was historically part of Armenia, is the highest mountain in the region at 5,137 meters (16,854 feet). Now located in Turkey, but clearly visible from Armenia, it is regarded by the Armenians as a symbol of their land. Because of this, the mountain is present on the [[Coat of arms of Armenia|Armenian national emblem]] today.[{{cite book|author=Natasha May Azarian|title=The Seeds of Memory: Narrative Renditions of the Armenian genocide Across Generations|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QJDLYMq7ZuAC&pg=PA96|access-date=28 April 2013|year=2007|isbn=978-0-549-53005-3|page=96|quote=Mount Ararat is considered the 'heart' of historical Armenia as it is Armenian folklore which considers the majestic mountain to be the place where Noah's Arc landed. Armenian businesses, households, and schools almost ubiquitously have at ...|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528131920/http://books.google.com/books?id=QJDLYMq7ZuAC&pg=PA96|archive-date=28 May 2013|url-status=live}}][{{cite book|author=Rouben Paul Adalian|title=Historical Dictionary of Armenia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QS-vSjHObOYC&pg=PA85|access-date=28 April 2013|date=13 May 2010|publisher=Scarecrow Press|isbn=978-0-8108-7450-3|page=85|quote=Although the mythology associated with the pagan worship of the mountain is now lost to popular belief, Mount Ararat has played a very ...|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528164521/http://books.google.com/books?id=QS-vSjHObOYC&pg=PA85|archive-date=28 May 2013|url-status=live}}][{{cite book|author=James Minahan|title=Miniature empires: a historical dictionary of the newly independent states|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RSxt-JB-PDkC&pg=PA2|access-date=28 April 2013|year=1998|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-313-30610-5|pages=2–3|quote=Mount Ararat, the legendary landing place of Noah's Ark, is located in what is now modern Turkey. Situated near the border, the peak is visible from nearly every area of Armenia. Historically, the mountain has been the Armenian people's most ...|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528125621/http://books.google.com/books?id=RSxt-JB-PDkC&pg=PA2|archive-date=28 May 2013|url-status=live}}]
===Climate===
{{Main|Climate of Armenia}}
[[File:Koppen-Geiger Map v2 ARM 1991–2020.svg|thumb|[[Köppen-Geiger climate classification]] map for Armenia[{{cite journal |last1=Beck |first1=Hylke E. |last2=Zimmermann |first2=Niklaus E. |last3=McVicar |first3=Tim R. |last4=Vergopolan |first4=Noemi |last5=Berg |first5=Alexis |author6-link=Eric Franklin Wood |last6=Wood |first6=Eric F. |title=Present and future Köppen-Geiger climate classification maps at 1-km resolution |journal=Scientific Data |date=30 October 2018 |volume=5 |issue=1 |page=180214 |doi=10.1038/sdata.2018.214 |doi-access=free|pmid=30375988 |pmc=6207062 |bibcode=2018NatSD...580214B |url=https://www.research-collection.ethz.ch/bitstream/20.500.11850/302311/2/sdata2018214.pdf |access-date=6 September 2019 |archive-date=4 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004180229/https://bitstream/handle/20.500.11850/302311/sdata2018214.pdf;jsessionid=65665A2C93110E4FCFCF1D01F6392834?sequence=2 |url-status=live }}]]]
The climate in Armenia is markedly highland [[Continental climate|continental]]. Summers are hot, dry and sunny, lasting from June to mid-September. The temperature fluctuates between {{convert|22|and|36|C|F}}. However, the low humidity level mitigates the effect of high temperatures. Evening breezes blowing down the mountains provide a welcome refreshing and cooling effect. Springs are short, while autumns are long. Autumns are known for their vibrant and colourful foliage.
Winters are quite cold with plenty of snow, with temperatures ranging between {{convert|-10|and|-5|°C|°F}}. [[Winter sport]]s enthusiasts enjoy skiing down the hills of [[Tsaghkadzor]], located thirty minutes outside Yerevan. [[Lake Sevan]], nestled up in the Armenian highlands, is the second largest lake in the world relative to its altitude, at {{convert|1900|m|ft|0}} [[Metres above sea level|above sea level]].
===Environment===
[[File:CO2 emissions per capita in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, Germany, Italy, USA in 2000-2012.jpg|thumb|Carbon dioxide emissions in metric tons per capita in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, Germany, Italy, USA in 2000–2012. World Bank data.]]
Armenia ranked 63rd out of 180 countries on [[Environmental Performance Index]] (EPI) in 2018. Its rank on subindex Environmental Health (which is weighted at 40% in EPI) is 109, while Armenia's rank on subindex of Ecosystem Vitality (weighted at 60% in EPI) is 27th best in the world.[{{Cite web|url=https://epi.envirocenter.yale.edu/epi-country-report/ARM|title=Environmental Performance Index|website=epi.envirocenter.yale.edu|language=en|access-date=2 February 2018|archive-date=16 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016193854/https://epi.envirocenter.yale.edu/epi-country-report/ARM}}] This suggests that main environmental issues in Armenia are with [[#Health care|population health]], while environment vitality is of lesser concern. Out of sub-subindices contributing to Environmental Health subindex ranking on Air Quality to which population is exposed is particularly unsatisfying.
In Armenia [[forest cover]] is around 12% of the total land area, equivalent to 328,470 hectares (ha) of forest in 2020, down from 334,730 hectares (ha) in 1990. In 2020, naturally regenerating forest covered 310,000 hectares (ha) and planted forest covered 18,470 hectares (ha). Of the naturally regenerating forest 5% was reported to be [[primary forest]] (consisting of native tree species with no clearly visible indications of human activity) and around 0% of the forest area was found within protected areas. For the year 2015, 100% of the forest area was reported to be under [[State ownership|public ownership]].[{{Cite book |url=https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/a6e225da-4a31-4e06-818d-ca3aeadfd635/content |title=Terms and Definitions FRA 2025 Forest Resources Assessment, Working Paper 194 |publisher=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |year=2023 |archive-date=11 September 2024 |access-date=11 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240911122341/https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/a6e225da-4a31-4e06-818d-ca3aeadfd635/content |url-status=live }}][{{Cite web |title=Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020, Armenia |url=https://fra-data.fao.org/assessments/fra/2020/ARM/home/overview |website=Food Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |access-date=11 September 2024 |archive-date=11 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240911113159/https://fra-data.fao.org/assessments/fra/2020/ARM/home/overview/ |url-status=live }}]
[[Waste management in Armenia]] is underdeveloped, as no waste sorting or recycling takes place at Armenia's 60 landfills. A waste processing plant is scheduled for construction near [[Hrazdan]] city, which will allow for closure of 10 waste dumps.[{{Cite web|url=http://www.gov.am/en/news/item/9338/|title="We have good reasons to boast economic growth in the coming years" – Karen Karapetyan Pleased with 2017 Indices in Kotayk Marz|website=www.gov.am|language=en|access-date=16 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216204522/http://www.gov.am/en/news/item/9338/|archive-date=16 February 2018}}]
Despite the availability of abundant renewable energy sources in Armenia (especially [[Hydroelectricity|hydroelectric]] and [[wind power]]) and calls from EU officials to shut down the [[Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant|nuclear power plant at Metsamor]],[{{Cite web|url=https://news.am/eng/news/433776.html|title=EU: Armenia nuclear plant should be shut down as soon as possible|website=news.am|date=30 January 2018 |language=en|access-date=16 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216204447/https://news.am/eng/news/433776.html|archive-date=16 February 2018}}] the Armenian Government is exploring the possibilities of installing new small modular nuclear reactors. In 2018 existing nuclear plant is scheduled for modernisation to enhance its safety and increase power production by about 10%.[{{Cite web|url=http://arka.am/en/news/technology/modernization_to_increase_the_capacity_of_armenian_nuclear_power_plant_by_10/|title=Modernization to increase the capacity of Armenian nuclear power plant by 10%|website=arka.am|date=13 February 2018 |access-date=16 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216143937/http://arka.am/en/news/technology/modernization_to_increase_the_capacity_of_armenian_nuclear_power_plant_by_10/|archive-date=16 February 2018|url-status=live}}][{{Cite news|url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/922486/armenian-nuclear-power-plant-upgrading-program-to-continue-in-2018.html|title=Armenian Nuclear Power Plant upgrading program to continue in 2018|work=armenpress.am|access-date=16 February 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216204336/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/922486/armenian-nuclear-power-plant-upgrading-program-to-continue-in-2018.html|archive-date=16 February 2018}}]
==Government and politics==
{{Main|Government of Armenia|Politics of Armenia}}
{{Multiple image
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[[President of Armenia|President]]
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[[Prime Minister of Armenia|Prime Minister]]
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[[File:2014 Erywań, Budynek Zgromadzenia Narodowego Republiki Armenii.jpg|thumb|The [[National Assembly (Armenia)|National Assembly]] in [[Yerevan]]]]
Armenia is a [[Representative democracy|representative parliamentary democratic]] republic. The Armenian constitution adhered to the model of a [[Semi-Presidential Republic|semi-presidential republic]] until April 2018.
According to the current [[Constitution of Armenia]], the [[President of Armenia|President]] is the [[head of state]] holding largely representational functions, while the [[Prime Minister of Armenia|Prime Minister]] is the [[head of government]] and exercises [[Executive (government)|executive power]].
Since 1995, [[Legislature|legislative power]] is vested in the [[National Assembly of Armenia|Azgayin Zhoghov]] or National Assembly, which is a [[unicameral parliament]] consisting of 105 members.[{{cite book |title=Fischer Weltalmanach 2019- Zahlen Daten Fakten |date=1 July 2018 |publisher=Fischer |location=Frankfurt am Main |isbn=978-3-596-72019-4 |page=45}}]
Since its first report in 2006 until its most recent in 2019, the [[Fragile States Index]] has consistently ranked Armenia better than all its neighboring countries (with one exception in 2011).[{{Cite web|url=https://fragilestatesindex.org/data/|title=Global Data {{!}} Fragile States Index|website=fragilestatesindex.org|access-date=24 October 2019|archive-date=15 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715052132/https://fragilestatesindex.org/data/|url-status=live}}]
Armenia has universal [[suffrage]] from the age of 18.[{{Cite web|title=Armenia 1995 (rev. 2005) Constitution |url=https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Armenia_2005?lang=en|access-date=25 February 2022 |website=Constitute |language=en |archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402150549/https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Armenia_2005?lang=en|url-status=live}}][{{Cite web|title=Voter registration: Armenia |url=https://aceproject.org/electoral-advice/archive/CDCountry?set_language=en&topic=VR&country=AM|access-date=25 February 2022 |website=aceproject.org |archive-date=25 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225172910/https://aceproject.org/electoral-advice/archive/CDCountry?set_language=en&topic=VR&country=AM|url-status=live}}]
{{clear}}
===Administrative divisions===
{{Main|Administrative divisions of Armenia}}
{{Armenia Labelled Map|float=right}}
[[File:Գեղարդ.jpg|thumb|[[Geghard]] monastery, [[Kotayk Province]]]]
Armenia is divided into ten [[Administrative divisions of Armenia|provinces]] (''marzer'', singular ''marz''), with the city (''kaghak'') of [[Yerevan]] ({{lang|hy|Երևան}}) having special administrative status as the country's capital. The chief executive in each of the ten provinces is the ''marzpet'' (''marz'' governor), appointed by the government of Armenia. In Yerevan, the chief executive is the mayor, elected since 2009.
Within each province there are [[List of municipalities of Armenia|communities]] (''hamaynkner'', singular ''hamaynk''). Each community is self-governing and consists of one or more settlements (''bnakavayrer'', singular ''bnakavayr''). Settlements are classified as either towns (''kaghakner'', singular ''kaghak'') or villages (''gyugher'', singular ''gyugh''). {{As of|2007}}, Armenia includes 915 communities, of which 49 are considered urban and 866 are considered rural. The capital, Yerevan, also has the status of a community.[{{cite web |title=Regional Administration Bodies |url=http://www.gov.am/en/regions/ |publisher=The Government of the Republic of Armenia |access-date=11 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211012350/http://www.gov.am/en/regions |archive-date=11 February 2012 |url-status=live }}] Additionally, Yerevan is divided into twelve semi-autonomous districts.
{|class="sortable wikitable" style="text-align:left; font-size:90%;"
|- style="font-size:100%; text-align:left;"
!colspan="2"|Province
!colspan="2"|Capital
! Area (km2)
! Population (2011 census)[{{cite web|url=http://www.armstat.am/file/doc/99475033.pdf|title=Armstat:Provinces, area and population|access-date=26 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010144321/http://www.armstat.am/file/doc/99475033.pdf|archive-date=10 October 2017|url-status=live}}]
! Population (2022 census)[{{cite web| title = Armenia invited as observer for Arab League| publisher = Azad Hye| date = 19 January 2005| url = http://azad-hye.blogspot.ca/2005/01/observer-status-for-armenia-in-arab.html| access-date = 20 May 2014| archive-date = 21 April 2017| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170421002247/http://azad-hye.blogspot.ca/2005/01/observer-status-for-armenia-in-arab.html| url-status = live}}] the [[Organization of American States]], the [[Pacific Alliance]], the [[Non-Aligned Movement]], and a dialogue partner in the [[Shanghai Cooperation Organisation]]. As a result of its historical ties to France, Armenia was selected to host the biennial Francophonie summit in 2018.[{{cite news |last1=Leblanc |first1=Daniel |title=Prime Minister Trudeau has last shot to help Michaëlle Jean stay on as Francophonie leader |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-prime-minister-trudeau-has-last-shot-to-help-michaelle-jean-stay-on-as/ |access-date=9 October 2018 |work=Globe and Mail |date=9 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009065544/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-prime-minister-trudeau-has-last-shot-to-help-michaelle-jean-stay-on-as/ |archive-date=9 October 2018 |url-status=live }}]
Armenia has a difficult relation with neighbouring countries [[Armenia–Azerbaijan relations|Azerbaijan]] and [[Armenia–Turkey relations|Turkey]]. Tensions were running high between Armenians and Azerbaijanis during the final years of the Soviet Union. The [[Nagorno-Karabakh conflict]] dominated the region's politics throughout the 1990s.[{{cite web |title=Nagorno-Karabakh: The Crisis in the Caucasus |date=3 November 2005 |url=https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/nagorno-karabakh-crisis-caucasus |access-date=4 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060721165228/http://www.cfr.org/publication/9148/ |archive-date=21 July 2006 |url-status=live }}] To this day, Armenia's borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan are under [[Turkish–Azeri blockade of Armenia (1989–ongoing)|a severe blockade]]. In addition, a permanent solution for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has not been reached despite the mediation provided by organisations such as the [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe|OSCE]].
Turkey also has a long history of poor relations with Armenia over its refusal to acknowledge the [[Armenian genocide]], even though it was one of the first countries to recognize the Republic of Armenia (the third republic) after its independence from the USSR in 1991. Despite this, for most of the 20th century and early 21st century, relations remain tense and there are no formal diplomatic relations between the two countries due to Turkey's refusal to establish them for numerous reasons. During the first Nagorno-Karabakh War, and citing it as the reason, Turkey closed its border with Armenia in 1993. It has not lifted its [[Turkish–Azeri blockade of Armenia (1989–ongoing)|blockade]] despite pressure from the powerful Turkish business lobby interested in Armenian markets.[{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20091010/ts_nm/us_turkey_armenia_9 |title=Armenia and Turkey sign peace deal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091014080048/http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20091010/ts_nm/us_turkey_armenia_9 |archive-date=14 October 2009}}] The ratification of those had to be made in the national parliaments. In Armenia, before sending the protocols to the parliament, it was sent to the Constitutional Court to have their [[constitutionality]] to be approved. The Constitutional Court made references to the preamble of the protocols underlying three main issues.[{{cite web |author1=Nona Mikhelidze |title=The Turkish-Armenian Rapprochement at the Deadlock |url=https://www.iai.it/sites/default/files/iai1005.pdf |website=IAI Istituto Affari Internazionali |access-date=2 June 2020 |page=3 |date=5 March 2010 |archive-date=16 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516101433/http://www.iai.it/sites/default/files/iai1005.pdf |url-status=live }}][{{cite web |title=Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of. Turkey and the Republic of Armenia |url=http://www.mfa.gov.tr/site_media/html/zurih-protokolleri-en.pdf |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey |access-date=2 June 2020 |archive-date=26 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726083609/http://www.mfa.gov.tr/site_media/html/zurih-protokolleri-en.pdf |url-status=live }}] This was for the Turkish Government the reason to back down from the Protocols.[{{cite web |title=Relations between Turkey and Armenia |url=http://www.mfa.gov.tr/relations-between-turkey-and-armenia.en.mfa |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey |access-date=2 June 2020 |archive-date=26 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726091256/http://www.mfa.gov.tr/relations-between-turkey-and-armenia.en.mfa |url-status=live }}] The Armenian President had made multiple public announcements, both in Armenia and abroad, that, as the leader of the political majority of Armenia, he assured the parliamentary ratification of the protocols if Turkey also ratified them. Despite this, the process stopped, as Turkey continuously added more preconditions to its ratification and also "delayed it beyond any reasonable time-period".{{citation needed|date=June 2020|reason=Unclear which preconditions were added by Turkey}}
Armenia maintains close cultural, economic, and security ties with Russia. Due to the republic's position between two hostile neighbours, the security component is especially important. At the request of the Armenian government, Russia maintains a [[Russian 102nd Military Base|military base]] in the city of [[Gyumri]] in northwestern Armenia as a deterrent against NATO member Turkey.[{{cite news|last=Ghazanchyan|first=Siranush|title=Russian base 'Very important component' of Armenia's security – Defense Minister|publisher=[[Public Radio of Armenia]]|date=22 February 2017|url=https://en.armradio.am/2017/02/22/russian-base-very-important-component-of-armenias-security-defense-minister/|access-date=17 October 2025|archive-date=8 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208130714/https://en.armradio.am/2017/02/22/russian-base-very-important-component-of-armenias-security-defense-minister/|url-status=live}}] At the same time, Armenia has friendly relations with the United States, which is home to the second largest [[Armenian diaspora]] community in the world after Russia. According to the [[United States Census|US Census Bureau]], there are 427,822 [[Armenian Americans]] in the country.[{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |title=Ancestry Data |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |year=2006 |access-date=22 July 2009 |archive-date=4 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804222046/http://www.census.gov/ |url-status=live }} [http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census01/products/highlight/ETO/Table1.cfm?Lang=E&T=501&GV=1&GID=0 The 2001 Canadian Census] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130409060848/http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census01/products/highlight/ETO/Table1.cfm?Lang=E&T=501&GV=1&GID=0 |date=9 April 2013 }} determined that there are 40,505 persons of Armenian ancestry currently living in Canada. However, these are liable to be low numbers, since people of mixed ancestry, very common in North America tend to be under-counted: the 1990 census US [https://www.census.gov/population/socdemo/language/table5.txt indicates] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724134730/https://www.census.gov/population/socdemo/language/table5.txt |date=24 July 2017 }} 149,694 people who speak the Armenian language at home. {{cite web |url=http://www.armembassycanada.ca/diaspora/diaspora6.htm |archive-date=26 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060826182306/http://www.armembassycanada.ca/diaspora/diaspora6.htm |title=The Armenian Embassy in Canada |access-date=1 June 2016 }} estimates 1 million ethnic Armenians in the US and 100,000 in Canada. The Armenian Church of America makes [https://web.archive.org/web/20030202125735/http://www.armenianchurch.org/heritage/history/america.html a similar estimate]. By all accounts, over half of the Armenians in the United States live in California.]
[[File:Dmitry Medvedev at Armenian Genocide memorial-2.jpg|thumb|Russian President [[Dmitry Medvedev]] at the [[Tsitsernakaberd|Armenian Genocide memorial]] in Yerevan]]
Because of the illicit [[Turkish–Azeri blockade of Armenia (1989–ongoing)|border blockades by Azerbaijan and Turkey]], Armenia also maintains strong relations with its southern neighbour, Iran, especially in the economic sector. Economic projects are being developed between the two nations, including a gas pipeline going from Iran to Armenia.
Armenia is a member of the Council of Europe and maintains close relations with the [[European Union]]; especially with its [[Member state of the European Union|member states]] France and Greece. In January 2002, the [[European Parliament]] noted that Armenia may enter the EU in the future.[{{Citation | url = https://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+REPORT+A5-2002-0028+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN&language=EN | title = European Parliament on the European Union's relations with the South Caucasus | access-date = 4 October 2020 | archive-date = 2 July 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200702131223/https://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-%2F%2FEP%2F%2FTEXT+REPORT+A5-2002-0028+0+DOC+XML+V0%2F%2FEN&language=EN | url-status = live }}] A 2005 survey reported that 64% of Armenians favoured joining the EU,[{{cite web|url=http://www.armeniaforeignministry.am/news/inthenews/050107_eu.html |title=RFE/RL Caucasus Report |publisher=Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs |date=7 January 2005 |access-date=22 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101120111039/http://armeniaforeignministry.am/news/inthenews/050107_eu.html |archive-date=20 November 2010}}] a move multiple Armenian officials have voiced support for.[{{cite news|url=http://www.arminfo.am/political-issue22.html |title=Interview with RA National Assembly Speaker Artur Baghdasaryan |publisher=ArmInfo News Agency |date=26 October 2005 |access-date=22 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113164842/http://www.arminfo.am/political-issue22.html |archive-date=13 January 2009}}]
A former Soviet republic and an [[emerging democracy]], Armenia was negotiating to become an associate EU partner and had completed negotiations to sign an [[European Union Association Agreement|Association Agreement]] with a [[Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area]] with the EU in 2013. However, the government opted not to finalize [[EU–Armenia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement#Cancellation of Association Agreement|the agreement]], and instead joined the [[Eurasian Economic Union]].[{{cite web|title = Eurasian Economic Commission|url = http://www.eurasiancommission.org/en/Pages/default.aspx|website = www.eurasiancommission.org|access-date = 13 October 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151008032729/http://www.eurasiancommission.org/en/Pages/default.aspx|archive-date = 8 October 2015|url-status=live}}][{{cite web|title = ДОГОВОР О ПРИСОЕДИНЕНИИ РЕСПУБЛИКИ АРМЕНИЯ К ДОГОВОРУ О ЕВРАЗИЙСКОМ ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОМ СОЮЗЕ ОТ 29 МАЯ 2014 ГОДА (Минск, 10 октября 2014 года)|url = http://www.customs-code.ru/pravovbaza/18429-dogovor-arm|website = www.customs-code.ru|access-date = 13 October 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141225011034/http://www.customs-code.ru/pravovbaza/18429-dogovor-arm|archive-date = 25 December 2014}}][{{cite news|title=Armenia To Join Russian-Led Customs Union|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/armenia-customs-union/25094560.html|access-date=13 September 2013|date=3 September 2013|agency=[[Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130913013339/http://www.rferl.org/content/armenia-customs-union/25094560.html|archive-date=13 September 2013|url-status=live}}] Despite this, Armenia and the EU finalized the [[Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement]] (CEPA) on 24 November 2017. The agreement enhances the relationship between Armenia and the EU to a new partnership level, further develops cooperation in economic, trade and political areas, aims to improve investment climate, and is designed to bring [[Law of Armenia|Armenian law]] gradually closer to the [[Acquis communautaire|EU acquis]].[{{Cite web|url=https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/36141/new-agreement-signed-between-european-union-and-armenia-set-bring-tangible-benefits-citizens_en |date=24 November 2017 |title=New agreement signed between the European Union and Armenia set to bring tangible benefits to citizens |publisher=European Commission|website=EEAS |language=en|access-date=16 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116140943/https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/36141/new-agreement-signed-between-european-union-and-armenia-set-bring-tangible-benefits-citizens_en|archive-date=16 January 2018|url-status=live}}][{{Cite web|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52017JC0037|title=Joint Proposal for a Council Decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Armenia, of the other part |date=25 September 2017 |website=EUR-Lex |access-date=16 September 2020|archive-date=5 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205075846/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52017JC0037|url-status=live}}][{{Cite web|url=https://www.euneighbours.eu/en/east/stay-informed/news/eu-and-armenia-take-stock-comprehensive-and-enhanced-partnership-agreement|title=EU and Armenia take stock on Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement implementation |website=EU Neighbours |date=18 December 2019 |access-date=16 September 2020|archive-date=17 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917004251/https://www.euneighbours.eu/en/east/stay-informed/news/eu-and-armenia-take-stock-comprehensive-and-enhanced-partnership-agreement}}]
Legally speaking, Armenia has the right to be considered as a [[Potential enlargement of the European Union|prospective EU member]] provided it meets necessary standards and criteria, though officially such a plan does not exist in Brussels.[{{cite web |url=http://www.libertas-institut.com/de/PDF/Armenia%20ante%20portas.pdf |title=How Armenia Could Approach the European Union |first1=Hans-Juergen |last1=Zahorka |website=Europäisches Institut GmbH |access-date=12 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080428045333/http://www.libertas-institut.com/de/PDF/Armenia%20ante%20portas.pdf |archive-date=28 April 2008 }}][{{cite web |url=http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/10/955&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en |title=EU launches negotiations on Association Agreements with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia |work=Europa (web portal) |date=15 July 2010 |access-date=21 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111204144048/http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP%2F10%2F955&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en |archive-date=4 December 2011 |url-status=live }}][{{cite web |url=http://news.am/eng/news/22489.html |title=Armenia-EU association agreement may be concluded shortly | Armenia News |date=16 June 2010 |publisher=News.am |access-date=21 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008143723/http://news.am/eng/news/22489.html |archive-date=8 October 2011 }}][{{cite web |url=http://ec.europa.eu/delegations/armenia/press_corner/all_news/news/2010/20101215_01_en.htm |title=3rd Plenary Round of the EU–Armenia Negotiation on the Association Agreement |publisher=Ec.europa.eu |date=15 December 2010 |access-date=28 August 2012 |archive-date=11 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511092533/http://ec.europa.eu/delegations/armenia/press_corner/all_news/news/2010/20101215_01_en.htm |url-status=live }}] Armenia is included in the EU's [[European Neighbourhood Policy]] (ENP) and participates in both the [[Eastern Partnership]] and the [[Euronest Parliamentary Assembly]], which aims at bringing the EU and its neighbours closer.
Following the [[2023 Azerbaijani offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh]], Armenia's relations with a long-term ally Russia started to deteriorate. In February 2024, Armenian Prime Minister [[Nikol Pashinyan]] said that the CSTO "hasn't fulfilled its security obligations towards Armenia" and that "in practice we have basically frozen our participation in the CSTO".[{{cite web |last1=Gavin |first1=Gabriel |title=Putin loses grip on member of his military alliance |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/putins-military-alliance-loses-a-member/ |website=Politico.eu |date=23 February 2024 |access-date=12 March 2024 |archive-date=7 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407015217/https://www.politico.eu/article/putins-military-alliance-loses-a-member/ |url-status=live }}] On 28 February 2024, during a speech made in the [[National Assembly (Armenia)|National Assembly]], Pashinyan further stated that the CSTO is "a threat to the national security of Armenia".[{{Cite web |title=Pashinyan warns of potential de jure freeze of Armenia's activities in CSTO if the current process continues |url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1131379.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228183425/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1131379.html |archive-date=28 February 2024 |access-date=4 March 2024 |website=[[Armenpress]]|date=28 February 2024 }}] In March 2024, Armenia officially expelled Russian border guards from the [[Zvartnots International Airport]] in Yerevan.[{{cite web |last1=Leven |first1=Denis |title=Armenia moves to expel Russian border guards from Yerevan's airport |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/armenia-foreign-minister-ararat-mirzoyan-russia-border-guards-yerevan-zvartnots-airport/ |website=Politico.eu |date=12 March 2024 |access-date=12 March 2024 |archive-date=12 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240312195545/https://www.politico.eu/article/armenia-foreign-minister-ararat-mirzoyan-russia-border-guards-yerevan-zvartnots-airport/ |url-status=live }}]
On 2 March 2024, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan advised that Armenia would officially "apply to become a candidate for EU membership in the coming days, within a month at most".[{{Cite web|url=https://en.trend.az/scaucasus/armenia/3869381.html|title=Armenia's bid for EU membership - Yerevan's shift away from Russia|website=trend.az|date=2 March 2024|access-date=12 March 2024|archive-date=16 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316145037/https://en.trend.az/scaucasus/armenia/3869381.html|url-status=live}}][{{Cite web|url=https://radar.am/en/news/press-2618720505/|title=Will Armenia apply to become a candidate for EU membership in the coming days?|website=radar.am|access-date=12 March 2024|archive-date=4 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304014540/https://radar.am/en/news/press-2618720505/|url-status=live}}] On 5 March, Pashinyan stated that Armenia would apply for EU candidacy by Autumn 2024 at the latest.[{{Cite web|url=https://hraparak.am/post/c1bb9ccbee31e8bfe4661e7849e99a75|title=Nikol Pashinyan Said That You Should Apply to Become a Candidate for EU Membership Before Autumn at the Latest|website=hraparak.am|date=5 March 2024 |access-date=12 March 2024|archive-date=14 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314123045/https://hraparak.am/post/c1bb9ccbee31e8bfe4661e7849e99a75|url-status=live}}] On 8 March 2024, Armenian Foreign Minister [[Ararat Mirzoyan]] stated, "Armenia is seeking to get closer to the West amid worsening relations with Russia" and "New opportunities are largely being discussed in Armenia nowadays, that includes membership in the European Union".[{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/armenia-mulling-eu-membership-application-foreign-minister-mirzoyan-says/|title=Armenia mulling EU membership application, foreign minister says|website=politico.eu|date=9 March 2024|access-date=12 March 2024|archive-date=10 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310172734/https://www.politico.eu/article/armenia-mulling-eu-membership-application-foreign-minister-mirzoyan-says/|url-status=live}}][{{Cite web|url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/armenia-is-considering-seeking-eu-membership-foreign-minister-says/|title=Armenia is considering seeking EU membership, foreign minister says|website=euractiv.com|date=10 March 2024 |access-date=12 March 2024|archive-date=10 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310085810/https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/armenia-is-considering-seeking-eu-membership-foreign-minister-says/|url-status=live}}]
On 12 February 2025, Armenia's parliament approved a bill officially endorsing [[Accession of Armenia to the European Union|Armenia's EU accession]]. The decision for the government to pass the bill was reported to be the first step of "the beginning of the accession process of Armenia to the European Union".[{{Cite web|url=https://www.intellinews.com/armenia-approves-eu-membership-bid-further-straining-ties-with-russia-360782|title=Armenia approves EU membership bid further straining ties with Russia|date=9 January 2025|website=www.intellinews.com|access-date=18 March 2025|archive-date=10 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250110044107/https://www.intellinews.com/armenia-approves-eu-membership-bid-further-straining-ties-with-russia-360782/|url-status=live}}][[https://www.reuters.com/world/armenian-government-approves-bill-launch-eu-accession-bid-2025-01-09/ Armenian government approves bill to launch EU accession bid]]
===Military===
{{Main|Armed Forces of Armenia}}
{{See also|Military history of Armenia}}
[[File:Armenian Air force (896484593).jpg|thumb|[[Armenian Air Force]] [[Su-25]]s during a military parade]]
The [[Armenian Army]] and [[Armenian Air Force|Air Force]] are the two branches of the Armed Forces of Armenia. The Armenian military was formed after the [[History of the Soviet Union (1985–91)|collapse of the Soviet Union]] in 1991 and with the establishment of the Ministry of Defence in 1992. The [[Commander-in-chief|Commander-in-Chief]] of the military is the [[Prime Minister of Armenia]], [[Nikol Pashinyan]]. The Ministry of Defence is in charge of political leadership, headed by [[David Tonoyan|Davit Tonoyan]], while military command remains in the hands of the general staff, headed by the [[Chief of the General Staff (Armenia)|Chief of Staff]], who is Lieutenant-General [[Onik Gasparyan]].
Active forces number about 81,000 soldiers, with an additional [[Military reserve force|reserve]] of 32,000 troops. Armenian border guards are in charge of patrolling the country's borders with [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] and [[Azerbaijan]], while Russian troops continue to monitor its borders with Iran and Turkey. In the case of an attack, Armenia is able to mobilize every able-bodied man between the age of 15 and 59, with military preparedness.{{citation needed|date=March 2021}}
The [[Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe]], which establishes comprehensive limits on key categories of military equipment, was ratified by the Armenian parliament in July 1992. In March 1993, Armenia signed the multilateral [[Chemical Weapons Convention]], which calls for the eventual elimination of chemical weapons. Armenia acceded to the [[Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty]] (NPT) as a non-nuclear weapons state in July 1993. Armenia is a member of the [[Collective Security Treaty Organisation]] (CSTO). Armenia also has an [[Individual Partnership Action Plan]] with [[NATO]] and it participates in NATO's [[Partnership for Peace]] (PiP) programme and the [[Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council]] (EAPC).
===Human rights and freedom===
{{Main|Human rights in Armenia}}
[[File:Raffi-kojian 20180423 190358284.jpg|thumb|In April 2018, a quasi-authoritarian [[Serzh Sargsyan|regime]] collapsed as a result of a nationwide [[2018 Armenian revolution|protest movement in Armenia]].]]
Armenia scored 5.63 on [[The Economist Democracy Index]], published in January 2023 (data for 2022). Although still classified as "[[hybrid regime]]", Armenia recorded the strongest improvement among European countries and reached its ever-best score since calculation began in 2006.[{{Cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2019/01/08/the-retreat-of-global-democracy-stopped-in-2018|title=The retreat of global democracy stopped in 2018|date=8 January 2019|newspaper=The Economist|access-date=9 January 2019|issn=0013-0613|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109053748/https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2019/01/08/the-retreat-of-global-democracy-stopped-in-2018|archive-date=9 January 2019|url-status=live}}]
Armenia is classified as "partly free" in the 2019 report (with data from 2018) by [[Freedom House]], which gives it a score of 51 out of 100,[{{Cite web|url=https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2019/armenia|title=Armenia|date=31 January 2019|website=freedomhouse.org|language=en|access-date=6 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015026/https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2019/armenia|archive-date=7 February 2019|url-status=live}}] which is 6 points ahead of the previous estimate.[{{Cite web|url=https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2018/armenia|title=Armenia|website=freedomhouse.org|language=en|access-date=5 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206073546/https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2018/armenia|archive-date=6 February 2018|url-status=live}}]
Armenia recorded unprecedented progress in the 2019 [[Press Freedom Index|World Press Freedom Index]] published by [[Reporters Without Borders]], improving its position by 19 points and ranking 61st on the list. The publication also confirms the absence of cases of killed journalists, citizen journalists or media assistants.[{{Cite web|url=https://rsf.org/en/armenia|title=Armenia: A revolution live-streamed {{!}} Reporters without borders|website=RSF|language=en|access-date=18 April 2019|archive-date=23 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423152125/https://rsf.org/en/armenia|url-status=live}}][{{Cite web|url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/971810/|title=Armenia improves positions in World Press Freedom Index by 19 points: Pashinyan confident in continuation of progress|website=armenpress.am|date=18 April 2019 |language=en|access-date=18 April 2019|archive-date=18 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418151639/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/971810/|url-status=live}}]
Armenia ranks 26th in the 2022 report of The Human Freedom Index published by the American [[CATO Institute]] and Canada's [[Fraser Institute]].[{{Cite news|url=https://www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/2023-01/human-freedom-index-2022.pdf|title=The Human Freedom Index 2023|work=Fraser Institute|access-date=22 June 2023|url-status=live |archive-date=22 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622140033/https://www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/2023-01/human-freedom-index-2022.pdf }}]
Armenia ranked 29th for economic freedom and 76th for personal freedom among 159 countries in the 2017 [[List of freedom indices|Human Freedom Index]] published by the [[Cato Institute]].[{{Cite web|url=https://object.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/human-freedom-index-files/2017-human-freedom-index-country-profiles.pdf|title=Country Profiles|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126185410/https://object.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/human-freedom-index-files/2017-human-freedom-index-country-profiles.pdf|archive-date=26 January 2018|url-status=live}}][{{Cite news|url=https://www.cato.org/human-freedom-index|title=Human Freedom Index|work=Cato Institute|access-date=26 January 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201014922/https://www.cato.org/human-freedom-index|archive-date=1 February 2018|url-status=live}}]
In October 2023 Armenia ratified signing the [[Rome statute]], whereby Armenia will become a full member of the [[International Criminal Court]].[{{cite web |title=The Armenian Parliament ratified the Rome Statute. What was it necessary for? |url=https://jam-news.net/armenia-ratified-the-rome-statute/ |date=3 October 2023 |access-date=3 October 2023 |archive-date=5 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005024049/https://jam-news.net/armenia-ratified-the-rome-statute/ |url-status=live }}]
==Economy==
{{Main|Economy of Armenia}}
The economy relies heavily on investment and support from Armenians abroad.[{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/19/AR2007101901471.html |title=Armenian Eyes, Ears on US Genocide Vote |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=19 October 2007 |access-date=7 July 2009 |first=Avet |last=Demourian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100425123241/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/19/AR2007101901471.html |archive-date=25 April 2010 |url-status=live }}] Before independence, Armenia's economy was largely industry-based – [[chemical substance|chemicals]], [[electronics]], machinery, [[food processing|processed food]], [[synthetic rubber]], and textile – and highly dependent on outside resources. The republic had developed a modern [[Secondary sector of the economy|industrial sector]], supplying [[machine tool]]s, textiles, and other [[Final goods|manufactured goods]] to sister republics in exchange for raw materials and energy.[Z. Lerman and A. Mirzakhanian, ''Private Agriculture in Armenia'', Lexington Books, Lanham, MD, 2001.] This increase in the importance of agriculture was attributable to food security needs of the population in the face of uncertainty during the first phases of [[transition economy|transition]] and the collapse of the non-agricultural sectors of the economy in the early 1990s. As the economic situation stabilised and growth resumed, the share of agriculture in GDP dropped to slightly over 20% (2006 data), although the share of agriculture in employment remained more than 40%.[[http://www.armstat.am/en/?nid=179 Statistical Yearbook 2007] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003060915/http://www.armstat.am/en/?nid=179 |date=3 October 2008 }}, Armenia National Statistical Service, Yerevan]
[[File:Mount Ararat and the Yerevan skyline.jpg|thumb|[[Yerevan]] is the economic and cultural centre of Armenia.]]
Armenian mines produce copper, zinc, gold, and lead. The vast majority of energy is produced with fuel imported from Russia, including gas and nuclear fuel (for its one nuclear power plant); the main domestic energy source is hydroelectric. Small deposits of coal, gas, and petroleum exist but have not yet been developed.
Access to [[biocapacity]] in Armenia is lower than world average. In 2016, Armenia had 0.8 global hectares [{{cite web|url=http://data.footprintnetwork.org/#/countryTrends?cn=1&type=BCpc,EFCpc|title=Country Trends|publisher=Global Footprint Network|access-date=24 June 2020|archive-date=8 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808050235/http://data.footprintnetwork.org/#/countryTrends?cn=1&type=BCpc,EFCpc|url-status=live}}] of biocapacity per person within its territory, much less than the world average of 1.6 global hectares per person.[{{Cite journal |last1=Lin |first1=David |last2=Hanscom |first2=Laurel |last3=Murthy |first3=Adeline |last4=Galli |first4=Alessandro |last5=Evans |first5=Mikel |last6=Neill |first6=Evan |last7=Mancini |first7=MariaSerena |last8=Martindill |first8=Jon |last9=Medouar |first9=FatimeZahra |last10=Huang |first10=Shiyu |last11=Wackernagel |first11=Mathis |date=2018 |title=Ecological Footprint Accounting for Countries: Updates and Results of the National Footprint Accounts, 2012-2018 |journal=Resources |language=en |volume=7 |issue=3 |page=58 |doi=10.3390/resources7030058 |doi-access=free|bibcode=2018Resou...7...58L }}] In 2016 Armenia used 1.9 global hectares of biocapacity per person—their [[ecological footprint]] of consumption. This means they use double as much biocapacity as Armenia contains. As a result, Armenia is running a biocapacity deficit.[
Like other [[Post-Soviet states|newly independent states]] of the former Soviet Union, Armenia's economy suffers from the breakdown of former Soviet trading patterns. Soviet investment in and support of Armenian industry has virtually disappeared, so that few major enterprises are still able to function. In addition, the effects of the [[1988 Armenian earthquake|1988 Spitak earthquake]], which killed more than 25,000 people and made 500,000 homeless, are still being felt. The conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh has not been resolved. Shutdown of the nuclear power plant in 1989 led to the [[Armenian energy crisis of 1990s]]. The GDP fell nearly 60% between 1989 and 1993, but then resumed robust growth after the power plant was reopened in 1995.][ The national currency, the dram, suffered hyperinflation for the first years after its introduction in 1993.
Nevertheless, the government was able to make wide-ranging economic reforms that paid off in dramatically lower inflation and steady growth. The 1994 ceasefire in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has also helped the economy. Armenia has had strong economic growth since 1995, building on the turnaround that began the previous year, and inflation has been negligible for the past several years. New sectors, such as precious-stone processing and jewelry making, information and communication technology and [[Tourism in Armenia|tourism]] are beginning to supplement more traditional sectors of the economy, such as agriculture.][{{cite web|url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/armenia-becoming-world-class-hiking-destination-180965096/|title=How Armenia Plans to Become the Next World-Class Hiking Destination|first=Laura|last=Kiniry|access-date=4 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205000848/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/armenia-becoming-world-class-hiking-destination-180965096/|archive-date=5 February 2018|url-status=live}}]
This steady economic progress has earned Armenia increasing support from international institutions. The [[International Monetary Fund]] (IMF), [[World Bank]], [[European Bank for Reconstruction and Development]] (EBRD), and other [[Global financial system|international financial institutions]] (IFIs) and foreign countries are extending considerable grants and loans. Loans to Armenia since 1993 exceed $1.1 billion. These loans are targeted at reducing the budget deficit and stabilising the currency; developing private businesses; energy; agriculture; food processing; transportation; the health and education sectors; and ongoing rehabilitation in the earthquake zone. The government joined the WTO on 5 February 2003. But one of the main sources of foreign direct investments remains the Armenian diaspora, which finances major parts of the reconstruction of infrastructure and other public projects. Being a growing democratic state, Armenia also hopes to get more financial aid from the Western World.
A liberal foreign investment law was approved in June 1994, and a law on privatisation was adopted in 1997, as well as a programme of state property privatisation. Continued progress will depend on the ability of the government to strengthen its macroeconomic management, including increasing revenue collection, improving the investment climate, and making strides against corruption. However, unemployment, which was 18.5% in 2015,[{{cite web|url=http://www.armstat.am/en/?nid=126&id=08010|title=Unemployment Armenia|publisher=Armenian Statistical Service of Republic of Armenia|access-date=6 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507095233/http://www.armstat.am/en/?id=08010&nid=126|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live}}] still remains a major problem due to the influx of thousands of refugees from the Karabakh conflict.
In 2017, the economy grew by 7.5% due to rising copper prices.[{{cite web |date= |publisher=Heritage Organisation |title=Index of Economic Freedom: Armenia |url=https://www.heritage.org/index/country/armenia |access-date=12 October 2022 |archive-date=28 August 2021 |url-status=unfit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828191141/https://www.heritage.org/index/country/armenia }}]
The Armenian economy is predicted to grow by 13% in 2022 due to a huge influx of Russian citizens.[{{Cite web |title=The head of the Central Bank of Armenia hopes for economic growth at the end of the year by 13% |url=https://www.akm.ru/eng/news/the-head-of-the-central-bank-of-armenia-hopes-for-economic-growth-at-the-end-of-the-year-by-13/ |access-date=27 October 2022 |website=AKM EN |date=20 October 2022 |language=en |archive-date=27 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027111907/https://www.akm.ru/eng/news/the-head-of-the-central-bank-of-armenia-hopes-for-economic-growth-at-the-end-of-the-year-by-13/ |url-status=live }}] The IMF's preliminary forecast as of March 2022 predicted growth of 1.5% for the year.[{{Cite web |date=18 March 2022 |title=IMF slashes forecast for Armenian economic growth for 2022 |url=https://www.intellinews.com/imf-slashes-forecast-for-armenian-economic-growth-for-2022-238495/ |access-date=27 October 2022 |website=www.intellinews.com |language=en |archive-date=27 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027111907/https://www.intellinews.com/imf-slashes-forecast-for-armenian-economic-growth-for-2022-238495/ |url-status=live }}]
===Science and technology===
{{Main|Science and technology in Armenia}}
Research spending is low in Armenia, averaging 0.25% of GDP over 2010–2013. However, the statistical record of research expenditure is incomplete, as expenditure by privately owned business enterprises is not surveyed in Armenia. The world average for domestic expenditure on research was 1.7% of GDP in 2013.[{{Cite book|url=http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0023/002354/235406e.pdf|title=Countries in the Black Sea basin. In: UNESCO Science Report: towards 2030|last1=Erocal|first1=Deniz|last2=Yegorov|first2=Igor|publisher=UNESCO|year=2015|isbn=978-92-3-100129-1|location=Paris|pages=324–41|access-date=13 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630025557/http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0023/002354/235406e.pdf|archive-date=30 June 2017|url-status=live}}]
[[File:GERD GDP ratio for the Black Sea countries, 2001–2013.svg|thumb|Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (GERD) to GDP ratio for the Black Sea countries, 2001–2013. Source: UNESCO Science Report: towards 2030 (2015), Figure 12.3.]]
The country's ''Strategy for the Development of Science 2011–2020'' envisions that 'by 2020, Armenia is a country with a knowledge-based economy and is competitive within the European Research Area with its level of basic and applied research.' It fixes the following targets:[{{Cite web |title=GII Innovation Ecosystems & Data Explorer 2025 |url=https://www.wipo.int/gii-ranking/en/armenia |access-date=2025-10-16 |website=WIPO |archive-date=27 September 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250927221357/https://www.wipo.int/gii-ranking/en/armenia |url-status=live }}][{{Cite book |last1=Dutta |first1=Soumitra |url=https://www.wipo.int/web-publications/global-innovation-index-2025/en/index.html |title=Global Innovation Index 2025: Innovation at a Crossroads |last2=Lanvin |first2=Bruno |publisher=[[World Intellectual Property Organization]] |year=2025 |isbn=978-92-805-3797-0 |page=19 |language=en |doi=10.34667/tind.58864 |access-date=2025-10-17 |archive-date=12 October 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251012035001/https://www.wipo.int/web-publications/global-innovation-index-2025/en/index.html |url-status=live }}]
==Demographics==
{{Main|Demographics of Armenia|Armenians}}
[[File:Bevölkerungspyramide Armenien 2016.png|thumb|Population pyramid 2016]]
Armenia has a population of 3,081,100 as of 2025.[{{cite web |url=https://armstat.am/file/article/sv_03_25a_510.pdf |title=5. ՍՈՑԻԱԼ-ԺՈՂՈՎՐԴԱԳՐԱԿԱՆ ՀԱՏՎԱԾ |language=Armenian |publisher=ARMSTAT Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia |access-date=15 May 2025 |archive-date=16 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250716000224/https://armstat.am/file/article/sv_03_25a_510.pdf |url-status=live }}] It is the third most densely populated of the former Soviet republics.[{{Cite web|url=https://www.google.com/publicdata/explore?ds=d5bncppjof8f9_&met_y=ny_gdp_mktp_cd&dl=en#!ctype=l&strail=false&bcs=d&nselm=h&met_y=en_pop_dnst&scale_y=lin&ind_y=false&rdim=region&idim=country:ARM:GEO:AZE:MDA:KAZ:BLR:EST:LVA:LTU:RUS:TJK:TKM:UKR:UZB&ifdim=region&tstart=319579200000&tend=1455652800000&dl=en&ind=false|title=World Development Indicators – Google Public Data Explorer|website=www.google.com|access-date=17 February 2018|archive-date=4 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004180229/https://www.google.com/publicdata/explore?ds=d5bncppjof8f9_&met_y=ny_gdp_mktp_cd&dl=en#!ctype=l&strail=false&bcs=d&nselm=h&met_y=en_pop_dnst&scale_y=lin&ind_y=false&rdim=region&idim=country:ARM:GEO:AZE:MDA:KAZ:BLR:EST:LVA:LTU:RUS:TJK:TKM:UKR:UZB&ifdim=region&tstart=319579200000&tend=1455652800000&dl=en&ind=false|url-status=live}}] The country has faced [[population decline]] since the breakup of the [[USSR]] due to high levels of [[emigration]];[{{cite web|last=Paul |first=Amanda |title=Armenia's disappearing population |work=TodaysZaman |url=http://www.todayszaman.com/columnist-251720-armenias-disappearing-population.html |access-date=27 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727030616/http://www.todayszaman.com/columnist-251720-armenias-disappearing-population.html |archive-date=27 July 2011 }}] the population peaked at 3.6 million in 1991. However, since 2012, the emigration rate has slowed, and some population growth has been observed.[{{Cite web|url=https://www.google.com/publicdata/explore?ds=d5bncppjof8f9_&met_y=ny_gdp_mktp_cd&dl=en#!ctype=l&strail=false&bcs=d&nselm=h&met_y=sp_pop_grow&scale_y=lin&ind_y=false&rdim=region&idim=country:ARM&ifdim=region&tstart=319579200000&tend=1455652800000&dl=en&ind=false|title=World Development Indicators – Google Public Data Explorer|website=www.google.com|access-date=17 February 2018|archive-date=4 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004180235/https://www.google.com/publicdata/explore?ds=d5bncppjof8f9_&met_y=ny_gdp_mktp_cd&dl=en#!ctype=l&strail=false&bcs=d&nselm=h&met_y=sp_pop_grow&scale_y=lin&ind_y=false&rdim=region&idim=country:ARM&ifdim=region&tstart=319579200000&tend=1455652800000&dl=en&ind=false|url-status=live}}]
[[File:ArmenianDiaspora.png|thumb|The [[Armenian diaspora|Armenian population around the world]]]]
Armenia has [[Armenian diaspora|a relatively large external diaspora]]—8 million by some estimates, greatly exceeding the 3 million people in Armenia itself—which is dispersed across the globe. The largest Armenian communities outside of Armenia are in Russia (1.1 million–2.9 million), the United States (1 million–1.5 million), and France (250,000–750,000); sizable numbers are also found in Georgia, Syria, Lebanon, Australia, Canada, Greece, Cyprus, Israel, Poland, Ukraine, and Brazil. Roughly 40,000 to 70,000 Armenians still live in Turkey (mostly in and around [[Istanbul]]),[{{cite web
|last=Turay
|first=Anna
|title=Tarihte Ermeniler
|publisher=Bolsohays:Istanbul Armenians Like many other ethnicities [[Armenians in India]] too have played a role historically and had an impact historically. Today however the community has been reduced to about a hundred living in [[Kolkata|Calcutta]].
|url=http://www.bolsohays.com/webac.asp?referans=1
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080209171028/http://www.bolsohays.com/webac.asp?referans=1
|archive-date=9 February 2008
|access-date=4 January 2007
|url-status=live
}}] not including between 500,000 and 3 million Turkish citizens who have [[Hidden Armenians|"hidden" Armenian ancestry]].
About 1,000 Armenians reside in the [[Armenian Quarter]] in the [[Old City (Jerusalem)|Old City]] of [[Jerusalem]], a remnant of a once-larger community.[{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Society_&_Culture/geo/armenianq.html|encyclopedia=[[Jewish Virtual Library]]|title=Jerusalem – The Old City: The Armenian Quarter|access-date=22 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121182041/http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Society_%26_Culture/geo/armenianq.html|archive-date=21 November 2008|url-status=live}}] Italy is home to the [[San Lazzaro degli Armeni]], an island located in the [[Venetian Lagoon]], which is completely occupied by a monastery run by the [[Mechitarists]], an [[Armenian Catholic Church|Armenian Catholic]] congregation.[{{cite web|url=http://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/san_lazzaro_degli_armeni.htm |title=San Lazzaro degli Armeni – Venice for Visitors |publisher=Europeforvisitors.com |access-date=30 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101122040326/http://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/san_lazzaro_degli_armeni.htm |archive-date=22 November 2010 |url-status=live }}]
Approximately 139,000 Armenians lived in the ''de facto'' independent country [[Republic of Artsakh]], where they formed a majority before 1 October 2023, when [[Expulsion of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians|almost the entire population]] fled to Armenia.[{{cite news |title=Nagorno-Karabakh almost empty as most of population flees to Armenia |url=https://www.rfi.fr/en/europe/20230930-nagorno-karabakh-almost-empty-as-most-of-population-flees-to-armenia |date=30 September 2023 |publisher=Radio France Internationale |access-date=30 September 2023 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002020258/https://www.rfi.fr/en/europe/20230930-nagorno-karabakh-almost-empty-as-most-of-population-flees-to-armenia |url-status=live }}][{{cite web|url=http://www.stat-nkr.am/2002_2007/0_2%20himcuc_6-10.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100331153541/http://www.stat-nkr.am/2002_2007/0_2%20himcuc_6-10.pdf |archive-date=31 March 2010 |title=Population in Nagorno-Karabakh 2007 |publisher=National Statistical Service of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic |access-date=22 July 2009 }}]
===Cities===
{{See also|Municipalities of Armenia}}
{{Largest cities
| country = Armenia
| stat_ref = Armenia 2022 census[{{cite web|url=https://www.armstat.am/en/?nid=82&id=2623|title=The Main Results of RA Census 2022, trilingual / Armenian Statistical Service of Republic of Armenia|website=www.armstat.am|access-date=18 November 2024|archive-date=20 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080520030736/https://www.armstat.am/en/?nid=82&id=2623|url-status=live}}]
| list_by_pop =
| div_name = Province
| div_link =
| city_1 = Yerevan | div_1 = Yerevan | pop_1 = 1,086,677
| city_2 = Gyumri | div_2 = Shirak Province{{!}}Shirak | pop_2 = 112,301
| city_3 = Vanadzor | div_3 = Lori Province{{!}}Lori | pop_3 = 75,186
| city_4 = Abovyan | div_4 = Kotayk Province{{!}}Kotayk | pop_4 = 46,434
| city_5 = Vagharshapat | div_5 = Armavir Province{{!}}Armavir | pop_5 = 44,837
| city_6 = Hrazdan | div_6 = Kotayk Province{{!}}Kotayk | pop_6 = 44,231
| city_7 = Kapan | div_7 = Syunik Province{{!}}Syunik | pop_7 = 32,780
| city_8 = Armavir, Armenia{{!}}Armavir | div_8 = Armavir Province{{!}}Armavir | pop_8 = 27,470
| city_9 = Charentsavan | div_9 = Kotayk Province{{!}}Kotayk | pop_9 = 22,071
| city_10 = Masis, Armenia{{!}}Masis | div_10 = Ararat Province{{!}}Ararat | pop_10 = 20,081
| city_11 = Artashat, Armenia{{!}}Artashat | div_11 = Ararat Province{{!}}Ararat |pop_11 = 19,020
| city_12 = Sevan, Armenia{{!}}Sevan | div_12 = Gegharkunik Province{{!}}Gegharkunik | pop_12 = 18,705
| city_13 = Ijevan | div_13 = Tavush Province{{!}}Tavush | pop_13 = 18,689
| city_14 = Gavar | div_14 = Gegharkunik Province{{!}}Gegharkunik | pop_14 = 17,741
| city_15 = Artik | div_15 = Shirak Province{{!}}Shirak | pop_15 = 17,647
| city_16 = Goris | div_16 = Syunik Province{{!}}Syunik | pop_16 = 17,113
| city_17 = Ararat, Armenia{{!}}Ararat | div_17 = Ararat Province{{!}}Ararat | pop_17 = 16,592
| city_18 = Dilijan | div_18 = Tavush Province{{!}}Tavush | pop_18 = 15,914
| city_19 = Ashtarak | div_19 = Aragatsotn Province{{!}}Aragatsotn | pop_19 = 15,686
| city_20 = Sisian | div_20 = Syunik Province{{!}}Syunik | pop_20 = 13,179
}}
===Ethnic groups===
{{See also|Ethnic minorities in Armenia}}
[[File:Armenian distribution map.png|thumb|'''Historical and modern distribution of Armenians.
'''Settlement area of Armenians in early 20th century:
{{legend inline|#967117|>50%}}{{nbsp|5}}{{legend inline|#FFA700|25–50%}}{{nbsp|5}}{{legend inline|#FBEC5D|<25%}}{{legend|#FF0000|Armenian settlement area today}}]]
[[File:Armenia before WW1.png|thumb|Armenians in the Ottoman Empire and the Russian Empire before World War I.]]
At the beginning of the 21st century ethnic [[Armenians]] made up 98.1% of the population. [[Yazidi]]s 1.1%, and Russians 0.5%. Other minorities include [[Assyrian people|Assyrians]], [[Ukrainians]], [[Pontic Greeks|Greeks]] (usually called [[Caucasus Greeks]]), [[Kurdish people|Kurds]], [[Georgians]], [[Belarusians]], and [[History of the Jews in Armenia|Jews]]. There are also smaller communities of [[Vlachs]], [[Mordvins]], [[Ossetians]], [[Udi people|Udis]], and [[Tat people (Caucasus)|Tats]]. Minorities of [[Polish people|Poles]] and [[Caucasus Germans]] also exist though they are heavily [[Russification|Russified]].[{{Cite book |first1=Garnik|last1=Asatryan|first2=Victoria|last2=Arakelova|title=The Ethnic Minorities of Armenia|publisher=[[Routledge]]|year=2002 }}, part of the [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe|OSCE]]] As of 2022, there are 31,077 Yazidis in Armenia.[{{cite web |last1= |first1= |date= |title=The Main Results of RA Census 2022 |url=https://www.armstat.am/en/?nid=82&id=2623 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080520030736/https://www.armstat.am/en/?nid=82&id=2623 |archive-date=20 May 2008 |access-date=1 February 2022 |website=ArmStat |url-status=live }}]
During the [[Soviet era]], [[Azerbaijanis]] were historically the second largest population in the country, numbering 76,550 in 1922,[{{cite journal |author=|date=15 December 1925|title=The Transcaucasian Soviet Federation|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fkHjAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA497|journal=Russian Review|volume=3|issue=24|page=498|location=Washington, D.C.|publisher=The Russian Information Bureau|access-date=20 April 2022}}] and forming about 2.5% in 1989.[{{in lang|ru}} [http://demoscope.ru/weekly/ssp/sng_nac_89.php?reg=13 The All-Union Population Census of 1989] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104081804/http://demoscope.ru/weekly/ssp/sng_nac_89.php?reg=13 |date=4 January 2012 }}. ''Demoscope.ru''] However, due to the conflict over [[Nagorno-Karabakh]], virtually all of them emigrated from Armenia to Azerbaijan. Conversely, Armenia received a large influx of Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan, thus giving Armenia a more homogeneous character.
According to Gallup research conducted in 2017 Armenia has one of the highest migrant acceptance (welcoming) rates in eastern Europe.[{{Cite news|url=http://news.gallup.com/poll/216377/new-index-shows-least-accepting-countries-migrants.aspx?g_source=link_newsv9&g_campaign=item_224375&g_medium=copy|title=New Index Shows Least-, Most-Accepting Countries for Migrants|work=Gallup.com|access-date=19 January 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119175602/http://news.gallup.com/poll/216377/new-index-shows-least-accepting-countries-migrants.aspx?g_source=link_newsv9&g_campaign=item_224375&g_medium=copy|archive-date=19 January 2018|url-status=live}}]
===Languages===
{{Main|Languages of Armenia}}
[[File:THE ARMENIAN ALPHABET, OSHAKAN, ARMENIA.jpg|thumb|upright|Armenian-language writing]]
Armenians have their own distinct [[Armenian alphabet|alphabet]] and [[Armenian language|language]],[Charles Dowsett, E. Peters. ''Sayat'-Nova. An 18th-century Troubadour: a Biographical and Literary Study''. Peeters Publishers, 1997 {{ISBN|90-6831-795-4}}; p. xv] which is the only official language. The alphabet, invented by Mesrop Mashtots, consists of thirty-nine letters, three of which were added during the [[Kingdom of Cilicia|Cilician period]].{{sfn|Hacikyan|Basmajian|Franchuk|Ouzounian|2000|p=87}} The main foreign languages that Armenians know are Russian and English. Due to its Soviet past, most of the old population can speak Russian quite well. According to a 2013 survey, 95% of Armenians said they had some knowledge of Russian (24% advanced, 59% intermediate) compared to 40% who said they knew some English (4% advanced, 16% intermediate and 20% beginner). However, more adults (50%) think that English should be taught in public secondary schools than those who prefer Russian (44%).[{{cite web|title=The South Caucasus Between The EU and the Eurasian Union|url=http://www.css.ethz.ch/publications/pdfs/CAD-51-52.pdf|work=Caucasus Analytical Digest #51–52|publisher=Forschungsstelle Osteuropa, Bremen and Center for Security Studies, Zürich|access-date=3 July 2013|pages=22–23|date=17 June 2013|issn=1867-9323|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029210003/http://www.css.ethz.ch/publications/pdfs/CAD-51-52.pdf|archive-date=29 October 2013}}]
===Religion===
{{Main|Religion in Armenia}}
[[File:Khor Virap Monastery and Mount Ararat, Armenia.jpg|thumb|The 7th-century [[Khor Virap]] monastery in the shadow of [[Mount Ararat]], the peak on which [[Noah's Ark]] is said to have landed during the [[Genesis flood narrative|biblical flood]].]]
[[File:PortalEchmiazin1.jpg|thumb|upright|Portal to the Holy See at Etchmiadzin, the seat of the Catholicos]]
The predominant [[Religion in Armenia|religion of Armenia]] is Christianity. Its roots in the country go back to the 1st century AD, when it arrived by way of the apostles Thaddaeus and Bartholomew.{{sfn|Hacikyan|Basmajian|Franchuk|Ouzounian|2000|pp=75-76}}{{sfn|Walker|1990|p=24}} Armenia was the first nation to adopt [[Christianity]] as a [[state religion]],[{{cite web|title=Armenian Census 2011|url=http://armstat.am/file/article/sv_03_13a_520.pdf|access-date=25 October 2015|page=7|language=hy|archive-date=21 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121025510/https://www.armstat.am/file/article/sv_03_13a_520.pdf|url-status=live}}][ which is in communion only with the churches comprising [[Oriental Orthodoxy#Oriental Orthodox Communion|Oriental Orthodoxy]]—of which it is itself a member.][{{Cite web |title=Orthodox churches (Oriental) {{!}} World Council of Churches |url=https://www.oikoumene.org/church-families/orthodox-churches-oriental#:~:text=The%20Oriental%20Orthodox%20churches,%20which,Antioch%20and%20All%20the%20East |access-date=2025-09-25 |website=www.oikoumene.org |archive-date=20 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120222938/https://www.oikoumene.org/church-families/orthodox-churches-oriental#:~:text=The%20Oriental%20Orthodox%20churches,%20which,Antioch%20and%20All%20the%20East |url-status=live }}]
The [[Catholic Church]] maintains jurisdictions of both the [[Latin Church]] and [[Armenian Catholic Church]] in Armenia. Of note are the [[Mechitarists]] (also spelled "Mekhitarists" {{langx|hy|Մխիթարեան}}), a congregation of [[Order of Saint Benedict|Benedictine]] monks in the Armenian Catholic Church, founded in 1712 by [[Mekhitar of Sebaste]]. They are best known for their series of scholarly publications of ancient [[Armenians|Armenian]] versions of otherwise lost ancient Greek texts.
Other Christian denominations include the [[Armenian Evangelical Church]] and the Pentecostal branches of the Protestant community. These include the Word of Life, the [[Armenian Brotherhood Church]],[{{cite web |url=http://abcy.org/ |title=Armenian Brotherhood Church of Yerevan |access-date=31 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331181252/http://abcy.org/ |archive-date=31 March 2014 |url-status=live}}] the [[Baptists]] (which are known as one of the oldest existing denominations in Armenia, and were permitted by the authorities of the Soviet Union),[{{cite web |url=http://armbaplife.am/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070825192643/http://www.armbaplife.am/ |archive-date=25 August 2007 |title=Armenian Evangelical Christian Baptist |publisher=Armbaplife.am |access-date=28 August 2012}}][{{cite web|url=http://goodnewsadvertising.com/biblical_recorder.pdf |title=Despite poverty, Baptists prosper in Armenia |work=[[Biblical Recorder]] |publisher=Baptist State convention of North Carolina |date=17 July 2004 |access-date=28 June 2010 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081119232701/http://www.goodnewsadvertising.com/biblical_recorder.pdf |archive-date=19 November 2008}}] and [[Presbyterians]].[{{cite news |url=http://highbeam.com/doc/1P1-79125406.html |title=Armenian Presbyterian Church to Commemorate 1700th Anniversary of Christianity in Armenia with Concert and Khachkar Dedication |work=The Armenian Reporter |date=20 October 2001 |access-date=21 May 2011 |via=[[HighBeam Research]] |url-access=subscription |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510012451/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-79125406.html |archive-date=10 May 2011 }}]
Armenia is also home to a [[Russians in Armenia|Russian]] community of [[Molokan]]s which practice a form of Spiritual Christianity originated from the [[Russian Orthodox Church]].[{{cite book|last1=Lane|first1=Christel|title=Christian religion in the Soviet Union: a sociological study|date=1978|publisher=State univ. of New York P.|location=Albany|isbn=978-0-87395-327-6|page=[https://archive.org/details/christianreligio0000lane_y2b9/page/107 107]|url=https://archive.org/details/christianreligio0000lane_y2b9|url-access=registration|access-date=27 August 2015}}]
The Yazidis, who live in the western part of the country, practice [[Yazidism]].[{{cite web|url=http://www.minorities-network.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/The-ethnic-minorities-of-Armenia.pdf|title=The Ethnic Minorities of Armenia|date=2002|location=Yerevan|access-date=27 January 2021|archive-date=19 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819163826/http://www.minorities-network.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/The-ethnic-minorities-of-Armenia.pdf|url-status=live}}] The world's largest Yazidi temple, [[Quba Mêrê Dîwanê]], was completed in 2019[{{cite news|last=Bardi|first=Ariel Sophia|date=11 November 2019|title=Inside the world's biggest Yazidi temple in Armenia|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2019/11/11/inside-the-worlds-biggest-yazidi-temple-in-armenia|newspaper=Al Jazeera|access-date=27 March 2022|archive-date=27 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327081635/https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2019/11/11/inside-the-worlds-biggest-yazidi-temple-in-armenia|url-status=live}}] in the village of [[Aknalich]].[Curtis, Glenn E. and Ronald G. Suny. "Education". [http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/amtoc.html Armenia: A Country Study] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090912060405/http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/amtoc.html |date=12 September 2009 }}. [[Library of Congress]] [[Federal Research Division]] (March 1994). ''This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.''] [[Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic|In the communist era]], Armenian education followed the standard Soviet model of complete state control (from Moscow) of [[curriculum|curricula]] and teaching methods and close integration of education activities with other aspects of society, such as politics, culture, and the economy.[ Because at least 98% of students in higher education were Armenian, curricula began to emphasise [[History of Armenia|Armenian history]] and culture.][ [[Armenian language|Armenian]] became the dominant language of instruction, and many schools that had taught in Russian closed by the end of 1991.][ Russian was still widely taught, however, as a second language.][
In 2014, the National Programme for Educational Excellence embarked on creating an internationally competitive and academically rigorous alternative educational programme (the Araratian Baccalaureate) for Armenian schools and increasing the importance and status of the teacher's role in society.][{{cite web|url=http://araratbaccalaureate.am/en/about-us|title=About us|website=araratbaccalaureate.am|access-date=2 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202130722/http://araratbaccalaureate.am/en/about-us|archive-date=2 February 2018|url-status=live}}][{{Cite web|url=https://foundation.ayb.am/frontend/images/ck/files/Armenia%20Araratian%20Baccalaureate%20Briefing.pdf|title=The Araratian Baccalaureate: A guide for universities|access-date=2 February 2018|archive-date=4 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004180225/https://foundation.ayb.am/frontend/images/ck/files/Armenia%20Araratian%20Baccalaureate%20Briefing.pdf|url-status=live}}]
The Ministry of Education and Science is responsible for regulation of the sector. Primary and secondary education in Armenia is free, and completion of secondary school is compulsory.[{{Cite web|url=https://www.google.com/publicdata/explore?ds=d5bncppjof8f9_&ctype=l&strail=false&bcs=d&nselm=h&met_y=school_enrollment&fdim_y=education_level:4&fdim_y=gross_net:1&scale_y=lin&ind_y=false&rdim=region&idim=region:ECS&idim=country:ARM:GEO:AZE&ifdim=region&tstart=888264000000&tend=1424721600000&dl=en&ind=false|title=Chart – World Development Indicators (Google Public Data Explorer)|website=www.google.com|access-date=24 February 2018|archive-date=26 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726124548/https://www.google.com/publicdata/explore?ds=d5bncppjof8f9_&ctype=l&strail=false&bcs=d&nselm=h&met_y=school_enrollment&fdim_y=education_level:4&fdim_y=gross_net:1&scale_y=lin&ind_y=false&rdim=region&idim=region:ECS&idim=country:ARM:GEO:AZE&ifdim=region&tstart=888264000000&tend=1424721600000&dl=en&ind=false|url-status=live}}] However, public spending per student in tertiary education in GDP-ratio terms is one of the lowest for post-USSR countries (for which data was available).[{{Cite web|url=https://www.google.com/publicdata/explore?ds=d5bncppjof8f9_&ctype=l&strail=false&bcs=d&nselm=h&met_y=expenditure_per_student&fdim_y=education_level:4&scale_y=lin&ind_y=false&rdim=region&idim=region:ECS&idim=country:ARM:RUS:LVA:AZE:BLR:EST:GEO:KAZ:KGZ:MDA:TJK:UKR&ifdim=region&tstart=888264000000&tend=1424721600000&dl=en&ind=false|title=Chart – World Development Indicators (Google Public Data Explorer)|website=www.google.com|access-date=24 February 2018|archive-date=26 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726124539/https://www.google.com/publicdata/explore?ds=d5bncppjof8f9_&ctype=l&strail=false&bcs=d&nselm=h&met_y=expenditure_per_student&fdim_y=education_level:4&scale_y=lin&ind_y=false&rdim=region&idim=region:ECS&idim=country:ARM:RUS:LVA:AZE:BLR:EST:GEO:KAZ:KGZ:MDA:TJK:UKR&ifdim=region&tstart=888264000000&tend=1424721600000&dl=en&ind=false|url-status=live}}]
{{clear left}}
===Health===
{{Main|Health in Armenia}}
Healthcare in Armenia has undergone significant changes since independence in 1991. Initially, the Soviet healthcare system was highly centralized and provided free medical assistance to all citizens. After independence, the healthcare system underwent reform and primary care services have been free of charge since 2006. Despite improvements in accessibility and the implementation of an Open Enrollment programme, out-of-pocket health expenditures remain high and corruption among healthcare professionals remains a concern.[{{Cite news | url=https://www.azatutyun.am/a/29938027.html | title=Minister Cautious About Corruption in Healthcare | newspaper=«Ազատ Եվրոպա/Ազատություն» Ռադիոկայան | date=13 May 2019 | last1=Badalian | first1=Susan | access-date=2 January 2023 | archive-date=31 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331155524/https://www.azatutyun.am/a/29938027.html | url-status=live }}] In 2019, healthcare became free for all citizens under the age of 18 and the number of people receiving free or subsidized care under the Basic Benefits Package was increased.[{{Cite web |url=https://evnreport.com/magazine-issues/armenia-s-basic-benefits-package-and-universal-health-insurance-systems/ |title=Armenia's Basic Benefits Package and Universal Health Insurance Systems |date=29 November 2021 |access-date=2 January 2023 |archive-date=24 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324153438/https://evnreport.com/magazine-issues/armenia-s-basic-benefits-package-and-universal-health-insurance-systems/ |url-status=live }}][{{Cite web |url=https://emerging-europe.com/news/armenia-to-introduce-free-healthcare-for-the-under-18s/ |title=Armenia to introduce free healthcare for the under-18s |date=27 June 2019 |access-date=2 January 2023 |archive-date=27 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627220218/https://emerging-europe.com/news/armenia-to-introduce-free-healthcare-for-the-under-18s/ |url-status=live }}]
After a significant decline in earlier decades, crude{{efn|Crude rates are not age-adjusted.}} birth rates in Armenia slightly increased from 13.0 (per 1000 people) in the year 1998 to 14.2 in 2015;[{{Cite web|url=https://www.google.com/publicdata/explore?ds=d5bncppjof8f9_&ctype=l&strail=false&bcs=d&nselm=h&met_y=sp_dyn_cbrt_in&scale_y=lin&ind_y=false&rdim=region&idim=country:ARM&idim=region:ECS&ifdim=region&hl=en&dl=en&ind=false|title=Chart – World Development Indicators (Google Public Data Explorer)|website=www.google.com|access-date=24 February 2018|archive-date=4 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904234224/http://www.google.com/publicdata/explore?ds=d5bncppjof8f9_|url-status=live}}] this timeframe also showed a similar trajectory in the crude death rate, which grew from 8.6 to 9.3.[{{Cite web|url=https://www.google.com/publicdata/explore?ds=d5bncppjof8f9_&ctype=l&strail=false&bcs=d&nselm=h&met_y=sp_dyn_cdrt_in&scale_y=lin&ind_y=false&rdim=region&idim=country:ARM&idim=region:ECS&ifdim=region&hl=en&dl=en&ind=false|title=Chart – World Development Indicators (Google Public Data Explorer)|website=www.google.com|access-date=24 February 2018|archive-date=4 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904234224/http://www.google.com/publicdata/explore?ds=d5bncppjof8f9_|url-status=live}}] [[Life expectancy|Life expectancy at birth]] at 74.8 years was the 4th-highest among the [[Post-Soviet states]] in 2014.[{{Cite web|url=https://www.google.com/publicdata/explore?ds=d5bncppjof8f9_&ctype=c&strail=false&bcs=d&nselm=h&met_y=sp_dyn_le00_in&scale_y=lin&ind_y=false&idim=country:ARM:GEO:BLR:LVA:LTU:RUS:AZE:KAZ:MDA:TJK:TKM:UZB:EST:UKR:KGZ&ifdim=country:region:ECS&tunit=Y&pit=1424721600000&hl=en&dl=en&ind=false&icfg|title=Chart – World Development Indicators (Google Public Data Explorer)|website=www.google.com|access-date=24 February 2018|archive-date=4 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904234224/http://www.google.com/publicdata/explore?ds=d5bncppjof8f9_|url-status=live}}]
==Culture==
{{main|Culture of Armenia}}
===Architecture===
{{main|Armenian architecture}}
[[File:2014 Prowincja Armawir, Zwartnoc, Ruiny katedry Zwartnoc 14.JPG|thumb|[[Zvartnots Cathedral]], 643–652, [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]]]]
Armenian architecture, as it originates in an earthquake-prone region, tends to be built with this hazard in mind. Armenian buildings tend to be rather low-slung and thick-walled in design. Armenia has abundant resources of stone, and relatively few forests, so stone was nearly always used throughout for large buildings. Small buildings and most residential buildings were normally constructed of lighter materials, and hardly any early examples survive, as at the abandoned medieval capital of [[Ani]].[{{cite web |url=http://armenianstudies.csufresno.edu/arts_of_armenia/architecture.htm |title=Arts of Armenia (Architecture) |website=armenianstudies.csufresno.edu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215053413/http://armenianstudies.csufresno.edu/arts_of_armenia/architecture.htm |archive-date=15 February 2015 |access-date=17 October 2023 |url-status=dead }}]
=== Music and dance ===
{{main|Music of Armenia}}
{{Unsourced section|date=February 2026}}
[[File:Armenian folk music 3a.JPG|thumb|right|Armenian folk musicians]]
The [[duduk]], [[dhol]], [[zurna]], and [[Kanun (instrument)|kanun]] are common instruments in Armenian folk music. The 18th century bard [[Sayat Nova]] influenced the development of Armenian folk music. [[Armenian chant]] is a common form of religious music in Armenia. Under [[Soviet Armenia|Soviet]] rule, the Armenian composer [[Aram Khatchaturian]] became internationally known for his music, including the "[[Sabre Dance]]" from his composition for the ballet [[Gayane (ballet)|''Gayane'']].
[[File:Armeniapedia dance2.jpg|thumb|Traditional [[Armenian dance]]]]
===Art===
{{main|Armenian art}}
{{see also|List of museums in Armenia}}
[[File:Khachkar-raffi kojian-IMG 0513.JPG|thumb|upright|Ancient Armenian [[Khachkar]]s (cross-stones)]]
[[Yerevan Vernissage]] (arts and crafts market), close to Republic Square, bustles with hundreds of vendors selling a variety of crafts on weekends and Wednesdays (though the selection is much reduced mid-week). The market offers woodcarving, antiques, fine lace, and the hand-knotted wool carpets and kilims that are a Caucasus speciality. [[Obsidian]], which is found locally, is crafted into assortment of jewellery and ornamental objects. Armenian gold smithery enjoys a long tradition, populating one corner of the market with a selection of gold items. Soviet relics and souvenirs of recent Russian manufacture – nesting dolls, watches, enamel boxes and so on – are also available at the Vernissage.
Across from the Opera House, a popular art market fills another city park on the weekends. Armenia's long history as a crossroads of the [[ancient history|ancient world]] has resulted in a landscape with numerous [[archaeological site]]s to explore. [[Middle Ages|Medieval]], [[Iron Age]], [[Bronze Age]] and even [[Stone Age]] sites are all within a few hours' drive from the city. All but the most spectacular remain virtually undiscovered, allowing visitors to view churches and fortresses in their original settings.
[[File:Zabel return.jpg|thumb|left|''[[Isabella, Queen of Armenia|Queen Zabel]]'s Return to the Palace'', [[Vardges Sureniants]] (1909)]]
The National Art Gallery in Yerevan has more than 16,000 works that date back to the [[Middle Ages]], which indicate Armenia's rich tales and stories of the times. It houses paintings by many [[Ethnic groups in Europe|European]] masters as well. The Modern Art Museum, the Children's Picture Gallery, and the [[Martiros Saryan]] Museum are only a few of the other noteworthy collections of fine art on display in Yerevan. Moreover, many private galleries are in operation, with many more opening every year, featuring rotating exhibitions and sales.
On 13 April 2013, the Armenian government announced a change in law to allow [[freedom of panorama]] for 3D works of art.[{{cite web |url=http://www.parliament.am/legislation.php?sel=show&ID=4717 |title=Legislation: National Assembly of Armenia |publisher=Parliament.am |access-date=26 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701073128/http://www.parliament.am/legislation.php?sel=show&ID=4717 |archive-date=1 July 2015 |url-status=live}}]
===Media===
{{Main|Media of Armenia}}
Television, magazines, and newspapers are all operated by both state-owned and for-profit corporations which depend on [[advertising]], [[subscription]], and other sales-related revenues. The [[Constitution of Armenia]] guarantees freedom of speech and Armenia ranks 61st in the 2020 [[Press Freedom Index]] report compiled by [[Reporters Without Borders]], between [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] and Poland.[{{cite web|url=https://rsf.org/en/armenia|work=Reporters Without Borders|date=14 October 2020|title=2020 Press Freedom report|access-date=18 April 2019|archive-date=23 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423152125/https://rsf.org/en/armenia|url-status=live}}] Armenia's press freedom rose considerably following the 2018 Velvet Revolution.[{{cite journal|last1=Stefes|first1=C.|last2=Paturyan|first2=Yevgenya J.|title=After the Revolution: State, Civil Society, and Democratization in Armenia and Georgia|doi=10.3389/fpos.2021.719478|date=25 August 2021|journal=Frontiers in Political Science|volume=3 |article-number=719478 |doi-access=free }}]
As of 2020, the biggest issue facing press freedom in Armenia is judicial harassment of journalists, specifically defamation suits and attacks on journalists' right to protect sources,[[https://rsf.org/en/news/concern-about-judicial-harassment-armenias-media "Concern about judicial harassment of Armenia's media"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014133054/https://rsf.org/en/news/concern-about-judicial-harassment-armenias-media |date=14 October 2020 }}. Reporters Without Borders. 18 February 2020.] as well as excessive responses to combat disinformation spread by social media users. Reporters Without Borders also cites continued concerns about lack of transparency regarding ownership of media outlets.[
===Cinema===
{{Main|Cinema of Armenia}}
[[Cinema of Armenia|Cinema in Armenia]] was officially established on 16 April 1923, with the founding of the Armenian State Committee of Cinema by a decree of the [[Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic|Soviet Armenian]] government.][{{Cite web |title=About - Armenian Cinema |url=https://armenian-cinema.mailchimpsites.com/about }}{{Dead link|date=May 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}]
Prior to this, the first Armenian film, titled "Haykakan Sinema", was produced in 1912 in [[Cairo]] by [[Armenians in Egypt|Armenian-Egyptian]] publisher Vahan Zartarian and premiered on 13 March 1913.[Armenian Cinema 100, by [[Artsvi Bakhchinyan]], Yerevan, 2012, pp. 111–112]
In March 1924 the first Armenian film studio, [[Armenfilm]], was established in [[Yerevan]], beginning with the documentary film "Soviet Armenia".
"[[Namus (film)|Namus]]" directed by [[Hamo Beknazarian]] in 1925, was the first Armenian silent [[Black-and-white|black-and-white film]].[Cowe, S. Peter (2000). Parlakian, Nishan (ed.). ''Modern Armenian drama : an anthology''. New York: Columbia University Press. p. 131. {{ISBN|978-0231116305}}] Based on [[Alexander Shirvanzade]]'s 1885 novel, it portrays the tragic fate of two lovers whose engagement is thwarted due to violations of "[[namus]]" (a tradition of honor), leading the girl's father to marry her to another man.[{{Cite book |last=Parlakian |first=Nishan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OQrgO4LLDPQC&q=namus+&pg=PA131 |title=Modern Armenian Drama: An Anthology |date=1 February 2001 |publisher=Columbia University Press |isbn=978-0-231-50266-5 |language=en}}]
The first Armenian sound film, "[[Pepo (film)|Pepo]]," was directed by Hamo Beknazarian in 1935.[Tatiana Egorova. ''Soviet Film Music (Contemporary Music Studies)''. (London: Routledge, 1997), p. 54][{{Cite web |date=27 September 2007 |title=Armenia Diaspora Conference Official Site |url=http://www.armeniadiaspora.com/entertainment/cinema/1935a.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927232103/http://www.armeniadiaspora.com/entertainment/cinema/1935a.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 September 2007 |access-date=3 April 2025 }}]
===Sport===
{{Main|Sport in Armenia|Chess in Armenia}}
{{more citations needed|section|date=May 2024}}
[[File:Armenia vs Portugal, 13 June 2015, V. Sargsyan Rep. Stad. Yerevan (7).jpg|thumb|The [[Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium]] in Yerevan]]
[[File:Ireland Armenia teams.jpg|thumb|The [[Armenia national football team]] in Dublin, Ireland]]
[[File:Levon Aronian 2011.jpg|thumb|upright|Chess Grandmaster [[Levon Aronian]] is a former [[FIDE]] No. 2 rated player and the [[Comparison of top chess players throughout history#Elo system|fourth-highest rated player in history]].]]
[[File:Tigran Petrosian 1962.jpg|upright|thumb|[[Tigran Petrosyan]], 9th [[World Chess Champion]]]]
Competitively, Armenia has been successful in chess, weightlifting and wrestling at the international level. Armenia is also an active member of the international sports community, with full membership in the Union of European Football Associations ([[UEFA]]) and International Ice Hockey Federation ([[IIHF]]). It also hosts the [[Pan-Armenian Games]].
Prior to 1992, Armenians participated in the Olympics representing the USSR. As part of the Soviet Union, Armenia was very successful, winning plenty of medals and helping the USSR win the medal standings at the Olympics on numerous occasions. The first medal won by an Armenian in modern Olympic history was by [[Hrant Shahinyan]] (sometimes spelled as Grant Shaginyan), who won two golds and two silvers in gymnastics at the [[1952 Summer Olympics]] in Helsinki. To highlight the level of success of Armenians in the Olympics, Shahinyan was quoted as saying:
"Armenian sportsmen had to outdo their opponents by several notches for the shot at being accepted into any Soviet team. But those difficulties notwithstanding, 90 percent of Armenian athletes on Soviet Olympic teams came back with medals."[{{cite web |url=https://www.armenianow.com/features/6903/ambassadors_in_sport_independent |title=Ambassadors in Sport?: Independent Armenia far below the glory of Soviet times on the pitch, mat |publisher=[[ArmeniaNow]] |date=15 December 2006 |access-date=27 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128074613/https://www.armenianow.com/features/6903/ambassadors_in_sport_independent |archive-date=28 January 2018 |url-status=live}}]
Armenia first participated at the [[1992 Summer Olympics]] in Barcelona under a unified CIS team, where it was very successful, winning three golds and one silver in weightlifting, wrestling and sharp shooting, despite only having five athletes. Since the [[1994 Winter Olympics]] in [[Lillehammer]], Armenia has participated as an independent nation.
Armenia participates in the Summer Olympic Games in boxing, wrestling, weightlifting, judo, gymnastics, track and field, diving, swimming and sharp shooting. It also participates in the Winter Olympic Games in alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and figure skating.
[[Football in Armenia|Football]] is also popular in Armenia. The most successful team was the [[FC Ararat Yerevan]] team of the 1970s who won the [[Soviet Cup]] in 1973 and 1975 and the [[Soviet Top League 1973|Soviet Top League]] in 1973. The latter achievement saw FC Ararat gain entry to the [[1974–75 European Cup|European Cup]] where – despite a home victory in the second leg – they lost on aggregate at the quarter-final stage to eventual winner [[FC Bayern Munich]]. Armenia competed internationally as part of the [[USSR national football team]] until the [[Armenian national football team]] was formed in 1992 after the split of the Soviet Union. Armenia have never qualified for a major tournament although recent improvements saw the team to achieve 44th position in the [[FIFA World Rankings]] in September 2011. The national team is controlled by the [[Football Federation of Armenia]]. The [[Armenian Premier League]] is the highest level football competition in Armenia, and has been dominated by [[FC Pyunik]] in recent seasons. The league currently consists of eight teams and relegates to the [[Armenian First League]].
Armenia and the Armenian diaspora have produced many successful footballers, including [[Henrikh Mkhitaryan]], [[Youri Djorkaeff]], [[Alain Boghossian]], [[Andranik Eskandarian]], [[Andranik Teymourian]], [[Edgar Manucharyan]], [[Khoren Oganesian]] and [[Nikita Simonyan]]. Djokaeff and Boghossian won the [[1998 FIFA World Cup]] with [[France national football team|France]], Teymourian competed in the [[2006 FIFA World Cup|2006 World Cup]] for [[Iran national football team|Iran]] and Manucharyan played in the Dutch [[Eredivisie]] for [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]]. Mkhitaryan has been one of the most successful Armenian footballers in recent years, playing for international clubs such as [[Borussia Dortmund]], [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]], [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]], [[A.S. Roma]] and currently for [[Inter Milan]].[{{Cite news |title=Inter Milan sign Mkhitaryan on free transfer |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/62021631 |access-date=21 September 2023 |archive-date=29 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929104838/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/62021631 |url-status=live }}]
[[Wrestling]] has been a successful sport in the Olympics for Armenia. At the [[Armenia at the 1996 Summer Olympics|1996 Summer Olympics]] in [[Atlanta]], [[Armen Nazaryan]] won the gold in the Men's [[Greco-Roman wrestling|Greco-Roman]] Flyweight (52 kg) category and [[Armen Mkrtchyan]] won the silver in Men's [[Freestyle wrestling|Freestyle]] Paperweight (48 kg) category, securing Armenia's first two medals in its Olympic history.
Traditional Armenian wrestling is called Kokh and practised in traditional garb; it was one of the influences included in the Soviet combat sport of [[Sambo (martial art)|Sambo]], which is also very popular.[{{cite book|editor= Thomas A. Green|title=Martial arts of the world: en encyclopedia|year=2001|publisher=ABC-CLIO|location=Santa Barbara, Calif.|isbn=978-1-57607-150-2|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=v32oHSE5t6cC&pg=PA718 718]}}]
The [[Politics of Armenia|government of Armenia]] budgets about $2.8 million annually for sports and gives it to the National Committee of Physical Education and Sports, the body that determines which programmes should benefit from the funds.[{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p004j7zg |title=Armenia: the cleverest nation on earth |publisher=[[BBC World Service]] |date=18 October 2009 |access-date=28 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024030523/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p004j7zg |archive-date=24 October 2017 |url-status=live }}]
==See also==
{{Portal|Armenia|Countries|Asia|Europe
}}
* [[Armenians]]
* [[History of Armenia]]
* [[Outline of Armenia]]
{{Clear}}
==Notes==
{{notelist}}
{{reflist|group=pron>}}
==Source attribution==
* {{Free-content attribution
| title = UNESCO Science Report: towards 2030
| author = UNESCO
| publisher = UNESCO Publishing
| page numbers = 324–26
| source =
| documentURL = http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0023/002354/235406e.pdf
| license statement URL =
| license = CC BY-SA IGO 3.0
}}
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist|group=pronunciation}}
==Bibliography==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book|last=Badalyan Riegg|first=Stephen|title=Russia's Entangled Embrace: The Tsarist Empire and the Armenians, 1801–1914|year=2020|publisher=Cornell University Press|location=Ithaca, NY|isbn=978-1501750113}}
* {{cite book |last=Bournoutian |first=George A. |author-link=George Bournoutian |title=Armenia and Imperial Decline: The Yerevan Province, 1900–1914 |date=2018 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1138480575 |location=London}}
* {{cite book|last=Bournoutian |first=George A. |title=A Concise History of the Armenian People |edition=5th |publisher=Mazda |place=Costa Mesa, CA |date=2006 |isbn=1568591411}}
* {{EI2 |last1=Canard |first1=Marius |author-link1=Marius Canard |last2=Cahen |first2=Claude |author-link2=Claude Cahen |title=Armīniya |volume=1 |pages=634–640 |url=https://doi.org/10.1163/1573-3912_islam_COM_0064}}
* {{cite book|editor-last1=Hacikyan |editor-first1=Agop J. |editor-link1=Agop Jack Hacikyan |editor-last2=Basmajian |editor-first2=Gabriel |editor-last3=Franchuk |editor-first3=Edward S. |editor-last4=Ouzounian |editor-first4=Nourhan |title=The Heritage of Armenian Literature: From the Oral Tradition to the Golden Age |volume=1 |publisher=Wayne State University Press |location=Detroit |year=2000 |isbn=978-0-8143-2815-6}}
* {{cite book|last=Hewsen|first=Robert H.|author-link=Robert H. Hewsen|title=Armenia: A Historical Atlas|publisher=University of Chicago Press|location=Chicago|year=2001|isbn=978-0-226-33228-4}}
* {{Hovannisian: The Republic of Armenia|volume=4}}
* {{cite book |last=Kévorkian |first=Raymond |author-link=Raymond Kévorkian |title=The Armenian Genocide: A Complete History |title-link=The Armenian Genocide: A Complete History |date=2011 |publisher=I.B.Tauris |location=London |isbn=978-1848855618}}
* {{cite book|last=Panossian|first=Razmik|author-link=Razmik Panossian|title=The Armenians: From Kings and Priests to Merchants and Commissars|publisher=Columbia University Press|place=New York|date=2006|isbn=978-0231139267|url=https://archive.org/details/armeniansfromkin00razm/|url-access=registration}}
* {{cite book |last=Payaslian |first=Simon |title=The History of Armenia: From the Origins to the Present |date=2007 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |location=New York |isbn=978-0-230-60858-0}}
* {{cite book |last=Saparov |first=Arsène |title=From Conflict to Autonomy in the Caucasus: The Soviet Union and the Making of Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Nagorno Karabakh |year=2015 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-317-63783-7 |location=London}}
* {{cite book|last=Shakarian|first=Pietro A.|title=Anastas Mikoyan: An Armenian Reformer in Khrushchev's Kremlin|publisher=Indiana University Press|location=Bloomington|year=2025|url={{Google Books|rTNgEQAAQBAJ|plainurl=yes}}|isbn=978-0253073556}}
* {{cite book |last=Suny |first=Ronald Grigor |title=Looking toward Ararat: Armenia in Modern History |author-link=Ronald Grigor Suny|date=1993 |publisher=Indiana University Press |location=Bloomington |isbn=978-0-253-20773-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/lookingtowardara00rona}}
* {{cite Atlas of the Ethno-Political History of the Caucasus}}
* {{cite book|last=Walker|first=Christopher J.|author-link=Christopher J. Walker|title=Armenia: The Survival of a Nation|edition=2nd|year=1990|publisher=St. Martin's Press|location=New York|isbn=978-0312042301|url=https://archive.org/details/armeniasurvivalo0000walk_x3w7|url-access=registration}}
{{refend}}
==External links==
{{Sister project links|voy=Armenia|Armenia}}
* {{Twitter}}
* {{Wikiatlas|Armenia}}
* [http://www.ifs.du.edu/ifs/frm_CountryProfile.aspx?Country=AM Key Development Forecasts for Armenia] from [[International Futures]]
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