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Armenia - a brief profile
Overview
Armenia has been an independent republic since September 1991 when it finally split from the former Soviet Union after 70 years as a satellite communist state.
However, throughout its history, Armenia has come under the control or influence of a number of empires Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman and the legacy of many of these societies are still present in Armenia today.
Situated on the ancient Silk Route, Armenia has long been a cultural crossroads. Its language is Indo-European, but its curly alphabet is unique. Armenia is one of the earliest Christian civilizations, its first churches were founded in the fourth century.
The years immediately following independence have not been easy. After its split with the Soviet Union and its centrally planned economic system, Armenia plunged into a period of deep economic depression, exacerbated by an energy crisis, armed conflict, and the continuing financial and social cost of a devastating earthquake in 1988. The crisis, combined with new freedom to travel, led to a huge wave of migration from Armenia, with approximately one million people a quarter of the population leaving the country since 1990.
Armenia's economy has since made a remarkable recovery. There is relative political stability and economic growth. However unemployment and poverty remain widespread and reducing poverty is high on the government's agenda.
- Total population : 3.2 million
- Young People : 19.1% (15-24 year old) and 24.8% (16-29 year old)
- Women: 51.4%
- Life expectancy: 74.8 years
- Population growth rate: - 0.4%
- Fertility rate: 1.7
- Percentage of people living below the poverty line: 42%
- Most recent census : 2001
- Adult literacy rate: 98.6%
- Urban population: 67,4%
Economy
Under the old Soviet central planning system, Armenia had developed a modern industrial sector, supplying machine tools, textiles, and other manufactured goods to other republics in exchange for raw materials and energy. Before independence, Armenia was also home to one of the seven large Soviet diamond-cutting plants.
After the economic and energy crisis of the early 1990s the Armenian government with the help of the International Monetary Fund launched in 1994 an ambitious liberalisation program, which resulted in positive growth rates. Much of the country's energy is now supplied by one of its nuclear power plants at Metsamor.
Today, diamond cutting and polishing is still a key industry, with about 50 companies, some of them foreign-owned, taking advantage of Armenia's skilled workforce and comparatively low costs. In terms of value diamonds are now Armenia's chief export and import. Other exports include mineral products, foodstuffs and energy. Its main export partners are Belgium, Israel, Russia and Germany.
Armenia imports natural gas, petroleum, tobacco products, foodstuffs and uncut diamonds . Its import partners are Belgium, Iran , Russia and Israel
With its unique blend of cultures and history, Armenia is attracting an increasing number of tourists.
Administration
Armenia's capital is Yerevan. There are 11 provinces or "Marzer".
The head of state is the President, who is elected for five years by popular vote. The current President, Robert Kocharian, was first elected in March 1998.
The head of government is appointed by the President. The current Prime Minister, Andranik Margaryan, has been in office since May 2000.
The National Assembly of Armenia is a one-chamber parliament, with 131 seats. Members are elected for four-year terms, some by direct vote, some from party lists.
The last election was in May 2003. The next one is due in Spring 2007.