Armenia Facts, Armenia Flag -- National Geographic

Fast Facts

Population:: 3,033,000
Capital:: Yerevan; 1,079,000
Area:: 29,743 square kilometers (11,484 square miles)
Language:: Armenian, Russian
Religion:: Armenian Apostolic
Currency:: Dram
Life Expectancy:: 72
GDP per Capita:: U.S. $3,600
Literacy Percent:: 99

Smallest of the former Soviet republics, Armenia lies landlocked and earthquake ridden in rugged mountains. In A.D. 301, Armenia became the first Christian nation; today it is almost surrounded by Islamic nations. During World War I the Ottoman Turks brutally forced out Armenians, causing a diaspora to foreign havens. Armenia gained independence in 1918, but succumbed to a Red Army invasion in 1920. In 1988 a devastating earthquake killed 25,000 people, and conflict erupted with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh (a region of 140,000 ethnic Armenians). Armenia won independence in 1991; by 1994 Armenians had defeated Azeri forces and had control of Nagorno-Karabakh—but the dispute remains unresolved.

ECONOMY

Industry: Metal-cutting machine tools, forging-pressing machines, electric motors, tires

Agriculture: Fruit (especially grapes), vegetables; livestock

Exports: Diamonds, mineral products, foodstuffs, energy

—Text From National Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition

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