armeniaCountry: ARMENIA

Capital: Yerevan

Geographic Coordinates: 40 00 N, 45 00 E

Population: 2,966,802 (July 2010 est.)  

Main Religion: Armenian Apostolic  

Language: Armenian, Russian

Government Type: Republic

Head of State: President Serzh SARGSIAN

GDP in US Dollars (per capita): $5,900 (2009 est.)

Main Industries: Diamond-processing, metal-cutting machine tools, forging-pressing machines, electric motors, tires, knitted wear, hosiery, shoes, silk fabric, chemicals, trucks, instruments, microelectronics, jewelry manufacturing, software development, food processing, brandy

Currency Code: Dram (AMD)

Life Expectancy: 68 years (men), 75 years (women) (UN)

Environment - current issues: Soil pollution from toxic chemicals such as DDT; The energy crisis of the 1990s led to deforestation when citizens scavenged for firewood; Pollution of Hrazdan (Razdan) and Aras Rivers; Draining of Sevana Lich (Lake Sevan), a result of its use as a source for hydropower, threatens drinking water supplies; Restart of Metsamor nuclear power plant in spite of its location in a seismically active zone

Issues facing Women and Children:
  • The number of preschools is declining. Combined with poverty, this prevents 80 per cent of preschool-age children from attending kindergartens or any type of preschool.
  • Nearly a quarter of all children drop out of school by the 10th grade. Children of farm workers are often out of school for months at a time.

Land Mine Ban Signatory: N

Local Media: Press: Aravot, Ayastani Anrapetutyun, Aykakan Zhanamak, Azg; Radio and TV: Public TV of Armenia, Armenia TV, Public Radio of Armenia

Interesting Fact: Television is Armenia's dominant medium. There are more than 40 private TV stations, operating alongside the two public networks. Few Armenians rely on newspapers as their primary source of news. Print runs are small and most publications are owned by wealthy individuals or political parties.

Famous for: Byzantine monasteries of S. Nshan in Haghpat and Sanahin, dolmas (stuffed vine leaves), apricots

Official Tourism Website: www.armeniainfo.am/

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