What is Armenia?
Armenia is a landlocked country located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, bordered by Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Iran. Known for its rich history, Armenia is one of the oldest countries in the world, with a history that dates back to the 6th century BC. The country is renowned for its ancient churches, monasteries, and its cultural influence in the region.
Provinces and Territories
Armenia is divided into 11 provinces (marzes), and its capital city is Yerevan. The provinces include:
- Aragatsotn
- Ararat
- Armavir
- Gegharkunik
- Kotayk
- Lori
- Shirak
- Syunik
- Tavush
- Vayots Dzor
- Yerevan (Capital)
Currency Details
- Currency Name: Armenian Dram (AMD)
- Symbol: ֏
- Subunit: Luma (1 Dram = 100 Luma)
- Central Bank: Central Bank of Armenia
Type of Government
Armenia is a democratic republic with a multi-party system. It has a parliamentary system of government, where the Prime Minister holds executive power, and the President serves as a ceremonial figurehead. Armenia’s government structure is based on the separation of powers into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.
Detailed Hierarchy of Government Roles
Executive Branch Hierarchy
| Position | Role Description | Power & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| President | Ceremonial Head of State | Represents Armenia in international affairs. Elected for a seven-year term. |
| Prime Minister | Head of Government | Holds the executive authority, leads the Cabinet, and implements policies. Appointed by the National Assembly. |
| Ministers | Heads of Ministries | Oversee various sectors like Foreign Affairs, Health, and Defense. |
| Deputy Prime Ministers | Assist in managing the government | Handle specific areas such as economic and social policies. |
| Government Staff | Civil Servants | Support the Prime Minister and other government officials in administrative tasks. |
Legislative Branch Hierarchy
| Position | Role Description | Power & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| National Assembly | Unicameral legislature | Consists of 132 members. They are responsible for making laws, approving the budget, and ratifying treaties. |
| Speaker of the National Assembly | Presides over legislative sessions | Ensures smooth functioning of the legislative process. |
| Deputies | Members of the National Assembly | Debate and vote on bills, represent the public, and make decisions on national policies. |
Judicial Branch Hierarchy
| Position | Role Description | Power & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Court | Highest authority for constitutional matters | Interprets the Constitution and resolves constitutional disputes. |
| Court of Cassation | Highest court of appeal | Handles final appeals and ensures proper legal procedures are followed. |
| Judges | Lower courts | Oversee civil, criminal, and administrative cases. |
| Prosecutors | Legal representatives | Represent the government in legal proceedings. |
International Memberships
- United Nations (UN)
- Council of Europe
- Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
- Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
Military Structure
Armenia maintains a professional army, with compulsory military service for men. The country has several military divisions and is a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Its defense force includes:
- Ground Forces
- Air Defense Forces
- Border Guards
Secret Agencies
Armenia has a number of intelligence and law enforcement agencies, including:
- National Security Service (NSS)
- Armenian Intelligence Service
These agencies focus on national security, counterintelligence, and law enforcement.
Stock Markets
Armenia has the Armenian Stock Exchange (AMX). It is a small, emerging market but plays a role in Armenia’s financial sector. Key indices include the AMX Index, and the country is involved in regional economic partnerships for cross-border trade and investment.
Emergency Numbers
- General Emergency: 112
- Police: 102
- Fire Department: 101
- Ambulance: 103
SWOT Analysis of Armenia
Strengths
- Rich cultural heritage and history
- Strategic location between Europe and Asia
- Strong diaspora community worldwide
Weaknesses
- Geopolitical tensions with Azerbaijan and Turkey
- Dependence on Russia for security and economic ties
- Limited natural resources
Opportunities
- Expansion of regional trade agreements
- Growth of the tech and IT sectors
- Developing tourism industry
Threats
- Regional conflicts and instability
- Economic challenges due to a reliance on remittances
- Political instability within the region
Additional Information
- Official Language: Armenian
- Time Zone: Armenia Time (AMT, UTC +4)
- National Anthem: “Mer Hayrenik” (Our Fatherland)