The Republic of Armenia lies in a triangular section of the Transcaucasus, bordered by Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey and the Republic of Georgia.
The capital city, Yerevan, lies on the Hrazdan River, and is home to some 1.2 million people. The next three largest cities are Gyumri (pop. 121,000), Vanadzor (pop. 74,000) and Abovian (pop. 54,000). Another important city is Echmiadzin, located some 20 miles west of Yerevan, which is the seat of the patriarchate of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Armenia - acknowledged as one of the cradles of civilization - is a beautiful country with a sophisticated people and a long and cultured history. As a result, Armenia is an intriguing tourist destination. Numerous monuments and masterpieces of the Ancient era and Middle Ages can be found throughout the country. Tourism in Armenia is rooted in the country's historical landmarks and natural attractions such as the water resorts of Lake Sevan, the hot springs of Arzni and Jermuk, the forests of Dilijan, Aghveran, Tsaghkadzor, Bjurakan and Gugark, and the mountainous natural caves and cliffs of the Southeast region. The 5165 meter Mount Ararat, geographically located in Turkey, is a national symbol of Armenia and is visible from much of the Southwest region.

The population of Armenia is 3,336,100 (2001 estimate), giving the country's land area a population density of 112 persons per sq km (290 per sq mi). Armenia is highly urbanized, with 70 percent of all residents living in cities or towns. Population is concentrated in river valleys, especially along the Hrazdan River, where Yerevan, the capital and largest city, is located. Armenia's second-largest city is Gyumri (formerly Leninakan), the site of a devastating earthquake in 1988.

Armenia was the most ethnically homogeneous republic of the 15 republics that made up the USSR, and the country is still characterized by a high degree of ethnic homogeneity. Ethnic Armenians, or Hay, constitute more than 90 percent of the population. Kurds and Russians are the next two largest ethnic groups in the republic, each making up less than 2 percent of Armenia's total population.

Full country name: Republic of Armenia
Area: 29,800 sq km (11,622 sq mi)
Population: 3.5 million
Capital city: Yerevan
People: Caucasian
Religion: Armenian Orthodox (94%)
Government: Republic
Head of State: Robert Kocharyan
GDP: US$9.7 billion
GDP per head: US$2800
Inflation: 5.7%
Major industries: Machinery, clothes, chemicals, microelectronics, although a lot of industry has shut down since the disappearance of the USSR
Major trading partners: Iran, Russia, Turkmenistan, Georgia
Member of EU: no