Armenia: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Armenia 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Armenia: 82
  • Happiness Score Armenia:5.455

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Armenia. AM.

    Armenia is a country in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia.

  • It has a parliamentary republic political structure.
  • Armenia is known for its rich cultural heritage, including its ancient Christian architecture and traditions.
  • The country has a developing economy with a growing technology sector.
  • Armenia is also famous for its delicious cuisine, particularly its barbecue and lavash (flatbread).
  • It is home to the world’s oldest winery, dating back over 6,000 years.
  • Armenia – A Comprehensive Overview

    Historical Overview

    Early History: The Armenian Highland is considered one of the earliest centers of civilization, with the first settlements dating back to the 4th millennium BC. The ancient Armenian kingdoms of Van and Urartu flourished in the region during the Iron Age.

    Kingdoms and Empires: Armenia has a rich history of kingdoms and empires, including the Artaxiad Dynasty (189 BC–12 AD), the Arsacid Dynasty (52–428 AD), the Bagratid Kingdom (885–1045), and the Cilician Armenian Kingdom (1080–1375).

    Colonial Period: Armenia was successively conquered by the Seljuk Turks, Mongols, Persians, and Ottoman Turks throughout the Middle Ages. In the 16th century, Eastern Armenia fell under Persian rule, while Western Armenia became part of the Ottoman Empire.

    Independence and Modern Era: Armenia gained independence from the Russian Empire in 1918 but was soon incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1920. After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, Armenia became an independent republic. The country faced economic challenges, a conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, and political instability in its early years.

    Current Political Situation: Armenia is a semi-presidential republic with a prime minister as the head of government. The current president is Vahagn Khachaturyan, and the prime minister is Nikol Pashinyan. The country has a multi-party system, with the Civil Contract Party currently in power.

    International Relations: Armenia maintains close ties with Russia and is a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). It has tense relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan due to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the Armenian Genocide.

    Human Development and Economy: Armenia’s economy is focused on services, manufacturing, and agriculture. Key industries include diamonds, mining, food processing, and technology. The country has made significant progress in human development but faces challenges like poverty and unemployment.

    Cultural Highlights: Armenia is home to a rich culture, with a distinct language, architecture, and cuisine. The country is known for its ancient monasteries, like Etchmiadzin and Khor Virap, as well as its traditional Armenian brandy. The Armenian Apostolic Church is a significant part of the national identity.

    Armenia faces challenges related to its landlocked geography, regional tensions, and economic development. Opportunities lie in leveraging its skilled workforce, promoting tourism, and strengthening democratic institutions.

Main facts

1. Location

Armenia is a landlocked country located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, situated between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. It is bordered by Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, Iran to the south, and Turkey to the west. The country is situated at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe.

2. Map References

Armenia is located in the Caucasus region of Eurasia.

3. Area – Comparative

With a total area of 29,743 square kilometers (11,484 square miles), Armenia is slightly larger than the U.S. state of Maryland.

4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Armenia shares land borders with the following countries:
Georgia: 201 km
Azerbaijan: 996 km (including the 351 km border with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic)
Iran: 35 km
Turkey: 311 km

5. Coastline

Armenia is a landlocked country and does not have a coastline.

6. Maritime Claims

As a landlocked country, Armenia has no maritime claims.

7. Climate

Armenia has a highland continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The climate is influenced by the country’s mountainous terrain, with significant regional variations. The average temperature ranges from -5°C (23°F) in winter to 25°C (77°F) in summer.

8. Terrain

Armenia is predominantly mountainous, with the Armenian Highlands and the Lesser Caucasus Mountains dominating the landscape. The country also features fertile valleys, high plateaus, and the Ararat Plain, which is renowned for its fertile soil.

9. Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Armenia is Mount Aragats, with an elevation of 4,090 meters (13,419 feet), while the lowest point is the Debed River, at 375 meters (1,230 feet) above sea level.

10. Natural Resources

Armenia’s major natural resources include:

  • Hydroelectric power
  • Small deposits of gold, copper, molybdenum, zinc, and alumina
  • Precious and semi-precious stones

11. Major Bodies of Water

The major bodies of water in Armenia include:

  • Lake Sevan – one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in Eurasia
  • Araks River – shared with Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic
  • Debed River
  • Hrazdan River

12. Natural Hazards

The primary natural hazards in Armenia include:

  • Occasionally severe earthquakes (located in an active seismic zone)
  • Droughts
  • Landslides

13. Geography – Notes

Armenia is considered one of the oldest inhabited regions in the world, with a rich cultural heritage dating back to ancient times. The country is known for its stunning landscapes, including the iconic Mount Ararat, which has a significant symbolic and cultural importance for Armenians. Additionally, Armenia is home to several World Heritage Sites, such as the Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, and the Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 11.70%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 5,156. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 58.90%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  40.06909945.038189.
  • Capital: The capital of Armenia is  Yerevan
  • Major Cities:
    • Yerevan – population: 1,075,800
    • Gyumri – population: 121,976
    • Vanadzor – population: 86,199
    • Vagharshapat – population: 46,540
    • Hrazdan – population: 40,795
  • Population: 2,957,731
  • Area(Km2): 29743
  • Population Density( P/Km²):104. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:374
  • Official Language(s):Armenian 97.9%
  • Currency: AMD

Main Economic Indicators

Armenia’s economy is relatively small and highly integrated into the global economy. With a population of around 2.9 million, it has a market economy driven primarily by services, industry, and agriculture. Key economic challenges include reducing corruption, improving physical infrastructure, strengthening the private sector, and addressing regional trade constraints. Notable policies aim to promote economic diversification, attract foreign investment, and align with international trade agreements.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

2022: 8.8% (Source: National Statistical Service of Armenia)
2021: 7.2% (Source: National Statistical Service of Armenia)

Credit Ratings

Fitch: BB- (Stable)
Moody’s: Ba3 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: BB- (Stable)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 11.7%
Industry: 27.6%
Services: 60.7%

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural: Fruits (especially apricots, peaches, and grapes), vegetables, livestock
Industrial: Brandy, diamonds, mineral products, foodstuffs, energy

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 1.34 million (2022 estimate)
Comparative Ranking: 138th globally

Current Account Balance

2022: -$1.39 billion (Estimated)
2021: -$1.16 billion
Comparative Ranking: 148th globally (2022 estimate)

Exports and Imports

Exports: $3.98 billion (2022 estimate)
Key Partners: Russia, Switzerland, China, Bulgaria, Germany
Main Commodities: Minerals, foodstuffs, diamonds, metals, machinery

Imports: $7.33 billion (2022 estimate)
Key Partners: Russia, China, Turkey, Germany, Iran
Main Commodities: Machinery and equipment, fuels, metals, foodstuffs, chemicals

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $2.98 billion (December 2022)
Gold Reserves: 446,000 ounces (December 2022)

  • GDP (Current US$):$13,672,802,158. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 20.90%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 22.60%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $0.77. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $0.66. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 16.99%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Nationality: noun – Armenian(s), adjective – Armenian

2. Ethnic Groups

  • Armenian – 98.1%
  • Yezidi (Kurd) – 1.2%
  • Russian – 0.5%
  • Other – 0.2%

3. Religions

  • Armenian Apostolic – 92.6%
  • Evangelical – 1%
  • Other – 2.4%
  • None – 1.1%
  • Unspecified – 2.9%

4. Age Structure

  • 0-14 years: 18.68%
  • 15-64 years: 68.95%
  • 65 years and over: 12.37%

5. Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 45.5

Youth dependency ratio: 27.1

Elderly dependency ratio: 18.4

6. Median Age

Total: 35.6 years

Male: 33.6 years

Female: 37.8 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

  • Obesity rate: 20.2% (2016)
  • Alcohol consumption: 5.4 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2010)
  • Tobacco use: 25.3% of adults (2015)
  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 74.9. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 99.8%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:13.99. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:13. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 1.76. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 73.2%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 1,869,848. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):81.60%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

Armenia’s military forces consist of the Army and Air Force. The Army is the largest branch, with several motorized rifle and artillery brigades, as well as special forces units like the Artsakh Defense Army. The Air Force operates a small fleet of fighter jets, attack helicopters, and transport aircraft. Armenia does not have a Navy.

The National Security Service and Police of Armenia are responsible for maintaining internal security and law enforcement.

Military Expenditures

Armenia’s military expenditure as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2022: 5.1%
  • 2021: 4.7%
  • 2020: 4.9%
  • 2019: 4.9%
  • 2018: 4.8%

Armenia ranks relatively high globally in terms of military spending as a percentage of GDP, typically among the top 10-15 countries.

Personnel Strengths

Armenia has approximately 45,000 active-duty military personnel, with the breakdown as follows:

  • Army: 40,000
  • Air Force: 5,000

The National Security Service and Police have an additional combined strength of around 20,000 personnel.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Armenia’s military equipment includes:

  • Main battle tanks (T-72, T-90)
  • Armored personnel carriers (BTR-80, BMD-1)
  • Towed and self-propelled artillery (D-30, 2S3, 2S7)
  • Surface-to-air missile systems (S-300, Tor-M1)
  • Fighter jets (Su-30SM, MiG-29)
  • Attack helicopters (Mi-24)

Armenia has been modernizing its military through acquisitions from Russia, including the recent purchase of Su-30SM fighter jets and Tor-M1 air defense systems.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Armenia has mandatory military service for males aged 18-27. The service obligation is typically 24 months, with some exceptions for students and certain professions.

Military Deployments

Armenia has a small contingent of troops deployed as part of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) peacekeeping mission in Kazakhstan. It also contributes personnel to United Nations peacekeeping operations in various regions.

Strategic Military Notes

Armenia’s defense strategy is focused on deterring and defending against potential threats from neighboring Azerbaijan, with which it has an ongoing territorial dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh. The military plays a crucial role in securing Armenia’s borders and ensuring territorial integrity.

Armenia is a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a Russia-led military alliance, and has close defense ties with Russia. It also participates in NATO’s Partnership for Peace program and seeks to enhance cooperation with the alliance.

  • Armed Forces Size: 44800. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 4.4
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 55.60%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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