Area: 2038 km 2
Population: 328900
Administrative Center: Hrazdan
Distance from Yerevan to Hrazdan: 50 km
The Kotayk Region boasts some of the most astounding nature in Armenia, replete with scenic beauty and fabled monuments. Situated north of Yerevan, with its administrative center Hrazdan, the Kotayk region is one of the popular destinations for local as well as foreign tourists in Armenia. The name of the region goes back to ancient times, to the period of Kot Patriarch. One third the region is forested, and the Hrazdan River is the dominant waterway in the area.
Area: 4058 km 2
Population: 278600
Administrative Center: Gavar
Distance from Yerevan to Gavar: 98 km
Studded with mountains and the sun-kissed shores of Lake Sevan, Gegharkunik is enticing with a rich palette of history, culture and natural beauty. It is situated in the eastern part of Armenia, rising from the Marsik valley Mount Azhdahak at 3598 meters.
The administrative center of the region, Gavar, is an important industrial center of Sevan basin, situated in the eastern slopes of Geghama mountain range. Many of the ancestors of the inhabitants of Gavar arrived in 1830 from the town of Bayazet of Western Armenia and in the place of historic Gavaravan established a settlement, aptly called New Bayazet. Despite its relatively modern rebirth, the center has an ancient past. Fabled monuments dating back to the Bronze Age adorn the region, a testimony to the presence of Armenians in the region for thousands of years.
Area: 1251 km 2
Population: 323300
Administrative Center: Armavir
Distance from Yerevan to Armavir: 48 km
Between the four-peaked mountain of Aragats and the biblical Mount Ararat, Armenia's national symbol of remembrance and hope, lies the fertile lowlands of the Armavir region. Armavir is a symphony of beautiful landscapes, wondrous architecture, hospitable traditions, and momentous history, existing in unity and harmony. The Ararat valley is the largest and the most fertile land
of the forty valleys of the historical Armenian highland. At once we are presented with contrasts in the Armavir region: four of the thirteen capitals of Historic Armenia can be found in the same region as the Zvartnots International Airport, currently undergoing a much-needed makeover.
A mere twenty minutes from Yerevan by car is the spiritual center of Armenia, the Holy See of Echmiadzin, the Mother Cathedral of the world's oldest Christian nation. Located in the city of the same name which was once the capital of Armenia, Echmiadzin is the residence of the Catholicos, the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church. A beautiful cathedral, museum, and seminary are among the most significant edifices of this holy site.
Area: 1995 km 2
Population: 311400
Administrative Center: Artashat
Distance from Yerevan to Artashat: 29 km
The impressive panorama of Mt. Ararat, its inaccessible height, and deep abysses has had a great influence on Armenians and become an object of cult and mythology. The region is rich in fascinating architectural monuments and archeological ruins. Khosrov Preserve is located in the eastern part of the region, in the basins of the Azat and Vedi rivers.
Area: 2737 km 2
Population: 168100
Administrative Center: Ashtarak
Distance from Yerevan to Ashtarak: 20 km
The region of Aragatsotn encompasses the alluring Mount Aragats, and its picturesque foothills. The spiritual subject of many Armenian writers and painters, Mount Aragats (Ara + Gah, means the throne of Ara) has exuded a mystic and magical aura throughout the ages. Aragats, with its four peaks, is Armenia's highest mountain. Its splendor has awed and attracted travelers throughout the ages. In addition to its raw natural beauty, the region, with more than 1000 historical monuments has much more to offer. The lace around the slopes of Mt. Aragats is accented by ancient frescoed churches in Mastara, Talin and Aruch, as well as splendid castles and impregnable fortresses, not to mention some world-renowned scientific centers.
Geography
Area: 29,800 sq. km. (11,500 sq. mi.); slightly larger than Maryland.
Cities: Capital--Yerevan.
Terrain: High plateau with mountains, little forest land.
Climate: Highland continental, hot summers, cold winters.
People
Nationality: Noun--Armenian(s). Adjective--Armenian.
Population: Estimates range from 2,967,004 (CIA World Factbook, July 2009 est.) to 3,235,000 (Armenia National Statistical Service, October 1, 2008 est.).
Ethnic groups: Armenian 97.9%; Yezidi 1.3%; Russian, Greek, and other 0.8%.
Religion: Armenian Apostolic Church (more than 90% nominally affiliated).
Languages: Armenian (96%), Russian, other.
Education: Literacy--99%.
Health: Infant mortality rate--20.21/1,000. Life expectancy--72.68 years.
Work force (1.481 million; 7.1% unemployed): Industry and construction--15.6%; agriculture and forestry--46.2%; services--38.2%.
