Armenia, Republic of A country in west Asia, formerly a constituent republic of the Soviet Union.

Physical

The Republic of Armenia comprises the north-eastern part of the historic kingdom of Armenia, the rest of this region forming part of Turkey.

Economy

Mineral resources include copper, lead, and zinc, and there has been rapid industrial expansion, particularly in mechanical engineering, chemicals production, and mining. Agriculture, which includes cotton, rice, tobacco, fruit, and viticulture, remains important. There is considerable hydroelectric potential, but Armenia is dependent on imports for its other energy requirements.

History

An independent Armenian republic was proclaimed in 1920, but in 1922 this was reunited with its former partners, Georgia and Azerbaijan, as the Transcaucasian Soviet Socialist Republic. This split in 1936 and the Soviet Socialist Republic of Armenia was proclaimed. In 1989 ethnic violence erupted over the status of the Armenian region of Nagorno Karabagh (Christian) within Azerbaijan (Shiite Muslim). Armenia became independent in 1991, having declared itself no longer part of the Soviet Union. Sporadic violence in Nagorno Karabagh has continued, despite a ceasefire agreement (1994), and Armenia temporarily withdrew from peace talks in 1995. In 1996 the region unilaterally declared independence. Attempts to broker a permanent peace settlement have continued. Armenia's first parliamentary elections since independence were held in 1995 and a new constitution was approved by a referendum. Armenia is a member of the COMMONWEALTH OF INDEPENDENT STATES.