Armenia - acknowledged as one of the cradles of civilization - is a beautiful country with a long and cultured history. It is an intriguing tourist destination. Numerous monuments and masterpieces of the Ancient Era and Middle Ages can be found throughout the country.

Armenians have a strong appreciation for the beauty and importance of their country’s landscape and natural resources, which is expressed in their traditions of architecture, medieval miniature painting, carpet weaving, poetry and music.

One of the world's oldest civilizations, Armenia once included Mount Ararat, which biblical tradition identifies as the mountain that Noah’s ark rested on after the Flood. It was the first country in the world to officially accept Christianity as a state religion (301 A.D.).

However, because of its geographical position Armenia has suffered greatly through the centuries. A long history of conquests (ranging from the Mongol Hoards to the Ottoman Empire) eroded the boundaries of the country, and led to the displacement of a large proportion of Armenians to communities in countries as widely located as France, America, and Argentina.

The Republic of Armenia, independent from Soviet Union since 1991, is now stable both economically and politically. But still the state is facing a number of difficulties specific to the developing countries. One of the main issues of the Armenia’s foreign policy remain the solution of Nagorno – Karabagh conflict the main territorial dispute with Azerbaijan, Armenia’s neighbor in the west.

A land-locked country, Armenia has high transportation costs. Armenia’s largest borders with two of  its neighbors, Azerbaijan and Turkey, remain closed for political reasons, stifling trade and economic development. The country’s main trade links are limited to a low-capacity rail and road connections with Georgia and its Black Sea ports, and a single road with Iran. Overcoming such structural problems makes development and poverty reduction challenges even more complicated. Moreover, the country is still eliminating the devastating impact of 1988 earthquake that killed thousands and wreaked economic havoc.

Armenia is comprised of 10 regions (marzes) and the capital city of Yerevan. About 65% of the total 3 million population lives in urban areas, of which one third lives in Yerevan. The country has a gross national income per capita of US$ 3.100 (est. 2009).

Agriculture generates 20.65% of Armenia’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employs about 45 percent of the labor force. Services sector, concentrated in public administration and trade, generates 44.78 percent of Armenia’s GDP. As a small developing economy, Armenia depends on external markets and faces the daunting challenge of tackling poverty.

The country is characterized by the high rate of unemployment and poverty. In 2009 34.1 % of country population was poor. Between 2008 and 2009, 214,000 people became poor, raising the total to 1.1 million people. Likewise, 245,000 people became very poor, raising the total to more than 650,000. Actual unemployment rate is 27,5% according to the International Labour Organization. In 2009 informal employment in Armenia was 52.1%. The study shows that informal jobs are low paid offering no protection and high risk exposure.

Winters in Armenia are long and severe, especially in mountainous and remote areas, dropping to -35 °C in the coldest Shirak marz area. The houses mostly lack central heating and for many needy families warm clothing and shoes are of vital importance. While summers are hot and dry with the average temperature +40°C that affects people’s working capacity.

World Vision’s on-going commitment seeks to make a difference thus create lasting changes for Armenian children, their families and communities.