Regions of Armenia
The primary regions, or administratively territorial units, of the Republic of Armenia are its provinces, known in Armenian as “marz.” Armenia is composed of ten provinces, and the capital, Yerevan, as a municipality, holds a separate status and is not part of any of the marzes. Below are the key quantitative indicators of Armenia’s regions.
Ararat
Population: 311 400
Area: 2,090 km2
Administrative center: Artashat
Distance from Yerevan to Artashat: 29 km
Mountains: Yeranos, Kotuts, Vishapasar
Lakes: Sev, Azat, Armush, Karalich
Rivers: Araks, Azat, Hrazdan, Yotnakunk
Attractions: Dvin and Kakavaberd fortresses, Khosrov National Park, etc.
Artashat was one of the capitals of ancient Armenia. Here, you can find the sacred symbol of Armenia – Mount Ararat, dating back to 180 BCE. The monastery of Khor Virap is a pilgrimage site for Armenians from around the world. It is also one of the most popular landmarks in Armenia, offering a breathtaking view and the opportunity to photograph the biblical mountain.
Armavir
Population: 323 300
Area: 1251 km2
Administrative center: Armavir
Distance from Yerevan to Armavir: 44 km
Lakes: Aighr
Rivers: Araks, Kasakh, Sevjur, Armavir
Attractions: the city of Metsamor and the nuclear power plant, the Sardarapat memorial complex, the Zvartnots temple, the churches of St. Hripsime, St. Shoghakat and St. Gayane, etc.
The Ararat region is located in the south of Armenia and was named after one of the early Armenian capitals, Armavir. The region is situated between the Ararat and Aragats mountains, nestled in a part of the Ararat Valley. Etchmiadzin serves as the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church, constructed between 301-303 AD during the reign of King Trdat III and Gregory the Illuminator, the first patriarch of the Armenian Church.
Aragatsotn
Population: 168 100
Area: 2737 km2
Administrative center: Ashtarak
Distance from Yerevan to Ashtarak: 18 km
Mountains: Aragats, Agravaqar, Kakavasar
Lakes: Kari, Aparan, Lessing, Mantash
Rivers: Kasakh, Arkashen, Gegharot, Arzni
Attractions: the cities of Aparan, Ashtarak, Oshakan and Talin, the Amberd fortress and the monasteries of Saghmosavank and Ohanavank, etc.
The region is located in the western part of Armenia. The Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory is one of the largest global centers for astronomy. It was founded in 1946 on one of the slopes of Mount Aragats. The main operational instruments are telescopes. Byurakan is also a site of historical monuments. On the slopes of the mountain, there are also “vishaps,” which symbolize beings guarding water, such as water dragons or giant fish.
Gegharkunik
Population: 278 600
Area: 4058 km2
Administrative center: Gavar
Distance from Yerevan to Gavar: 92 km
Mountains: Mountain ranges of Geghama, Sevan, Vardenis
Lakes: Sevan, Salt Lake, Armaghan
Rivers: Hrazdan, Vardenis, Getik
Attractions: Khachkars of Noraduz (cross on a stone), St․ Astvatsatsin Church in Martuni and Vanevank monastery complex in Artsvanist, the church of Surb Gevorg, etc.
The Gegharkunik region is situated in the eastern part of Armenia. Lake Sevan, the largest lake in Armenia, is located 60 km from Yerevan. Lake Sevan, a natural gem, is situated along a highway that crosses the mountain range to the north. Sevan has always been renowned for its ishkhan fish, which translates to “prince fish.” The shores of Lake Sevan have become a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike.
Lori
Population: 392 300
Area: 3750 km2
Administrative center: Vanadzor
Distance from Yerevan to Vanadzor: 112 km
Mountains: Pambak mountain range, Bazum range, mount Achqasar and Maymekh (Dzithanits)
Lakes: Dseghi Tsover, Mtnalich
Rivers: Debed, Pambak, Tashir, Dzoraget
Attractions: Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries, Odzun, Akhtala, Stepanavan Dendropark (Gyulagarak)
Lori is located in the north of Armenia and is the largest province among the 11 regions. Vanadzor, on the other hand, is considered the third-largest city in Armenia. The monastery of Haghpat is situated 17 km away from Alaverdi and 280 km from Yerevan. The construction of this monastery is associated with the name of the princely Bagratuni family. The name “Haghpat” is derived from the church of Surb Khach.
Shirak
Population: 361 400
Area: 2643 km2
Administrative center: Gyumri
Distance from Yerevan to Gyumri: 115 km
Mountains: Pambak mountain range, Ashotsk plateau, Ampasar, Harsnakar
Lakes: Paghakn, Akhuryan, Arpi
Rivers: Akhuryan, Mantash, Ashotsk
Attractions: гthe cities of Artik, Arich and Lernakert, the monastery of Marmarashen, Yereruyk, etc.
The Shirak region is located in the northwestern part of Armenia. Gyumri is the second-largest city in Armenia in terms of population, territorial scale, economic, and cultural significance. The city officially adopted the name Leninakan in 1924. The residents of Gyumri have gained a reputation as very hospitable people with a great sense of humor. Due to the region’s proximity to Turkey, the fortress of Ani is clearly visible from there.
Syunik
Population: 164000
Area: 4506 km2
Administrative center: Kapan
Distance from Yerevan to Kapan: 301 km
Mountains: Zangezur and Bargushat ridges, Kaputjugh, Ishkhanasar, Ukhtasar, Tsghuk, Khustup
Lakes: Sev, Gogilich, Gazanalich, Tsakhkari, Kaputan
Rivers: Araks, Vorotan, Siaian, Voghi, Meghri, Shatjrik
Attractions: Goris, Sisian waterfall and the city, Khndzoresk, Tatev monastery, etc.
The Syunik region is situated in the southeastern part of Armenia, surrounded by the mountain ranges of Zangezur, Meghri, and the Syunik Highlands. Zorats Kar, or Karahunj, is the most popular site in this region. It is believed that the ancient observatory bears a striking resemblance to the famous English Stonehenge, featuring figures resembling hunched warriors.
Tavush
Population: 156 500
Area: 2695 km2
Administrative center: Ijevan
Distance from Yerevan to Ijevan: 136 km
Mountains: mountain ranges Papakar, Voskepar, Mtnasar, Dimats
Lakes: Gosh and Parz (Clear) Lake
Rivers: Koghb, Voskepar, Aghstev
Attractions: The cities of Dilijan and Gandzakar, the monasteries of Goshavank, Makaravank, Kaptavank, Lake Parz.
The Tavush region is located in the northeastern part of Armenia. The Agartsin Monastery comprises several churches. It was built in 1248 and adorned with beautiful and intricate patterns carved from stone. The oldest church, with a carved cross on its winged dome, is named after Saint Gregory. Goshavank is also an ancient monastery dating back to the 12th-13th century. The most ancient reconstruction was in the Church of the Holy Mother of God in the year 1196.
Vayots Dzor
Population: 69 400
Area: 2308 km2
Administrative center: Yeghegnadzor
Distance from Yerevan to Yeghegnadzor: 123 km
Mountains: Vardenis, Vayk, Ashnak, Areguni, Qarkatar
Lakes:Yeghegnalich, Hayeli or Artavani, Srbalich (Margalich)
Rivers: Arpa, Yeghegis, Herher, Gnishik
Attractions: Areni, Jermuk (resort center), Herher village, St. Astvatsatsin Church, Gndevank Monastery, Arpa River, etc.
Vayots Dzor is located in the south of Armenia. Noravank Monastery is considered the seat of the bishops of Syunik. The main church of Noravank Monastery is the Church of St. Karapet, which was built in 1227. The monastery is unique in that it is the only place where you can see the image of God above the entrance. The monastery offers a magnificent view of the Syunik mountains, surrounding the monastery and adorned with hills of flowers.
Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh)
Population: 192000
Area: 4400 km2
Capital: Stepanakert
Distance from Yerevan to Stepanakert: 312 km
Mountains: mountain ranges Artsakh, Mrav
Lakes: Sarsang, Khachen and Araks reservoirs
Rivers: Tartar, Khachen, Arax, Vorotan
Sights: the city of Shushi, the churches of Ghazanchetsots and Kanach Zham, the monasteries of Dadivank and Gandzasar, the Askeran fortress, etc.
Artsakh is located to the east of the Republic of Armenia. Gandzasar is the most exquisite monastery in Karabakh. As a functioning monastery, it is home to priests who gladly conduct tours of the monastery and engage in discussions about church-related matters. To visit Nagorno-Karabakh, a visa is required (contact the permanent representative of NKR in Yerevan at 17a Zaryan Street, Tel. + (37410) 24 97 05).
