RA Regions - Armenian Geographic - ArmGeo.am

Kotayk Region

armeniangeographic — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 10:16:15 +0000

Administrative centre of Kotayk region – Hrazdan
Territory- 2076 km ²
Population – 282100 (54.3 % in cities, 45.7 % in villages)
7 cities, 60 villages
Borders with the regions of Tavush, Gegharkunik, Lori, Ararat, Aragatsotn and Yerevan

Geographical Information

Kotayk Region is situated in the central part of the republic, at the height of 900-2500m. The territory includes the upper and the lower basins of Hrazdan River and the whole basin of Marmarik River. It is bordered with Gutanasar Mountain from the northern part and with Hatis Mountain from the north-eastern part. The relief gradually becomes lower in south-western part, near Ararat Plateau.

Some of the left feeders of Hrazdan River are fed by underground water during spring and come out, there are too many of them, that is why they are called “40 Springs”. Akna Lake (3032m) plays a great role in irrigation system. Getar River and Azat River are also flow through Kotayk Region.

In Kotayk Region semi-desert and mountain-steppe landscapes are dominated, with their appropriate flora and fauna. Climatic zone is mixed, generally, geographical location is favorable. The railways Yerevan-Shorzha and Hrazdan-Ijevan pass through this region. The distance from Hrazdan to Yerevan is 45 km. 97.6 % of population are Armenians. Form the national minorities there are Yezidis, Assyrians, Kurds and Russian.

Hiking and Trekking in Armenia

Smbataberd in Wintertime

Andzavajur Gorge

Shaghot Waterfall

Mount Dimats

Azat Reservoir

Mount Sharayi

Mount Pahakasar

Mount Tezhkar

Mount Toghasar

Armavir Region

armeniangeographic — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 09:43:02 +0000

Administrative center of Armavir region – Armavir (48 km from Yerevan)
Territory – 1242 km²,
Population -312.000
3 cities, 94 villages
The length of the border with Turkey- 130.5 km

Population

By its number of population, Armavir stands on middle places, but it is the first by the density of population.
People are mostly engaged in agriculture.

Armavir region is rich with specific historical and cultural monuments. Among them is the 5000-year-old metal foundry in Metsamor, the ruins of Argishtikhinili (a city in Urartu founded by Argishti The First in 776 B.C. ). The ruins of old city Yervandashat, the last capital during the reign of the Yervandunis, are situated in the junction of Araks and Akhuryan. The monument of Sardarapat is also very prominent from the point of view of history and architecture.
Maybe the most important building in Armavir is the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin in Vagharshapat. It is the spiritual center of Armenians all over the world.
Armavir plays a great role in Armenian economy because of the only Nuclear Power Plant in Armenia.
Another value of Armavir is cochineal, an insect , from which in ancient times people made carmine.
According to historian Movses Khorenaci (the 5^th century), the foundation of Armavir is connected to the name of Aramayis, Hayk Nahapet’s grandson. According to the legend, Aramayis built his home on a top in this place, that iis why it was called Armavir, which means “Aramayis’ house on the top”.

Hiking and Trekking in Armenia

Smbataberd in Wintertime

Andzavajur Gorge

Shaghot Waterfall

Mount Dimats

Azat Reservoir

Mount Sharayi

Mount Pahakasar

Mount Tezhkar

Mount Toghasar

Ararat Region

armeniangeographic — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 09:10:53 +0000

Administrative center of Ararat region – Artashat
Territory – 2096 km²
Population- 279.000

The Territory of a Region

The territory of Ararat Region is separated into two parts- flats and mountains. The climate of Ararat plateau is extremely dry. Though it is very pleasure during long, windless autumn, when the fruits are ripe.

The mountainous part is mostly occupied by the slopes of Geghama Mountains , Urst Mountains and Yeranos Mountains. There are also several small forests , which were founded by Armenian King Khosrov Kotak in the 4th century. Now in this territory Khosrov Reserve is located.

During his victories and failures the amount and the composition of population has changed. Armenians were again dominating in this territory after 1830, when thousand of Armenians were moved here from Iranian regions Khoy and Salmast. Now the population here is homogeneous, but there are also Kurds, Russians and Assyrians with little amount.

In the region only flats are populated, the mountainous part isn’t populated at all. Only in summer in some parts you can see people temporally populated in pastures.

Cities

The biggest city in region is the administrative center Artashat. It is situated on the highway of Yerevan-Goris-Stepanavan, 10 km to north-west from the historical capital Artashat, from which the city got its name. In Artasha some branches of industry are developed. There is a wine factory, a canning factory, a crystal factory and a pottery factory.

The other cities of Ararat Region are Masis, Ararat and Vedi. Ararat is known as centre of heavy industry. There is the cement factory and the factory for the extraction of gold. Masis and Vedi are known for food industry and light industry.
In Ararat Region Zangakatoun village is very famous, where poet Paruyr Sevak was born.

Hiking and Trekking in Armenia

Smbataberd in Wintertime

Andzavajur Gorge

Shaghot Waterfall

Mount Dimats

Azat Reservoir

Mount Sharayi

Mount Pahakasar

Mount Tezhkar

Mount Toghasar

Shirak Region

armeniangeographic — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 07:50:22 +0000

Shirak Region is situated in north-western part of RA. The administrative centre is Gyumri. It has borders with Turkey and Georgia. In the territory of this region Arpi Lake, Armennian part of Akhuryan Reservoir and Mantash Reservoir are located. In the central and southern parts Shirak Plateau is located, Ashotsk Plateau is in the northern part. The part of Pambak, Bazum Mountain Ranges and some part of Yeghnakhagh, Javakhq and Aragats Mountain Massifs are also situated in Shirak Region.

Shirak Region is known for its reserves of tuff, pumice, limestone.

Shirak Region can be separated into two types. The first is volcanic part, which includes the territory of Javakhq-Ashotsq, and the other part can be considered as fold-block, which includes the fold-block mountain range of Shirak and Shirak Plateau.

The largest river in the region is Akhuryan, only some part of this river flows right in the territory of Armenia, the rest of the river is on the border. The only lake of the region is Arpi, with the surface of 22 km².

The climate in the region is mountainous. It has cold summers, severe and long winters. The average temperature in January is 9, 8 ˚. The lowest absolute temperature in RA was registered here- -46 ˚.

Hiking and Trekking in Armenia

Smbataberd in Wintertime

Andzavajur Gorge

Shaghot Waterfall

Mount Dimats

Azat Reservoir

Mount Sharayi

Mount Pahakasar

Mount Tezhkar

Mount Toghasar

Tavush Region

armeniangeographic — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 07:41:48 +0000

Tavush Region is located in the north-eastern part of RA. The region has borders with Georgia in the north and with Azerbaijan in the east. The region includes the territories of Ijevan, Dilijan, Noyemberyan and Berd (Shamshadin).

The lowest point from the sea level is located near the village Debedavan-380m, the highest point is the peak of Miapor mountain -2993m. The region is located in the temperate humid part of Armenia. Summers are warm and winters are soft. Rivers belong to the basin of Caspian Sea and are fed with melted water, groundwater and rainwater.

The nature in the region is rich and beautiful. 51 % of the whole territory is covered with mixed forests, which are known with the diversity of flora and fauna, with wonderful natural monuments. Dilijan National Park and Dendropark in Ijevan were founded to keep the endemic species, save endangered species and make new ones. The soft climate, mountain air rich with oxygen, healing mineral water, herbs, forests make this region a perfect place for resorts, recreation and tourism.

Tavush Region is also rich with historical and cultural monuments- monastery complexes, fortresses, khachkars, bridges and so on. The most famous monuments are the monasteries Goshavank, Haghartsin, Makaravank, fortress of Tavush etc.

Hiking and Trekking in Armenia

Smbataberd in Wintertime

Andzavajur Gorge

Shaghot Waterfall

Mount Dimats

Azat Reservoir

Mount Sharayi

Mount Pahakasar

Mount Tezhkar

Mount Toghasar

Syunik Region

armeniangeographic — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 07:30:54 +0000

The territory (15.1% of RA)	4506 km²
Population ( 4.7% of population in RA)	153.000
Population in cities	103.600
Population in villages	49.400
Population Density	34 People/km²
Communities	109
Communities in cities	7
Communities in villages	102
The amount of populated places	135
The length of the border	472 km
Administrative center	Kapan

Syunik Region used to have 2 names- Syunik and Sisakan.
The highest peak is Kaputjugh (3904m). Other famous peaks are Baghatssar, Khustup, Big Ishkhanasar, Aramazd, Tsghuk and so on.
The territory is good for pasture , ranching and farming.
The forests occupy quite big territory; forests of Mtnadzor and the forest of Platan tree are very worthwhile. These forests are rich with unique plants and animals. Syunik region is also famous with its minerals. In This territory people produce copper and non-ferrous metals.
The biggest rivers of the region are Vorotan and Voghji.

Hiking and Trekking in Armenia

Smbataberd in Wintertime

Andzavajur Gorge

Shaghot Waterfall

Mount Dimats

Azat Reservoir

Mount Sharayi

Mount Pahakasar

Mount Tezhkar

Mount Toghasar

Lori Region

armeniangeographic — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 06:55:19 +0000

Administrative Center of Lori region – Vanadzor

Territory- 3798 km²
City communities – 8
Village Communities – 122
Population -234.7

Ethnic composition

Armenians -97 %
Russians – 1.5 %
Greeks – 1 %
Other nations – ( Yezids, Kurds, Assyrians) – 0,5 %

Lori Region is the third one by its size and the amount of the population, it occupies the 12.7 % of the territory of RA. The region is situated in the northern part of Armenia. The railway of Tbilisi-Yerevan passes through Lori. Lori Region includes cities such as Spitak, Stepanavan, Alaverdi, Akhtala and so on. The administrative center is Vanadzor.
The highest peak from the sea level is Achqasar Mountain (3196m), the lowest point is the territory of lower stream of Debed River (380m). The mountain ranges of Javakhq, Bazum, Pambak, Gugarats, Virahayots and Halab pass trough Lori Region. From the gorges Lori and Pambak gorges can be separated. The main river of the region is Debed with its feeders Dzoraget, Martsaget and Pambak. Lori is also rich with mineral springs.
The region is known with its humid climate.

Hiking and Trekking in Armenia

Smbataberd in Wintertime

Andzavajur Gorge

Shaghot Waterfall

Mount Dimats

Azat Reservoir

Mount Sharayi

Mount Pahakasar

Mount Tezhkar

Mount Toghasar

Gegharkunik Region

armeniangeographic — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 10:40:57 +0000

Gegharkunik Region is situated in the eastern part of RA. In the eastern part the region has borders with Azerbaijan. Theregion includes the territories of Gavar, Chambarak, Martuni, Sevan and Vardenis.
The Administrative centre is Gavar. The territory is 5348 km², but only 240.033 ha are useful for agriculture. Gegharkunik is the largest region in Armenia, it occupies th 18% of the whole territory. The region includes 5 cities- Gavar, Chambarak, Martuni, Sevan and Vardenis and 87 villages.

Territory of the Region

Population density is 44.5 people in km². Population is 238.000, from which 48.2 % is men, 51.8 % is women. Here winter is very long and cold, because it is situated at the 2000-3500m from sea level. The highest peak is Azhdahak (3598m). Other high mountains are Spitakasar (3555m), Vardenis (3522m) and Geghasar (3446m). The longest rivers are Argichi (51m), Gavaraget (47m) and Marsik (45m). There are also crater lakes Azhdahak and Armaghan. Famous Sevan Lake is also situated in Gegharkunik Region. The basin of the lake is over 5000 km², the surface of the lake area is 12000 km². The lake has its unique ecosystem and has a great importance for the whole country. Sevan Lake is the biggest source of fresh water. It plays a great role not only in ecology but in the economy of the country as well.

From the northern part Areguni Mountain Range is situated, Sevan Mountainn Range is located in the north-east. The territory between Geghama Mountains and Vardenis Mountain Range is very good for agriculture.
Gegharkunik Region is characterized with long sunny hours.

Flora and Fauna

The climate is quite mild. The southern and western coastal areas of Sevan are characterized by fertile black soil. There is small forest vegetation, there are rare shrub alley of oak, juniper and so on.
Fauna is not very rich. Because of the lowering of the lake level, the amount of fish and birds decreased. The region is known by gold reserves. It is proved that golden items found in the tombs of Lchashen, were made from the gold mine of Sotq. There are also reserves of chrome and fire-proof rocks, tuff and scoria.
There are many medieval architectural monuments in the territory of the region, but the natural monuments are the most attractive.
“Sevan” National Park is also in Gegharkunik Region, founded in 1978. The surface is 150000 ha. It is surrounded by the mountain ranges of Areguni, Geghama, Vardenis, Pambak and Sevan. Here you can find 1600 species of plans and 330 species of animals.

Hiking in Trekking in Armenia

Smbataberd in Wintertime

Andzavajur Gorge

Shaghot Waterfall

Mount Dimats

Azat Reservoir

Mount Sharayi

Mount Pahakasar

Mount Tezhkar

Mount Toghasar

Aragatsotn Region

armeniangeographic — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 10:29:06 +0000

Aragatsotn region had a great role with its geographical and political position, with its climate and nature throughout its all history. In the region you can find the remnants of medieval castles and many protective buildings. Aragatsotn region includes the territory between Pambak and Tsaghkunyats mountain ranges.

The Territory and Climate

Throughout the history this region attracted not only ordinary people but also the royal families, which built their residences there.

The altitude of the province ranges between 950 and 4,090 meters above sea level.

The climate of Aragatsotn is deeply diversified due to the wide range of altitudes of the region. The annual precipitation level ranges between 300 mm at the lower areas and 1,000 mm at the mountainous territories.

The climate is favorable for agriculture. Many plants such as wine, apricot, peach grow in the territory of Ashtarak and Talin. And in the territories of Aparan and Aragats are very favorable for grains.

Tsaghkasar (2219 m), Irind (2050 m) and Arteni (2047 m) extinct volcanoes are also located in Aragatsotn region. The water supply of the region is from the melting snow of Aragats, rains and natural springs.

The major rivers of the region are Kasagh and Geghadzor. By the territory of the region passes Arzni- Shamiram channel and Talin channel. The region is remarkable with a large amount of reservoirs. These are Aparan, Halavar, Davtashen, Talin, Kaqavadzor and many other reservoirs.

Hiking and Trekking in Armenia

Smbataberd in Wintertime

Andzavajur Gorge

Shaghot Waterfall

Mount Dimats

Azat Reservoir

Mount Sharayi

Mount Pahakasar

Mount Tezhkar

Mount Toghasar

Vayots Dzor Region

armeniangeographic — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 10:06:27 +0000

Administrative center of Vayots Dzor region – Yeghegnadzor

Cities- Yeghegnadzor, Jermuk, Vayk

Territory – 2308 km²

Population- 60 594

41 villages

Vayots Dzor region is situated in the south- eastern part of RA. It has the fewest number of population in Armenia, though the region has been populated since ancient times. This can be proved by many objects found in this region which belong to the period of primitive man, such as daggers, knives, bracelets, rings and so on. There are many hieroglyphs on the rocks, showing the scenes of hunting. The specialists claim that the territory of Vayots Dzor has been populated for more than 5500 years. Archeologists have found an 5500-years-old-leather-shoe here called “trekh”. This is the oldest shoe found in the world, and now it is in the historical museum of RA.

The Territory and Relief

The variety of landscapes and reliefs, the variety of flora and fauna are typical to this region. The altitude has the range between 850m (Areni) and 3522m (Mount Vardenis). The climate is dry. The precipitation varies from 300 to 800 mm, depending on the altitude. The main landscapes are semi-deserts and steppes.
Flora and fauna of this region are quite rich. There are over 1650 species of plants. Though there are not many forests, there are 150 species of trees. Famous bezoar goats, wild mouflons are typical to this region. Sometimes you can find also poisonous snakes such as Armenian viper.