Economic and Social Development

Economic Development

Armenia's economy was based mainly on chemical, machinery, electronic, synthetic rubber, and textile products while it was still part of the Soviet Union. After Armenia's independence from the Soviet Union, those industries greatly suffered, Soviet investment into Armenia was just about gone entirely. Since 1995, Armenia has registered strong economic growth.  The International Monetary Fund, World Bank, EBRD, and foreign countries are extending grants and loans to Armenia.  These loans are targeted at reducing the budget deficit, stabilizing the local currency, developing private businesses, energy, agriculture, food processing, transportation, and health and education sectors; and ongoing rehabilitation work in the earthquake zone. The estimated GDP growth of 2012 was 3.8%. 

Social Development 

The retirement age for men living Armenia is 62 while the women's is age 57. Retirees usually receive a base pension plus bonuses depending on years of employment. Women in Armenia usually hold traditional roles, and despite employment law that formally prohibits discrimination based on sex, women do not have the same opportunities as men do in the workforce. The Armenian constitution protects freedom of assembly and religion. People of different ethnic backgrounds such as, Russians, Kurds, Yezids, Georgians, Greeks, and Assyrians have the right to preserve their cultural practices. In 1992 a law passed allowing them to study in their native language. Discrimination is prohibited on the basis of race, sex, religion, language disability or social status.

http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Europe/Armenia-SOCIAL-DEVELOPMENT.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Armenia

Geopolitical Framework

Armenia Under Soviet Rule

In 1920, Armenia was declared a Soviet Republic. The rise of Stalin changed Armenia's society and economy for the worse. Armenia was industrialized and educated under very strict conditions where nationalism was suppressed. The Armenian Church, weakened by the Armenian Genocide and Russification policies was hurt even more by Stalin's persecution of the church; priests were harassed and private property was confiscated.

During World War ll

During World War ll, Armenia did not suffer the mass destruction that the western part of the Soviet Union did. Armenia however served a very important role during the role, providing food and manpower. It is estimated that 300 to 500,000 Armenians served in the war. Stalin wanted to build up popular support for the war, so he allowed some nationalism expression to take place, which led to the re-publication of Armenian novels and films, and easing restrictions on the Church. 

Armenia suffered huge losses after the war, Stalin allowed an open immigration policy, inviting Armenians living in other countries to return back to their homeland with all expenses paid by the Soviet government. It is estimated that 150,000 Armenians immigrated back to Soviet Armenia. 

Independence

Armenia was not happy with the way the Soviet Union handled the relief effort of the major earthquake that hit Armenia, as well as the struggling economy. On September 21, 1991, Armenia officially declared independence from the Soviet Union. On  July 5, 1995, the new constitution of the Republic of Armenia was adopted. While gaining independence from the Soviet Union, Armenia's tensions with Azerbaijan were rising over the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, which resulted in a war. Despite the ceasefire in 1994, the conflict still continues to this day. 

Politics of Today

Armenia today has a presidential representative democratic republic. The President is the head of government and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenian_Soviet_Socialist_Republic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenia