Who are the people?
Ethnic Armenians make up an overwhelming majority of the country’s population. Most people in this former Soviet republic speak Armenian and are members of the Armenian Orthodox Church. In fact, the country adopted Christianity as its official state religion in A.D. 301, making Armenia the oldest Christian nation in the world.

World Vision began its work in Armenia in December 1988 after a devastating earthquake claimed the lives of 25,000 people and left another 500,000 homeless. Currently, more than half of the population lives below the poverty line and one-third is unemployed.

A majority of sponsored families live in poorly constructed apartments, many of which have cracked windows, leaking roofs, and thin concrete walls. Household expenses nearly triple during winter as a result of increased heating costs, leaving little money for food and clothing. Children frequently suffer from various ailments caused by the cold, moisture, and dust. The government provides very limited health care, so most families struggle to afford anything beyond the basic services.

In an effort to help one another overcome these many challenges, families typically maintain very close ties. Children and adults alike take pride in their cultural traditions, food, and music.
Ethnic Armenians make up an overwhelming majority of the country’s population. Most people in this

Country Comparison	Armenia	United States
Population	3 million	295.4 million
Land Mass	10,965 sq. miles	3,537,439 sq. miles
Life Expectancy	72 years	78 years
Infant Mortality Rate (per 1,000)	29	7
Literacy Rate	99%	97%
Primary School Enrollment	97%	92%
Access to Safe Water	92%	100%
Average Annual Income (GNI per capita)	$1,120	$41,400

Religion

What is it like to live there?
The Republic of Armenia is a small, mountainous country with an average elevation of about 5,900 feet. Most of the people live in cities or towns located in the river valleys.

The climate of Armenia is predominantly dry, although it varies by elevation. Summers are long and hot, while winters can be harsh. The elevated plateaus often experience poorer weather, with precipitation heaviest in the mountains.

Since becoming an independent state in 1991, Armenia’s transition from the Soviet centralized system to a market economy has led to a severe drop in living standards and a rise in poverty.

The country also continues to suffer from the effects of the 1988 earthquake and a growing refugee population. In some urban areas, housing and school facilities are crumbling. Clean drinking water is often inaccessible during certain parts of the day.

These conditions are hardest on children, who are especially vulnerable. Boys and girls are often abandoned to the street, where they suffer from a lack of proper shelter, food, clothing, and education.

Your sponsorship support is helping to give these children an opportunity to have their most urgent needs met and to experience God’s love.
The Republic of Armenia is a small, mountainous country with an average elevation of about 5,900 fe
Armenia Projects
With the support of generous donors like you, World Vision is partnering with families throughout Armenia to build brighter futures filled with hope for their children.

Many activities are under way to help meet immediate needs and promote lasting changes that will strengthen communities and move families toward self-reliance.

Overall program goals include:

• Providing sponsored children with medical check-ups and educating parents about proper nutrition and hygiene.
• Improving existing primary school facilities and supplying school-age children with the books and materials they need to pursue an education.
• Opening after-school clubs where boys and girls can receive assistance with their schoolwork, learn computer skills, participate in group activities, and exercise their creativity in a safe environment.
• Exploring opportunities for sustainable heating that can provide local families with relief from the harsh winter weather.
• Working with local leaders to organize and train groups of individuals committed to community development.
• Sponsoring summer camps and Christmas and Easter celebrations to help boys and girls learn more about Jesus.

• Pray that your sponsored child might learn more about Jesus as he or she experiences His love and grace.
• Ask God to guide your sponsored child as he or she learns, grows, and moves toward a future full of hope and possibilities.
• Pray for God to protect the health of your sponsored child and his or her family.

Please click here to peruse online picture folders of children from this country.