AVC Multimedia e-Book Series eBook#2: Exploring Yerevan A Look Inside the City | Page 9

Introduction

Yerevan is the thirteenth and current capital city of Armenia. Since it was declared the capital in 1918, Yerevan has been the largest city of the Republic of Armenia, and is the administrative, cultural, and industrial center of the country. Yerevan is situated on the edge of Ararat Valley (Mount Ararat is visible from any area in the city) on both sides of the picturesque canyon of the Hrazdan River, at an altitude of 900-1,300 m (2,953-4,265 ft) above sea level. The northern part of the city is relatively higher and is surrounded by mountains,while descending to the banks of the Hrazdan River in the south. The city shares an administrative border with the

Aragatsotn, Ararat, Armavir, and Kotayk marzes, which are the administrative units of the Republic. Yerevan is not part of any marz and has a special status in the administrative division of Armenia. The city consists of twelve-community districts known as hamaynks. According to the 2011 census, the population of Yerevan is 1,060,138, which is more than 35% of the total population of Armenia. Yerevan was named the 2012 World Book Capital by UNESCO.

The climate is continental semi-arid with hot and dry summers and cold and snowy winters. Yerevan experiences an average of 290 sunny days per year.

Yerevan with Mount Ararat in Background

(cc) Serouj Ourishian

Yerevan View (Video)