Economy
Introduction
The Government of Armenia has been able to carry out wide-ranging economic reforms that have resulted in steady growth since 1995. New sectors, such as precious stone processing and jewelry making, information and communication technology, and tourism have begun to supplement more traditional sectors such as agriculture in the economy. Armenia has developed a varied and flexible economy, due to the transportation limitations caused by the economic blockade imposed by two of its neighbors, Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Armenia’s major exports are diamonds, mineral products and energy. Its main export partners are the EU, Russia, Israel, Iran, and the US.

Armenia’s major imported commodities are natural gases, petroleum products, tobacco products and foodstuff. The main imports partners of the country are Iran, Russia, Israel, Italy, Germany, France, US and UAE.

Armenia’s steady economic progress has earned it increasing support from international institutions. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), as well as other international financial institutions and foreign countries have extended considerable grants and loans, which have given the Republic a strong hand in improving its infrastructure and economic atmosphere.

In fact, Armenia’s GDP, which has experienced double-digit growth for the past 5 years (13,9% in 2005) and is expected to repeat this exploit in 2006, is one of the fastest-growing in the world. The government has also controlled inflation (only 0.6% in 2005) and substantially reduced its rates of poverty (from well over 55% in 1996 to 39% in 2004) and severe poverty (from 27.7% in 1996 to 7.2% in 2004). This impressive economic recovery has earned the country top marks from international organizations such as the World Bank and the IMF.

Armenia joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2003, further solidifying its position among the free markets of the world.

A compilation of reports from different international organizations is presented here, which outline Armenia’s ratings in both economic and non-economic spheres (such as human rights and quality of life).