The Republic of Armenia declared its sovereignty on August 23, 1990, and became an independent state a year later, on September 23, 1991. In October 1991, Levon Ter-Petrosian, who had been elected democratically as chairman of the Armenian Supreme Soviet under the Soviet system in 1990, was chosen president of the republic in a six-candidate election.
Today the population of Armenia is about 3.5 million people. However, Armenian Diaspora worldwide totals more than 10 million: in the days of the genocide many Armenians were forced to leave their native land.
Armenia geography is blessed with endless natural treasure. The Armenian Territory stands in the heart of the southern Transcaucasus in Eurasia. Ararat Valley with its undulating landscape is the most prominent feature of Armenia geography.