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About Armenia

Armenia

Region: Europe

Area: 29,740 km²

Population: 3,033,500

Libraries (Service Points): 1,775

Libraries in Armenia

Last update: April 2026

Armenia’s library system is currently undergoing modernisation and reorganisation. The country has several types of libraries, including:

  • National libraries: Armenia has two national libraries – the National Library of Armenia, whose key functions include managing legal deposit copies of publications, maintaining the national bibliography, preserving rare and valuable works, and providing research services; and the National Children’s Library, whose responsibilities are focused on children’s and school libraries.
  • Public libraries (national, provincial, community, and children’s), which serve all groups of society without limits or discrimination.
  • Academic and Academy of Sciences libraries (universities and research institutions), used mainly by professional and scholarly communities.
  • Educational libraries (school libraries, college (varjaran) libraries, and educational complexes), primarily serving students and teachers.
  • Special libraries (medical, technical, military, prison, etc.), which are used by professional groups.

 

The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport of the Republic of Armenia is responsible for developing laws and policies relating to libraries. Through its programmes – designed to ensure that all readers have access to both modern digital databases and electronic repositories, alongside traditional library services – the Ministry plays a key role in modernising and strengthening the library sector. These activities are intended to ensure the long-term relevance and sustainability of libraries in an era of rapidly evolving digital technologies and artificial intelligence.

The Ministry carries out the accreditation of community libraries in accordance with the procedure established by the RA Law On Libraries and Librarianship and the RA Government Resolution No. 187-N On Establishing the Procedure for Accreditation of Public Libraries and the Form of the Certificate. Between 2013 and 2022, 55 community and state libraries were accredited and received the status of public libraries.

The programme Development of the Material and Technical Base of Public Libraries has facilitated the creation of contemporary information centres within community libraries across Armenia.

 

Key development priorities for the library field in Armenia include:

  • Improving service provision for the wider public.
  • Strengthening the material and technical capacities of libraries.
  • Supporting the development of librarianship in Armenia.
  • Enhancing the material, technical and financial conditions of libraries nationwide.
  • Establishing a comprehensive legislative framework for libraries.
  • Automating library operations and expanding electronic services.

 

The Armenian Library Association (ALA) is the only professional association representing the interests of librarians in the country. It contributes to the advancement of librarianship by fostering partnerships with foreign libraries and library organisations, participating in projects related to library legislation and standards in Armenia, and implementing initiatives aimed at raising the status and public perception of libraries. The ALA is also actively involved in the professional development of librarians and in improving policies and norms governing the library sector.

Library data

Libraries (Service Points) 1,775
Main Libraries 108
Branch Libraries 334
External Service Points 15
Mobile Libraries 1
Libraries (Administrative Units) 1,631
Libraries with Internet Access 811
Full-Time Staff 2,682
Volunteers 1,476
Registered Users 558,968
Physical Visits 3.5 M
Physical Loans 6.7 M
eBook Loans 483,242
Audio Book Loans 915
Downloads 70,739

Contextual data

Population and Geography
3,033,500

Population

No Data Available

Population Growth

28.7%

Proportion of Population Younger than 15

20.4%

Proportion of Population Older than 64

105.1

Population Density
people per sq km

65.8%

Population Growth

Information and Infrastructure
100.0%

Access to Electricity

80.0%

Internet Users

79.3%

Female Internet Users

No Data Available

Male Internet Users

Poverty and Employment
22,823.2%

GDP per capita

1.9%

Poverty Rate
2011 PPP

27.2%

Inequality
2011 PPP

8.3%

Unemployment

20.2%

Inactive Youth
2011 PPP

Education and Literacy
2.4%

Education Spending
% of GDP

99.8%

Adult Literacy Rate
% of people age 15+

99.9%

Female Adult Literacy
% of GDP

99.9%

Male Adult Literacy
% of people age 15+

99.9%

Female Youth Literacy
% of GDP

99.9%

Male Youth Literacy
% of people age 15+

Innovation and Skills
0.2%

Research Spending
% of GDP

0

Researchers
% of GDP

655

Research Spending
% of GDP

Library data

Library type

Total

National

Academic

Public

Community

School

Other

Libraries (Service Points)

Library service point is a fixed or mobile facility through which library provides a service to its users. Central libraries, branch libraries, mobile libraries, and external service points located in different geographical locations and managed by one administrative unit are all each individual service points. Number of libraries is the total number of central/main libraries, branch libraries, external service points and mobile libraries.

1,775

1,775

2025

3

2025

48

2025

124

2025

282

2025

1,317

2024

1

2025
Main Libraries

Central/main library is usually part or those parts of an administrative unit where the main administrative functions and the important parts of the library collection and services are located. An administrative unit comprising several branch libraries does not necessarily include a central library.

108

108

2025

2

2025

18

2025

55

2025

32

2025

1

2025
Branch Libraries

Branch library is a part of a larger administrative unit providing, in separate quarters, a service for a particular user group (e.g. children, faculties) or for a locally defined clientele. Institute, departmental and other affiliated libraries are included. Mobile libraries and external service points are excluded.

334

334

2025

0

2025

30

2025

66

2025

238

2025

0

2025
External Service Points

External service point is a point away from library premises at which a certain service is regularly offered to users. This includes places within a locality at which library material is deposited for informal circulation to a restricted group of users but without other library services, for example, old people’s homes, community centres, collections for hospital patients. Mobile libraries and their stops are not counted as external service points.

15

15

2025

0

2025

3

2025

12

2025

0

2025
Mobile Libraries

Mobile library is a library, sometimes a division of a public library, using transport means to provide documents and services directly to users as an alternative to access on library premises.

1

1

2025

1

2025

0

2025

0

2025

0

2025
Libraries (Administrative Units)

Administrative unit is any independent library, or group of libraries, under a single directorate or a single administration. The term “independent” does not imply legal or financial independence but only that the library is a recognisably separate unit, typically within a larger organisation. The administrative unit can be a single library or a larger organisation, typically containing a central/main library, branch libraries and administrative functions.

1,631

1,631

2025

2

2025

21

2025

40

2023

250

2025

1,317

2024

1

2025
Libraries with Internet Access

Libraries (Service Points) that provides internet access from at least one workstation available to the public regardless of whether access is free, and/or provides a wireless network allowing users to connect to the Internet.

811

811

2025

2

2025

21

2025

67

2025

36

2025

684

2016

1

2025
Full-Time Staff

Full-time equivalent (FTE) staff are all library employees who work for the library in return for payment. It includes professional staff, qualified staff, project staff and assistants. Other staff (library employees who work in security and on domestic duties, for example, cleaners, porters, caretakers and catering staff) and volunteers are excluded.

2,682

2,682

2025

335

2025

250

2025

256

2025

422

2025

1,407

2024

12

2025
Volunteers

Volunteer is a person working on library tasks without payment. In counting volunteers, the concept of headcount is used.

1,476

1,476

2025

1

2025

23

2025

36

2025

133

2025

1,283

2016

0

2025
Registered Users

Registered user is a person or organisation registered with a library in order to use its collection and/or services within or away from the library. Users may be registered upon their request or automatically when enrolling in the institutions.

558,968

558,968

2025

41,356

2025

97,557

2025

75,786

2025

139,332

2025

196,399

2016

8,538

2025
Physical Visits

Physical visit is a person (individual) entering the library premises.

3.5 M

3,502,668

2025

490,520

2025

1,024,051

2025

523,515

2025

1,221,986

2025

233,439

2016

9,157

2025
Physical Loans

Physical loan is a direct lending or delivery transaction of an item in physical form. Physical loans include loans of items in non-electronic form (e.g. books) and loans electronic documents on a physical carrier (e.g. CD-ROM).

6.7 M

6,651,674

2025

1,739,296

2025

1,285,066

2025

843,888

2025

1,716,638

2025

1,052,909

2016

13,877

2025
eBook Loans

eBook is a non-serial digital document, licenced or not, where searchable text is prevalent, and similar to a print book (monograph). eBooks can be lent to users either on portable devices (eBook readers) or by transmitting the contents to the user’s PC or other device for a limited time period.

483,242

483,242

2025

470,662

2025

11,948

2025

29

2025

N/A

2023

170

2016

433

2025
Audio Book Loans

Audio book (or talking book) is a sound recording of readings of a book, magazine, or newspaper, usually designed for use by visually impaired people. Audio books can be lent to users either on a physical carrier or other device, or by transmitting the content to the user’s PC or other device for a limited time period.

915

915

2025

15

2025

42

2025

9

2025

N/A

2023

849

2016

0

2025
Downloads

Download is a content unit that is successfully requested from a library-provided online service or other internet service (e.g. database, electronic serial or digital document).

70,739

70,739

2025

40,209

2025

17,329

2025

50

2025

N/A

2023

7,751

2016

5,400

2025

Population

Armenia

Region

World

Population

Total population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship. The values shown are midyear estimates.

total

3,033,500

2024

928,263,208

2024

8,141,808,945

2024

Proportion of Population Younger than 15

Age dependency ratio, young, is the ratio of younger dependents--people younger than 15--to the working-age population--those ages 15-64. Data are shown as the proportion of dependents per 100 working-age population.

percentage of working-age population

28.7%

2024

27.0%

2024

38.0%

2024

Proportion of Population Older than 64

Age dependency ratio, old, is the ratio of older dependents--people older than 64--to the working-age population--those ages 15-64. Data are shown as the proportion of dependents per 100 working-age population.

precentage of working-age population

20.4%

2024

28.1%

2024

15.7%

2024

Population Growth

Annual population growth rate for year t is the exponential rate of growth of midyear population from year t-1 to t, expressed as a percentage. Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship.

annual percentage

2.3%

2024

0

2024

1.0%

2024

Population Density

Population density is midyear population divided by land area in square kilometers. Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship--except for refugees not permanently settled in the country of asylum, who are generally considered part of the population of their country of origin. Land area is a country's total area, excluding area under inland water bodies, national claims to continental shelf, and exclusive economic zones. In most cases the definition of inland water bodies includes major rivers and lakes.

people persq. km of land area

105.1%

2023

33.7%

2022

61.6%

2022

Urban Population

Urban population refers to people living in urban areas as defined by national statistical offices. The data are collected and smoothed by United Nations Population Division.

percentage of total population

65.8%

2024

74.0%

2024

57.6%

2024

Information Infrastructure

Armenia

Region

World

Internet Users

Internet users are individuals who have used the Internet (from any location) in the last 3 months. The Internet can be used via a computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, games machine, digital TV etc.

percentage of population

80.0%

2023

92.4%

2025

73.6%

2025

Female Internet Users

This indicator refers to female individuals who have used the Internet (from any location) in the last 3 months. The Internet can be used via a computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, games machine, digital TV etc.

percentage of female population

79.3%

2022

90.0%

2024

68.2%

2024

Male Internet Users

This indicator refers to male individuals who have used the Internet (from any location) in the last 3 months. The Internet can be used via a computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, games machine, digital TV etc.

percentage of male population

-

90.0%

-

Access to Electricity

Access to electricity is the percentage of population with access to electricity. Electrification data are collected from industry, national surveys and international sources.

percentage of population

100.0%

2023

100.0%

2023

91.6%

2023

Economy, Poverty, and Employment

Armenia

Region

World

GDP per Capita

This indicator provides values for gross domestic product (GDP) expressed in current international dollars, converted by purchasing power parities (PPPs). PPPs account for the different price levels across countries and thus PPP-based comparisons of economic output are more appropriate for comparing the output of economies and the average material well-being of their inhabitants than exchange-rate based comparisons. Gross domestic product is the total income earned through the production of goods and services in an economic territory during an accounting period. It can be measured in three different ways: using either the expenditure approach, the income approach, or the production approach. This series has been linked to produce a consistent time series to counteract breaks in series over time due to changes in base years, source data and methodologies. Thus, it may not be comparable with other national accounts series in the database for historical years. The core indicator has been divided by the general population to achieve a per capita estimate. This indicator is expressed in current prices, meaning no adjustment has been made to account for price changes over time. The PPP conversion factor is a currency conversion factor and a spatial price deflator. PPPs convert different currencies to a common currency and, in the process of conversion, equalize their purchasing power by eliminating the differences in price levels between countries, thereby allowing volume or output comparisons of GDP and its expenditure components.

current international $

22,823

2024

52,463.1

2024

24,526

2024

Poverty Rate

Poverty headcount ratio at $3.00 a day is the percentage of the population living on less than $3.00 a day at 2021 purchasing power adjusted prices. As a result of revisions in PPP exchange rates, poverty rates for individual countries cannot be compared with poverty rates reported in earlier editions.

percentage of population

1.9%

2023

0.5%

2024

10.3%

2024

Inequality

Gini index measures the extent to which the distribution of income (or, in some cases, consumption expenditure) among individuals or households within an economy deviates from a perfectly equal distribution. A Lorenz curve plots the cumulative percentages of total income received against the cumulative number of recipients, starting with the poorest individual or household. The Gini index measures the area between the Lorenz curve and a hypothetical line of absolute equality, expressed as a percentage of the maximum area under the line. Thus a Gini index of 0 represents perfect equality, while an index of 100 implies perfect inequality.

percentage

27.2%

2023

0.0%

-

Unemployment

Unemployment refers to the share of the labor force that is without work but available for and seeking employment. Definitions of labor force and unemployment differ by country.

percentage of total labor force

8.3%

2023

5.3%

2024

6.2%

2021

Inactive Youth

The share of youth not in education, employment or training (also known as “the NEET rate”) conveys the number of young persons not in education, employment or training as a percentage of the total youth population. Youth not in education are those who were neither enrolled in school nor in a formal training program (e.g. vocational training). For the purposes of this indicator, youth is defined as all persons between the ages of 15 and 24 (inclusive).


percentage of youth population

20.2%

2023

12.5%

2024

-

Education and Literacy

Armenia

Region

World

Education Spending

General government expenditure on education (current, capital, and transfers) is expressed as a percentage of GDP. It includes expenditure funded by transfers from international sources to government. General government usually refers to local, regional and central governments.


percentage of GDP

2.4%

2023

4.6%

2022

3.5%

2023

Adult Literacy Rate

Adult literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15 and above who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life.


percentage of people ages 15 and above

99.8%

2023

4.6%

2022

87.7%

2024

Female Adult Literacy

Adult literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15 and above who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life.


percentage of females ages 15 and above

99.9%

2023

98.5%

2024

84.6%

2024

Male Adult Literacy

Adult literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15 and above who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life.


percentage of males ages 15 and above

99.9%

2023

99.1%

2023

90.9%

2024

Female Youth Literacy

Youth literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15-24 who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life.


percentage of females ages 15-24

99.9%

2023

99.8%

2023

92.0%

2024

Male Youth Literacy

Youth literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15-24 who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life.


percentage of males ages 15-24

99.9%

2023

99.8%

2023

94.1%

2024

Research and Innovation

Armenia

Region

World

Research Spending

Gross domestic expenditures on research and development (R&D), expressed as a percent of GDP. They include both capital and current expenditures in the four main sectors: Business enterprise, Government, Higher education and Private non-profit. R&D covers basic research, applied research, and experimental development.


percentage of GDP

0.2%

2023

2.0%

2022

2.7%

2022

Researchers

The number of researchers engaged in Research &Development (R&D), expressed as per million. Researchers are professionals who conduct research and improve or develop concepts, theories, models techniques instrumentation, software of operational methods. R&D covers basic research, applied research, and experimental development.


per million people

1,040

2023

3,466.1

2022

1,516

2018

Scientific Articles

Article counts refer to publications from a selection of conference proceedings and peer-reviewed journals from Scopus in science and engineering fields, according to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics Taxonomy of Disciplines.


fractional count

655

2022

913,901.4

2022

3,338,192

2022

National Library Associations

Armenian Library Association (ALA) / Հայկական գրադարանային ասոցիացիա (ՀԳԱ)

The goal of the Armenian Library Association (ALA) is to contribute to the development and improvement of librarianship. It establishes and maintains partnerships with foreign libraries and library organisations and participates in projects related to the development of principles, programmes, and normative documents governing librarianship in the Republic of Armenia. The Association supports initiatives aimed at enhancing the authority and public reputation of libraries.

ALA’s main activities include the professional development of librarians; the creation and evaluation of standards related to various types of library activity; the organisation of events (such as National Library Week, Librarians’ Day, and book fairs); raising awareness of libraries and the library profession; and the organisation and delivery of professional, local, and international library seminars and conferences. The Association currently has 200 members.

National Library of Armenia (NLA) / Հայաստանի ազգային գրադարան (ՀԱԳ)

The National Library of Armenia (NLA) is the centre of the country’s bibliography and the largest repository of Armenian printed materials in the world. Since 1925, the NLA has received legal deposit copies of all Armenian print publications. The Library serves as a national hub for information and book exchange, bibliography, interlibrary lending, librarianship, and the digitisation of printed materials.

In 1947, the Library began publishing the Calendar of Memorable Dates. Since 2015, the Bulletin of Armenian Libraries has been published in electronic form.

The mission of the Library is to:

  • become a key contributor to national progress in information policy, culture, education, science, and the economy;
  • operate as a user-centred organisation;
  • serve as an accessible national institution that supports the implementation of innovation policy, strengthens national interoperability, and contributes to the development of a knowledge-based society;
  • promote the country’s cultural heritage, support the diversity of cultural content and services, and enhance legal and technological conditions for improved access to information.
Khnko Aper National Children’s Library / Խնկո Ապոր անվան ազգային մանկական գրադարան

The National Children’s Library, named after Khnko Aper, promotes reading among children and young adults through library research, cultural events, and educational programmes. As a national hub for children’s literature, it collects, preserves, and provides access to a comprehensive collection of printed works written in Armenian.

The Library is a member of several international organisations, including the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), the International Association of Music Libraries (IAML), and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).

Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia / ՀՀ կրթության, գիտության, մշակույթի և սպորտի նախարարություն

Description: The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia is the principal state executive body responsible for the development and implementation of national policy in the cultural sector. It oversees cultural preservation, legislation, heritage sites, and cultural promotion.

The Ministry manages national museums, theatres, and libraries, and supports cultural education initiatives aimed at increasing cultural participation among young people. It directly funds and supervises the National Library of Armenia, the National Children’s Library named after Khnko Aper, and ten provincial libraries.

Armenian Government / ՀՀ կառավարության

Since 2013, the Government has implemented a grant programme entitled Development of the Material and Technical Base of Public Libraries. The programme aims to equip accredited community libraries with modern facilities, including professional furniture and free internet access, as well as to support the renewal and expansion of library book collections.

Armenian Writers’ Union / Հայաստանի գրողների միություն

The Writers’ Union of Armenia is a public non-profit organisation that brings writers together. Established in 1932, it collaborates with government bodies, publishers, libraries, museums, and academic and scientific institutions. The Union organises literary anniversaries, awards, exhibitions, discussions of newly published works by its members, presentations, and other cultural activities. Since 2008, it has also organised Book Giving Day, which is celebrated annually in Armenia on 19 February.

National Association of Publishers / Հրատարակիչների ազգային ասոցիացիա

Established in 1998, the National Publishers’ Association is a non-governmental organisation that brings together publishing houses in Armenia. Its activities include organising book fairs, participating in international events, delivering presentations, and donating books to major libraries.

National Policy for Libraries

Law on the Foundations of the Cultural Legislation / ՀՀ օրենքը մշակութային օրենսդրության հիմունքների մասին

The Law of the Republic of Armenia on the Foundations of Cultural Legislation was adopted on 20 November 2002. The objectives of state cultural policy are as follows:

  1. To promote the recognition of culture by society as a key factor in development.
  2. To encourage the pursuit of new ideas and values.
  3. To establish the conditions necessary for the development and reproduction of society’s creative potential.
  4. To support the formation of civil society.
RA Law on Libraries and Librarianship / Հայաստանի Հանրապետության օրենքը գրադարանների և գրադարանային գործի մասին

The Library Law, adopted in 2012, defines the types and functions of libraries, the procedures for the registration, acquisition, preservation, and accreditation of public libraries, as well as the rights and obligations of libraries and their users. It also establishes the legal framework for the development of library services and regulates relationships relating to the establishment, organisation, and funding of libraries.

Professional Qualification Requirements

Professional Qualification Requirements

The criteria for the professional qualifications of library staff are established by Order No. 506-Ն of the Minister of Culture, dated 5 August 2013.

Requirements for the position of Head of Department:
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Analysis of Documentary Information Resources or Management of Library and Information Services (Bibliographer, Documentary Information Specialist), or an academic degree, and have at least one year of experience as a Chief Librarian or Chief Bibliographer. Alternatively, a Master’s degree in higher education or an academic degree combined with a minimum of three years of experience as a Chief Librarian or Chief Bibliographer is required.

Requirements for the position of Leading Librarian:
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Sciences or Librarian-Bibliographer, Educator, with at least one year of experience as a First-Class Librarian. Alternatively, a higher education degree combined with a minimum of three years of experience as a First-Class Librarian is required.

There is no information available.

Bulletin of Armenian Libraries / Բանբեր Հայաստանի գրադարանների

A scientific and methodological online journal for professionals in library studies, bibliography, and automated systems. Published biannually since 2015.

National Library Week

The Armenian Library Association began celebrating National Library Week (NLW) in Armenia in 2002. This major annual event is held in mid-April and aims to highlight the importance of books and libraries in the advancement of civilisation. It also draws the attention of the state and society to the challenges facing modern libraries.

All libraries across the Republic participate in NLW through specially designed programmes that include public lectures, book presentations and discussions, meetings, literary exhibitions, book donations, and other cultural events.

Day of Librarians

Since 2004, 7 October has been officially recognised as Librarians’ Day by the Armenian Government. The occasion aims to highlight the importance of libraries and librarians in the contemporary technological era. On this day, a wide range of events is held, including round-table discussions, literary matinées, debates on issues facing libraries, meetings with prominent figures from the academic, cultural, and literary communities, and ceremonies honouring outstanding librarians.

The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia also announces five nominees for the Best Library awards, recognising excellence in public, academic, community, educational, and innovative library services.

Day of the National Library of Armenia

On 4 July 1919, the Republic of Armenia adopted the National Public Book Depository statute, which established the National Library of Armenia. Since 1999, the National Library has organised annual events to mark the Day of the National Library of Armenia, honouring both veterans of library service and friends and supporters of the NLA.

Library Location Resources

No information available

Contributors