The Republic of Armenia: Independence and Nation Building

On September 21, 1991, following a referendum in which 99% voted for independence, Armenia declared its sovereignty, becoming the first Soviet republic to do so through a popular vote. This historic moment marked the birth of the Third Republic of Armenia. The early years of independence were marked by significant challenges, including the devastating 1988 earthquake, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and economic hardships following the collapse of the Soviet system. Despite these difficulties, Armenia has made remarkable progress in building democratic institutions, developing its economy, and establishing its place in the international community. Today, Armenia continues to navigate complex geopolitical challenges while maintaining strong ties with its global diaspora and working to build a prosperous future for its people.