Three thousand years of history tell a powerful tale of conquest, foreign domination and resurgence. Part of the Soviet Union from , a newly independent Armenia is working hard to fulfill the promise of democracy and a market economy. The transition has been difficult. In addition to the natural hardships faced by all command economies undergoing reform, Armenia faces blockades and sanctions resulting from a complex conflict with Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Following independence Armenia was virtually without electric power for two years.
Its well-developed economy—one of the richest in the Soviet Union—was simply crushed. Recovery has been slow. Now, however, the worst is over. The dram, the national currency, is stable. Petroleum and gas imports are flowing steadily. Moreover, the power sector has been reorganized to dramatically improve efficiency. As a result, consumers have steady, reliable electrical service.
Although the traditional manufacturing base is shattered, small and medium sized businesses are opening all over the capital, and, to a lesser extent, in the regions.
A wide variety of consumer goods are available in local markets, kiosks and stores. The metro is running; car traffic is rolling all day long. Much, however, is contingent on a peaceful political resolution to the volatile Nagorno-Karabakh situation. Given this dramatic backdrop, Yerevan is an intensely busy post.
This is true now more than ever, as the U. The Armenians, among the best-educated people in the entire CIS, are competent and energetic. Personnel assigned to this post can expect many real and exciting challenges at work.
