Armenia
Crisis From Conflict
While struggling with economic growth, Armenia has been hit with multiple conflicts resulting in humanitarian crises. WFP has is there to respond with emergency relief and long-term support.
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Hunger in Armenia
27%
of Armenians live in poverty
23%
of the population is hungry
90K+
recent arrivals in Armenia
Armenia Facts
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Population: 3 million people.
Background: Armenia gained its independence in 1991 after the Soviet Union collapsed.
Geography & Climate: Armenia is a landlocked country between Europe and Asia. It is a highland mountainous region with a dry climate.
Economy: Since independence, Armenia’s economy has been growing slowly, though it took devastating hits from the 2009 recession and in 2020 from COVID-19 and conflict.
Causes of Hunger in Armenia
Displacement from War
Over the past two years, Armenia has faced a conflict that has resulted in displacement and hunger. Most recently, more than 90,000 individuals have sought refuge in Armenia. Among them are elderly people and many children.
Poverty & Unemployment
Since independence, Armenia has had slow economic growth. Closed borders with Türkiye and Azerbaijan have hindered its trade opportunities, and multiple recessions from external factors have create economic shocks that were difficult to recover from. As a result, there is high unemployment, poverty and hunger. Many Armenians emigrate and the remaining population heavily relies on remittances.
History of Hunger in Armenia
1991-1994
A multi-year conflict over disputed territory displaced tens of thousands of people and destroyed infrastructure.
2020-
Conflict flared up again and and displaced over 100,000 people, requiring a large humanitarian response to meet needs.
2023-
The most recent conflict resulted in over 115,000 people fleeing into Armenia in just one week. WFP responded with emergency food aid.
WFP’s Work in Armenia
WFP has worked in Armenia since 1993. Through conflict and economic shocks, we’ve have provided food for vulnerable people.
Food and Cash Transfers
WFP provides direct food and cash assistance to vulnerable people in Armenia. In 2022, we delivered food to over 34,000 people.
Emergency Relief
We provided food assistance to the most vulnerable people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and to people displaced by recent conflict.
School Meals
WFP has been implementing school meals since 2010. In 2022, we provided over 160,000 school meals and snacks to children in Armenia.
