Armenia has a population of around 3 million.
The Armenian economy was transformed from agricultural to primarily industrial under Soviet rule. However, agriculture remains important, accounting for about two-fifths of the gross domestic product and it employs one-fifth of the labour force.
Peaches and apricots are the most common orchard crops. Apples, cherries, mazzards (sweet cherries) and pears are cultivated in the colder climate. Walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pomegranates and figs are also produced in this area.
86-90% of the food energy consumed in Armenia comes from crops that are not native to the region. Most of these plants’ diversity is found elsewhere on the planet.