Government of Armenia
Long Conventional Name
Republic of Armenia
Short Conventional Name
Armenia
Long Local Name
Hayastani Hanrapetut'yun
Short Local Name
Hayastan
Government Type
Republic
Capital City
Yerevan
Administrative Divisions
11 provinces (marzer, singular - marz); Aragatsotn, Ararat, Armavir, Geghark'unik', Kotayk', Lorri, Shirak, Syunik', Tavush, Vayots' Dzor, Yerevan.
Independence Day
Saturday, 21st September 1991
Constitutional History
Adopted by nationwide referendum 5 July 1995; amendments adopted through a nationwide referendum 27 November 2005.
Legal System
Based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction.
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal.
Executive Branch
Chief of State
President Serzh SARGSIAN (since 9 April 2008)
Head of Government
Prime Minister Tigran SARGSIAN (since 9 April 2008)
Cabinet
Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister.
Elections
President elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 19 February 2008 (next to be held February 2013); prime minister appointed by the president based on majority or plurality support in parliament; the prime minister and Council of Ministers must resign if the National Assembly refuses to accept their program.
Legislative Branch
Unicameral National Assembly (Parliament) or Azgayin Zhoghov (131 seats; members elected by popular vote, 90 members elected by party list and 41 by direct vote; to serve five-year terms).
Judical Branch
Constitutional Court; Court of Cassation (Appeals Court).
Flag Description
Three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, and orange.