The whole territory of Armenia is divided into 10 provinces or, as they are called in Armenian, marz’es. Armenian capital Yerevan is not included in any marz and it has a special administrative status as a capital city.
Each province is divided further into communities, which stand for municipalities. It can be urban or rural communities. In total there are about 915 communities, 49 of which are urban. Yerevan has no communities, it’s itself is also a community and is divided into 12 districts.
So what are the 10 provinces of Armenia and what each of them is known for?
Let’s shortly mention the capital city Yerevan. It is situated in the center-west of the country in the north-eastern extremity of the Ararat Valley. Yerevan is the largest city in Armenia, inhabiting about 1/3 of the total population of Armenia, which is over 1 million people. It used to be a small city, but grew fast in the Soviet time. There’s a legend, a joke or truth that Yerevan grew to 1 million due to construction of the Yerevan underground system. When subway was built in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, Armenia couldn’t help getting it in Yerevan (“Tbilisi was faster to get it, so we must do our best to catch up”). But there was a serious obstacle for catching up with Tbilisi – population. There was a rule that an underground can be built only in cities with population more than 1 million. And then Yerevan executives started an urbanization program, attracting people from provinces to Yerevan. Thus it grew to 1 million and the underground system was built and has 2 branches and 10 stations.
The provinces, marz’es, of Armenia are: Aragatsotn, Ararat, Armavir, Gegharkunik, Kotayk, Lori, Shirak, Syunik, Tavush and Vayotz Dzor. The biggest by population is Shirak, and by area – Gegharkunik.
But let’s first say a couple of words about Aragatsotn marz. This is the region, where the highest and the most beautiful mountain of the present-day Armenia, Aragats, is situated (Aragatsotn means “the foot of Aragats”) and this is the greatest natural attraction of Armenia! Several areas and spots of petroglyphs, stone carvings by primitive man, were found in the area. So if you find yourself in Armenia, you should by all means visit Aragats. To explore the area I recommend staying in SOAr’s b&b’s.
Shirak marz, a namesake of the previous president of France, Jacques Chirac 
, is situated in the north-west of the country, bordering Georgia and Turkey. The capital of Shirak, Gyumri, is the second largest city in Armenia and the victim of the Armenian earthquake of 1988. There are many churches and the Urartian citadel and cemetery. On the Turkish border one can have a look at the ancient Armenian capital Ani.
Gegharkunik marz is in the North-East of the country, bordering Azerbaijan. The main attraction of the region is Lake Sevan, a big mountainous fresh lake that occupies 5% of the country’s territory. Sevan’s water has a very beautiful marine color, and Sevan’s banks carry many beautiful churches.
Syunik marz is the southernmost province of Armenia, bordering, Iran and Azerbaijan’s exclave Nakhichevan. This region has one of the most stunning scenery and some of the most popular tourist attractions. Tatev monastery, situated here, is one of the biggest complexes in Armenia. Another great sightseeing destination is Karahundj, the Armenian Stonehenge-like ancient stone observatory. Syunik marz is the richest area for petroglyphs.
Lori marz, situated on the North of the country and bordering Georgia, is the home to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Haghpat and Sanahin, as well as to the well-preserved Akhtala and lovely Kober monasteries and marvelous landscapes.
Tavush marz is the northeastern province of Armenia, bordering Georgia and Azerbaijan. This is one of the most beautiful corners of Armenia, the most covered with thick forests mountainuos area. It is sprinkled with beautifully sited churches, monasteries and fortresses. The most known of them are Haghartsin and Goshavank. There are a lot of b&b’s and hotels to stay, but I would recommend Apaga’s base.
Vayots Dzor marz lies in the south-east of the country, bordering Azerbaijan on both east and west sides. It’s one of the most historically interested areas of Armenia. Sparsely populated, Vayots Dzor is stuffed with medieval churches, monasteries, forts, caves as well as remains of Bronze and early Iron Age. The most favourite destinations are Noravank monastery, Magil cave, Mozrovi cave, Areni church and Smbataberd fort.
Ararat marz named after the Mount Ararat is bordering Turkey along the Arax river and contains the Ararat Valley, dominated by Mount Ararat. It’s a plane and agriculturally rich, but very hot valley. However, the province includes also a very green and nice area on the other side, which is mostly protected within the bounds of the Khosrov Forest State Reserve. The most known attractions here are Khor Virap monastery with a stunning view on Ararat, and ruins of the ancient Armenian capital city Dvin.
Kotayk marz is situated in the center of the country. It contains Geghama range in the east, with areas rich of petroglyphs, Ara mountain and beautiful Azat river gorge in the south. The latter is famous for Garni temple and Geghard monastery. Kotayk province is home to the Armenian and Soviet Olympic ski resort Tsakhkadzor. Besides these popular destination it abounds many other churches, monasteries and forts.
Armavir marz is in the west of Armenia, located in the Ararat valley between Ararat and Aragats mountains and bordering Turkey along the Araz river. Armavir is home to the Holy City of Etchmiadzin, the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the residence of Katolikos, the head of the Church. Other famous sites here are Zvartnots cathedral, the Sardarapat battle monument, fortress of Aragats and the early Iron Age site/museum of Metsamor.
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