Гегаркуник

Gegharkunik Region is situated in the eastern part of RA. In the eastern part the region has borders with Azerbaijan. Theregion includes the territories of Gavar, Chambarak, Martuni, Sevan and Vardenis.
The Administrative centre is Gavar. The territory is 5348 km², but only 240.033 ha are useful for agriculture. Gegharkunik is the largest region in Armenia, it occupies th 18% of the whole territory. The region includes 5 cities- Gavar, Chambarak, Martuni, Sevan and Vardenis and 87 villages.

Territory of the Region

Population density is 44.5 people in km². Population is 238.000, from which 48.2 % is men, 51.8 % is women. Here winter is very long and cold, because it is situated at the 2000-3500m from sea level. The highest peak is Azhdahak (3598m). Other high mountains are Spitakasar (3555m), Vardenis (3522m) and Geghasar (3446m). The longest rivers are Argichi (51m), Gavaraget (47m) and Marsik (45m). There are also crater lakes Azhdahak and Armaghan. Famous Sevan Lake is also situated in Gegharkunik Region. The basin of the lake is over 5000 km², the surface of the lake area is 12000 km². The lake has its unique ecosystem and has a great importance for the whole country. Sevan Lake is the biggest source of fresh water. It plays a great role not only in ecology but in the economy of the country as well.

From the northern part Areguni Mountain Range is situated, Sevan Mountainn Range is located in the north-east. The territory between Geghama Mountains and Vardenis Mountain Range is very good for agriculture.
Gegharkunik Region is characterized with long sunny hours.

Flora and Fauna

The climate is quite mild. The southern and western coastal areas of Sevan are characterized by fertile black soil. There is small forest vegetation, there are rare shrub alley of oak, juniper and so on.
Fauna is not very rich. Because of the lowering of the lake level, the amount of fish and birds decreased. The region is known by gold reserves. It is proved that golden items found in the tombs of Lchashen, were made from the gold mine of Sotq. There are also reserves of chrome and fire-proof rocks, tuff and scoria.
There are many medieval architectural monuments in the territory of the region, but the natural monuments are the most attractive.
“Sevan” National Park is also in Gegharkunik Region, founded in 1978. The surface is 150000 ha. It is surrounded by the mountain ranges of Areguni, Geghama, Vardenis, Pambak and Sevan. Here you can find 1600 species of plans and 330 species of animals.