Republic of Nagorno Karabagh (Artsakh)

Facts about Republic of Karabagh

Total land area: 4,400 sq Kilometers 

Bordering states: Republic of Azerbaijan. At its closest point, Karabagh. is 4 km. from Armenia to its west. Territories currently held by Karabagh make it contiguous with Armenia to the west and with Iran to the south. 

Capital of Karabagh: Stepanakert

Largest cities/towns: Stepanakert, Shushi, Martakert, Askeran, Martuni, Hadrut 

Flag: Three equal horizontal stripes of red, blue and orange, with a westwards pointing step like arrow (White division).

Date of Independence: The Republic of Mountainous Karabagh was established on September 2, 1991 and declared its independance on January 6, 1992. 

Population: 157,200 (1995) 

• Population density: 31 persons per sq Km
• Ethnic composition: Armenian 95%, Assyrian, Greek other 5% 

Topography: Mountainous

• Highest peak: Mt. Kirs (2,725 m.) 
• Largest body of water: Sarsang Reservoir 
• Rivers: Terter, Khachen 

Climate: Similar to Armenia

Languages: Armenian

Religion: Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church.

• Religious center: Gandzasar 

Currency: Dram (Tram)

• 1 Dram = 100 Luma 
• exchange rate - 1USD = 502 Dram (Mar 1998) 

.Resourses and Industry:

• Primarily agriculture and animal husbandry.

Time: GMT +3  

The Flag - By Stuart Notholt

The flag of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabagh (Artsakh) was adopted on June 2nd 1991. It is derived from the flag of Armenia, which consists of three equal horizontal stripes of red, blue and orange -- with a westwards pointing step like arrow (white division), which signifies very graphically Karapagh's current separation from Armenia, and its hopes for union with the Motherland. The design also recalls that of the world famous (and very expensive) Armenian rugs.

The Artsakh flag is surely a good example of what a national flag should be, it is highly distinctive and individual and encapsulates its nation's history, culture and aspirations. 

The Coat-of-arms

The coat-of-arms of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabagh is made up of the following elements:

The eagle - which is the dominant figure on the coat-of-arms. A symbol of pride and strength.

 The shield - centred on the chest of the eagle is a shield made up of three deferent elements; 

• A panorama of a mountain range, which represent the topography of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabagh, from which its name was derived, (Nagorno - in Russian means mountainous). 
• A stone monument of a male and a female head, which represents the men and women of Karabagh, Its name is "We are our mountains" and it is located in Stepanakert, the capital.
• The tricoloured part with the white step like arrow is the flag of Karabagh.

The eagle stands on a bunch of different agricultural products; on the right is a grapevine, on the left is a brunch with white flowers (possibly an Apricot tree) and on both sides corn stalks. These elements represent the lush and rich soil of Nagorno-Karabagh, from which its name was derived. (Karabagh - in Turkish/Azeri means "black garden")

The crown - the eagle is crowned with an ornamented crown, which traditionally is the symbol of royalty and noble heritage. There are sunrays emerging from around the crown and the eagle's head towards the ribbon.

The ribbon - The inscription on the ribbon in Eastern Armenian reads "Lernayin Gharabaghi Hanrapetoutioun - Artsakh", which means "Republic of Mountainous Karabagh - Artsakh ".

CLICK HERE FOR THE CHRONOLOGY OF THE HISTORY OF ARTSAKH