YEREVAN — Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan today congratulated Armenia’s national minorities on National Minorities Day, emphasizing cultural diversity as a core pillar of the country's democratic values and national unity.

In an official address, Pashinyan highlighted that the distinct traditions and identities of different nationalities enrich the country's social fabric and historical heritage. He reiterated that shared citizenship unites all communities into a single entity: the people of the Republic of Armenia.

Key Takeaways from Pashinyan’s Address:

• Constitutional Rights and Liberties: The state remains strictly committed to protecting the fundamental freedoms of all citizens, including their right to preserve and develop their native language, religious distinctiveness, and cultural identity.
• Active Civic Engagement: National minorities continue to play a vital role in advancing Armenia's social, economic, educational, and community life.
• Democratic Priorities: Pashinyan defined respect for diversity, equal opportunities, and mutual tolerance as essential pillars of a modern democratic society. He vowed that ensuring the full civic participation of national minorities remains a major priority for the state.

Pashinyan concluded his message by wishing peace, prosperity, and success to all national minority representatives, expressing hope that Armenia's diversity will continue to foster a solid foundation for solidarity and mutual respect.

Demographic Context: A Highly Homogeneous Society

While Armenia celebrates its multicultural heritage, the country stands as one of the most ethnically homogeneous nations in the world. According to data from the Armenia Statistical Committee and the country's latest census, ethnic Armenians make up roughly 98% of the total population.

The remaining 2% comprises a small but vibrant tapestry of distinct national minorities:

• Yazidis: Counting approximately 31,079 people, the Yazidis form Armenia's largest minority group. Primarily residing in rural and agricultural regions like Aragatsotn, they practice Yezidism—a ancient, unique syncretic faith.
• Russians: Representing the second-largest group with about 14,076 residents, the Russian community includes descendants of 19th-century Molokan religious sectarians as well as urban professionals in Yerevan.
• Assyrians and Kurds: The census records 2,755 Assyrians (an Aramaic-speaking Semitic Christian group) and 1,663 Kurds living permanently in the country.
• Other Small Communities: Armenia is also home to smaller numbers of Ukrainians, Greeks, Georgians, Belarusians, and Jews.