Armenia: History

1918 Armenia briefly becomes independent after the Ottoman Empire falls.

1922 After being invaded by the Soviet Red Army, Armenia becomes part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).

1930s

Armenians suffer under Stalin's purges, but the nation also experiences substantial industrial development.

1991

In December, Armenia joins the Commonwealth of Independent States, the successor of the Soviet Union.

1991 In a September referendum, 94% of voters support secession from the Soviet Union, formally declaring the country’s independence.

1992

A trade and energy embargo is imposed by Azerbaijan over a conflict of Armenia's claims to the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

1995 The government begins programs aimed at returning industries to the private market and liberalizing prices.

2009

Armenia and Turkey agree to normalize relations, allowing the countries to begin the processes to establish diplomatic ties and reopen the shared border.

2015

Armenia joins the Eurasian Customs Union after declining a EU Association Agreement.