YEREVAN. – The average loan-interest rate, which Armenia’s banks and credit companies had set in December 2011, was 18 percent for Armenian dram (AMD) and 12.1 percent for US dollar (USD) loans, the Central Bank of Armenia’s December 2011 bulletin informs.

The average highest-interest AMD loans were provided in Tavush Region, with 20.7 percent, whereas average the highest-interest USD loans were offered in Aragatsotn Region, with 14.9 percent. 

Syunik Region, on the other hand, provides the lowest-interest loans. Its average interest-rate AMD loans are 16.1 percent, whereas the US loans are offered at 11.4-percent interest rate.   

Also, Gegharkunik, Ararat, Armavir, Shirak, and Lori regions are among the highest-interest loan providers. But the loans are offered at a comparatively lower interest rate  in the capital Yerevan (16.3 percent for AMD and 11.8 percent for USD loans), and also in Kotayk and Vayots Dzor regions.