Zhoghovurd newspaper of the Republic of Armenia (RA) writes: The permanent population of Armenia has increased.

According to the RA Statistical Committee data, the indicator of the permanent population [in Armenia] as of January 1 of this year was 2 million 976 thousand 800 people, and in the same period of the previous year, the number of permanent residents was 2 million 961 thousand 400; that is, as of January 1, 2023, the population in the RA has increased by 15,400.

Zhoghovurd daily found out that during the year the number of residents decreased in some provinces of the RA, in others it remained the same, and in some provinces, on the contrary, it increased. The population in Lori Province decreased by 400 within a year. The same picture is also in Syunik Province; the number of residents [there] decreased by 500 within a year. The number of residents in Tavush Province remained the same: 49 thousand 900, in Gegharkunik—65 thousand 900.

Zhoghovurd daily learned that the number of residents in Shirak Province decreased from 134 thousand 100 to 133 thousand 600. Let us note that the number of residents has also decreased in Vayots Dzor [Province]. In addition, as of January 1 of last year, the population in [Armenia’s capital] Yerevan was 1 million 98 thousand 700, and in the same period of 2022—1 million 92 thousand 800; the number of residents in Yerevan has increased by 5,700.

The plan of proportional development of the provinces [of Armenia] by the previous and current authorities has never been implemented, as a result of which most of the residents of the provinces move to Yerevan, year by year, where they settle, whereas the residents of Yerevan leave Armenia.