Hrazdan

Hrazdan is a city in central Armenia, serving as the administrative center of the Hrazdan Municipality in Kotayk Province. It is named after the Hrazdan River, which flows through the region and gives the city its name. The city lies in the Hrazdan River valley, northeast of Yerevan.

The city developed as a planned industrial settlement during the Soviet period, with energy production and related industries playing a central role. The Hrazdan Hydroelectric Power Plant and associated facilities on the Hrazdan River contributed to regional development and the local economy.

The economy of Hrazdan is centered on energy production, light industry, and services. The hydroelectric plant remains a significant employer and infrastructure asset, while the city also supports various small and medium-sized enterprises and commercial activity.

The population is predominantly ethnic Armenians, with Armenian Apostolic Christianity as the main religion. Hrazdan hosts cultural institutions such as a theatre, libraries, and a cultural center, and it supports local events and community life.

Geographically, Hrazdan sits in a mountainous region with a continental climate, offering a mix of urban amenities and access to natural scenery in the surrounding landscape. The city is connected by road to Yerevan and other towns, contributing to its role as a regional center in central Armenia.