21 September 1991 Armenian people in a national referendum voted for the proclamation of independence from the Soviet Union, which was part of the Republic since 1921.
On this day by the Supreme Council of Armenia held a referendum on secession from the USSR and the creation of an independent state of Armenia. 99% of citizens having the right to vote, answered the question in the affirmative. Two days later, 23 September, the Supreme Council of the Republic proclaimed Armenia as an independent state.
Republic formally gained independence December 26 due to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
In October 1991, Levon Ter-Petrosyan was elected president of independent Armenia. In the same year, Armenia joined the Commonwealth of Independent States. In 1992, Armenia acceded to the UN. Since 2001, Armenia became a full member of the European Council.
In 2002, the accession of Armenia was held in the World Trade Organization (WTO).
September 21 in Armenia — one of the most important festivals celebrated in the country is wide and colorful. Independence — a victory that will never take away from the Armenian people.