Goris is a town in the southern Syunik Province of Armenia. Located in the valley of river Goris (or Vararak), it is 254 km away from the Armenian capital Yerevan and 67 km from the provincial centre Kapan. Goris is an urban community and the 2nd largest city in Syunik province. The census 2011 its population was 20,591, down from 23,261 reported at the 2001 census. Goris is situated in the valley of Goris River, also known as Vararak River. The valley is surrounded with the Zangezur mountains. The town has an average elevation of 1,385 metres above sea level. The surrounding mountains are famous for their medieval cave-dwellings carved out of the soft rock in the southern and eastern parts of the town. Located in an alpine climate zone, the weather of Goris is characterized with mild snowy winters and hot summers. The average temperature in January is –1.3 °C and +19 °C in July. The annual precipitation level is 700 mm. Goris is an important educational centre in Syunik. It has 7 secondary schools, 2 intermediate colleges, 7 kindergartens, 2 sports, 2 musical and 1 art schools. The Goris State University is operating in the town since 1967. Branches of the State Engineering University of Armenia and Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography are also operating in the town. Goris is also home to the Goris Kh. Yeritsyan State Agricultural College.