Geography
Albania has an area of 28,748 km2 (11,100 sq mi) and is located on the Balkan Peninsula in South and Southeast Europe.
Its shoreline faces the Adriatic Sea to the northwest and the Ionian Sea to the southwest along the Mediterranean Sea.
Its northernmost point is Vërmosh; the southernmost is Konispol; the westernmost point is Sazan; and the easternmost point is Vërnik.
The highest point is Mount Korab at 2,764 m (9,068.24 ft) above the Adriatic; the lowest point is the Mediterranean Sea at 0 m (0.00 ft).
The distance from the east to west is 148 km (92 mi) and from the north to south about 340 km (211 mi).
The climate in the country is extremely variable and diverse owing to the differences in latitude, longitude and altitude.
Albania experiences predominantly a mediterranean and continental climate, with four distinct seasons.
The warmest areas of the country are immediately placed along the Adriatic and Ionian Sea Coasts.
On the contrary, the coldest areas are positioned within the northern and eastern highlands.
The mean monthly temperature ranges between −1 °C (30 °F) in winter to 21.8 °C (71.2 °F) in summer.
The highest temperature of 43.9 °C (111.0 °F) was recorded in Kuçovë on 18 July 1973.
The lowest temperature of −29 °C (−20 °F) was registered in the village of Shtyllë, Librazhd on 9 January 2017.
Economy
The transition from a socialist planned economy to a capitalist mixed economy in Albania has been largely successful.
The country has a developing mixed economy classified by the World Bank as an upper-middle income economy.
The lekë (ALL) is the country’s currency and is pegged at approximately:
1.00 US Dollar = 114 Albanian Lekë
1.00 Euro = 116 Albanian Lekë
1.00 British Pound = 136 Albanian Lekë
1.00 Canadian Dollar = 87 Albanian Lekë
1 Japanese Yen = 0.84 Albanian Lekë
1.00 Swiss Franc = 117 Albanian Lekë
The cities of Tirana and Durrës constitute the economic and financial heart of Albania due to their high population, modern infrastructure and strategic geographical location. The country’s most important infrastructure facilities take course through both of the cities, connecting the north to the south as well as the west to the east.
Other important cities are also: Shkodër, Elbasan, Vlorë, Sarandë. Kukës, Tropojë that are important on developing the economy of Albania.
Tourism
Where is Albania located? is one of the most interesting countries in Europe and one of the friendliest. It is also a place worth visiting if you want to experience a real adventure. The country will surprise you with its magnificent beaches, pristine valleys, delicious food, and friendly people.
Compared to neighbouring nations, tourism in Albania is very affordable. You can spend a phenomenal week travelling through the country without breaking the bank. Tirana, the capital, is the most expensive city, but you still won’t spend too much compared to other Eastern European destinations.
Tourism is a pillar of the Albanian economy, with substantial direct and indirect contributions towards employment and investment in tourism infrastructure. The increase in the tourism sector was also in line with a general economic growth across all key economic sectors in Albania.
With a total of 3.8 million visitors, Albania is the 25th most visited country in Europe. Lonely Planet ranked Albania as the number 1 destination to be visited in 2011.
The main foreign language known is English with 40.0%, followed by Italian with 27.8% and Greek with 22.9%.
Lifestyle
Albanian cuisine is typically Balkan influenced by Italian and Turkish cuisines, but also ancient Illyrian, Roman and Greek delicasies. Most traditional Albanian food consists of vegetables, spices, meats, fish, vinegar, yogurt and herbs.
Cow, lamb, rabbit and chicken meat is used primarily in various dishes. Green vegetables are used in almost every dish. Milk and its byproducts, as well as eggs, are daily meals.
The people are resilient, patriotic, welcoming, and friendly. As a visitor, expect to be treated warmly – not just by locals but even by the authorities and the law enforcers. In true Albanian tradition, guests are regarded to be royalty.
If you are invited to visit an Albanian household – and the offer is always likely for any foreigner, you will find the red carpet rolled out for you as a sign of courtesy. Even if you only intend to stay for coffee, expect treats like sweets, pastries, juices, snacks and, of course, the Turkish coffee.
The European is full of people who are larger than life. They fill your soul with their humorous speech, their walk, their engaging looks and their unceasing energy and love of life. Albanians have children who will never grow old, no matter what their age, they insist on summoning fun.
Personalities are no exception to the rule, but Albanians will surprise with their warmth, casual charm and welcoming attitude. The country is a reflection of its people.
The people are spiritual and religiously conscious. They are by nature open, thoughtful and kind. Albanians are people full of compassion and courtesy! This is evidenced by the level of security and peace the country offers. You will likely stay for the entirety of your study period unbothered here!
Albania Today
Traditions
The terrain is mostly mountainous, with rustic castles and white-sand beaches luring an increasing number of tourists each year. Albanians place a large value on families and their ethnic heritage. In fact, they honor a traditional code called besa, which translates to “keep the promise.” It is believed that observing besa, which includes family honor and hospitality, is the foundation for a successful life.
In Albania, most households consist of parents (or a parent) and their children. Some households have more than one relative living with the family, such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Typically, in Albania, both parents work and are financially responsible for the family. The roles of women and men are also different in Albania. Usually, the father is the head of the family and makes big decisions, while the mother takes care of the children and the house. Both roles are highly respected.
haring is common in Albanian families. While siblings should ask each other if they can use each other’s personal items, children can use any family item without asking. Teenagers usually ask for money for different activities and parents provide this money; there are also families that give allowances to their teenage children. Due to a lack of jobs, working part-time as a teenager is not possible.
On March 14 (Spring Day), Albanians celebrate by buying the traditional dessert “ballokume,” participating in different celebrations in town centers, or going out for lunch with their families and relatives. Independence and Flag Day are the most important holidays in the country. Both holidays are celebrated with festivals, fireworks, and time spent with family at home or together outside the city. New Year is another important celebration. After midnight, everyone goes downtown to watch fireworks and, after having a family dinner at home, young people usually go to clubs to celebrate with their close friends. Another holiday is the Day of Mother Theresa on October 19.
The most important religious celebrations in Albania are Christmas (both Catholic and Orthodox), Easter (both Catholic and Orthodox), Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr, and Sultan Nowruz Day (Bektashi).
Food
The dishes of Albania have their roots with the ancient Ottoman Empire. The combination of richly fertile land, proximity to the sea, and blurry cultural lines with their neighbours have culminated in a modern cuisine that is both diverse and simple. Modern day influences include Greece, Italy, and Turkey.
Meat and vegetables are the staple, along with heavy stews, pickled cabbage, feta cheese, breads, rice, and smoked meat. The most popular veg grown are eggplants, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives (which accompany most meals), and legumes. Very Mediterranean indeed! Vegetarians be warned. There are a lot of salads in your future – luckily, there’s plenty of fresh produce to enjoy.
In the north, the staple is ground corn. Not only is it used for most breads, it’s also versatile enough to make both sweet and salty dishes. The climate is good there which means there is a variety of fresh vegetables and fruit. You’ll see mostly potatoes, carrots, cabbage, kidney beans, onions, garlic, and walnuts. Traditional dishes in the north include meat and vegetable casseroles, pasta, chicken, rice, sudjuk (similar to salami), and petula (fried dough made sweet or savoury). If you visit Shkoder, you’ll be able to enjoy carp and acne dishes thanks to the many lakes and rivers nearby.
Central Albania has the kind of soil that can grow just about anything. Poultry features heavily in dishes here – duck, goose, chicken, and turkey are all raised here. Fishermen catch flounder, perch, gray mullet, and sole in the Adriatic Sea. You’ll find egg, spinach, or cabbage cakes, nettle cakes, liver, and curd. Tav elbasani is a highlight you won’t want to miss. It’s made by baking meat in yogurt.
Most of the cattle are raised in the southern region of Albania, which means that dairy products often take centre stage in dishes. It’s well known for fantastic hard and soft cheeses, as well as kefir so thick that you could cut it with a knife. The climate is warmer here and so you’ll find citrus and olive groves throughout the area.
Nightlife
The capital city of Albania has plenty of beautiful nightclubs where you can have fun, sip excellent cocktails and dance all night long.
Dreamy beaches, stunning castles and the thrill of exploring a country which opened its gate recently for the world, sounds like a plan? Albania will surely tickle all your senses. From the historical places that you can visit to the traditional Raki drink which you must try, your vacation in Albania will be full of adventure and fun. Not only the country is perfect for the history buffs but it also has a lot to offer to the travelers who party till the sun comes up!
To witness the best of Albania nightlife, you must visit its capital city Tirana. To have an encounter with the party culture of Albania you must go through this Albania nightlife guide and prepare yourself for an electrifying night in the impeccable country!
In Tirana, nightlife and bread are equally necessary! Yes, for each club still open in the wee hours of the morning, there is a 24-hour open bakery to match it. Because of the large number of bars and pubs in the city,
The three areas with the highest conglomeration of bars, pubs, lounges, and clubs in the capital of Tirana are Blloku (B), referring to the former residential neighborhood of the heads of the Communist government and the area “behind the Pyramid” (P), meaning the several parallel roads on the other side of the main boulevard
Being the biggest city in the south, you can expect Saranda to have a great nightlife, especially in summer when the city is full of tourists. A common Albanian practice is to start the evening with a Xhiro, an evening walk to meet and socialize with family and friends. You’ll see many locals participating in this, especially on the boulevard. This is a great place to start the evening, with many restaurants and easy going bars with open air seating. You can enjoy great views over the bay while watching the crowds pass by.
Religious Sites
The most-commonly practiced religion in Albania is Islam (mainly Sunni or Bektashi), the second-most-commonly practiced religion is Christianity (mainly Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant), however there are also many irreligious, people.
Albania is unique in the religious tolerance it has traditionally provided, with spiritual places coming from different religions.
Though perhaps no other country in the world has seen such peaceful co-existence of so many of the world’s religions. Some Religious Sites of Albania Bektashi World Headquarters in Tirana The Bektashi Way is a mystical path whose goal is to perfect man’s soul.
Catholic Church Heart of Christ in Tirana Tirana’s oldest surviving Catholic Church is the Roman-style Jesuit church, built by Giovanni Santi (from Udine in Italy) in 1939. In 1967, when all the religious activity in Albania was banned, it was stripped of its frescoes and turned into a cinema. It reopened as a church in 1991, with two chapels repainted by Shpend Bengu in 1999.
Some Religious Sites are:
- Church of Saint Anthony near Laç
- The Church of St. Anthony of Padua in Laç (Kisha e Shën Anoit)
- The Holy Resurrection Church, Korça
- The Church of Saint Mary in Libohovë
History
The history of Albania forms a part of the history of Europe.
During classical antiquity, Albania was home to several Illyrian tribes such as the Ardiaei, Albanoi, Amantini, Enchele, Taulantii and many others. In the 3rd century BC, the area was annexed by Rome and became part of the Roman provinces of Dalmatia, Macedonia and Moesia Superior. Afterwards, the territory remained under Roman and Byzantine control until the Slavic migrations of the 7th century. It was integrated into the Bulgarian Empire in the 9th century.
In the Middle Ages, the Principality of Arbër and a Sicilian union known as the medieval Kingdom of Albania were established. Some areas became part of the Venetian and later Serbian Empire. Between the mid-14th and the late 15th centuries, most of modern-day Albania was dominated by Albanian principalities, when the Albanian principalities fell to the rapid invasion of the Ottoman Empire. Albania remained under Ottoman control as part of the province of Rumelia until 1912. The first independent Albanian state was founded by the Albanian Declaration of Independence following a short occupation by the Kingdom of Serbia. The formation of an Albanian national consciousness dates to the later 19th century and is part of the larger phenomenon of the rise of nationalism under the Ottoman Empire.
A short-lived monarchical state known as the Principality of Albania (1914–1925) was succeeded by an even shorter-lived first Albanian Republic (1925–1928). Another monarchy, the Kingdom of Albania (1928–1939), replaced the republic. The country endured occupation by Italy just prior to World War II. After the collapse of the Axis powers, Albania became a communist state, the Socialist People’s Republic of Albania, which for most of its duration was dominated by Enver Hoxha (died 1985). Hoxha’s political heir Ramiz Alia oversaw the disintegration of the “Hoxhaist” state during the wider collapse of the Eastern Bloc in the later 1980s.
The communist regime collapsed in 1990, and the former communist Party of Labour of Albania was routed in elections in March 1992, amid economic collapse and social unrest. The unstable economic situation led to an Albanian diaspora, mostly to Italy, Greece, Switzerland, Germany and North America during the 1990s. The crisis peaked in the Albanian Turmoil of 1997. An amelioration of the economic and political conditions in the early years of the 21st century enabled Albania to become a full member of NATO in 2009. The country is applying to join the European Union.
Governance
Albania is a parliamentary constitutional republic and sovereign state whose politics operate under a framework laid out in the constitution wherein the president functions as the head of state and the prime minister as the head of government. The sovereignty is vested in the Albanian people and exercised by the Albanian people through their representatives or directly.
The government is based on the separation and balancing of powers among the legislative, judiciary and executive. The legislative power is held by the parliament and is elected every four years by a system of party-list proportional representation by the Albanian people on the basis of free, equal, universal and periodic suffrage by secret ballot.
In these days, Prime Minister is: Edi Rama and President: Bajram Begaj.
In the time since the end of communism and isolationism, Albania has extended its responsibilities and position in continental and international affairs, developing and establishing friendly relations with other countries around the world. The country’s foreign policy priorities are its accession into the European Union (EU), the international recognition of Kosovo and the expulsion of Cham Albanians, as well as helping and protecting the rights of the Albanians in Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Greece, Serbia, Italy and the Diaspora.
Albania’s admission into the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) was considered by Albanian politicians to be a significant ambition for the country’s foreign policy. The country has been extensively engaged with the NATO and has maintained its position as a stability factor and a strong ally of the United States and the European Union (EU) in the region of the Balkans. Albania maintains strong ties with the United States ever after it supported the Albania’s independence and democracy. Nowadays, both countries have signed a number of agreements and treaties.
