Albania

Overview

The Republic of Albania is a small mountainous country in Southeast Europe on the Balkan Peninsula.

The country recorded a population of 2.846 million by 2019 and covers an area of 28,748 km2. The capital city is Tirana. It still maintains the Ottoman and Soviet age architecture. At the city centre is Skanderbeg Square named after Gjegj Kastrioti Skenderbeu.

The fortress at Krujë

History

The Italians invaded the country in 1939 but were forced out later in 1943 by the German soldiers. Germans also surrendered the rule to the communist in 1944 under the leadership of Enver Hoxha. He died in 1985. The rule of communist in Eastern Europe ended in 1989. Democratic Party won in 1991 and the first president Sali Berisha was elected in 1992.

Food & culture

The country’s culture is based on the geography and history of the country. It is also influenced by Ancient Greeks, Romans and the Ottomans.

The crops grown in the country include tobacco, figs, olives, sugar beets, grapes, wheat, maize, vegetables and potatoes. The most popular foods are veal stew, cabbage rolls and have Kosi, which is baked lamb served with rice and flavoured yoghurt sauce.

Wildlife

The wildlife animals found here include wolves, grizzly bears, lynxes, wild boars, foxes, deer and ibex.

Festivals & events

Kala festival is conducted at Dhermi on Albanian Riviera.

National festival of urban folk songs is conducted for the performance of the folk songs in the country.

Korca beer festival is a five-day event conducted during mid-August.

Things to see

The “blue eye” is a natural water spring with clear blue water with river bubbles of over fifty meters depth.

Rozafa castle is on a rocky hill 130 m above sea level that is encircled by Buna and Drin Rivers.

The National history museum displays the cultural and heritage of the country.

Interesting facts

The world-famous Mother Teresa was an Albanian and was the only one in the country to win the Nobel Prize.

The predominant religion is Islam.

The official language is Albanian.

City guides

• TiranaCapital city
• DurrësAlbania's ancient port and beach city
• VlorëWhere Albania declared independence

Cities & towns I’ve visited

• Tirana

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Albania

1 of 4 visited. See every site I've been to.

• Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region 1979
• Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe 2007
• Butrint 1992
• Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastër 2005

My photos from Albania

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Plan your trip to Albania

• HotelsBooking.com
• Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
• FlightsKiwi.com
• Attraction ticketsTiqets
• Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
• Car hireAuto Europe
• Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
• GuidebooksAmazon

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Neighbours

• Greece
• Kosovo
• Macedonia
• Montenegro