homemaking friendsworld infoglobal etiquette
Offical name
Republic of Albania
Capital
Tirana
Government type
emerging democracy
Language
Albanian
Area
28,748 sq km
Population
3,581,655 ( 2006 est.)
Currency
lek (ALL)
Religion
Muslim,Albanian Orthodox, Catholic
Time zone
GMT/UTC +1 ()
Country dialing code
355
Click to see larger map
Albania is a country located on the European Balkans. Although the west of the country’s territory is bounded by the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea, more than 70% of the territory is covered by mountains. Naturally, the country has plenty of mineral resources such as chrome, coal and iron ore. The country has a rather simple ethnic organization with most of its population being Albanians. Albanians are the oldest ethnic group to live in the Balkan area. With their own Albanian language, Albanians call their land ‘Shqiperia,’ meaning the ‘Land of the Eagles’ while themselves ‘Shqiptare,’ meaning the ‘Sons of the Eagles.’ The National Flag of Albania also has an image of a black eagle with two heads. Through the center of the Capital Tirana flows the beautiful Shkumbin River, which penetrates the Balkan Peninsula. Tirana is filled with many cultural facilities, such as palaces, the national ballet company, libraries and museums. The most famous cultural heritages of Albania are two of its cities; the ancient city of Butrint where people lived since prehistoric age; and the Museum-City of Gjirokastra where the culture and tradition of the Ottoman Era still remain.
banner    banner    banner    banner