About Albania

Population: 3,164,000
Capital City: Tirana
Official Language(s): Albanian
Currency: Albanian Lek
Calling Code: +355

Albania is a Balkan country located in South Eastern Europe. A former Communist state since 1992 it has moved towards its current democratic political system and free market economy. Albania’s beautiful shoreline merges the boundaries of both the Ionian and Adriatic Seas. With a land area of around 11,000 sq miles, the country neighbours Montenegro to the north, Kosovo to the northeast, Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south. Just across the Adriatic Sea lies Italy – only 150km apart, it is possible to take a ferry from Brindisi, Italy to Vlore in a journey taking approximately 4.5 hours across the Strait of Otranto.

Today, Albania is an emerging democratic country with membership of NATO and the United Nations. In 2009 the country made formal its candidacy for European Union membership and in November of that year the European Commission began to assess Albania’s preparation for negotiations to take place.

Known inhabitation of the land that makes up today’s Albania dates back millennia to the Illyrian people. Ancient relics of the country’s long history exist today, including the remains of Butrint, an ancient Greek settlement and UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Albania.

Albania gained its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912 after centuries of Turkish control. After the Second World War Albania was politically aligned with the Soviet Union and became a strict Communist state lasting right up until the 1990s.

Coastal Albania has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. The climate inland is affected by the more mountainous terrain and is therefore typically cooler in the winter. The average temperature difference between North and South is as much as 5 degrees Celsius across the year.

Culture

A large majority of the population is ethnically Albanian. Small minorities include pockets of Greeks, Serbs and Bulgarians. There is very little data regarding the religion of Albanians and respective estimates suggest differing percentages of Muslims, Christians and atheists. However, the country is generally regarded to be predominantly Muslim.

Irrespective of their religious affiliation, Albanians are often considered to place a high importance on hospitality, generosity and loyalty. Folk music is especially popular within the country and often follows themes of patriotism and history.

The Albanian language is classified as Indo-European.

Safety and Special Considerations

The political climate in the wider Balkans region remains tense but the area is largely peaceful. The disputed territory of Kosovo is primarily Albanian but the border in the northeast should be avoided due to poor roads and infrastructure. Unexploded mines likely still exist in this region.

The rest of the country is generally safe public security is good. Organised crime and violence are a problem in some parts of Tirana and so caution should be exercised at all times. Overall, however, security is excellent in the capital city and Albanians are hospitable to visitors.

Albania’s roads (particularly in rural regions) are in a bad state of repair and large quantities of motorists have an aggressive style of driving. Care should be taken at all times to drive safely and avoid hostility.

Entry Requirements

Those from America and the EU do not require a visa to enter Albania. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days in any given 180 day period you must apply for a Residency Permit at a police station.

A passport with a minimum of six months validity is required for entry and exit.

Must See

• Saranda in the south has beautiful clear waters and white, sandy beaches.
• Durres on the Adriatic coastline has lovely architecture and beaches.
• Tirana is a large, bustling, westernized city. It is home to many cultural and architectural sights, as well as great restaurants and clubs.
• The city of Kruje is worth a visit if only to look around the Skanderbeg Museum and castle.
• If you enjoy climbing and mountainous regions, Korca is the place for you.

Church in Pogradec, Albania

Credit: Michael Sujka