Albania

Country Albania
Capital Tirana
Continent Europe
Currency Lek(ALL)
Languages Albanian

Information

Introduction

Albania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912, but was conquered by Italy in 1939. Communist partisans took over the country in 1944. Albania allied itself first with the USSR (until 1960), and then with China (to 1978). In the early 1990s, Albania ended 46 years of xenophobic Communist rule and established a multiparty democracy. The transition has proven challenging as successive governments have tried to deal with high unemployment, widespread corruption, a dilapidated physical infrastructure, powerful organized crime networks, and combative political opponents. Albania has made progress in its democratic development since first holding multiparty elections in 1991, but deficiencies remain. International observers judged elections to be largely free and fair since the restoration of political stability following the collapse of pyramid schemes in 1997; however, there have been claims of electoral fraud in every one of Albania's post-communist elections. In the 2005 general elections, the Democratic Party and its allies won a decisive victory on pledges to reduce crime and corruption, promote economic growth, and decrease the size of government. The election, and particularly the orderly transition of power, was considered an important step forward. Albania joined NATO in April 2009 and is a potential candidate for EU accession. Although Albania's economy continues to grow, the country is still one of the poorest in Europe, hampered by a large informal economy and an inadequate energy and transportation infrastructure.

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References

Albania - Wikipedia
Albania - CIA World Fact Book
Albania - BBC
Albania - Timeline - BBC

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Italy plan to process migrants in Albania dealt blow by EU Court - BBCItaly plan to process migrants in Albania dealt blow by EU Court  BBC

Top EU court strikes a blow against Italy’s Albania migrant camps scheme - Al JazeeraTop EU court strikes a blow against Italy’s Albania migrant camps scheme  Al Jazeera

Top EU court rebukes Italy over Albania migrant transfers - The Express TribuneTop EU court rebukes Italy over Albania migrant transfers  The Express Tribune

Albania and Bulgaria ask EU for help to deal with raging wildfires - Euronews.comAlbania and Bulgaria ask EU for help to deal with raging wildfires  Euronews.com

Firefighters battle blazes in Turkey, Greece and Albania - ReutersFirefighters battle blazes in Turkey, Greece and Albania  Reuters

Sold to the Trump family: one of the last undeveloped islands in the Mediterranean | Albania - theguardian.comSold to the Trump family: one of the last undeveloped islands in the Mediterranean | Albania  theguardian.com

Thousands evacuated as wildfires continue to rage in Greece and Albania - The IndependentThousands evacuated as wildfires continue to rage in Greece and Albania  The Independent

Firefighters tackle blazes as wildfires break out in Greece, Turkey and Albania - Sky NewsFirefighters tackle blazes as wildfires break out in Greece, Turkey and Albania  Sky News

The Secret Mediterranean: Why Albania Should Be Your Next Vacation - ForbesThe Secret Mediterranean: Why Albania Should Be Your Next Vacation  Forbes

Europe's oldest lake settlement uncovered in Albania - ReutersEurope's oldest lake settlement uncovered in Albania  Reuters

OMA's mangalem 21 masterplan steps checkerboard of homes down slope in tirana, albania - DesignboomOMA's mangalem 21 masterplan steps checkerboard of homes down slope in tirana, albania  Designboom

EU court questions Italy's 'safe country' list underpinning Albania camps scheme - Hindustan Times - Hindustan TimesEU court questions Italy's 'safe country' list underpinning Albania camps scheme - Hindustan Times  Hindustan Times

EU court rules against Italy on Albania migrant camps scheme - ReutersEU court rules against Italy on Albania migrant camps scheme  Reuters

Wildfires rage across Turkey, Greece, and Albania amid intense mediterranean heatwave - Georgia TodayWildfires rage across Turkey, Greece, and Albania amid intense mediterranean heatwave  Georgia Today

Iceland, Montenegro or Albania – which country will join the EU first? - Gazeta ExpressIceland, Montenegro or Albania – which country will join the EU first?  Gazeta Express

Rising Costs and Housing Crunch in Albania: How Tourism Is Changing the Local Economy - Travel And Tour WorldRising Costs and Housing Crunch in Albania: How Tourism Is Changing the Local Economy  Travel And Tour World

Albania: “Festivali i Këngës 64” Song Submissions Have Been Announced - ESCBEATAlbania: “Festivali i Këngës 64” Song Submissions Have Been Announced  ESCBEAT

Albania: RTSH sets the date for the FiK 64 song submission window - ESCToday.comAlbania: RTSH sets the date for the FiK 64 song submission window  ESCToday.com

Tirana in 48 hours: Six things to do in Albania's vibrant capital - thenationalnews.comTirana in 48 hours: Six things to do in Albania's vibrant capital  thenationalnews.com

Firefighters Struggle To Contain Days of Wildfires in Turkey, Albania as Record Heat Ravages Mediterranean Countries - outlookbusiness.comFirefighters Struggle To Contain Days of Wildfires in Turkey, Albania as Record Heat Ravages Mediterranean Countries  outlookbusiness.com

EU court rebukes Italy over migrant transfers to Albania - Euronews.comEU court rebukes Italy over migrant transfers to Albania  Euronews.com

Italian NGOs call for suspension of Italy-Albania agreement - InfoMigrantsItalian NGOs call for suspension of Italy-Albania agreement  InfoMigrants

Albania’s tourism boom is a boon for Jared Kushner - The EconomistAlbania’s tourism boom is a boon for Jared Kushner  The Economist

Help Albania against the flames, firefighting planes and support with satellite images - European NewsroomHelp Albania against the flames, firefighting planes and support with satellite images  European Newsroom

Albania holds parliamentary elections today - NewsonairAlbania holds parliamentary elections today  Newsonair

Firefighters battle to contain wildfires in Turkey, Greece, and Albania amid relentless heatwave - ThePrintFirefighters battle to contain wildfires in Turkey, Greece, and Albania amid relentless heatwave  ThePrint

Foreigners have purchased 1.3 billion euros of property in Albania since 2021 - Gazeta ExpressForeigners have purchased 1.3 billion euros of property in Albania since 2021  Gazeta Express

Thales supports airspace sovereignty in Albania with Ground Master 400 Alpha surveillance radar - ThalesThales supports airspace sovereignty in Albania with Ground Master 400 Alpha surveillance radar  Thales

Italy: EU Court ruling on ‘safe countries of origin’ is a heavy blow to Italy-Albania migration deal - Amnesty InternationalItaly: EU Court ruling on ‘safe countries of origin’ is a heavy blow to Italy-Albania migration deal  Amnesty International

Albania sees slight rise in ship activity in 2Q2025 - Trend News AgencyAlbania sees slight rise in ship activity in 2Q2025  Trend News Agency

EU's top court rules against Italy's controversial Albania migrant deal - The Local ItalyEU's top court rules against Italy's controversial Albania migrant deal  The Local Italy

Wildfire in Albania injures three people, forces evacuation of 2,000 - ReutersWildfire in Albania injures three people, forces evacuation of 2,000  Reuters

Tirana in 48 hours: Six things to do in Albania's vibrant capital - MSNTirana in 48 hours: Six things to do in Albania's vibrant capital  MSN

Floods hit Romania as wildfires rage in Turkey and Albania - Euronews.comFloods hit Romania as wildfires rage in Turkey and Albania  Euronews.com

Wildfire Map Spotlight: Southeast Europe Wildfires - IQAirWildfire Map Spotlight: Southeast Europe Wildfires  IQAir

Monitoring Code of Conduct on digital campaigns in Albania - International IDEAMonitoring Code of Conduct on digital campaigns in Albania  International IDEA

EU Court deals major blow to Italy’s Albania migrant camps scheme - Latest news from AzerbaijanEU Court deals major blow to Italy’s Albania migrant camps scheme  Latest news from Azerbaijan

The Sun: Visit the stunning beaches along the Albanian Riviera - Gazeta ExpressThe Sun: Visit the stunning beaches along the Albanian Riviera  Gazeta Express

Meloni fumes as EU top court makes it harder to reject asylum-seekers - politico.euMeloni fumes as EU top court makes it harder to reject asylum-seekers  politico.eu

Helicopters Return Home after Successful Firefighting Operation in Albania - Hungary TodayHelicopters Return Home after Successful Firefighting Operation in Albania  Hungary Today

In Albania, coupling ecotourism with conservation for economic growth - UNEP - UN Environment ProgrammeIn Albania, coupling ecotourism with conservation for economic growth  UNEP - UN Environment Programme

oppenheim architecture unveils all-red vlore beach tower as part of albania's coastal revival - Designboomoppenheim architecture unveils all-red vlore beach tower as part of albania's coastal revival  Designboom

GRETA publishes its fourth report on Albania - Action against Trafficking in Human Beings - The Council of EuropeGRETA publishes its fourth report on Albania - Action against Trafficking in Human Beings  The Council of Europe

Drug trafficker Ermir 'Cinco' Ndreaj arrested in Albania - belganewsagency.euDrug trafficker Ermir 'Cinco' Ndreaj arrested in Albania  belganewsagency.eu

Watch: Albanian PM puts aside his umbrella, kneels in front of Giorgia Meloni in Turin - Times of IndiaWatch: Albanian PM puts aside his umbrella, kneels in front of Giorgia Meloni in Turin  Times of India

Italy: Detainees watchdog says migrant transfer to Albania 'unjustified' - InfoMigrantsItaly: Detainees watchdog says migrant transfer to Albania 'unjustified'  InfoMigrants

Transforming institutions for inclusive services and human development in Albania - World BankTransforming institutions for inclusive services and human development in Albania  World Bank

Wildfires strain emergency services in Albania - bne IntelliNewsWildfires strain emergency services in Albania  bne IntelliNews

News: Chair of the NATO Military Committee visits Albania, 09-Apr.-2025 - NATO - HomepageNews: Chair of the NATO Military Committee visits Albania, 09-Apr.-2025  NATO - Homepage

Unprotected, Women in Albania, Kosovo Face ‘Toxic Coexistence’ with Digital Abuse - Balkan InsightUnprotected, Women in Albania, Kosovo Face ‘Toxic Coexistence’ with Digital Abuse  Balkan Insight

Paving the way to EU accession: FFM in Albania project supports the country on Chapter 27 - Stockholm Environment InstitutePaving the way to EU accession: FFM in Albania project supports the country on Chapter 27  Stockholm Environment Institute

Obscura Day Summer 2025: A Solo Hike in Albania’s Ceraunian Mountains - Atlas ObscuraObscura Day Summer 2025: A Solo Hike in Albania’s Ceraunian Mountains  Atlas Obscura

Albanian Village Erupts in Protest over Crackdown on ‘Illegal’ Tourist Cabins - Balkan InsightAlbanian Village Erupts in Protest over Crackdown on ‘Illegal’ Tourist Cabins  Balkan Insight

"We are tired of freedom" - Strazimir: In Albania we have a Putinist regime, votes are bought for 50 euros - A2 CNN"We are tired of freedom" - Strazimir: In Albania we have a Putinist regime, votes are bought for 50 euros  A2 CNN

Albania travel - Lonely PlanetAlbania travel  Lonely Planet

Albania’s ruling Socialists secure majority in parliamentary vote - Al JazeeraAlbania’s ruling Socialists secure majority in parliamentary vote  Al Jazeera

Watch: Albanian PM Kneels To Greet Italian PM Giorgia Meloni At EU Summit - NDTVWatch: Albanian PM Kneels To Greet Italian PM Giorgia Meloni At EU Summit  NDTV

Edi Rama set to win record fourth term as PM in Albania elections - theguardian.comEdi Rama set to win record fourth term as PM in Albania elections  theguardian.com

Starmer announces migration ‘return hubs’ on Albania visit, but Albania doesn’t want them – what’s going on? - The ConversationStarmer announces migration ‘return hubs’ on Albania visit, but Albania doesn’t want them – what’s going on?  The Conversation

Tourism boom: How Albania is finding its niche - DWTourism boom: How Albania is finding its niche  DW

India-Albania look to strengthen ties in sectors like AI, tourism, re-open diplomatic mission in Delhi - ThePrintIndia-Albania look to strengthen ties in sectors like AI, tourism, re-open diplomatic mission in Delhi  ThePrint

In pictures: Wildfires blaze across Mediterranean - ReutersIn pictures: Wildfires blaze across Mediterranean  Reuters

The Republic of Albania Signs its Country Programme Framework (CPF) for 2024-2029 - IAEAThe Republic of Albania Signs its Country Programme Framework (CPF) for 2024-2029  IAEA

New Risks from Latest Scheme under Italy-Albania Immigration Deal - Human Rights WatchNew Risks from Latest Scheme under Italy-Albania Immigration Deal  Human Rights Watch

Albania arrests 18 for arson as wildfires devastate countryside [VIDEO REPORT] - TVP WorldAlbania arrests 18 for arson as wildfires devastate countryside [VIDEO REPORT]  TVP World

Rainfall extinguishes fires, only one active hearth in Albania - Gazeta ExpressRainfall extinguishes fires, only one active hearth in Albania  Gazeta Express

Iceland, Montenegro or Albania? Analysis: Which country will join the European Union first? - Vox News AlbaniaIceland, Montenegro or Albania? Analysis: Which country will join the European Union first?  Vox News Albania

Albania: RTSH opens song submissions for the 64th edition of Festivali i Këngës - eurovisionfun.comAlbania: RTSH opens song submissions for the 64th edition of Festivali i Këngës  eurovisionfun.com

EU Court Rules Against Italy’s Albania-Based Migrant Processing Scheme - EU TodayEU Court Rules Against Italy’s Albania-Based Migrant Processing Scheme  EU Today

Albania’s c-bank FX reserves up 34% y/y in June - SeeNewsAlbania’s c-bank FX reserves up 34% y/y in June  SeeNews

How much damage is estimated to have been caused by the fires in Albania? - Gazeta ExpressHow much damage is estimated to have been caused by the fires in Albania?  Gazeta Express

Top EU court rebukes Italy over Albania migrant transfers - New Age BDTop EU court rebukes Italy over Albania migrant transfers  New Age BD

Isolation to innovation: Albania’s rise to European darling - wallpaper.comIsolation to innovation: Albania’s rise to European darling  wallpaper.com

Severe Storms And Wildfires Disrupt Travel Across Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria and Albania: Here Is The New Weather Forecast And Flight Updates For August 2025 - Travel And Tour WorldSevere Storms And Wildfires Disrupt Travel Across Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria and Albania: Here Is The New Weather Forecast And Flight Updates For August 2025  Travel And Tour World

Albania's air cargo sector sees significant boost - Trend News AgencyAlbania's air cargo sector sees significant boost  Trend News Agency

Albania: Festivali i Këngës 64 Song Submission Window Opens on September 1 - EurovoixAlbania: Festivali i Këngës 64 Song Submission Window Opens on September 1  Eurovoix

Firefighters battle blazes in Turkey, Greece and Albania after days of scorching heat - ReutersFirefighters battle blazes in Turkey, Greece and Albania after days of scorching heat  Reuters

How Britain's migrant surge is devastating one Albanian town: Lonely single women, abandoned wives and children who barely know their fathers - Daily MailHow Britain's migrant surge is devastating one Albanian town: Lonely single women, abandoned wives and children who barely know their fathers  Daily Mail

2025 News items - Costa Rica’s and Albania’s accessions to the GPA 2012 edge closer to conclusion - World Trade Organization2025 News items - Costa Rica’s and Albania’s accessions to the GPA 2012 edge closer to conclusion  World Trade Organization

The Multifaceted Struggle of the LGBTQ+ Community in Albania - New Lines InstituteThe Multifaceted Struggle of the LGBTQ+ Community in Albania  New Lines Institute

In Albania, European leaders seek US solidarity for Ukraine - DWIn Albania, European leaders seek US solidarity for Ukraine  DW

Albania Star To Leave Inter Milan This Summer – Ex Napoli Midfielder Could Also Depart - OneFootballAlbania Star To Leave Inter Milan This Summer – Ex Napoli Midfielder Could Also Depart  OneFootball

SME Policy Index: Albania Kick-off Event - OECDSME Policy Index: Albania Kick-off Event  OECD

Italian detention model in Albania is 'inhumane and must not last', warns Caritas - InfoMigrantsItalian detention model in Albania is 'inhumane and must not last', warns Caritas  InfoMigrants

EU Court deals blow to Meloni’s Albania migration deal - EuractivEU Court deals blow to Meloni’s Albania migration deal  Euractiv

Insights into Albania: Internal Struggles and Geopolitical Challenges in the Western Balkans - New Lines InstituteInsights into Albania: Internal Struggles and Geopolitical Challenges in the Western Balkans  New Lines Institute

Albania votes in general elections as PM Edi Rama seeks a fourth term - Al JazeeraAlbania votes in general elections as PM Edi Rama seeks a fourth term  Al Jazeera

ASH: Monoethnic employment continues, "Zero" Albanians, why is it silent about the 2.500 promised jobs? - Gazeta ExpressASH: Monoethnic employment continues, "Zero" Albanians, why is it silent about the 2.500 promised jobs?  Gazeta Express

FII PRIORITY Europe Summit to Be Held in Tirana, Albania on 16–17 May 2025 - FII InstituteFII PRIORITY Europe Summit to Be Held in Tirana, Albania on 16–17 May 2025  FII Institute

Europe’s Oldest Settlement Built on Top of Lake Found in Albania - The Japan NewsEurope’s Oldest Settlement Built on Top of Lake Found in Albania  The Japan News

Albania presents tourism growth and development plans at ITB Berlin - Euronews.comAlbania presents tourism growth and development plans at ITB Berlin  Euronews.com

Albania and the EU: membership by 2030? - Friends of EuropeAlbania and the EU: membership by 2030?  Friends of Europe

PM's Albania trip shows tricky path on migration - BBCPM's Albania trip shows tricky path on migration  BBC

Top EU court questions premise of Italy's Albania migrant camp scheme - InfoMigrantsTop EU court questions premise of Italy's Albania migrant camp scheme  InfoMigrants

Report – Albania EURO 2024 Star Puts Inter Milan In Difficult Position Heading Into Transfer Window Finale - OneFootballReport – Albania EURO 2024 Star Puts Inter Milan In Difficult Position Heading Into Transfer Window Finale  OneFootball

Why Albania's election is a critical test for EU membership - DWWhy Albania's election is a critical test for EU membership  DW

Italy’s Tirana-Cairo Deportation Flight Sets ‘Dangerous Precedent’ - Balkan InsightItaly’s Tirana-Cairo Deportation Flight Sets ‘Dangerous Precedent’  Balkan Insight

Weather forecast in Albania - TelegrafiWeather forecast in Albania  Telegrafi

Why the EU should pay attention to Italy’s and Albania’s migration gamble - European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)Why the EU should pay attention to Italy’s and Albania’s migration gamble  European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)

RIT expands global presence with location in Tirana, Albania - Rochester Institute of TechnologyRIT expands global presence with location in Tirana, Albania  Rochester Institute of Technology