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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A full-time traveler who's been to 67 countries says these 3 are underrated gems for summer trips - Business InsiderA full-time traveler who's been to 67 countries says these 3 are underrated gems for summer trips  Business Insider

Turkey’s RN Auto to build civil, military vehicles in Albania - SeeNewsTurkey’s RN Auto to build civil, military vehicles in Albania  SeeNews

The Latest Battleground for Luxury Tourism: Albania’s Adriatic Coast - The New York TimesThe Latest Battleground for Luxury Tourism: Albania’s Adriatic Coast  The New York Times

How This Refugee Became Albania’s First Billionaire - ForbesHow This Refugee Became Albania’s First Billionaire  Forbes

Italy sends 40 asylum seekers awaiting deportation to Albania - Al JazeeraItaly sends 40 asylum seekers awaiting deportation to Albania  Al Jazeera

Albania could be on the fast track to an overtourism nightmare - The TelegraphAlbania could be on the fast track to an overtourism nightmare  The Telegraph

Italy approves use of Albania migration centres as repatriation hubs - Euronews.comItaly approves use of Albania migration centres as repatriation hubs  Euronews.com

Couple Visited 47 Countries, Then Moved to Their Underrated Favorite - Business InsiderCouple Visited 47 Countries, Then Moved to Their Underrated Favorite  Business Insider

From Albania to Zambia: List of Cancelled USAID Projects Provides Insight into US Influence - Health Policy WatchFrom Albania to Zambia: List of Cancelled USAID Projects Provides Insight into US Influence  Health Policy Watch

England vs Albania: Morgan Rogers likely to make first start for Three Lions in Thomas Tuchel's first game in charge - Sky SportsEngland vs Albania: Morgan Rogers likely to make first start for Three Lions in Thomas Tuchel's first game in charge  Sky Sports

In Blushed Cheeks And Nude Lips, Dua Lipa Spends A Sun-Kissed Easter In Albania - NDTVIn Blushed Cheeks And Nude Lips, Dua Lipa Spends A Sun-Kissed Easter In Albania  NDTV

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

??Vice-President participates in World IP Day conference in Albania? - epo.org??Vice-President participates in World IP Day conference in Albania?  epo.org

Albania Beckons Travelers with Its Untouched Natural Wonders, Rich History, and Vibrant Culture, Redefining European Tourism - Travel And Tour WorldAlbania Beckons Travelers with Its Untouched Natural Wonders, Rich History, and Vibrant Culture, Redefining European Tourism  Travel And Tour World

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

India, Albania work to enhance bilateral ties - Hindustan TimesIndia, Albania work to enhance bilateral ties  Hindustan Times

Italy sends 40 rejected asylum seekers to Albania - DWItaly sends 40 rejected asylum seekers to Albania  DW

Archbishop of Albania at the funeral mass for Pope Francis - Orthodox TimesArchbishop of Albania at the funeral mass for Pope Francis  Orthodox Times

Italy’s first Albania repatriation ends where it started – in Italy - EuractivItaly’s first Albania repatriation ends where it started – in Italy  Euractiv

BoA: 93% of enterprises in Albania report profit growth - KosovaPressBoA: 93% of enterprises in Albania report profit growth  KosovaPress

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

New agency association launched in Albania - StudyTravel NetworkNew agency association launched in Albania  StudyTravel Network

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

Italy sends rejected migrants to detention centers in Albania - AP NewsItaly sends rejected migrants to detention centers in Albania  AP News

Digital Divide: The Albanians Left Behind by Move to Online Public Services - Balkan InsightDigital Divide: The Albanians Left Behind by Move to Online Public Services  Balkan Insight

Trump World Plays Outsized Role in Albania’s Looming Election - BloombergTrump World Plays Outsized Role in Albania’s Looming Election  Bloomberg

Project for first gas power plant in Albania enters next stage - Balkan Green Energy NewsProject for first gas power plant in Albania enters next stage  Balkan Green Energy News

Albania: 2024 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Albania - International Monetary FundAlbania: 2024 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Albania  International Monetary Fund

The Republic of Albania Signs its Country Programme Framework (CPF) for 2024-2029 - International Atomic Energy AgencyThe Republic of Albania Signs its Country Programme Framework (CPF) for 2024-2029  International Atomic Energy Agency

FIFA World Cup qualifiers 2026 England vs Albania: Time, where to watch, and all you need to know - The Economic TimesFIFA World Cup qualifiers 2026 England vs Albania: Time, where to watch, and all you need to know  The Economic Times

World Bank lowers Albania's 2025 GDP growth f'cast to 3.2% - SeeNewsWorld Bank lowers Albania's 2025 GDP growth f'cast to 3.2%  SeeNews

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

Albania’s Curri gets 5 mln euro water supply network deal - SeeNewsAlbania’s Curri gets 5 mln euro water supply network deal  SeeNews

Albania - EBRDAlbania  EBRD

Tirana, Albania Plays Host To Maiden Mini Festival Of India - everythingexperiential.comTirana, Albania Plays Host To Maiden Mini Festival Of India  everythingexperiential.com

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

National Library of Albania now houses epic poem Florante at Laura - Philippine News AgencyNational Library of Albania now houses epic poem Florante at Laura  Philippine News Agency

Albania joins IUCN as its newest State Member - IUCNAlbania joins IUCN as its newest State Member  IUCN

From Reliance to Leverage: Transforming Albania's Remittance Landscape for Economic Empowerment - World BankFrom Reliance to Leverage: Transforming Albania's Remittance Landscape for Economic Empowerment  World Bank

Albania and SOCAR launch gasification project in Korça - ceenergynewsAlbania and SOCAR launch gasification project in Korça  ceenergynews

Albania: Selected Issues - International Monetary FundAlbania: Selected Issues  International Monetary Fund

India operationalises mission in Albania - The HinduIndia operationalises mission in Albania  The Hindu

Albania plans Sufi Muslim microstate within its borders - The HinduAlbania plans Sufi Muslim microstate within its borders  The Hindu

Albania & Iran Stars To Get Their Chance In The Starting XI In Inter Milan Vs AC Milan Coppa Italia Showdown - OneFootballAlbania & Iran Stars To Get Their Chance In The Starting XI In Inter Milan Vs AC Milan Coppa Italia Showdown  OneFootball

A new approach to our environment - How the EU integration process supports local efforts to clean, recycle and protect Albania’s biodiversity - EEASA new approach to our environment - How the EU integration process supports local efforts to clean, recycle and protect Albania’s biodiversity  EEAS

EU for Labor Market Inclusion: Building an Inclusive Labour Market in Albania - United Nations Development ProgrammeEU for Labor Market Inclusion: Building an Inclusive Labour Market in Albania  United Nations Development Programme

World Bank: Albania Needs 20 Years to Join the Group of Wealthy Nations - Euronews AlbaniaWorld Bank: Albania Needs 20 Years to Join the Group of Wealthy Nations  Euronews Albania

Pope Francis hopes for closer ties with Orthodox Church of Albania - Vatican NewsPope Francis hopes for closer ties with Orthodox Church of Albania  Vatican News

Albania’s foreign tourist arrivals fall in March - SeeNewsAlbania’s foreign tourist arrivals fall in March  SeeNews

Albania receives naval ship from Italy to boost military and NATO missions - AP NewsAlbania receives naval ship from Italy to boost military and NATO missions  AP News

Albania—Country Climate and Development Report - World BankAlbania—Country Climate and Development Report  World Bank

Albania - Post-Communist, Balkan, Geography - BritannicaAlbania - Post-Communist, Balkan, Geography  Britannica

Biography: Pirro Vengu, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Albania - NATO - HomepageBiography: Pirro Vengu, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Albania  NATO - Homepage

Scouting in Albania joins as the 176th Member Organization of World Scouting - WOSMScouting in Albania joins as the 176th Member Organization of World Scouting  WOSM

Video. Albania highlights tourism prospects at ITB Berlin - Euronews.comVideo. Albania highlights tourism prospects at ITB Berlin  Euronews.com

Macroeconomic Policy Discussions/ Governor Sejko meets with the Director for Albania at the IMF - cna.alMacroeconomic Policy Discussions/ Governor Sejko meets with the Director for Albania at the IMF  cna.al

Uncovering Albania's communist past - BBCUncovering Albania's communist past  BBC

"Go Back To India": Woman Faces Racism At Music Festival In Albania. Internet Reacts - NDTV"Go Back To India": Woman Faces Racism At Music Festival In Albania. Internet Reacts  NDTV

Albania - General DebateAlbania  General Debate

Albania TikTok ban to begin Thursday - DWAlbania TikTok ban to begin Thursday  DW

How the State Department Pushed Albania from Democracy to Narco-State - American Enterprise InstituteHow the State Department Pushed Albania from Democracy to Narco-State  American Enterprise Institute

Has Italy's Albania migrant deal completely failed? - DWHas Italy's Albania migrant deal completely failed?  DW

Butrint: The ancient site helping Albania reclaim its identity - BBCButrint: The ancient site helping Albania reclaim its identity  BBC

Italy & Albania Stars To Leave Inter Milan This Summer – Could Germany International Also Be On The Way Out? - Yahoo SportsItaly & Albania Stars To Leave Inter Milan This Summer – Could Germany International Also Be On The Way Out?  Yahoo Sports

Italy sends migrants to Albania in third try to start scheme - DWItaly sends migrants to Albania in third try to start scheme  DW

Albania: “I was secretly baptized, and my vocation is due to a priest who spent 28 years in prison” - Church in NeedAlbania: “I was secretly baptized, and my vocation is due to a priest who spent 28 years in prison”  Church in Need

ITALY: Government considering new use for detention centres in Albania after third failed transfer - Continued controversy and ICC investigation over deportation of Libyan war crimes suspect - Refugee rights activists among people targeted in spyware atta - European Council on Refugees and ExilesITALY: Government considering new use for detention centres in Albania after third failed transfer - Continued controversy and ICC investigation over deportation of Libyan war crimes suspect - Refugee rights activists among people targeted in spyware atta  European Council on Refugees and Exiles

How to get your cell phone connected in Albania: eSIMs, wi-fi and mobile networks - Lonely PlanetHow to get your cell phone connected in Albania: eSIMs, wi-fi and mobile networks  Lonely Planet

What is the aim of the Declaration on military cooperation between Croatia, Albania and Kosovo? - European Western BalkansWhat is the aim of the Declaration on military cooperation between Croatia, Albania and Kosovo?  European Western Balkans

Albania TikTok ban sparks debate over freedom of speech - ReutersAlbania TikTok ban sparks debate over freedom of speech  Reuters

Albania shuts down TikTok for a year amid concerns over violence among children - CNNAlbania shuts down TikTok for a year amid concerns over violence among children  CNN

Explore Global names executive team for dedicated Explore Albania DMC - Travel Daily News InternationalExplore Global names executive team for dedicated Explore Albania DMC  Travel Daily News International

Partnering for Progress: The PPP Driving Innovation in Albania’s Lab Services - International Finance Corporation (IFC)Partnering for Progress: The PPP Driving Innovation in Albania’s Lab Services  International Finance Corporation (IFC)

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)

The best hotels in Albania for 2025 - CN TravellerThe best hotels in Albania for 2025  CN Traveller

Albania Star Branded ‘Worst Player On The Pitch’ For Lacklustre Display In Inter Milan 0-3 AC Milan Coppa Italia Crashout - OneFootballAlbania Star Branded ‘Worst Player On The Pitch’ For Lacklustre Display In Inter Milan 0-3 AC Milan Coppa Italia Crashout  OneFootball

Albania’s Eurolab buys local brewery Stefani&Co - SeeNewsAlbania’s Eurolab buys local brewery Stefani&Co  SeeNews

Albania bans TikTok for one year after school stabbing - Al JazeeraAlbania bans TikTok for one year after school stabbing  Al Jazeera

Albania approves Hungary’s Gemtech 10 MW PV project - SeeNewsAlbania approves Hungary’s Gemtech 10 MW PV project  SeeNews

First flight from Albania's Vlora airport to take place in May - SeeNewsFirst flight from Albania's Vlora airport to take place in May  SeeNews

Albania moves briskly toward EU membership, aiming to close accession talks by 2027 - EunewsAlbania moves briskly toward EU membership, aiming to close accession talks by 2027  Eunews

Italy restarts bid to deport migrants to Albania - Al JazeeraItaly restarts bid to deport migrants to Albania  Al Jazeera

A Beginner’s Guide to Albania - Air MailA Beginner’s Guide to Albania  Air Mail

The grannies who saved Albanian cuisine - BBCThe grannies who saved Albanian cuisine  BBC

Albania to offer 35.2 mln euro of 2030 T-notes on Apr 23 - TradingViewAlbania to offer 35.2 mln euro of 2030 T-notes on Apr 23  TradingView

When is the best time to visit Albania? - Lonely PlanetWhen is the best time to visit Albania?  Lonely Planet

How Improving Roads Creates Real Impact for Communities Across Albania - World BankHow Improving Roads Creates Real Impact for Communities Across Albania  World Bank

Investments, tourism and consumption boosted economic growth in Albania - KosovaPressInvestments, tourism and consumption boosted economic growth in Albania  KosovaPress

Riding the wave: How Albania can make the most of its EU moment - European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)Riding the wave: How Albania can make the most of its EU moment  European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)

Sara Gezdari: Growing up in Albania showed me state controlled education is no good thing - Conservative HomeSara Gezdari: Growing up in Albania showed me state controlled education is no good thing  Conservative Home

Albania sells 29.1 mln euro of 2028 T-notes - SeeNewsAlbania sells 29.1 mln euro of 2028 T-notes  SeeNews

Lara Colturi: Albania’s ‘ambitious’ teen alpine skier discusses similarities with Mikaela Shiffrin and her biggest goal - having fun - Olympics.comLara Colturi: Albania’s ‘ambitious’ teen alpine skier discusses similarities with Mikaela Shiffrin and her biggest goal - having fun  Olympics.com

Photos: Dua Lipa Takes Boyfriend to Albania for Easter Holiday - Reality TeaPhotos: Dua Lipa Takes Boyfriend to Albania for Easter Holiday  Reality Tea

Women in business from Albania take center stage at the Women’s Entrepreneurship EXPO satellite event - UN Women – Europe and Central AsiaWomen in business from Albania take center stage at the Women’s Entrepreneurship EXPO satellite event  UN Women – Europe and Central Asia

Albania Blocks Lara Colturi’s Bid to Compete for Italy as Olympic Deadline Looms - SnowBrainsAlbania Blocks Lara Colturi’s Bid to Compete for Italy as Olympic Deadline Looms  SnowBrains

National day of mourning in Albania in honor of Pope Francis - cna.alNational day of mourning in Albania in honor of Pope Francis  cna.al

Albania’s ‘Elite Tourism’ Pits David Against Goliath in Fight for Water - Balkan InsightAlbania’s ‘Elite Tourism’ Pits David Against Goliath in Fight for Water  Balkan Insight

Albania’s Muslim Vatican will show Islam isn’t monolithic. An inspiration for other religions - ThePrintAlbania’s Muslim Vatican will show Islam isn’t monolithic. An inspiration for other religions  ThePrint

Albania offers 7 mln euro in grants to start-ups to boost IT exports - SeeNewsAlbania offers 7 mln euro in grants to start-ups to boost IT exports  SeeNews

Why are so many unusual skyscrapers being built in Tirana? - DezeenWhy are so many unusual skyscrapers being built in Tirana?  Dezeen