Albania

NAME OF THE COUNTRY:

Conventional long form: Republic of Albania
Conventional short form: Albania
Local long form: Republika e Shqiperise
Local short form: Shqiperia
Former: People's Socialist Republic of Albania

ALBANIA ETYMOLOGY:

The name “Albania” has Medieval Latin origins.
“Alb” means “hill” in Illyrian.
“Alb” is said to have evolved from “Alp” or the Alpine mountains of Europe.
In the History of the World, written by Polybius (2 BC), there is mention of Arbon in present-day central Albania.
The residents have been referred to as Arbanios and Arbanitai.
“Albania” could also have been derived from the Illyrian tribe of the Albani.
The early inhabitants referred to their land as Arbër or Arbën.
The people referred to themselves as Arbëresh or Arbnesh.
Shqipëria, the local name for Albania is said to have evolved from Skanderbeg family crest.
It translates into “Land of the Eagles”.

HISTORY of ALBANIA:

The ancient Illyrians were the first to inhabit the region in pre-historic times.
The history of Albania has seen many conquests, invasions and wars with neighboring empires.
Archaeological research shows that Albania was inhabited even during the Paleolithic Age (Stone Age).
Formal investigation and recording of Albania's archaeological monuments were initiated by Francois Pouqueville.
Several Greek colonies and cities have been unearthed during excavations.
Ancient synagogues suggest prevalence of Jewish culture in 5th and 6th century AD.
The Illyrians were divided into many clans and tribes.
In 4th century BC, King Bardyllis united the tribes to form the kingdom of Illyria.
During the fifteenth century Albania enjoyed a brief period of independence under the leadership of Skanderbeg.
The country was under Ottoman Empire for over five hundred years.
It became an independent country in 1912.
The country adopted a republican form of government in 1920.
The Italians invaded the country in 1939.
Tirana was liberated on November 20, 1944 with the efforts of Albanian partisans.
Albania was one of the first countries to be occupied by the Axis Powers in World War II.
The Italian Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini decided to occupy Albania to compete with Hitler's territorial gains.
The Communist Party was created on November 8, 1941 with the help of the Yugoslavian Communist Party.
Albania is the only European country occupied by the Axis powers that ended World War II with a larger Jewish population than before the War.
Albania allied with the USSR, and then broke with the USSR in 1960 over de-Stalinization.
A strong political alliance with China followed with several billion dollars in aid in 1974.
The aid was withdrawn after Albania attacked China’s policies in 1978.
Enver Hoxha, ruled the nation for forty years till his death on April 11, 1985.
In 1990, provisions were made to enable foreign travel for citizens.
Albania's former Communists were routed in elections on March 1992.
Sali Berisha was elected as the first non-Communist president.
Due to social unrest, the country faced riots in 1997.
Socialist party rule ended in 2005.

ALBANIA DEMOGRAPHICS:

Majority of the population is ethnically Albanian.
Minority communities include Greeks, Aromanians, Torbesh, Gorani, Macedonians, Roma, Montenegrins, Bulgarians, Balkan Egyptians and Jews.
The dominant language is Albanian.
Gheg and Tosk are the two main dialects.
English, Italian and Greek are also spoken widely.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS of ALBANIA:

The Albanian republic is a parliamentary democracy.
The constitution was reviewed in 1998.
Elections are held every four years to the People's Assembly
The People’s Assembly is a unicameral chamber comprising of 140 seats.
Sali Berisha is the national leader since 2005.
The post-communist governments have been aiming for a Euro-Atlantic integration.
European commission has given priority to Albania’s membership bid.
Albania was invited to join the NATO on 3 April, 2008.
Albanian immigrants have mostly settled in Liverpool in search of jobs and education opportunities.

ALBANIA CULTURE:

Christianity and Islam were once the dominant religion in Albania.
Most Albanians today do not practice any religion.
Albanian is the official language of Albania.
Albania has a rich literary history especially with reference to the Church.
Meshari (The Missal) (1555) by Gjon Buzuku, is known as the first literary work in Albanian.
Albanian literature also has many examples of historical chronicles.
Albanian cuisine is a blend of Greek and Italian cuisines.
The main meal of the day is lunch which comprises of fresh vegetable salad and a main dish of meat or sea food.

ALBANIA ECONOMY:

The Albanian government is striving for market economy.
Structural reforms include privatization, enterprise and financial sector reform.
Prices have risen considerably since 1990 resulting in economic difficulties.
In 1995, Albania began privatizing large state enterprises.
The Stabilisation and Association Agreement was signed in June/July 2006.
Albania has succeeded in developing a modern and diversified economy.
There has also been marked growth in the nation’s infrastructure.
Tourism is also a booming industry.

ALBANIA INFRASTRUCTURE:

Albania is now developing rapidly in the following areas:

Telecommunications
Transport
Utilities infrastructure
The government provides free health care for all.
Main health care facilities are located in Tirana and Durrës.

ALBANIA EDUCATION:

The literacy rate in Albania is about 93%.
Elementary education is compulsory.
Most students complete secondary education.
Most schools are public and financed through the government.
The trend of private institutions is also catching up.
There are about 5000 schools throughout the country.
The medical school, Faculty of Medicine at Tirana University, is in Tirana.

ALBANIA NEIGHBOR COUNTRIES:

Albania is surrounded by:

Greece (south-east)
Montenegro (north)
Kosovo (northeast)
Macedonia (east)

ALBANIA GEOGRAPHICAL SETTINGS:

Albania is located in South Eastern Europe.
Its geographical location is 41°20'N 19°48'E
It is surrounded by the Adriatic Sea to the west, and the Ionian Sea to the southwest.
Albania has a total area of 28,750 square kilometers.
70% of the terrain is mountainous.
Korab, the highest mountain stands at 2,753 meters.
The country has a continental climate.
The two largest and deepest tectonic lakes of the Balkan Peninsula namely Lake Scutari, Ohrid Lake are located in Albania.
Albania has a rich forest area and diverse flora.
The region of Albania can be subdivided into three eco-regions:

ALBANIA FREEDOM:

Albania became a free country on November 20, 1944.

ALBANIA EMINENT PERSONALITIES:

Tony Dovolani - Dancing With The Stars
Kole Idromeno - painter, sculptor, photographer, architect, and engineer
Ferid Muradi - medical researcher Nobel laureate
Gramoz Pashko - economist, and former Deputy Prime Minister of Albania
Anthony Athanas - Famous restaurateur (self-made multimillionaire)
Ekrem Bardha - Owner of at least 19 McDonalds in America
Marie Logoreci - director, actress, singer
Marin Barleti – historian
Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee - Islamic scholar
Mother Theresa (a.k.a. Agnes Gonxhe Bojaxhiu) Roman Catholic nun of Albanian origin.
Mid'hat Bey Frashëri (a.k.a. Midhat Frashari; 1880–1949) - writer and freedom fighter
Veli Karahoda (born 1968) - novelist, poet, essayist