Albania

Land of Eagles – Europe’s Emerging Adriatic Gateway

Albania, officially the Republic of Albania, is a Southeastern European country located along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, bordered by Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece. It is known for its ancient Illyrian heritage, dramatic mountains, and growing economic potential as it moves steadily toward European Union integration.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Descended from Illyrian tribes, later ruled by Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans.

  • Proclaimed independence from the Ottoman Empire on November 28, 1912.

  • Became a communist state under Enver Hoxha (1946–1991), one of the most isolated regimes.

  • Transitioned to democracy in the early 1990s after the fall of communism.

  • NATO member since 2009, EU candidate since 2014, with negotiations formally opened in 2022.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Country Name Republic of Albania
Capital Tirana (Tiranë)
Continent Europe (Southeastern / Balkans)
Official Language Albanian (Shqip)
Recognized Minority Languages Greek, Macedonian, Romani, Aromanian, Serbian
Currency Albanian Lek (ALL)
Area Approx. 28,748 sq. km
Population Approx. 2.7 million (2025 est.)
Time Zone Central European Time (UTC+1), DST: UTC+2
ISO Code AL
Internet TLD .al
Calling Code +355

Religious Affiliation (Estimated – 2025)

Religion Population Share
Islam (Sunni and Bektashi) ~58%
Christianity (Orthodox, Catholic) ~17%
Other / Atheist / Unaffiliated ~25%

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2025)
President Bajram Begaj
Prime Minister Edi Rama
Government Type Parliamentary republic
Legislature Kuvendi (unicameral parliament)
Judiciary Constitutional Court, High Judicial Council, Supreme Court, Special Anti-Corruption Court

Administrative Divisions (Counties)

Albania is divided into 12 counties (qarqe), which are further subdivided into 61 municipalities (bashki).

County (English) Albanian Name County Seat
Berat Berat Berat
Dibër Dibër Peshkopi
Durrës Durrës Durrës
Elbasan Elbasan Elbasan
Fier Fier Fier
Gjirokastër Gjirokastër Gjirokastër
Korçë Korçë Korçë
Kukës Kukës Kukës
Lezhë Lezhë Lezhë
Shkodër Shkodër Shkodër
Tiranë (Tirana) Tiranë Tirana
Vlorë Vlorë Vlorë

Local Government Structure

  • Municipalities have elected mayors and municipal councils.

  • Prefects represent the national government in each county.

  • Ongoing reforms focus on administrative efficiency, digitalization, and anti-corruption transparency

Leadership & Governance

2025 governance priorities:

  • Accelerating EU accession with rule-of-law and judiciary reform

  • Enhancing digital public services

  • Strengthening anti-corruption institutions

  • Developing regional connectivity through transport and energy corridors

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Managed by the Ministry of Interior

  • Agencies:

    • State Police (Policia e Shtetit)

    • Guard of the Republic

    • Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Units (SPAK)

  • Public safety improving; significant focus on judicial independence and crime prevention

Economy & Industry

  • Key sectors:

    • Agriculture (olive oil, medicinal herbs, citrus)

    • Tourism (heritage and Riviera coast)

    • Hydropower and energy exports

    • Mining (chromium, copper)

  • GDP (2024): Approx. USD 21 billion

  • GDP per capita: ~USD 7,800

  • Rapid growth driven by remittances, infrastructure projects, and tourism

Education & Institutions

  • Free public education; compulsory up to age 16

  • Leading universities:

    • University of Tirana

    • Polytechnic University of Tirana

    • Aleksandër Moisiu University (Durrës)

  • Reforms focus on curriculum modernization and alignment with EU academic standards

Healthcare

  • Universal public healthcare, supplemented by private services

  • Key facilities:

    • Mother Teresa University Hospital (Tirana)

    • Regional Hospitals in Durrës, Shkodër, Elbasan

  • Priorities include digital health systems, rural access, and health worker retention

Transport & Connectivity

  • Road: Upgraded highways like A1 (Rruga e Kombit) connecting to Kosovo

  • Rail: Limited but under modernization with EU support

  • Airports:

    • Tirana International Airport (Nënë Tereza)

    • New airport projects in Vlorë and Kukës

  • Ports: Durrës (main seaport), Vlorë, and Shëngjin

Tourism & Attractions

Natural & Coastal:

  • Albanian Riviera (Dhërmi, Himarë, Ksamil)

  • Llogara Pass, Valbona Valley National Park, Theth

  • Lake Ohrid and Prespa Lakes

Cultural & Historical:

  • Berat and Gjirokastër (UNESCO sites)

  • Butrint Archaeological Park, Apollonia, Krujë Castle

Festivals:

  • Kala Festival, Gjirokastër Folk Festival, Tirana International Film Festival

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Proud of Albanian language, Besa (honor code), and hospitality

  • Cuisine: Tavë kosi, byrek, grilled lamb, seafood, raki

  • Vibrant folk music, polyphonic singing, handicrafts, and dance

  • Modern youth culture blending with deep rural traditions

Summary

Albania is a resilient, reform-oriented, and naturally stunning country with a unique cultural identity and a strategic Euro-Atlantic future. From mountains to beaches, bunkers to UNESCO towns, it offers one of Europe’s most authentic and fast-transforming stories.