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| The '''Republic of Albania''' is a country in southeastern ]. It is bordered by ] in the north, ] in the east, and ] in the south, and has a coast on the ] in the west. | The '''Republic of Albania''' is a country in southeastern ]. It is bordered by ] in the north, ] in the east, and ] in the south, and has a coast on the ] in the west. | ||
Revision as of 14:34, 20 October 2002
The Republic of Albania is a country in southeastern Europe. It is bordered by Yugoslavia in the north, Macedonia in the east, and Greece in the south, and has a coast on the Adriatic Sea in the west.
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| National motto: Xxxxx | |||||
| Official language | Albanian | ||||
| Capital | Tirana | ||||
| President | Rexhep Meidani | ||||
| Area - Total - % water | Ranked 140th 28,748 km² 4.7% | ||||
| Population
- Density | Ranked 126th
122/km² | ||||
| Independence | November 28, 1912 | ||||
| Currency | Lek | ||||
| Time zone | UTC+2 | ||||
| National anthem | Hymni i Flamurit | ||||
| Internet TLD | .AL | ||||
History
Main article: History of Albania
Albania has been the site of several Greek colonies, and was later part of the Roman province of Illyricum. After being conquered by a number of nations, it became a part of the Ottoman Empire in 1478.
After the First Balkan War, Albania declared independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912, but the country remained in unrest. Being occupied by Italy during World War II, the (mainly communist) resistance, lead by Enver Hoxha seized control when the Italians left.
Until 1990, fives years after the death of Hoxha, Albania was an isolationist state. A multi-party democracy is emerging, but the country suffers from economic problems, organised crime, and a large number of Albanian refugees from Kosovo.
Politics
Main article: Politics of Albania
Head of state is the president, which is elected by the Kuvendi Popullor, or People's Assembly. The main part of the Assembly's 155 members are elected by the Albanians in elections every 5 years. The president is assisted by a council of ministers, which is appointed by the president.
Districs
Main article: Districts of Albania
Albania is divided into 36 districts, or rrethe. The capital city, Tirana, has a special status. The districts are:
Geography
Main article: Geography of Albania
Albania consists of mostly hilly and mountainous terrain, the highest mountain reaching up to 2,753 m. The country mostly has a land climate, with cold winters and hot summers.
Besides capital city Tirana, with 300,000 inhabitants, the principal cities are Durrës, Elbasan, Shkodër, Vlorë and Korçë.
Economy
Main article: Economy of Albania
Albania is Europe's poorest country, with half of the economically-active population still engaged in agriculture and a fifth said to be working abroad. The country has to deal with a high unemployment rate, corruption up to high government leveels and organised crime.
Albania is aided financially from abroad, notably by Greece and Italy.
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of Albania
Most of the population (95%) is Albanian, but there is a sizeable Greek minority. Many ethnic Albanians also live in bordering Kosovo. The language is Albanian, although some Greek is also spoken.
Since the occupation by the Ottomans, the majority of the Albanians has been muslim, even though relgion was prohibited during the communist era. The Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Church are the other main religions in Albania.
Culture
Main article: Culture of Albania
Albania's most notable writer was Fan Noli.
Miscellaneous topics
- Communications in Albania
- Transportation in Albania
- Military of Albania
- Foreign relations of Albania