Albania | History, Capital, Language, Flag, Facts & Geography of Albania

History of Albania:

Albania is one of the countries or regions of the world that has been ruled by many empires and other countries due to its position. Neighboring Greece and facing the Adriatic Sea, it has been a strategic landmass in many international conflicts.

The country was first founded around 2000 BC. A tribe called the Illyrians settled there. The Romans were one of the first empires to conquer the country, and Albania was first part of the Roman Empire and later the Byzantine or Eastern Roman Empire. In the 13th century, the Ottoman Empire seized control. Most of the country’s population converted to Islam during this period. In the mid-14th century, the Albanians, led by national hero György Kastrioti Skenderbeu, briefly achieved independence from the Ottoman Empire. However, the Ottoman Empire soon regained control.

Albanians have fought for independence several times in history. After doing so several times for short periods of time, she eventually became a nationally recognized nation in the early 20th century. During World War II, Albania was occupied by both Germany and Italy. After the war, the Communist Party took power. The country was under communist rule for over 40 years until democratic elections were finally held in her 1992. Albania’s first democratically elected president was Sari Berisha. But unrest still prevails in the country as both the Democratic and Communist parties battle for power. The country wants to join the European Union or EU, but (as of 2010) still has many conditions to meet.

Information about Albania:

Flag of Albania:

Albania Economy Key Industries:

Albania Major Industries: food processing, textiles and clothing; lumber, oil, cement, chemicals, mining, basic metals, hydropower

Albania Agricultural Products: wheat, corn, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, sugar beets, grapes; meat, dairy products

Albania Natural Resources: petroleum, natural gas, coal, bauxite, chromite, copper, iron ore, nickel, salt, timber, hydropower

Albania Major Exports: textiles and footwear; asphalt, metals and metallic ores, crude oil; vegetables, fruits, tobacco

Albania Major Imports: machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, textiles, chemicals

The Geography of Albania:

Total Size of Albania: 28,748 km² (source: 2022 wikipedia)

Geographical Low Point of Albania: Adriatic Sea 0 m

Geographical High Point of Albania: Maja e Korabit (Golem Korab) 2,764 m

Climate of Albania: mild temperate; cool, cloudy, wet winters; hot, clear, dry summers; interior is cooler and wetter

General Terrain of Albania: mostly mountains and hills; small plains along coast

World Region or Continent of Albania: Europe

Geographical Coordinates: 41 00 N, 20 00 E

The People of  Albania & Culture

Albania Government Type: emerging democracy

Albania Nationality: Albanian(s)

Albania National Holiday: Independence Day, 28 November (1912)

Albania Independence: 28 November 1912 (from Ottoman Empire)

Albania National Symbol: double-headed eagle

Albania National Anthem or Song: Hymni i Flamurit (Hymn to the Flag)

Albania Languages Spoken: Albanian (official – derived from Tosk dialect), Greek, Vlach, Romani, Slavic dialects

Albania Religions: Muslim 70%, Albanian Orthodox 20%, Roman Catholic 10%

Interesting Facts about Albania:

Believe it or not, this tiny country of Albania has the largest oil reserves in Europe. Albania is also a major producer of copper, coal and nickel, and is one of the largest producers of hydroelectric power for those looking to switch to a greener energy source.

After the collapse of communism in Albania and other communist countries in the region, the economy slumped, leading to mass emigration. Today, more Albanians live abroad than in the country.

There is ample evidence that vines were planted in Albania as early as the Ice Age. Seeds have been found that are believed to be between 4,000 and 6,000 years old, and also indicate a long history of wine production in the area.

The coast around Albania, also called the Albanian Riviera, is far less developed than other Riviera regions in Europe.

Locally she was known as Angiezé Gonche Beaujacieux, but is probably better known as Mother Teresa. She may not be well known, but she is Albanian and a revered heroine to her Albanian compatriots and the world at large. She is also the only person in the country to ever win a Nobel Prize.

Golem Kolab is located right on the Macedonian border and is the highest point in Albania at just over 2,700 meters above sea level. The mountain is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, climbing and nature.

Many people come to Albania to enjoy the beaches, which are filled with beautiful sandy beaches, but many also come to enjoy the mountains. About 70% of the country is mountainous, and this mountainous landscape offers travelers the opportunity to participate in a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking and wildlife watching.