Albania

Country Profile: Albania

Official Name: Republic of Albania

Capital: Tirana

Geography:

Albania is located in Southeast Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east, Greece to the south, and the Adriatic and Ionian Sea to the west.

Area: Approximately 28,748 square kilometers (approximately 11,100 square miles).

Population: Approximately 2.8 million people (as of 2023 estimate).

Language: The official language is Albanian.

Climate:

Albania has a mix of a Mediterranean and continental climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.

Economy:

Albania’s economy continues to grow, driven by its agricultural sector, mining, and services, particularly tourism. It is also a candidate for accession to the European Union.

Government:

Albania is a parliamentary constitutional republic, where the President of Albania is the head of state and the Prime Minister of Albania is the head of government.

Education:

Education in Albania is secular and mandatory for children aged 6 to 15. The academic year is much like that as in the United States, classes start in September or October and end in late May or June.

Culture:

Albanian culture is heavily influenced by the Greek, Slavic, Ottoman, and Roman cultures, with notable influences in arts, cuisine, dance, music, and sports.

Noteworthy Facts:

Albania is known for its archaeological heritage, with ancient sites such as Butrint National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also one of Europe’s most linguistically homogenous countries, with about 98% of the population speaking the Albanian language.

This is a general overview of Albania. There’s much more to learn about this country, from its interesting history to its diverse geographical landscapes.