Albania

Albania (in Albanian, Shqipëri or Shqipëria), officially the Republic of Albania (Albanian: Republika e Shqipërisë), is a country located in southeastern Europe. It is located in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas within the Mediterranean Sea, and shares land borders with Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east, Greece to the south; and a maritime boundary with Greece, Montenegro, and Italy to the west. Tirana is its capital and largest city, followed by Durrës, Vlorë and Shkodër.

The current Albanian territory was, at various times in its history, part of the Roman province of Dalmatia (south of Illyric), Macedonia and Moesia Superior. The modern republic achieved its independence after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in Europe as a result of the Balkan Wars, which took place between 1912 and 1913. Albania declared its independence in 1912 and it was recognized the following year. Thereafter, the country was constituted as a principality, republic and kingdom until its invasion by Italian troops in 1939. Italy created Greater Albania, which in 1943 became a Nazi protectorate. In 1944 a socialist popular democracy was created under the leadership of Enver Hoxha and the Labor Party of Albania, which ruled the country until the dissolution of the socialist republic and the creation of the Republic of Albania in 1991.

Albania is currently a parliamentary democracy with a transitional economy. Its capital, Tirana, is the economic, political, and cultural center of the country, as well as the largest city with a population of 610,070 out of the country's total population of 3,038,594 (2016). Reforms aimed at creating a free market have open the country to foreign investment, especially in the development of energy and transport infrastructure.

Albania is a member of the UN, NATO, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the World Trade Organization, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and a founding member of the Union for the Mediterranean. The country has been an official candidate for membership of the European Union since January 2003 and officially applied for membership on April 28, 2009.

Toponymy

The place name used in Western languages originates from the Albanian people, located by Ptolemy in the region of Illyria, who appear in Byzantine and European sources as Arbanites, or Albanians. related the root alb, with words of Indo-European origin such as alb (hill), which also gave Alps, or with the Indo-European word albh (white), alluding to snow.

The autoglottonym is Shqipëria for the country and Shqypnia/Shqipnia for the inhabitants; denominations that replaced Albania or Arbani from the XVIII century. Both terms come from the same Albanian root, shqipoj, which in turn derives from the Latin excipere, with the meaning of to speak clearly.

Popular etymology relates Shqipëria to the Albanian word shqipe; eagle and this explanation is taken up by the symbols of the nation such as the eagle on its flag.

History

Prehistory, Antiquity and the Middle Ages

The oldest known people that inhabited the center and north of present-day Albania were the Illyrians; to the south was the Greek tribe of the Chaonians. The southern Greeks also colonized the coasts and the south of the territory, which was largely included within Epirus. The Illyrians made frequent raids on the Hellenistic states of Molossia, Peonia, and even Macedonia. In 35 B.C. C., the Romans conquered the area, dividing it into the provinces of Illyricum and Epirus.

Under the Romans, Illyria experienced a time of peace and prosperity. It was traversed by the important trade route between Rome and Constantinople, the Via Egnatia, which passed between Epidamnos/Durrës and Thessaloniki. The Illyrians, like the Greeks, retained their language and traditions during Roman rule. When the Roman Empire was divided in the year 395 d. C., the Illyrians were assimilated by the Byzantine Empire. During the centuries V and VI they converged with itinerant peoples such as the Visigoths, Huns, Ostrogoths; and ended up being neighbors (to the north and east) of the Slavs, who assimilated the Illyrians or Macedonians in those areas.

Ottoman Albania

In the late Middle Ages the Ottoman Turks invaded the Balkan Peninsula. Between 1443 and 1468, Gjergj Kastrioti, called Skanderbeg (chief Alexander, in the Albanization of Turkish "Iskender Bey"), led on behalf of the Albanians the joint struggles of Serbs, Bulgarians, Romanians and other peoples of the area against the Ottoman Turks, becoming the national hero and an icon of the fight against the Islamic invader. Antonio Vivaldi dedicated an opera to Skanderbeg with the same name. The first documents written in the Albanian language, in the Cyrillic alphabet, date from this time.

In that long period of occupation, several determining events for the current Albanian culture took place: a large part of the Orthodox urban population went into exile, mainly in southern Italy and Greece, and partly they were employed as mercenaries, while the majority of the population that remained in the country was converted to Islam, throughout the seven centuries of occupation. After the progressive conversion to Islam of a large part of the Albanians, they became a privileged people and loyal to the Empire, reaching high positions in the administration of the Empire (such as the Köprülü, Ali Pasha of Tepelen or Mehemet Ali) and also as forces shock to maintain control over Greece, Serbia, the territory of present-day North Macedonia and Bulgaria. The emigration of part of the Serb population from present-day Kosovo led the Albanians to become the majority in that region.

Independence and World Wars

In 1912, faced with the successive defeats suffered by the Turks in the Balkan wars and the threat of expansionism from Montenegro (which took Ulcinj and some other areas), from Serbia (which reached its historical claim on Kosovo) and from the Greeks and their Megáli Idea, the Albanians claimed their independence and got it thanks to Austrian and Italian support; the European powers placed Guillermo de Wied as king, which did not last, because during the First World War the impoverished territory was a battlefield between the forces of the Entente Cordiale and those of the so-called Central Powers, and at the end of the war it was ratified Serb-Montenegrin control over Albanian-majority areas in the north and east; Greece obtained control of northern Epirus until 1914.

In 1918 in Argirópolis (despite the fact that this city was in the zone of Greek occupation) the formal independence of Albania was proclaimed, although "independent Albania" soon became in practice an Italian protectorate initially commanded by Ahmet Zogu.

Albania became a monarchy in 1928, when President Ahmet Zogu declared himself king under the name Zog I. On April 8, 1939, the army of Fascist Italy invaded Albania and King Zogu fled; then the Italian government proclaimed the Italian King Victor Emmanuel III (1939-1943) King of Albania. During World War II, guerrillas were organized against the Italians.

Communist Albania

At the end of the war, the Albanian Labor Party, created in 1941 under the influence of the Soviet Union, took control of the Albanian state, under the leadership of Enver Hoxha, who had fought in the resistance. In 1955, Albania became a member of the Warsaw Pact.

During nearly four decades under his rule, Hoxha made and broke relations with various socialist countries. The country was initially isolated by the West, then Hoxha harshly criticized the government of Nikita Khrushchev, due to what he considered Khrushchovite revisionism, breaking relations with the Soviet Union and getting closer to China, later relations with China were broken and the economic relationship with neighboring nations.

The Government carried out reforms aimed at economic modernization and achieved important results in the fields of industrialization, agricultural development, education, arts and culture, which contributed to an overall increase in living standards. However, Albania was the only communist country in Eastern Europe to reject de-Stalinization.

In 1985, Enver Hoxha died and Ramiz Alia took his place. Initially, Alia tried to follow in Hoxha's footsteps, but the changes in Eastern Europe had already begun: Mikhail Gorbachev had appeared in the USSR with new policies (Glasnost and Perestroika) that ended the socialist bloc. After Nicolae Ceaușescu (Romanian communist leader) was executed in a riot, Alia signed the Helsinki Agreement (which was signed by other countries in 1975), committing to amend civil law. In 1992 multiparty elections were called, which the Democratic Party of Albania won with 62% of the vote.

Contemporary Albania

Since 1990, Albania has been West-oriented and in transition to capitalism, was accepted into the Council of Europe and NATO, and has also applied to join the European Union. Albania's labor force continued to migrate to the European Union and North America.

The first quarter of 1997 was a very delicate moment for Albania, in which in a few weeks the state bordered on decomposition and civil war. Two fundamental events triggered this situation: the chaotic legislative elections in which the Democratic Party of Sali Berisha was the winner was added to the collapse of some Ponzi scheme pyramidal financial systems that had the endorsement of Berisha government officials and that harmed enormously to the country as close to two thirds of the Albanian population are participating in them. This unleashed widespread discontent that was consummated in armed uprisings and assaults on military barracks and weapons depots. An armed uprising, led by communist-oriented "salvation committees", broke out in Vlorë and the south of the country. Fights and confrontations occurred in the capital and the other cities. In order to crush the rebellion, the UN approved the urgent dispatch of a "Multinational Protection Force" (FPM) of 7,000 soldiers led by Italy, whose advance party landed at Durrës and Vlorë on 14 April. Widespread discontent caused the Socialist Party to win the 1997 elections. The FPM left the country in August. At least 2,000 people died in the fighting. With hundreds of thousands of weapons circulating through the country, it is considered a "failed state".

In 2007, Albania became the first country in the world to eliminate all of its chemical weapons.

In 2018, Albania experienced its biggest student protests of the post-communist era. The increase in tuition fees is the result of a law that provides for the opening of universities to competition and the market. Prime Minister Edi Rama faced the crisis by dismissing half of his ministers.

Government and politics

Albania's politics take place in a parliamentary republic, through which the prime minister is the head of government. The executive power is exerced by the government. Legislative power is vested in the government and Parliament (Kuvendi i Republikës së Shqipërisë). Elections are held every four years.

According to a report by the European Commission published in 2006, 44% of the citizens of the Member States of the European Union oppose Albania's entry into that organization, against 41% who were in favour.

Foreign Relations

In the time since the end of communism and isolationism, Albania has expanded its responsibilities and position in continental and international affairs, developing and establishing friendly relations with other countries around the world. The country's foreign policy priorities are its accession to the European Union (EU), the international recognition of Kosovo and the expulsion of the Cham Albanians, as well as helping and protecting the rights of the Albanians of Kosovo, Montenegro, Macedonia of the North, Greece, Serbia, Italy and the diaspora.

Albania's admission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was seen by Albanian politicians as a major ambition for the country's foreign policy. The country has engaged extensively with NATO and has maintained its position as a stability factor and strong ally of the United States and the European Union (EU) in the Balkan region. Albania maintains strong ties with the United States since it supported Albania's independence and democracy. Currently, both countries have signed various agreements and treaties. In 2007, Albania hosted George W. Bush, who became the first US President to visit the country.

Albania and Kosovo are deeply rooted culturally, socially and economically due to Kosovo's majority Albanian population. In 1998, the country helped support allied efforts to, it was claimed, end the humanitarian tragedy in Kosovo and secure peace after NATO's bombing of Yugoslavia.

Albania has been an active member of the United Nations since 1955. It was a member of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations between 2005 and 2007, as well as in 2012. It was vice-president of ECOSOC in 2006 and 2013. In 2014, it also joined to the United Nations Human Rights Council between 2015 and 2017 and was elected vice-president in 2015. Albania is a full member of numerous international organizations, such as the Council of Europe, the International Organization for Migration, the World Organization for Health, the Union for the Mediterranean, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the International Monetary Fund, the World Trade Organization and La Francophonie.

Defense

The Albanian Armed Forces are made up of the Land, Air and Marine Forces and constitute the country's military and paramilitary forces. They are headed by a Commander-in-Chief under the supervision of the Defense Ministry and by the President as Supreme Commander in wartime, however, in peacetime his powers are executed through the Prime Minister and Defense Minister.

The main objective of the Albanian armed forces is the defense of the country's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as participation in humanitarian, combat, non-combat and peace support operations. Military service has been voluntary since 2010, with the legal minimum age for service being 19 years.

Albania has committed to increasing participation in multinational operations. Since the fall of communism, the country has participated in six international missions, but only participated in one United Nations mission in Georgia, where it sent three observers military. Since February 2008, Albania has been an official participant in NATO's Active Endeavor operation in the Mediterranean Sea. It was invited to join NATO on April 3, 2008, and became a full member on April 2, 2009..

Albania reduced the number of active troops from 65,000 in 1988 to 14,500 in 2009. The army now consists mainly of a small fleet of aircraft and ships. In the 1990s, the country scrapped huge amounts of obsolete material from China, such as tanks and SAM systems. The increase in the military budget was one of the most important conditions for integration into NATO. Military spending has generally been low. It is estimated that in 1996 military spending represented 1.5% of the country's GDP, to reach a maximum of 2% in 2009 and fall again to 1.5%.

Human rights

In terms of human rights, regarding membership of the seven bodies of the International Bill of Human Rights, which include the Human Rights Committee (HRC), Albania has signed or ratified:

Political-administrative organization

Albania is a unitary state divided into 12 counties, each with its own council and administration. The counties are the main administrative divisions of the country and are further subdivided into 61 municipalities. They are responsible for geographic, economic, social and cultures within counties.

The counties were created on July 31, 2000 to replace the previous 36 districts. The government introduced the new administrative divisions, implemented in 2015, which reduced the municipalities to 61, with rural areas abolished. The former municipalities are now known as barrios or towns. There are a total of 2,980 villages, formerly known as localities. Municipalities are the first level of local government, responsible for local needs and law enforcement.

The most populous county in Albania is Tirana county with more than 800,000 inhabitants, followed by Fier county with more than 300,000 inhabitants. The least populated county is Gjirokastër County, with more than 70,000 inhabitants. The largest county is Korçë County, covering 3,711 km² of south-eastern Albania, followed by Shkodër County with 3,562 km² in north-western Albania. The smallest county is Durrës County with an area of 766 km² in western Albania.

Shkodër Kukës Lezhë Dibër Durrës Tiranë Elbasan Korçë Fier Berat Vlorë Gjirokastër

Geography

Albania is a very mountainous state, with general elevations of more than 1,000 meters above sea level. The lowlands only occupy 1/7 of the country and are reduced to the coastal plain and very narrow valleys. The coast facing the Adriatic Sea is jagged, dotted with gulfs and capes.

Mediterranean vegetation with maquis and conifers stands out along the coastline, while in the mountainous interior, coniferous and deciduous forests predominate.

According to WWF, the territory of Albania is divided into four ecoregions:

• Mixed Dináric Alps Forest in the North End
• Balkan Mixed Forest in the Northeast
• Mixed forest of the Pindo Mountains in the Central and Southeast Mountains
• Iliria deciduous forest in the rest of the country

The coastline is 362 km long and lies between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The Adriatic coast, to the north, is low and swampy, while the Ionian coast, which begins in Vlorë, is rugged, with mountains falling directly into the sea, interspersed with small beaches; hence this area is known as the Albanian Riviera.

Climate

The country's climate is highly variable and diverse due to differences in latitude, longitude and altitude. Albania predominantly experiences a Mediterranean and continental climate, with four distinct seasons. Defined by the Köppen classification, it hosts five major types climates ranging from Mediterranean and subtropical in the western half to oceanic, continental and subarctic in the eastern half of Albania.

The warmest parts of the country are located along the coasts of the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea. In contrast, the coldest areas are located in the northern and eastern highlands. The average monthly temperature ranges from -1 °C in winter to 21.8 °C in summer. The highest temperature, 43.9 °C, was recorded in Kuçovë on July 18, 1973. The lowest temperature of -29 °C was recorded in the village of Shtyllë, Librazhd, on January 9, 2017.

Precipitation naturally varies from season to season and from year to year. The country receives most of its rainfall in the winter months and less in the summer months. Average rainfall is about 1,485 mm. Average annual rainfall ranges from 600 to 3,000 mm, depending on geographic location. The northwestern and southeastern highlands receive the most precipitation, while the northeastern and southwestern highlands, as well as the western lowlands, receive a more limited amount.

The Albanian Alps, in the far north of the country, are considered one of the wettest regions in Europe, receiving at least 3,100mm of rain per year. An expedition from the University of Colorado discovered four glaciers in these mountains at a relatively low altitude of 2,000 m, which is extremely rare for such a southern latitude. Snowfall is frequent in winter in the highlands of the country, especially in the northern and eastern mountains, including the Albanian Alps and the Korab Mountains. Snow also falls in the southwestern coastal areas almost every winter, such as in the Ceraunia Mountains, where it can remain even past March.

Topography

Albania is characterized as a mountainous country, with mountains and high mountains, occupying approximately two thirds of the country. Only along the Adriatic coast is there a floodplain that begins in the south near Vlora and extends in the north along Lake Scutari to the border with Montenegro. In the center of Albania it extends to the great plain of Myzeqe. The Adriatic coast is characterized by its numerous lagoons and wetlands. The coast of the Ionian Sea, on the other hand, rises steeply up to the high mountains of the Ceraún mountain range.

A conspicuous outlying mountain range separates the coastal plain from the mountainous region to the east. It stretches from the Montenegrin border in the north to the mountains of southern Albania. Its central part is the Skanderbeg Mountains, with Dajti as the highest elevation of the Kruja range. Most of Albania's ranges and mountains are oriented to the north-northwest.

The Albanian Alps, in the far north, form the southernmost part of the Dinaric Mountains. These mountains are heavily karstified and have deep gorges. In Dibra, on the border with North Macedonia, is the highest mountain in the country, Maja e Korabit, 2764 m high. The second highest mountain is Maja e Jezercës. It lies entirely in Albania and has an elevation of 2,694 m.

The largest island off the Albanian coast is Sazan, located at the entrance to the Bay of Vlora and today uninhabited.

Biodiversity

A biodiversity hotspot, Albania has an exceptionally rich and proven biological diversity due to its geographical location in the center of the Mediterranean Sea and the great diversity of its climatic, geological and hydrological conditions. Due to its remoteness, the mountains Albania's hills and hills are endowed with forests, trees and pastures that are essential for the life of a wide variety of animals, among others for two of the most endangered species in the country, the lynx and the brown bear, as well as the wild cat, the gray wolf, the red fox, the golden jackal, the Egyptian vulture and the golden eagle, the latter constituting the country's national animal.

Estuaries, wetlands, and lakes are extraordinarily important to the greater flamingo, the pygmy cormorant, and the country's most iconic bird, the rare Dalmatian pelican, and the Mediterranean monk seal, loggerhead turtle, and sea turtle. green turtle, which nests in the waters and coasts of the country.

From the point of view of phytogeography, Albania is part of the Boreal Kingdom and extends, specifically, within the Illyrian province of the Circumboreal and Mediterranean Region. Its territory can be subdivided into four terrestrial ecoregions of the Palaearctic realm, namely within the Illyrian deciduous forests, the Balkan mixed forests, the Pindus Mountains mixed forests, and the Dinaric Mountains mixed forests.

In Albania you can find approximately 3500 different species of plants, which mainly refers to a Mediterranean and Eurasian character. The country maintains a vibrant tradition of herbal and medicinal practices. A minimum of 300 plants that grow in the area are used in the preparation of herbs and medicines. The trees in the forests consist mainly of fir, oak, beech and pine.

According to the scientific community, Albania has one of the worst rates of biodiversity loss in Europe. This is due to an economic model based on mass tourism, the artificialization of the soil, illegal hunting and overfishing, corruption, and a lack of political will to protect ecosystems.

Protected areas

In Albania there are 14 national parks and 697 natural monuments, which can be geological (caves), hydrological (water springs and lakes) or biological (trees, forests or specific biotopes). The national parks are:

• Hotova Abeto. Located in the Përmet district, south-east of the country, Hotovë-Dangëlli has 34 361 hectares. The humid climate allows the existence of large-sized fir forests in the Umbrian areas, alternating with scrub and grasslands.
• Butrinto. It is located in the Sarandë district, 25 km south of the city of Saranda. It has 859 hectares that surround the old town of Butrinto, very close to the North Strait of Corfu, at the mouth of the lake of Butrinto, with a Mediterranean climate and a lujuriating vegetation of pines, oaks, oaks and laurels, among other trees and bushes.
• Dajti. Located in the district of Tirana, it has around 3000 hectares, of which more than half are forest. It extends between 300 and 1600 m of altitude, so the vegetation changes as it ascends, from a forest of Mediterranean maquis to a forest of fagáceas and fir trees at the summit, with centenary beech trees in its western part.
• Divjaka. It is located in the Lushnje district, it has 1250 hectares and is part of the Karavasta lagoon, protected since 1994. Due to its situation west of the country, near the Ionian and Adriatic seas, it has Mediterranean climate, with dry and hot summers. The dominant vegetation is pine and in the Lacustres areas nest up to 229 species of birds, among which stands out the pelican ceñudo.
• Drenova. It is located in the district of Korcë, east of the country, and has 1380 hectares, of which 780 are forested. It is between 1170 and 1790 m of altitude and its springs are famous. The climate is snowy in winter and warm in summer, although with frequent rainfall. The most common tree is the strawberry, accompanied by the black pine, the mountain maple and the rare black weave. It is also known as Bozdoveci.
• Tomorr. Located in the district of Skrapar, in the south-central part of the country, it has 4000 hectares and is located on the slopes of Mount Tomorri, 2415.7 m altitude. The vegetation is forested, dominated by pine, accompanied by the mountain maple.
• Llogaraja. Located in the district of Vlorë, it has 1010 hectares, of which 800 are of forest and the rest of meadows. It is located by the sea, in the divisory that separates the Adriatic and Ionian, with an altitude that ranges between 475 and 2018 m. The road that follows the coast has to ascend to the hill of Llogara, at 1025 m, and on the north side there is a forest of large pines and fir trees, among which stands out the so-called " Flag Hill", at 917 m, for having that shape due to the wind.
• Prespa. It is located in the district of Korcë, east and south of the country, on the border between Albania, Greece and North Macedonia, and has 27 750 hectares. It includes the eastern slope of the Mali and Thate karst mountains, covered with forests, and the aquatic space of the Prespa lakes, of tectonic origin. The vegetation is made up of beech trees and alpine and subalpine meadows.
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  Pastoralism at the Prokletije Mountains, south of the country.
  Lura. Located in the Dibër or Dibra district, it has 1280 hectares and is located on the eastern side of the Kunora and Lures massif, east of the country, between 1350 and 1720 m altitude. It has 14 glacial lakes, including Lake Grande, Lake Pinos and Lake Negro. The vegetation is formed by conifers and meadows, with a Mediterranean mountain climate, and among the fauna are the brown bear, red fox and eagle.
• Thethi. It is located in the Shala valley, in the Shkodër district, in the Albanian Alps, between 700 and 950 m altitude, and has an area of 2630 hectares. It is surrounded by peaks that exceed 2000 meters, of a caustic nature, with abundant rains and snowfalls that diminish in summer.
• Valbona Valley. Located in the district of Tropojë, in the north-east of the country, it has 8000 hectares and is located in the highest part of the Albanian Alps, next to the borders of Montenegro and Kosovo, following the high course of the Valbona or Valbonë river, with rainfalls exceeding 2000 mm and falling in winter preferably, creating a thick layer of snow. The vegetation below the roquedo is formed by beech, pines, fir trees, chestnuts and high grasslands. The fauna is made up of wolves, flies, bears, goats, eagles and otters.
• Shtama's passing. It is located in the Krujë district in the Dürres region. It has 2000 hectares and is covered with pine and fagáceas forests, highlighting the presence of the black pine or laricio, with large specimens.
• Zall Gjocaj. Located in the district of Mat, in the center of the country, it has only 140 hectares and is notable for its pines and hundreds, ivy and moss. It has small glacier lakes and its forests take the bear, wolf, lynx and wild goat.
• Shebenik-Jabllanica. Located in the district of Librazhd, in the south-east of the country, it has 34 000 hectares and is covered in most forests, as well as wetlands, agricultural and erial lands. The climate is wet and fresh in winter and warm and dry in summer.

Hydrography

The country has some 362 kilometers of coastline along the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea.

The longest river is the Drin, with a length of 282 kilometers. The Black Drin is born in Lake Ohrid and joins the White Drin, coming from Kosovo, in Kukës. The Drin flows into the Buna; a small lake flows into the Adriatic Sea at Lezha. The Shkumbin, Vjosa, Mat, Erzen and Seman rivers, which originates from the confluence of the Osum and Devoll, flow into the Adriatic. Almost all the longest rivers originate in mountainous areas and cross at least one mountain range in their course; the Lengarica tributary in an extremely narrow gorge. The only major river that flows into the Ionian Sea is the Bistrica.

Virtually the entire country drains into the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea. Only the Vermosh area in the north of the country belongs to the Danube basin and flows into the Black Sea. And in the southeast, in the Devoll district, a small area drains into the Aegean Sea through the Aliakmonas.

Albania has a large number of types of lakes. The shallow, 368 km² Lake Shkodra, located on the border with Montenegro, is considered the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula. Lake Ohrid, on the Macedonian border, is very old and deep. The Great Lake of Prespa, in the border triangle with Greece and Macedonia, has no outlet to the surface. The small lake of Prespa - at 45 km² is the smallest on this list - is quite shallow despite the mountains that surround it. In the coastal area, there are three larger lagoons, Butrint Lake, Narta Lagoon and Karavasta Lagoon. The Dumreja between Elbasan and Lushnja is characterized by its karst lakes. In the northeast of Albania, in the Lura National Park, there are a large number of smaller glacial lakes.

The Drin has been dammed three times, creating the Fierza, Koman and Vau-Deja reservoirs. The Mat is also dammed twice (Ulza Reservoir, Shkopet Reservoir), and two dams were built on the Devoll in the 2010s. Many smaller rivers are also used to generate electricity.

In communist times, small reservoirs were built all over the country for irrigation. There are about 600 reservoirs, the largest of which is Thana. In addition to irrigation, the Bovilla Reservoir is mainly used to supply Tirana with drinking water. An extensive network of irrigation canals guaranteed agricultural yields despite the hot climate. On the other hand, the coastal plains, heavily swampy and malaria-infested before World War II, were systematically drained and drained to expand the usable area for agriculture.

Economy

Albania is the country where the communist regime of centralized and state economy persisted the longest in all of Europe. On a base centered on agriculture and mining, with large steel mills, little foreign trade and absolutely insufficient infrastructure, the timid reforms begun in 1985 led to a harsh economic adjustment in the 1990s.

With outdated technology, economic indicators fell significantly, with declines in industrial production of between 55% and 60%, abandonment of companies and emigration to other countries such as Italy. The reduction in production also reached agriculture, where the collectives were taken over by the peasants, creating a family subsistence economy that did not produce surpluses.

Currently, the adjustments of 1991 after the first multi-party elections have started up a part of the heavy industry again, they have extended the cultivation areas with foreign investment in irrigation, the contribution of machinery and the sector banking has improved remarkably. It should also be noted that the country has boosted tourism, especially in the coastal area, and regions such as the Albanian Riviera have become quite famous as a fairly affordable tourist destination.

The government of Prime Minister Edi Rama, in power since 2013, has adopted a neoliberal economic roadmap. It is reducing public spending and promoting public-private collaboration, a source of quick enrichment for a circle of businessmen close to the government, in most sectors (tourism, higher education, health, public works, culture, etc.). The International Monetary Fund (IMF), traditionally in favor of these policies, however considered that the Albanian government was undertaking privatizations too quickly and exposing the country to "significant fiscal risks".

Drug trafficking has grown considerably in recent years, representing almost a third of GDP in 2017. According to Italian customs estimates, 753,000 cannabis plants were destroyed in 2016, compared to 46,000 in 2014. This destruction would only have affected 10% of the cultivated area. Important politicians and businessmen are implicated in this traffic.

Primary sector

The country's agriculture is based on small and medium dispersed family units. It remains an important sector of the Albanian economy. It employs 41% of the population, and about 24.31% of the land is used for agricultural purposes. One of the oldest agricultural sites in Europe has been found in the southeast of the country. Within the framework of Albania's pre-accession process to the European Union, farmers are being helped through IPA funds to improve standards of Albanian agriculture.

Albania produces significant quantities of fruits (apples, olives, grapes, oranges, lemons, apricots, peaches, cherries, figs, sour cherries, plums, and strawberries), vegetables (potatoes, tomatoes, corn, onions, and wheat), sugar beets, tobacco, meat, honey, dairy products, traditional medicine and aromatic plants. In addition, the country is a major world producer of sage, rosemary, and yellow gentian. The country's proximity to the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic Sea gives the underdeveloped fishing industry great potential. According to the World Bank and European Community economists, the Albanian fishing industry has good potential to generate export earnings, as prices in the nearby Greek and Italian markets are much higher than those in the Albanian market. The fish available on the country's coasts is carp, trout, gilthead bream, mussels and crustaceans.

Albania has one of Europe's longest histories of viticulture. The present-day region was one of the few places where vines were grown naturally during the ice ages. The oldest seeds found in the region are between 4,000 and 6,000 years old. In 2009, the country produced about 17,500 tons of wine. During the communist era, the production area was expanded to about 20,000 hectares.

Secondary Sector

The secondary sector in Albania has undergone many changes and diversification, since the fall of the communist regime in the country. It is highly diversified, from electronics, manufacturing, textiles, to food, cement, mining, and energy. The Antea cement factory in Fushë-Krujë is considered one of the largest industrial investments in the country. Albanian oil and gas represents one of the most promising sectors of its economy, albeit a strictly regulated one. Albania has the second largest oil deposits in the Balkan Peninsula, after Romania, and the largest oil reserves in Europe. The Albpetrol company is owned by the Albanian state and controls the country's state oil deals. The textile industry has experienced a great expansion as companies from the European Union (EU) approach Albania. According to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) as of 2016, textile production marked an annual growth of 5.3% and an annual turnover of about 1,500 million euros.

Albania is a major producer of minerals and is among the world's leading producers and exporters of chrome. The nation is also a notable producer of copper, nickel and coal. The Batra mine, Bulqizë mine and the Thekna are among the most recognized Albanian mines still in operation.

Tertiary Sector

The tertiary sector represents the fastest growing sector of the country's economy. 36% of the population works in the service sector, which contributes to 65% of the country's GDP. Since the end of the XX century , the banking sector is one of the main components of the tertiary sector and remains in good condition overall due to privatization and monetary policy.

The telecommunications industry, once one of the most isolated and controlled in the world, today represents another important element of the sector. It has developed largely thanks to privatization and subsequent investment by domestic and foreign investors. Eagle, Vodafone and Telekom Albania are the main providers of telecommunications services in the country.

Tourism is recognized as an industry of national importance and has grown steadily since the early 21st century. It directly accounted for 8.4% of GDP in 2016, although including indirect contributions brings the proportion to 26%. In the same year, the country received approximately 4.74 million visitors, mostly from all over Europe and also from the United States.

The increase in foreign visitors has been spectacular. Albania had just 500,000 visitors in 2005, while in 2012 it had an estimated 4.2 million, an increase of 740% in just seven years. In 2015, summer tourism increased by 25 percent compared to the previous year, according to the country's tourism agency. In 2011, Lonely Planet named it one of the top tourist destinations, while The New The York Times ranked Albania as the number 4 world tourist destination in 2014.

The bulk of the tourism industry is concentrated along the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea in the west of the country. However, the Albanian Riviera, in the southwest, boasts the most picturesque and pristine beaches, and is often called the pearl of the Albanian coast. Its coastline has a considerable length of 446 kilometers. The coast has a particular character because it is rich in varieties of virgin beaches, capes, coves, covered bays, lagoons, small gravel beaches, sea caves and many geographical features. Some parts of this coast are ecologically very clean, which represents in this perspective unexplored areas, which are very rare within the Mediterranean. Other attractions are the mountainous areas, such as the Albanian Alps, the Ceraunia Mountains and the Korab Mountains, but also the historic cities of Berat, Durrës, Gjirokastër, Sarandë, Shkodër and Korçë.

Demographics

Albania's population, as defined by the Institute of Statistics, was estimated in 2016 to be approximately 2,886,026. The country's total fertility rate of 1.51 children born per woman is one of the lowest in the world. population density is 259 inhabitants per square kilometer. Life expectancy at birth is 78.5 years; 75.8 years for men and 81.4 years for women. The country is the eighth most populous in the Balkans and ranks 137th among the most populous countries in the world. The country's population increased steadily from 2.5 million in 1979 to 1989, when it peaked at 3.1 million. The population is forecast to not reach its 1989 peak number until 2031, based on the actual birth rate and the level of net migration.

The explanation for the recent population decline is the fall of communism in Albania. It was marked by the great economic mass emigration from Albania to Greece, Italy and the United States. Forty years of isolation from the world, combined with its disastrous economic, social and political situation, have caused this exodus. External migration was directly prohibited during communism, while internal migration was quite limited, therefore this was a new phenomenon. At least 900,000 people left Albania during this period, of whom 600,000 settled in Greece. The migration had an impact on the internal distribution of the country's population. It decreased particularly in the north and south, while it increased in the center within the cities of Tirana and Durrës. According to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) on January 1, 2015, the population of Albania was 2,893,005.

About 53.4% of the country's population lives in cities. The three largest counties by population account for half of the total population. Almost 30% of the total population is located in Tirana County, followed by Fier County with 11% and Durrës County with 10%. More than a million people are concentrated in Tirana and Durrës, making it the largest urban area in Albania. Tirana is one of the largest cities on the Balkan Peninsula, ranking 7th with a population of approximately 800,000. The second largest city in the country By population it is Durrës with a population of 201,110, followed by Vlorë with a population of 141,513.

Ethnic minorities

Ethnicity issues are a sensitive and debated issue in Albania. Contrary to official statistics showing a 97% Albanian majority in the country, minority groups (such as Greeks, Macedonians, Montenegrins, Roma and Aromanians) have frequently disputed the official numbers, claiming a higher percentage of the country's population. According to the 2011 disputed census, ethnic affiliation was as follows: Albanian 2,312,356 (82.6% of total), Greek 24,243 (0.9%), Macedonian 5,512 (0.2%), Montenegrin 366 (0.01%), Aromanians 8,266 (0.30%), Roma 8,301 (0.3%), Ashkali 3,368 (0.1%), other 2,644 (0.1%), did not state ethnicity 390,938 (14 %), and not relevant 44,144 (1.6%). Regarding the quality of the specific data, the Advisory Committee of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities stated that "the results of the census should be considered with the utmost caution and calls on the authorities not to rely exclusively on nationality data collected during the census when determining their policy on the protection of national minorities".

&# 34;it is difficult to know how many Greeks there are in Albania. The Greek government, it is generally claimed, says there are around 300,000 ethnic Greeks in Albania, but most Western estimates hover around 200,000". The Albanian government puts only 24,243" 34;. The CIA World Factbook estimates that the Greek minority represents 0.9% of the total population and the State Department uses 1.17% for Greeks and 0.23% for other minorities. However, the latter questions the validity of the data on the Greek minority, since the measures have been affected by the boycott.

Macedonian groups and some Greek minority groups have strongly criticized Article 20 of the Census law, according to which a $1,000 fine will be imposed on anyone who declares a different ethnicity than the one listed on their birth certificate. This is claimed to be an attempt to intimidate minorities into declaring Albanian ethnicity. According to them, the Albanian government has stated that it will imprison anyone who does not participate in the census or refuses to declare their ethnicity. Genc Pollo, the minister in charge, has stated that "Albanian citizens will be able to freely express their affiliation ethnic and religious background and their mother tongue. However, they are not required to answer these sensitive questions". The criticized amendments do not include imprisonment or forced declaration of ethnicity or religion; only a fine is provided for which can be overturned by the court.

Greek representatives are part of the Albanian parliament and the government has invited Greek Albanians to register, as the only way to improve their status. On the other hand, nationalists, various organizations and political parties in Albania have expressed concern about that the census could artificially increase the number of the Greek minority, which could then be exploited by Greece to threaten the territorial integrity of Albania.

Language

Albanian is the official language of the Republic of Albania. Its standard spoken and written form is revised and merged with the two main dialects, gheg and tosk, although it is mainly based on the tosk dialect. The Shkumbin River is the rough dividing line between the two dialects. A dialect of Greek that retains features now lost in modern standard Greek is also spoken in areas inhabited by the Greek minority. Other languages spoken by ethnic minorities in Albania include Aromanian, Serbian, Macedonian, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Gorani, and Romani. Macedonian is official in Pustec Municipality in Eastern Albania.

Greek is the second most widely spoken language in the country, with two-thirds of families having at least one Greek-speaking member. La Francophonie states that 320,000 French speakers can be found in Albania. Other languages spoken include Italian —for historical and cultural reasons—, English, French, German, and Turkish.

According to the 2011 population census, 2,765,610 or 98,767% of the population declared Albanian as their mother tongue (mother tongue is defined as the first or main language spoken at home during childhood).

Religion

Religion in Albania (2020)
Islam 82.1% Christianity 16.7 % No religion 1% Other religions 0.2 %

Albania is a secular state with no official religion, with freedom of religion as a constitutional right. The 2011 census, for the first time since 1930, included an optional open question on religion; the census recorded a majority of Muslims (58.79%), including Sunnis (56.70%) and Bektashi Muslims (2.09%). Christians, who make up 16.92% of the population, include Catholics (10.03%), Orthodox (6.75%) and Evangelicals (0.14%). Atheists represented 2.5% of the population and 5.49% were unaffiliated believers, while that 13.79% preferred not to answer.

Preliminary results from the 2011 census appeared to give very different results, with 70% of respondents refusing to state their belief in any of the listed beliefs. The Albanian Orthodox Church officially refused to recognize the results, claiming that 24% of the total population adhered to their faith. Although the Sunni Muslim community has officially accepted the census results, some Muslim community officials expressed dissatisfaction with the data, claiming that many Muslims were not counted and that the number of adherents reached 70% of the Albanian population. The Episcopal Conference of Albania also cast doubt on the census, complaining that many of its believers were not contacted. Muslim Albanians are scattered throughout the country. Orthodox and Bektashis are found mainly in the south, while Catholics live mainly in the north. As of 2008, there were 694 Catholic and 425 Orthodox churches, 568 mosques and 70 Bektashi tekkes in the country.

Religious tolerance is one of the most important values in the Albanian tradition. It is widely accepted that Albanians are well known for their values of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence between believers from different religious communities, who are mostly Muslims and Christians. During an official visit to Tirana, Pope Francis praised to Albania as a model of religious harmony, due to the long tradition of religious coexistence and tolerance. The country is ranked among the least religious countries in the world. Furthermore, religion plays an important role in the lives of only 39% of the country's population. In the 2016 WIN/Gallup International Report, 56% of Albanians considered themselves religious, 30% considered themselves non-religious, while 9% defined themselves as convinced atheists; 80% believe in God and 40% believe in life after death. However, 40% believed in hell, while 42% believed in heaven.

Religion has a long and continuous history in the country. Albania is one of the oldest Christian countries on the planet. During the High Roman Empire, in the time of the Apostles it is believed that there were already about seventy Christian families in Durrës. The Archbishopric of Durrës was supposedly founded by Paul the Apostle, while preaching in Illyria and Epirus. Meanwhile, in medieval times, the Albanian people first appeared within the historical records of the Byzantines. At this point, they were mostly Christianized. Islam first arrived in the region in the late IX century, when Arabs raided parts of the eastern shores of the sea Adriatic. It later emerged as the majority religion, during the centuries of the Ottoman period, although a significant Christian minority remained.

During modern times, the Albanian republican, monarchical and later communist regimes pursued a systematic policy of separating religion from official functions and cultural life. The country has never had an official religion either as a republic or as a kingdom. In the 20th century, the clergy of all faiths were weakened under the monarchy and finally eradicated during the 1950s and 1960, under the state policy of eliminating all organized religion from the Albanian territories. The communist regime persecuted and suppressed religious observance and institutions and outlawed religion altogether. The country was officially declared as the world's first atheist state. Although, the country's religious freedom has returned, since the end of communism.

Among the denominations with a smaller presence in Albania include evangelical Christians and several Protestant communities. In addition, Albania has some presence of different churches such as the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Jehovah's Witnesses. Regarding Protestantism, the first registered Protestant from Albania was Said Toptani, who traveled through Europe and returned to Tirana in 1853, where he preached Protestantism. Because of that, he was arrested and imprisoned by the Ottoman authorities in 1864. The main evangelical Protestants date back to the 19th century, while that the Evangelical Alliance was founded in 1892. Today, it has 160 member congregations from different Protestant denominations.

Albania was the only country in Europe where the Jewish population increased significantly during the Holocaust. After mass emigration to Israel, since the fall of communism, only 200 Albanian Jews remain in the country.

Infrastructure

Transportation

Transport in Albania is managed within the functions of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy and entities such as the Albanian Road Authority (ARRSH), responsible for the construction and maintenance of Albanian roads and highways, as well as the Albanian Aviation Authority (AAC), with the responsibility of coordinating civil aviation and the country's airports.

Tirana's Mother Teresa International Airport is the main air gateway to the country, and is also the main hub of the Albanian flag carrier, Air Albania. The airport carried more than 3.3 million passengers in 2019 with connections to many destinations in other countries in Europe, Africa and Asia. The country plans to progressively increase the number of airports, especially in the south, with possible locations in Sarandë, Gjirokastër and Vlorë.

Albania's highways and highways are well-maintained and are often still under construction and renovation. The A1 motorway represents an integral transport corridor in Albania and the longest motorway in the country. It will prospectively link Durrës, on the Adriatic Sea, via Pristina, in Kosovo, with the Pan-European Corridor X, in Serbia. Autostrada 2 (A2) is part of the Adriatic-Ionian Corridor, as well as the Pan-European Corridor VIII, and connects Fier with Vlorë. Autostrada 3 (A3) is currently under construction and will connect, upon completion, Tirana and Elbasan with Pan-European Corridor VIII. When the three corridors are completed, Albania will have some 759 kilometers of motorways connecting it with all its neighboring countries.

Durrës is the country's largest and busiest seaport, followed by Vlorë, Shëngjin and Sarandë. Since 2014, it is one of the largest passenger ports on the Adriatic Sea, with an annual passenger volume of approximately 1.5 million. The main ports serve a ferry system that connects Albania with numerous islands and coastal cities in Croatia, Greece and Italy.

The railway network is managed by the national railway company Hekurudha Shqiptare, widely promoted by dictator Enver Hoxha. Since the end of communism there has been a considerable increase in private car ownership and bus use, while rail use has declined. However, it is planned to build a new railway line from Tirana and its airport to Durrës. The specific location of this railway, which connects the most populated urban areas of Albania, makes it an important economic development project.

Education

In the country, education is secular, free and compulsory and is based on three levels of education segmented into primary, secondary and tertiary. The academic year is divided into two semesters that begin in September or October and end in June or july. Albanian is the main language of instruction in all academic centers in the country. The study of a first foreign language is compulsory and is taught mainly in elementary and bilingual schools. The languages taught in schools are English, Italian, French and German. The country has a school life expectancy of 16 years and a literacy rate of 98.7%, with 99.2% for men and 98.3% for women. women.

Compulsory primary education is divided into two levels, primary and secondary, from first to fifth grade and from sixth to ninth grade, respectively. Pupils must attend school from 6 to 16 years of age. Upon completion of primary education, all students have the right to attend secondary schools majoring in any particular field, including arts, sports, languages, science, or technology.

The country's tertiary education, an optional stage of formal learning that follows secondary education, has undergone extensive reform and restructuring in compliance with the principles of the Bologna Process. There are a significant number of public and private higher education institutions well distributed in the main cities of Albania. Studies in tertiary education are organized in three successive levels that include bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.

Health

The Albanian Constitution guarantees equal, free and universal healthcare for all its citizens. The country's healthcare system is currently organized into three levels, including primary, secondary and tertiary care, and is in the process of modernization and development, Life expectancy at birth in Albania is 77.8 years and ranks 37th in the world, surpassing several developed countries Average healthy life expectancy is 68.8 years and ranks 37th as well of the world. The country's infant mortality rate is estimated at 12 per 1,000 live births in 2015. In 2000, the country ranked 55th in the world for health care, according to the World Health Organization.

Cardiovascular diseases continue to be the main cause of death in the country, with 52% of all deaths. Accidents, injuries and malignant and respiratory diseases are other leading causes of death. Neuropsychiatric illnesses have also increased due to recent demographic, social, and economic changes in the country.

In 2009, the country had a supply of fruits and vegetables of 886 grams per capita per day, the fifth highest supply in Europe. Compared to other developed and developing countries, Albania has a relatively low obesity rate, probably thanks to the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. According to World Health Organization data from 2016, 21.7% of adults in the country are clinically overweight, with a body mass index (BMI) 25 or more.

Culture

• Approximate Literacy Rate: 75%
• Religions: Sunni Muslims, Albanian Orthodox Church, Catholic.
• It is estimated that of 100% of the population with religious beliefs, 50% of the Albanian population is Muslim, 35% is Albanian Orthodox and 15% Catholic. However, there are no State statistics available on religious affiliation. In 1967, mosques and churches were closed and religious practices were prohibited. In November 1990, Albania began to allow private religious practices.
• The two Albanian national heroes are eminently Christian figures such as the Albanian prince Skanderbeg, or Mother Teresa of Calcutta (Albanese born in North Macedonia).

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  Krujë Castle.

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  Typical dance.

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  The AlbanianCamille Corot's picture.

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  Church of the Virgin Mary, built in the centuryX.

Art

Albania's artistic history has been especially influenced by a multitude of ancient and medieval peoples, traditions and religions. It spans a broad spectrum with media and disciplines including painting, pottery, sculpture, ceramics, and architecture, all exemplifying a wide variety of styles and forms, in different regions and periods.

The rise of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empire in the Middle Ages was accompanied by a corresponding growth of Christian and Islamic art in the lands of Albania, manifested in examples of architecture and mosaics throughout the country. Centuries later, The Albanian Renaissance was crucial for the emancipation of modern Albanian culture and saw unprecedented development in all fields of literature and art, as artists sought to return to the ideals of Impressionism and Romanticism. Onufri, Kolë Idromeno, David Selenica, Kostandin Shpataraku and the Zografi brothers are the most eminent representatives of Albanian art.

Albania's architecture reflects the legacy of various civilizations dating back to classical antiquity. Albania's major cities have evolved from inside the castle to include housing, religious and commercial structures, with a constant redesign of squares and evolution of construction techniques. Today's cities and towns reflect a spectrum of diverse architectural styles. In the 20th century, many ancient-influenced historical and sacred buildings were demolished during the communist era.

Ancient architecture is found throughout Albania and is most visible in Byllis, Amantia, Phoenice, Apollonia, Butrint, Antigonia, Shkodër and Durrës. Taking into account the long period of rule of the Byzantine Empire, they introduced castles, citadels, churches and monasteries with a spectacular wealth of visible murals and frescoes. Perhaps the best-known examples are found in and around the cities of southern Albania, such as Korçë, Berat, Voskopojë and Gjirokastër. With the introduction of Ottoman architecture came a development of mosques and other Islamic buildings, seen especially in Berat and Gjirokastër.

In the XIX century, historicism, art nouveau and neoclassicism merged, the best example of which is Korçë. The 20th century brought new architectural styles, such as the modern Italian style, present in Tirana, such as Skanderbeg Square and the Ministries. It is also present in Shkodër, Vlorë, Sarandë and Durrës. Also, other cities received their present unique look in Albania through various cultural or economic influences.

Socialist classicism came to Albania during the communist era, after World War II. Many socialist-style complexes, wide highways and factories were built at this time, while city squares were redesigned and many historic and important buildings were demolished. Notable examples of that style are Mother Teresa Square, the Tirana Pyramid and the Palace of Congresses.

Three Albanian archaeological sites are included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. These are the ancient remains of Butrint, the medieval historic centers of Berat and Gjirokastër, and the Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region, a site shared with North Macedonia since 2019. In addition, the Illyrian royal tombs, the remains of Apollonia, the ancient amphitheater of Durrës and the Bashtovë fortress have been included in the provisional list of Albania.

Gastronomy

Albania's gastronomy is strongly influenced by Turkish and Italian cuisine, as well as containing elements of the gastronomy of Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire. Albanian cuisine is characterized by the use of various Mediterranean herbs such as oregano, black pepper, mint, basil, and rosemary, in addition to prominent use of olive oil and ghee. The most used meat in his kitchen is lamb, followed by beef, rabbit and chicken. Fish and shellfish are more common in coastal areas. A wide variety of vegetables is also used, most of which are typical of the Mediterranean region. Milk and other dairy products such as yogurt are the base of many of the typical dishes of the region. The most popular drink is raki, an alcoholic drink made from grapes and other local fruits, such as plums.

With a coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas in the Mediterranean Sea, fish, crustaceans and shellfish are popular and an integral part of the Albanian diet. For the rest, lamb is the traditional meat of the different festivals and religious festivals, both for Christians and Muslims, although poultry, beef and pork also abound.

Tavë kosi ("sour milk casserole") is the national dish of Albania, consisting of lamb and rice baked under a thick, sour veil of yogurt. The fërgesë is another national dish, consisting of peppers, tomatoes and cottage cheese. Also popular is pite, a baked pastry with a filling of a mix of spinach and gjizë (curd) or mish (minced meat).

Petulla, a traditional fried dough, is also a popular speciality, and is served with powdered sugar or feta cheese and different types of fruit jams. The flia consists of multiple layers resembling crêpes, smeared with cream and served with sour cream. Krofne, similar to Berliner donuts, are filled with jam or chocolate and are often eaten during the cold winter months.

Music

Albanian folk music is a prominent part of the national identity, and continues to play an important role in Albanian music in general. Folk music can be divided into two stylistic groups, mainly the northern varieties of Gheg, and the southern varieties of Lab and Tosk. The northern and southern traditions are contrasted with the harsh tone of the north and the more relaxed musical form of the south.

Many songs refer to events in Albanian history and culture, including the traditional themes of honor, hospitality, betrayal and revenge. The first compilation of Albanian folk music was made by two Himariot musicians, Neço Muka and Koço Çakali, in Paris, during their work with the Albanian soprano Tefta Tashko-Koço. The three artists then recorded several gramophone compilations, which eventually recognized Albanian isopolyphony as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The Festivali i Këngës is a traditional Albanian song contest organized by the national radio station Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH). The festival has been held annually since its inauguration in 1962 and has launched the careers of some of Albania's most successful singers, such as Vaçe Zela and Parashqevi Simaku. It is significantly a musical competition between Albanian performers presenting premiere unpublished songs, composed by Albanian authors and voted for by juries or by the public.

Contemporary artists Rita Ora, Bebe Rexha, Era Istrefi, Dua Lipa, Ava Max, Bleona, Elvana Gjata, Ermonela Jaho and Inva Mula have achieved international recognition for their music, while soprano Ermonela Jaho has been described as by some as the "most acclaimed soprano in the world". Albanian opera singer Saimir Pirgu was nominated for the 2017 Grammy Awards.

Science and technology

Since 1993 human resources in science and technology have decreased dramatically. Several studies indicate that between 1991 and 2005, approximately 50% of professors and scientists from Albanian universities and institutes left the country. To counteract the situation, in 2009 the government approved the "National Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation in Albania", which covers a period of six years. In this, public spending on research and development (R&D) triples to 0.6% of GDP and increases government investment in R&D from foreign resources, including the Framework of Programs for the Research of the European Union, which covers about 40% of R&D expenses, among others.

Sports

Since the beginning of the XX century, the most popular sport has been soccer, both in number of athletes and in number of viewers. The Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) is the body in charge of promoting and regulating this sport in the country. It was founded in 1930 and is currently a member of FIFA and a founding member of UEFA. The Albania soccer team has had a low-key performance on the continental stage and has never participated in a Soccer World Cup. Other popular sports include basketball, volleyball, tennis, swimming, among others. Albania made its debut at the 1972 Munich Olympics, and as of 2012 none of its athletes have won a medal.

On October 11, 2015, the Albanian soccer team made history by qualifying for the first time at Euro 2016 that was played in France, after beating the Armenian National Team 3-0 on a visit.

In the tournament he was part of Group A together with the teams of Romania, Switzerland and the host France, on June 11, 2016 he played his first game in a final phase of the Euro, facing off at the Stade Bollaert in Lens against selected from Switzerland before which he fell 0-1, on June 15, 2016 at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille he fell again, this time against the host team of Euro 2016: France, this time by a score of 0- 2 and finally on June 19, 2016 in Lyon he got his first victory in a Eurocup which was against the Romanian team, it was a historic night for Albanian football, since Armando Sadiku scored the first Albanian goal in a EURO, which also meant his first win. Despite this, they were eliminated in the group stage.