Albania 738 225951501 2008-07-16T04:30:40Z Sardanaphalus 427947 updating link using [[Project:AutoWikiBrowser|AWB]] {{about|the country in southern Europe}} {{Infobox Country |native_name = ''Republika e Shqipërisë'' |conventional_long_name = Republic of Albania |common_name = Albania |national_motto = <div style="line-height:125%;"> '' Ti Shqipëri më jep nder, më jep emrin shqipëtar '' <br>(<small>''You Albania give me honor, you give me the name ''Albanian''.) |national_anthem = ''[[Himni i Flamurit|Rreth flamurit të përbashkuar]]''<br/><small>("United Around the Flag")</small> |national_anthem = ''[[Himni i Flamurit|Rreth flamurit të përbashkuar]]''<br/><small>("United Around the Flag")</small> |image_flag = Flag of Albania.svg |image_coat = Albania state emblem.svg |symbol_type = Coat of arms |image_map = Europe_location_ALB.png |map_caption = {{map_caption |region=Europe |legend=European location legend en.png}} |official_languages = [[Albanian language|Albanian]]<sup>1</sup> |capital = [[Image:Wappen Tirana.gif|15px]] [[Tirana]] |latd=41 |latm=20 |latNS=N |longd=19 |longm=48 |longEW=E |largest_city = [[Tirana]] |government_type = [[Parliamentary republic]] |leader_title1 = [[List of Presidents of Albania|President]] |leader_name1 = [[Bamir Topi]] |leader_title2 = [[List of Prime Ministers of Albania|Prime Minister]] |leader_name2 = [[Sali Berisha]] |area_rank = 139th |area_magnitude = 1 E10 |area_km2 = 28748 |area_sq_mi = 11100 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |percent_water = 4.7 |population_estimate = 3,600,523 [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/al.html#Econ] |population_estimate_year = {{CURRENTYEAR}} |population_estimate_rank = 130th |Population growth rate = 0.73% (2007 est.)<ref>http://www.albanian.com/information/countries/albania/general/factbook.html</ref> |population_census = |population_census_year = |population_density_km2 = 134 |population_density_sq_mi = 318.6 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]--> |population_density_rank = 63 |GDP_PPP_year = 2008 |GDP_PPP = $21.160 billion<ref>[http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2007/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2004&ey=2008&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=914&s=PPPGDP%2CPPPPC&grp=0&a=&pr1.x=55&pr1.y=10 International Monetary Fund - Albania (GDP)]</ref> |GDP_PPP_rank = 112th |GDP_PPP_per_capita = $6,649 |GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 100th |Gini = 26.7 |Gini_year = 2005 |Gini_category = <font color="#009900">low</font> |HDI_year = 2007 |HDI = {{increase}} 0.801 |HDI_rank = 68th |HDI_category = <font color="#009900">high</font> |sovereignty_type = [[Independence]] |sovereignty_note = from the [[Ottoman Empire]] |established_event1 = Date |established_date1 = [[November 28]] [[1912]] |currency = [[Albanian lek|Lek]] |currency_code = ALL |country_code = AL |time_zone = [[Central European Time|CET]] |utc_offset = +1 |time_zone_DST = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]] |utc_offset_DST = +2 |demonym = Albanian |cctld = [[.al]] |calling_code = 355 |footnote1 = [[Greek language|Greek]], [[Macedonian language|Macedonian]] and other regional languages are government-recognized minority languages. }} '''[[Albania]]''', officially the '''Republic of Albania''' ([[Albanian language|Albanian]]: ''Republika e Shqipërisë'' {{pronounced|ɾɛˈpublika ɛ ʃcipəˈɾiːs}}, or simply ''Shqipëria''), is a country in [[South Eastern Europe]]. It is bordered by [[Greece]] to the south-east, [[Montenegro]] to the north, [[Political status of Kosovo|partially-recognized]] [[Kosovo]] to the northeast, and the [[Republic of Macedonia]] to the east. It has a coast on the [[Adriatic Sea]] to the west, and on the [[Ionian Sea]] to the southwest. It is less than 72 km (45 miles) from [[Italy]], across the [[Strait of Otranto]] which links the [[Adriatic Sea]] to the [[Ionian Sea]]. The country is a member of the [[United Nations]], the [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe]], [[Council of Europe]], [[World Trade Organisation]],[[Organisation of the Islamic Conference]], and [[Union for the Mediterranean]]. It is also a [[Accession of Albania to the European Union|potential candidate]] for [[EU member states|membership]] in the [[European Union]] and received a [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization|NATO]] membership invitation on [[3 April]] [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Albania membership Nato |publisher=NATO |url=http://www.nato.int/issues/nato_albania/evolution.html}}</ref> Albania is a [[parliamentary democracy]] that is transforming its economy into a market-oriented system. The Albanian capital, [[Tirana]], is home to 600,000 of the country's 3.6 million people.<ref name=pop2007>[http://www.tirana.gov.al/common/images/Viti%202007.pdf Population stats] from tirana.gov.al (in Albanian)</ref> As a result of the opening of the country in the post-communist era, Albania is now undergoing a development boom as its telecommunications, transport and utilities infrastructure is being revamped. ==Etymology== [[Image:Albania space.jpg|left|thumb|160px|Satellite image of Albania.]] {{main|Albania (toponym)}} ''Albania'' is the [[Medieval Latin]] name of the country, which is called ''Shqipëri'' by the inhabitants. In [[Medieval Greek]], the name is ''Albania'' besides variants ''Albaētia'', ''Arbanētia''.([[OED]]). The ultimate origin of the ''Alb-'' element has been traced to an [[Illyrian language|Illyrian]] ''alb'' "hill" cognate to the ''[[Alpine pasture|alp]]'' "mountain pasture" found in the Alpine region.<ref>Johann Georg Von Hann. ''Albanische Studien''. Wien, 1853.</ref> In the 2nd century BC, in the ''History of the World'', written by [[Polybius]], there is mention of a city named ''Arbon'' in present-day central Albania. The people who lived there were called ''Arbanios'' and ''Arbanitai''.<ref>Constantine A. Chekrezi. ''Albania Past and Present''. New York: The Macmillan Company, 1919. p. 116.</ref> Another suggestion is derivation from the [[Illyrian]] tribe of the [[Albani]] recorded by [[Ptolemy]], the geographer and astronomer from [[Alexandria]] who drafted a map of remarkable significance for the history of [[Illyria]]. This map shows the city of [[Albanopolis]] (located Northeast of Durrës) which was later called Albanon and Arbanon.<ref>Constantine A. Chekrezi. ''Albania Past and Present''. New York: The Macmillan Company 1919, p. 116.</ref> In his ''History'' written in 1079-1080, [[Byzantine]] historian [[Michael Attaliates]] was the first to refer to ''Albanoi'' as having taken part in a revolt against [[Constantinople]] in 1043 and to the ''Arbanitai'' as subjects of the duke of [[Dyrrachium]].<ref>Robert Elsei. ''The Albanian lexion of Arnold von Harff, Earliest reference to the existence of the Albanian language'', p. 113-122.</ref> During the [[Middle Ages]], the Albanians called their country ''Arbër'' or ''Arbën'' and referred to themselves as [[Arbëresh]] or ''Arbnesh''.<ref>http://www.pinocacozza.it/ http://www.radio-arberesh.eu/</ref> As early as the 16th century, a new name for their home evolved among Albanian people: ''Shqipëria'', "Land of the Eagles", hence the two-headed bird on the national flag.<ref>Kristo Frasheri. ''History of Albania (A Brief Overview)''. Tirana, 1964.</ref> However, another theory suggests that [[Skanderbeg]] used the [[Byzantine]] double-headed eagle on his seals, hence the modern flag<ref>[http://www.fotw.us/flags/al.html#ori Flags Of The World, Albania]</ref>. The name probably has its origins in the Skanderbeg family crest.{{Fact|date=February 2008}} ==History== {{main|History of Albania}} ===Prehistory=== {{main|Prehistoric Balkans|Illyria}} The area of today's Albania has been populated since prehistoric times. In antiquity, much of it was settled by the ancient [[Illyrians]], possible ancestors of Albanians.<ref>{{cite web|title=Albania|publisher=Encyclopedia Britannica|url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-42640/Albania#476150.hook|accessdate=2005-09-30}}</ref> Surrounded by powerful, warring empires, Albania has experienced considerable violence and competition for control throughout its history. [[Greeks]], [[Ancient Rome|Romans]], [[Venice|Venetians]] and [[Ottomans]] swept through, leaving their cultural mark as well as their ruins. Archaeological research shows that Albania has been populated since the [[Paleolithic Age]] ([[Stone Age]]). The first areas settled were those with favourable climatic and geographic conditions. In Albania, the earliest settlements have been discovered in the Gajtan cavern ([[Shkodra]]), in [[Konispol]], at [[Mount Dajti]], and at [[Saranda]]. Fragments of [[Cyclopean]] structures, were discovered at Kretsunitsa, Arinishta, and other sites in the district of [[Gjirokastra]]. The walls, partly Cyclopean, of an ancient city (perhaps Byllis) are visible at Gradishti on the picturesque Viosa River. Few traces remain of the once celebrated Dyrrhachium (today [[Durrës]]). [[Image:Butrint, Albania.jpg|thumb|250|RIGHT|[[Butrint]], [[UNESCO]] World Heritage Site.]] The rediscovered Greek<ref>An Inventory of Archaic and Classical Poleis by Mogens Herman,ISBN 0198140991,2004,page 343,"Bouthroton (Bouthrotios)"</ref> city of [[Butrint]] is probably more significant today than it was when [[Julius Caesar]] used it as a provisions depot for his troops during his campaigns in the 1st century BC. At that time, it was considered to be an unimportant outpost, overshadowed by the Greek colonies, [[Apollonia, Illyria|Apollonia]] and [[Durrës]]. Formal investigation and recording of Albania's archaeological monuments began with [[Francois Pouqueville]], who was [[Napoleon I of France|Napoleon]]'s consul-general to Ali Pasha's court, and Martin Leake, who was the British agent there. A French mission, led by Len Rey, worked throughout Albania from 1924 to 1938 and published its results in ''Cahiers d'Archéologie, d'art et d'Histoire en Albanie et dans les Balkans'' (Notes of Archaeology, Art, and History in Albania and in the Balkans). Archaeologists today are finding remains from all periods, from the Stone Age to the early Christian era. Another project that produced prehistoric finds, though unexpectedly, was done in the valley of [[Kryegjata]], close to the present-day city of [[Fier]] and in the area of [[Apollonia, Illyria|Apollonia]]. This excavation, a collaboration between the [[University of Cincinnati]] and archaeologists from the Institute of Archeology in Albania, was originally a mission to learn about the Greek colony of [[Apollonia, Illyria|Apollonia]]. Instead, they found evidence of a much older settlement.<ref>Diane Michelle Fox. ''Under Albanian Soil - A brief history of archaeological activity, both past and present, in Albania.'' [[August 12]], [[2004]].[http://www.archaeology.org/online/features/albania/]</ref> In 2000, the Albanian government established [[Butrint National Park]], which draws about 70,000 visitors annually and is Albania's second [[World Heritage site]]. In 2003, a synagogue dating from the 5th or 6th century AD was uncovered in [[Saranda]], a coastal town opposite [[Corfu]]. It was the first time remains of an early [[synagogue]] have been found in that area. The history of its excavation is also noteworthy. The team found exceptional mosaics depicting items associated with Jewish holidays, including a menorah, ram's horn, and citron tree. Mosaics in the basilica of the synagogue show the facade of what resembles a Torah, animals, trees, and other biblical symbols. The structure measures 20 by 24 metres and was probably last used in the 6th century AD as a church. The territory of Albania in antiquity was inhabited by the [[Illyrians]],<ref>http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3235.htm Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs September 2007 </ref> who, like other [[Balkan]] peoples, were subdivided into tribes and clans.<ref>[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9052237/Messapic-language Encyclopedia Britannica - Messapic language]</ref> The kingdom of [[Illyria]] grew from the general area of modern-day Northern Albania and eventually controlled much of the eastern Adriatic coastline. Scodra was its capital, just as the city is now the most important urban center of northern Albania. The kingdom, however, reached the zenith of its expansion and development in the 4th century BC, when King [[Bardyllis]], one of the most prominent of the Illyrian kings, united many Illyrian tribes into one Illyrian kingdom, and attacked the [[Greeks]].Its decay began under the same ruler as a result of the attacks made by [[Philip II of Macedon]], father of [[Alexander the Great]]. [[Image:Skenderbeu.jpg|thumb|right|Portrait of Skanderbeg in the [[Uffizi]], [[Florence]].]] ===Independence and recent history=== During the fifteenth century Albania enjoyed a brief period of independence under the legendary hero, [[Skanderbeg]]; aside from this exception, the country did not enjoy independence until the twentieth century. After five hundred years of Ottoman domination, an independent Albania was proclaimed in 1912. The country adopted a republican form of government in 1920.<ref> {{cite book |last=Young |first= Antonia |authorlink= Antonia Young |title=Albania |publisher=[[Clio Press]] |year=1997 | isbn =1851092609 }}</ref> Starting in 1928, the new [[King Zog]] began to cede Albania's sovereignty to Italy, and in 1939 the [[Italians]] invaded the country. [[Image:Tirana, Albania 1944-11-20.jpg|thumb|left|230px|Tirana liberated [[November 20]], [[1944]] by the Albanian partisans.]] Albania was thus one of the first countries occupied by the [[Axis Powers]] in World War II.<ref>The Balkans by Misha Glenny page 418</ref> As [[Adolf Hitler|Hitler]] began his aggressions, the Italian [[Fascist]] dictator [[Benito Mussolini]] decided to occupy Albania as a means to compete with Hitler's territorial gains. Mussolini and the Italian Fascists saw Albania as a historical part of the [[Roman Empire]] and the occupation was intended to fulfill Mussolini's dream of creating an [[Italian Empire]]. The invasion took place in 1939. Despite some strong resistance, especially at [[Durrës]], Italy invaded Albania on [[April 7]], [[1939]] and took control of the country, with Mussolini proclaiming Italy's figurehead King being King of Albania. Mussolini, in October 1940, used his Albanian base to launch an attack on Greece, which led to the defeat of the Italian forces.During Italian occupation, the Albanian population was subject to a policy of forced [[Italianization]] by the Kingdom's Italian governors in which the use of the Albanian language was discouraged in schools while the Italian language was promoted, and colonization of Albania by Italians was encouraged. During World War II, Albanian nationalist groups, including communist partisans, fought against the Italians and subsequently the Germans. By October 1944 they had thrown the Germans out. The partially French-educated [[Enver Hoxha]] became the leader of the country by virtue of his position as secretary general of the Party of Labor (the Albanian Communist Party). The [[Communist Party]] was created on [[November 8]], [[1941]] with the help of the [[Yugoslavian]] [[Communist Party]]. Albania is unique in that it is the only European country occupied by the Axis powers that ended World War II with a larger [[Jewish]] population than before the War.<ref>Sarner. ''Rescue in Albania: One Hundred Percent of Jews in Albania Rescued from the Holocaust'', 1997.</ref><ref>[http://www.adl.org/PresRele/HolNa_52/4963_52.htm Anti-Defamation League]</ref><ref>Escape Through the Balkans: the Autobiography of Irene Grunbaum (University of Nebraska Press, 1996)</ref> Only one Jewish family out of six was deported and killed during the Nazi occupation of Albania.<ref name = "yadvashem-Albania">[http://www1.yadvashem.org/odot_pdf/Microsoft%20Word%20-%205725.pdf Shoah Research Center - Albania.]</ref> Not only did the Albanians protect their own Jews, but they provided refuge for Jews from neighboring countries. The Albanians refused to comply and hand over lists of Jews. Instead they provided the Jewish families with forged documents and helped them disperse in the Albanian population.<ref name = "yadvashem-Albania"/> <ref>http://www1.yadvashem.org/about_yad/what_new/gershman/temp_index_whats_new_Gershman.html What's New at Yad Vashem<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Albania allied with the USSR, and then broke with the USSR in 1960 over [[de-Stalinization]]. A strong political alliance with China followed, leading to several billion dollars in aid, which was curtailed after 1974. China cut off aid in 1978 when Albania attacked its policies after the death of Chinese ruler [[Mao Zedong]]. Large-scale purges of officials occurred during the 1970s. [[Enver Hoxha]], the nation's ruler for four decades, died [[April 11]], [[1985]]. Eventually the new regime introduced some liberalization, including measures in 1990 providing for freedom to travel abroad. Efforts were begun to improve ties with the outside world. March 1991 elections left the former Communists in power, but a general strike and urban opposition led to the formation of a coalition cabinet including non-Communists.<ref>Albania. World Almanac & Book of Facts, 2008, p467-545, (AN 28820955)</ref> Albania's former Communists were routed in elections March 1992, amid economic collapse and social unrest. [[Sali Berisha]] was elected as the first non-Communist president since World War II. The next crisis occurred in 1997, as [[1997 rebellion in Albania|riots ravaged the country]]. During [[NATO]]'s air war against [[Yugoslavia]], March-June 1999, Albania hosted some 465,000 [[Kosovar]] refugees. Victory by a pro-Berisha coalition in elections [[July 3]], [[2005]], ended 8 years of Socialist Party rule. Crowds in Tirana, [[June 10]], [[2007]], welcomed George W. Bush, the first U.S. president to visit Albania while in office. [[Image:Bush - Berisha 20070610-1 p061007cg-0198-515h.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Albania's Prime Minister Sali Berisha with U.S. President George W. Bush in Tirana, June 2007.]] ==Government and politics== {{main|Politics of Albania}} The Albanian republic is a parliamentary democracy established under a constitution renewed in 1998. Elections are now held every four years to a unicameral 140-seat chamber, the People's Assembly.In June 2002, a compromise candidate, [[Alfred Moisiu]], former [[Army General]], was elected to succeed President [[Rexhep Meidani]]. Parliamentary elections in July 2005 brought [[Sali Berisha]], as leader of the Democratic Party, back to power. The Euro-Atlantic integration of Albania has been the ultimate goal of the post-communist governments. Albania's [[European Union|EU]] membership bid has been set as a priority by the European Commission. Albania, along with Croatia, received in [[3 April]] [[2008]] an invitation to join [[NATO]]. Full member status is expected to be achieved in 2009.<ref>[http://www.radionetherlands.nl/news/international/5716368/NATO-chief-welcomes-Albania-and-Croatia-for-2009 Radio Netherlands - NATO chief welcomes Albania and Croatia for 2009 ([[April 3]], [[2008]])]</ref> The workforce of Albania has continued to migrate to Greece, Italy, Germany, other parts of Europe, and North America. However, the migration flux is slowly decreasing, as more and more opportunities are emerging in Albania itself as its economy steadily develops. Albanian emigrants have achieved great success in multiple geographies and disciplines abroad. In particular, there is now a significant Albanian community in the United Kingdom, in cities such as [[Birmingham]] and [[Manchester]]. The Albanian Diaspora is most prevalent in [[Liverpool]], where Albanian cuisine has something of a cult following. Pulitzer prize winning journalist Caroline Thorpe, who is currently an emeritus professor at the [[University of Liverpool]], recently noted that 'Albanian food has become as synonymous with Liverpool as Bill Shankley or the Beatles!'. ==International Rankings== '''Demographic''' *[[List of countries by population|Population]] ranked 133 out of 221 countries *[[CIA World Factbook]]: [[List of countries by life expectancy|Life expectancy]] ranked 50 out of 221 countries *CIA World Factbook 2008: [[List of countries by infant mortality rate|infant mortality rate]] ranked 112 highest [[infant mortality]] rate out of 222 countries *[[United Nations Development Programme]]: [[List of countries by literacy rate|literacy rate]] ranked 45 out of 177 countries '''Environmnental''' *[[Yale University]]: [[Environmental Sustainability Index]] 2005, ranked 24 out of 146 countries '''Economic''' * [[The Wall Street Journal]] and the [[Heritage Foundation]]: [[Index of Economic Freedom]] 2006, ranked 52 out of 157 countries *[[International Monetary Fund]]: [[List of countries by GDP (nominal) per capita|GDP (nominal) per capita]] 2006, ranked 95 out of 182 countries *[[International Monetary Fund]]: [[List of countries by GDP (nominal)|GDP (nominal)]] 2006, ranked 111 out of 181 countries *[[World Economic Forum]]: [[Global Competitiveness Index]] 2006-2007, ranked 98 out of 125 countries *[[World Bank]]: [[Ease of Doing Business Index]] 2008 report, ranked 136 out of 178 countries * [[United Nations]]: [[List of countries by Human Development Index|Human Development Index]] 2006, ranked 73 out of 177 countries *[[List of countries by foreign exchange reserves|Foreign exchange reserves]] as of December 2007 ranked 112 out of 156 countries ==Administrative division== [[Image:AlbaniaNumberedPrefectures.png|120px|thumb|Counties of Albania]] {{main|Counties of Albania|Districts of Albania|Municipalities of Albania}} Albania is divided into 12 administrative divisions called ([[Albanian language|Albanian]]: official ''qark''/''qarku'', but often ''prefekturë''/''prefektura'') Counties, 36 districts and 351 municipalities. Each region has its Regional Council and is composed of a number of Municipalities and Communes, which are the first level of local governance responsible for local needs and law enforcement. {| class="wikitable" ! !! County ! Districts ! Capital |- | 1 || [[Berat County|Berat]] | [[Berat District|Berat]], [[Kuçovë District|Kuçovë]], [[Skrapar District|Skrapar]] | [[Berat]] |- | 2 || [[Dibër County|Dibër]] | [[Bulqizë District|Bulqizë]], [[Dibër District|Dibër]], [[Mat District|Mat]] | [[Peshkopi]] |- | 3 || [[Durrës County|Durrës]] | [[Durrës District|Durrës]], [[Krujë District|Krujë]] | [[Durrës]] |- | 4 || [[Elbasan County|Elbasan]] | [[Elbasan District|Elbasan]], [[Gramsh District|Gramsh]], [[Librazhd District|Librazhd]], [[Peqin District|Peqin]] | [[Elbasan]] |- | 5 || [[Fier County|Fier]] | [[Fier District|Fier]], [[Lushnjë District|Lushnjë]], [[Mallakastër District|Mallakastër]] | [[Fier]] |- | 6 || [[Gjirokastër County|Gjirokastër]] | [[Gjirokastër District|Gjirokastër]], [[Përmet District|Përmet]], [[Tepelenë District|Tepelenë]] | [[Gjirokastër]] |- | 7 || [[Korçë County|Korçë]] | [[Devoll District|Devoll]], [[Kolonjë District|Kolonjë]], [[Korçë District|Korçë]], [[Pogradec District|Pogradec]] | [[Korçë]] |- | 8 || [[Kukës County|Kukës]] | [[Has District|Has]], [[Kukës District|Kukës]], [[Tropojë District|Tropojë]] | [[Kukës]] |- | 9 || [[Lezhë County|Lezhë]] | [[Kurbin District|Kurbin]], [[Lezhë District|Lezhë]], [[Mirditë District|Mirditë]] | [[Lezhë]] |- | 10 || [[Shkodër County|Shkodër]] | [[Malësi e Madhe District|Malësi e Madhe]], [[Pukë District|Pukë]], [[Shkodër District|Shkodër]] | [[Shkodër]] |- | 11 || [[Tirana County|Tirana]] | [[Kavajë District|Kavajë]], [[Tirana District|Tirana]] | [[Tirana]] |- | 12 || [[Vlorë County|Vlorë]] | [[Delvinë District|Delvinë]], [[Sarandë District|Sarandë]], [[Vlorë District|Vlorë]] | [[Vlorë]] |} <!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[Image:Albanianbeach.jpg|thumb|left|250px|One of many beaches in Albania.]] --> ==Geography== {{main|Geography of Albania}} [[Image:South albania beach.jpg|thumb|right|230px|Coastline in southern Albania.]] Albania has a total area of 28,750 square kilometers. Its coastline is 362 kilometres long and extends along the [[Adriatic Sea|Adriatic]] and [[Ionian Sea]]s. The lowlands of the west face the Adriatic Sea. The 70% of the country that is mountainous is rugged and often inaccessible from the outside. The highest mountain is [[Mount Korab|Korab]] situated in the district of Dibra, reaching up to 2,753 metres (9,032&nbsp;ft). The country has a [[continental climate]] at its high altitude regions with cold winters and hot summers. Besides the capital city of [[Tirana]], which has 800,000 inhabitants, the principal cities are [[Durrës]], [[Elbasan]], [[Shkodër]], [[Gjirokastër]], [[Vlorë]], [[Korçë]] and [[Kukës]]. In Albanian grammar, a word can have indefinite and definite forms, and this also applies to city names: both ''Tiranë'' and ''Tirana'', ''Shkodër'' and ''Shkodra'' are used. The three largest and deepest tectonic lakes of the [[Balkan Peninsula]] are located in Albania. [[Lake Scutari]] in the country's northwest has a surface of 368 km², out of which 149 km² belong to Albania. The Albanian shoreline of the lake is 57 km. [[Ohrid Lake]] is situated in the country's southeast and is shared between Albania and Macedonia. It has a maximal depth of 289 meters and it is so old that a unique flora and fauna can be found there, including “living fossils” and many endemic species. Because of its natural and historical value, Ohrid Lake is under the protection of [[UNESCO]]. Over a third of the territory of Albania – about a million hectares (2.5 million acres) – is forested and the country is very rich in flora. About 3.000 different species of plants grow in Albania, many of which are used for medicinal purposes. [[Phytogeography|Phytogeographically]], Albania belongs to the [[Boreal Kingdom]] and is shared between the Adriatic and East Mediterranean provinces of the [[Mediterranean Region]] and the Illyrian province of the [[Circumboreal Region]]. According to the [[World Wide Fund for Nature|WWF]] and Digital Map of European Ecological Regions by the [[European Environment Agency]], the territory of Albania can be subdivided into three [[ecoregion]]s: the [[Illyrian deciduous forests]], [[Pindus Mountains mixed forests]] and [[Dinaric Mountains mixed forests]]. The forests are home to a wide range of mammals, including [[wolves]], [[bear]]s, [[wild boar]]s, and [[chamois]]. [[Lynx]], [[wildcat]]s, [[pine marten]]s and [[polecat]]s are rare, but survive in some parts of the country. ==Entertainment== Radio Telivizioni Shqiptar, ([[RTSH]]), is Albania's leading television network. RTSH runs a national [[television]] station ''TVSH'', (standing for ''Televizioni Publik Shqiptar''), and two national radio stations, using the name ''Radio Tirana''. An international service broadcasts radio programmes in Albanian and seven other languages via [[medium wave]] (AM) and [[short wave]] (SW).<ref>[http://picasaweb.google.es/ec2adn/RadioTiranaBroadcastingSchedules/photo#5187887711939456834 radiotirana.org website]</ref> The international service has used the theme from the song "Keputa një gjethe dafine" as its [[signature tune]]. Since 1999, RTSH has been a member of the [[European Broadcasting Union]]. Since 1993, RTSH has also run an international television service via [[satellite]], aimed at [[Albanian language]] communities in [[Kosovo]], [[Serbia]], [[Republic of Macedonia|Macedonia]], [[Montenegro]] and [[Greece]], plus the Albanian [[diaspora]] in the rest of [[Europe]]. {{main|RTSH}} ==Demographics== {{main|Demographics of Albania}} [[Image:Pyramide Albanie.PNG|thumb|left|300px|Albania Population pyramid, 2005]] In July 2007, Albania's population was 3,600,523, with an annual growth rate of 0.73%.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/al.html CIA - The World Factbook - Albania]</ref> Albania is a largely ethnically homogeneous country with only small minorities. A large majority of the population is ethnically [[Albanians|Albanian]]. Minorities include [[Greeks]], [[Aromanians]] ([[Vlachs]]), [[Torbesh]], [[Gorani (ethnic group)|Gorani]], [[Macedonians (ethnic group)|Macedonians]], [[Romani people|Roma]], [[Montenegrins]], [[Bulgarians]], [[Egyptians (Balkans)|Balkan Egyptians]] and [[Jew]]s. The dominant language is [[Albanian language|Albanian]], with two main dialects, [[Gheg]] and [[Tosk]]. Many Albanians are also fluent in [[English language|English]], [[Italian language|Italian]] and [[Greek language|Greek]]. <!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[Image:Tirana05.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Twin Towers in Tirana]] --> ==Economy== {{main|Economy of Albania}} <!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[Image:1504823948 9d1d4dae9f b.jpg|thumb|left|200|Tirana,Albania.|{{puic|1=Image:1504823948 9d1d4dae9f b.jpg|log=2008 March 1}}]] -->The democratically elected government that won the elections on April 1992 launched an ambitious economic reform programme to halt economic deterioration and forced the country on the path of a market economy. This included a comprehensive package of structural reforms, including privatization, enterprise, and financial sector reform, and the creation of the legal framework for a market economy and private sector activity. After severe economic contraction following 1989, the economy slowly rebounded, finally surpassing its 1989 levels by the end of the 1990s.<ref>[http://earthtrends.wri.org/text/economics-business/variable-638.html GDP per capita]</ref> Since prices have also risen, however, economic hardship has continued for much of the population. In 1995, Albania began privatizing large state enterprises. Following the signing of the [[Stabilisation and Association Agreement]] in June/July 2006, EU ministers urged Albania to push ahead with reforms, focusing on freedom of press, property rights, institution building, respect for ethnic minorities and observing international standards in municipal elections. Albania has made an impressive recovery, building a modern and diversified economy. Recent administrations have also improved the country's infrastructure and opened competition in seaports, railroads, telecommunications, electricity generation, natural gas distribution and airports. [[Tourism in Albania]] is a large industry and is growing rapidly. The most notable tourist attractions are the ancient sites of [[Apollonia, Illyria|Apollonia]], [[Butrinti]], and [[Krujë]]. Albania's coastline is becoming increasingly popular with tourists due to its relatively unspoiled nature and its beaches. ==Religion== {{main|Religion in Albania}} {{seealso|Freedom of religion in Albania}} [[Christianity]] was adopted in the region now known as Albania during [[Roman Empire|Roman]] rule by the middle of the first century. At first the new religion had to compete with [[Oriental]] cults, such as the worship of [[Mithra]], known in the region due to Rome's growing interaction with eastern regions of the Roman Empire. For a long time it also competed with Illyrian pagan religions. The steady growth of the Christian community in [[Dyrrhachium]] (the Roman name for Epidamnus) led to the creation of a local bishopric in 58 AD. Later, episcopal seats were established in [[Apollonia]], Buthrotum (modern Butrint), and Scodra (modern [[Shkodra]]). After the division of the [[Roman Empire]] in 395, Albania fell under the umbrella of the [[Eastern Roman Empire]], but remained ecclesiastically dependent on Rome. During the final schism on 1054 between the Western and Eastern churches, the Christians in southern Albania came under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarch in [[Constantinople]], and those in the north under the purview of the Papacy in Rome. The arrangement prevailed until Albania passed to [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] control in 14th century, and [[Islam]] gradually became the dominant religion. The [[Enver Hoxha|Hoxha]] regime, which took control of Albania after World War II, suppressed religious observance and institutions, to the point where Albania was officially declared to be the world's first [[state atheism|atheist state]]. Although religious freedom has returned to Albania since Hoxha's death in 1985, the vast majority of Albanians today do not practice any religion whatsoever. ==Albanian language== {{main|Albanian language}} Albanian was proven to be an [[Indo-European language]] in 1854 by the German [[Comparative linguistics|philologist]] [[Franz Bopp]]. The Albanian language comprises its own branch of the Indo-European language family. Some scholars believe that Albanian derives from [[Illyrian language|Illyrian]]<ref>Of the Albanian Language - William Martin Leake, London, 1814.</ref><ref>ANCIENT ALBANIA INHABITED BY ILLYRIANS-Chapter 36 : Turmoil In The Balkans - Romania, Bulgaria, Albania and Greece Part Three - Albania</ref> while others,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://linguistlist.org/forms/langs/LLDescription.cfm?code=txh|title=The Thracian language|publisher=The Linguist List|accessdate=2008-01-27|quote=An ancient language of Southern Balkans, belonging to the Satem group of Indo-European. This language is the most likely ancestor of modern Albanian (which is also a Satem language), though the evidence is scanty. 1st Millennium BC - 500 AD.}}</ref> claim that it derives from [[Dacian language|Daco]]-[[Thracian language|Thracian]]. (Illyrian and Daco-Thracian, however, might have been closely related languages; see [[Thraco-Illyrian]].) Establishing longer relations, Albanian is often compared to Balto-Slavic on the one hand and Germanic on the other, both of which share a number of [[isogloss]]es with Albanian. Moreover, Albanian has undergone a vowel shift in which stressed, long ''o'' has fallen to ''a'', much like in the former and opposite the latter. Likewise, Albanian has taken the old relative ''jos'' and innovatively used it exclusively to qualify adjectives, much in the way Balto-Slavic has used this word to provide the definite ending of adjectives. ==Literature== {{main|Albanian literature}} {{seealso|List of Albanian writers}} The cultural resistance was first of all expressed through the elaboration of the [[Albanian language]] in the area of church texts and publications, mainly of the [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]] confessional region in the North, but also of the [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] in the South. The [[Protestant]] reforms invigorated hopes for the development of the local language and literary tradition when cleric [[Gjon Buzuku]] brought into the Albanian language the [[Catholic liturgy]], trying to do for the Albanian language what [[Martin Luther|Luther]] did for [[German language|German]]. [[Image:Meshari.jpg|thumb|260px|Excerpt from ''[[Meshari]]'' by [[Gjon Buzuku]].]] ''[[Meshari]]'' (The Missal) by [[Gjon Buzuku]], published by him in 1555, is considered to date as the first literary work of written Albanian. The refined level of the language and the stabilised orthography must be a result of an earlier tradition of writing Albanian, a tradition that is not known. But there are some fragmented evidence, dating earlier than Buzuku, which indicate that Albanian was written at least since 14th century AD. The first known evidence dates from 1332 AD and deals with the French Dominican [[Guillelmus Adae]], [[Archbishop]] of [[Antivari]], who in a report in Latin writes that Albanians use Latin letters in their books although their language is quite different from Latin. Of special importance in supporting this are: a baptizing formula (''Unte paghesont premenit Atit et Birit et spertit senit'') of 1462, written in Albanian within a text in Latin by the [[bishop]] of [[Durrës]], [[Pal Engjëlli]]; a glossary with Albanian words of 1497 by [[Arnold von Harff]], a German who had travelled through Albania, and a 15th century fragment from the [[Bible]] from the [[Gospel of Matthew]], also in Albanian, but in Greek letters. Albanian writings of these centuries must not have been religious texts only, but historical chronicles too. They are mentioned by the humanist [[Marin Barleti]], who, in his book ''Rrethimi i Shkodrës'' (The Siege of Shkodër) (1504), confirms that he leafed through such chronicles written in the language of the people (''in vernacula lingua''). Despite the obstacles generated by the [[Counter-Reformation]] which was opposed to the development of national languages in Christian [[liturgy]]{{Fact|date=June 2007}}, this process went on uninterrupted. During the 16th to 17th centuries, the [[catechism]] ''E mbësuame krishterë'' (Christian Teachings) (1592) by [[Lekë Matrënga]], ''Doktrina e krishterë'' (The Christian Doctrine) (1618) and ''Rituale romanum'' (1621) by [[Pjetër Budi]], the first writer of original Albanian [[prose]] and [[poetry]], an [[apology]] for George Castriot (1636) by [[Frang Bardhi]], who also published a dictionary and [[folklore]] creations, the theological-philosophical treaty ''Cuneus Prophetarum'' (The Band of Prophets) (1685) by [[Pjetër Bogdani]], the most universal personality of Albanian [[Middle Ages]], were published in [[Albanian]]. == Health == Albania has free health care for all. Major hospitals are in [[Tirana]] and [[Durrës]]. The medical school, Faculty of Medicine at Tirana University, is in Tirana. Nursing schools are in many other cities. ==Cuisine== {{main|Cuisine of Albania}} The cuisine of Albania, as with most [[Mediterranean]] and [[Balkans|Balkan]] nations, is strongly influenced by its long history. At different times, the territory of Albania has been occupied by [[Greece]], [[Italy]] and the [[Ottoman Turk]]s, and each group has left its mark on Albanian cuisine. The main meal of the [[Albanians]] is lunch, and it is usually accompanied by a [[salad]] of fresh [[vegetables]], such as [[tomato]]es, [[cucumber]]s, green [[bell pepper|pepper]]s, and [[olive]]s with [[olive oil]], [[vinegar]] and [[salt]]. Lunch also includes a main dish of vegetables and meat. Seafood specialties are also common in the coastal areas of [[Durrës]], [[Vlorë]] and [[Sarandë]]. ==Gallery== <center><gallery> Image:Butrint, Albania.jpg| [[Butrint]], [[UNESCO]] World Heritage Site. Image:Apollonia odeon.jpg|[[Apollonia]], Albania. Image:Butrint.jpg|Remains of a chapel in [[Butrint]], Albania. Image:Saranda.searock.jpg | [[Sarandë]] , Albania. Image:South_albania_fish.jpg|Fishing in Albania. Image:Ali_pasha_castle.jpg|Ali Pasha's Castle, Albania. Image:Albania_blue_eye.jpg|Azure Eye, one of the many fresh water springs in [[Sarandë]], Albania, (known as the wedding city). Image:Syri i Kalter.jpg Image:ALB 20070718 img 1331.jpg | Beach in [[Vlorë]], Albania. Image:Albania_petrela_castle.jpg|[[Petrela]] Castle, [[Tirana]], Albania. Image:Shpiragu mountain, Berat..JPG | The Mountain of Shpiragu in [[Berat]] area. 130 km south of [[Tirana]], Albania. Image:Morning near Tepelena.JPG | Morning sun near Tepelena. South Albania. Image:Mallakastra Mountains.JPG | It is often described as a rude territory, but the Mallakastra Mountains inhabitants are famous for their hospitality. Image:Kelcyra Valley, Permet.JPG | The valley of river Vjosa in Këlcyra. Surrounded by mountains, the valley is of an extreme beauty. Image:Durres beach..JPG | [[Durrës]] seaside. 40 km from the capital [[Tirana]]. Image:Dhermi beach..JPG | Dhermi beach. Between [[Vlora]] and [[Saranda]]. Image:Jala.jpg‎ |Sunset in Jala beach. Image:Drinos river Valley, Tepelena..JPG | Drini river valley near Tepelena, Southern Albania. Image:Countryside Berat..JPG | Contryside in [[Berat]], one of the oldest cities in Albania. Image:A traditional male folk group from Skrapar.JPG | Traditional male group singing in the Area of Skrapar, South-Est Albania. Image:Elbasan_across_valley.jpg | A view across Elbasan valley. </gallery></center> {{wide image|Tirana Albania pano 2004-07-14.jpg|1000px|Panoramic view of [[Tirana]] as seen from Dajti Mountain.}} ==See also== {{portal|Albania|Flag of Albania.svg}} {{Albania topics|state=expanded}} {{History of Albania|state=expanded}} ; Lists * [[List of Albania-related articles]] * [[List of Albanians]] * [[List of Albanian writers]] * [[List of Albanian-Americans]] *[[International rankings of Albania]] ==References== {{Reflist|2}} ==External links== {{sisterlinks|Albania}} {{wikiatlas|Albania}} ; Government * [http://www.president.al Presidency of Albania] * [http://www.parlament.al The Albanian Parliament] ; Country Data * [http://www.instat.gov.al Albanian Institute of Statistics] * {{CIA World Factbook link|al|Albania}} ; Other * [http://www.albaniantourism.com/ National Tourism Organization] Albania's official website for travel & tourism information. * [http://kruje.port5.com/ Tourism, Krujë] * {{Wikitravel}} * [http://www.vivalbania.net/ING/index.htm VIVAlbania, hospitality and ecotourism in Albania] * [http://libraries.theeuropeanlibrary.org/Albania/treasures_en.xml Treasure of the national library of Albania] {{Template group |title = [[Image:Gnome-globe.svg|22px]]&nbsp;Geographic locale |list = {{Countries of Europe}} {{Countries and territories bordering the Mediterranean Sea}} }} {{Template group |title = International membership |list = {{NATO}} {{Council of Europe}} {{EU countries and candidates}} {{Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA)}} {{Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC)}} {{La Francophonie|state=collapsed}} {{Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC)|state=collapsed}} }} <!--Categories--> [[Category:Albania| ]] <!--Misnamed category?: [[Category:List of Secular States]]--> <!--Interwikis--> [[af:Albanië]] [[als:Albanien]] [[am:አልባኒያ]] [[ang:Albania]] [[ar:ألبانيا]] [[an:Albania]] [[arc:ܐܠܒܢܝܐ]] [[roa-rup:Arbinishia]] [[frp:Albanie]] [[ast:Albania]] [[gn:Avaña]] [[az:Albaniya]] [[bn:আলবেনিয়া]] [[zh-min-nan:Shqipëria]] [[be:Албанія]] [[be-x-old:Альбанія]] [[bcl:Albania]] [[bar:Albànien]] [[bo:ཨར་པ་ཉི་ཡ]] [[bs:Albanija]] [[br:Albania]] [[bg:Албания]] [[ca:Albània]] [[cv:Албани]] [[ceb:Albania]] [[cs:Albánie]] [[co:Albania]] [[cy:Albania]] [[da:Albanien]] [[pdc:Albaani]] [[de:Albanien]] [[dsb:Albańska]] [[et:Albaania]] [[el:Αλβανία]] [[es:Albania]] [[eo:Albanio]] [[eu:Albania]] [[fa:آلبانی]] [[fo:Albania]] [[fr:Albanie]] [[fy:Albaanje]] [[fur:Albanie]] [[ga:An Albáin]] [[gv:Yn Albaan]] [[gd:Albàinia]] [[gl:Albania - Shqipëria]] [[ko:알바니아]] [[haw:‘Alepania]] [[hy:Ալբանիա]] [[hi:अल्बानिया]] [[hsb:Albanska]] [[hr:Albanija]] [[io:Albania]] [[ilo:Albania]] [[bpy:আলবেনিয়া]] [[id:Albania]] [[ia:Albania]] [[ie:Albania]] [[os:Албани]] [[is:Albanía]] [[it:Albania]] [[he:אלבניה]] [[jv:Albania]] [[pam:Albania]] [[kn:ಅಲ್ಬೇನಿಯ]] [[ka:ალბანეთი]] [[csb:Albańskô]] [[kk:Албания]] [[kw:Albani]] [[ky:Албания]] [[sw:Albania]] [[kg:Albania]] [[ht:Albani]] [[ku:Albanya]] [[lad:אלבאניה]] [[la:Albania]] [[lv:Albānija]] [[lb:Albanien]] [[lt:Albanija]] [[lij:Albania]] [[li:Albanië]] [[ln:Albania]] [[hu:Albánia]] [[mk:Албанија]] [[mg:Albania]] [[ml:അല്‍ബേനിയ]] [[mt:Albanija]] [[mr:आल्बेनिया]] [[ms:Albania]] [[nah:Albantlān]] [[na:Albania]] [[nl:Albanië]] [[ne:अल्बानिया]] [[ja:アルバニア]] [[ce:Албани]] [[no:Albania]] [[nn:Albania]] [[nov:Albania]] [[oc:Albania]] [[ug:ئالبانىيە]] [[uz:Albaniya]] [[ps:البانيا]] [[km:អាល់បានី]] [[pms:Albanìa]] [[nds:Albanien]] [[pl:Albania]] [[pt:Albânia]] [[crh:Arnavutlıq]] [[ro:Albania]] [[rmy:Shkiperiya]] [[rm:Albania]] [[qu:Albanya]] [[ru:Албания]] [[se:Albánia]] [[sa:अल्बानिया]] [[sco:Albanie]] [[sq:Shqipëria]] [[scn:Albanìa]] [[simple:Albania]] [[ss:I-Alibheniya]] [[sk:Albánsko]] [[sl:Albanija]] [[sr:Албанија]] [[sh:Albanija]] [[fi:Albania]] [[sv:Albanien]] [[tl:Albanya]] [[ta:அல்பேனியா]] [[tet:Albánia]] [[th:ประเทศแอลเบเนีย]] [[vi:Albania]] [[tg:Албания]] [[tpi:Albenia]] [[chr:ᎠᎸᏇᏂᏯ]] [[tr:Arnavutluk]] [[udm:Албания]] [[uk:Албанія]] [[ur:البانیا]] [[vec:Albania]] [[vo:Lalbanän]] [[fiu-vro:Albaania]] [[war:Albanya]] [[wo:Albaani]] [[wuu:阿尔白尼亚]] [[yo:Albania]] [[zh-yue:阿爾巴尼亞]] [[diq:Arnawutiye]] [[zea:Albanië]] [[bat-smg:Albanėjė]] [[zh:阿尔巴尼亚]]