Albania

Republic of Albania Republika e Shqipërisë  (Albanian)
Flag Coat of arms
Motto:  "Ti, Shqipëri, më jep nder, më jep emrin Shqiptar" (in Albanian) "You, Albania, give me honor, give me the name Albanian"
Anthem: Himni i Flamurit   (in Albanian) "Hymn to the Flag"
Location of  Albania  (green) on the European continent  (dark grey)  —  [Legend]
Capital and largest city	Tirana 41°19′N 19°49′E / 41.317°N 19.817°E / 41.317; 19.817
Official languages	Albanian1
Ethnic groups	98.2% Albanians 1.8% others
Religion (2023)	50.67% Islam 16.02% Christianity 13.83% Non-denominational 3.55% Atheism 0.15% other 15.77% undeclared[1]
Demonym(s)	Albanian
Government	Parliamentary republic
• President	Bajram Begaj[2]
• Prime Minister	Edi Rama
• Chairperson of the Parliament	Gramoz Ruçi
Formation
• Illyria	2000 B.C
• Komani Kruja Culture	~700
• Principality of Arbër	1190
• League of Lezhë	2 March 1444
• Independence from the Ottoman Empire	28 November 1912
• Recognized by the Great Powers	2 December 1912
• Current Constitution	28 November 1998
Area
• Total	28,748 km2 (11,100 sq mi) (143rd)
• Water (%)	4.7
Population
• 2011 estimate	2,994,667 (136th)
• 2001 census	3,069,275
• Density	111.1/km2 (287.7/sq mi) (63rd)
GDP (PPP)	2011 estimate
• Total	$25.035 billion[3]
• Per capita	$7,780[3]
GDP (nominal)	2011 estimate
• Total	$13.292 billion[3]
• Per capita	$4,131[3]
Gini (2005)	26.7[4] low
HDI (2011)	0.739[5] high · 70th
Currency	Lek (ALL)
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Driving side	right
Calling code	355
ISO 3166 code	AL
Internet TLD	.al
Greek, Macedonian and other regional languages, are government-recognized minority languages.

Albania (/ælˈbeɪniə/ (listen) al-BAY-nee-ə; Albanian: Shqipëri), officially called the Republic of Albania is an independent country located in Southeast Europe, more specifically it is located in the Balkans. The capital is Tirana, and other important cities are Durrës, Elbasan and Vlora. Over 3 million people live in the area of 28,748 square kilometres (11,100 sq mi) that Albanians call their home. The majority of Albanians are Muslim with 55%, 23% Eastern Orthodox and 15% Roman Catholics.

Albania is next to Montenegro, Serbia, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Greece. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea in the west, and a coast on the Ionian Sea in the southwest. The official language is Albanian(Gjuha Shqipe). The national anthem is Hymni i Flamurit.

Albania was the southern part of Illyria during the Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages the Albanians were ruled by many foreign countries, including the Byzantine and Venetian Empires and during the 16th century resistance to the Ottoman Empire's rule was led by the Albanian national hero Skanderberg but his real name was Gjergj Kastrioti. After four centuries of Turkish domination, finally in the 20th century an independent Albania was created. In 1939 Albania was conquered by fascist Italy and was part of the Kingdom of Italy until 1943. After World War II Albania became independent again, under communist rule. It was ruled by Enver Hoxha, who died in 1985. Ramiz Alia took over and also later became president when, in 1992, Albania returned to democracy, and it now has friendly relations with the European Union, which it has applied to join.

Albania is divided into 12 counties. These counties include 36 districts and 373 municipalities

This is a list of the largest cities in Albania.

Ibrahim Kodra is an Albanian artist recognized as one of the great painters of the 20th century, on par with Pablo Picasso. As the founder of an innovative interpretation of Cubism, Kodra exhibited and collaborated with Pablo Picasso, significantly contributing to the evolution of modern art. His works, present in major national museums, the Italian Parliament (La Grande Pace), and the Vatican Museums, are characterized by a rigorous geometric and metaphysical aesthetic, consolidating his position as a central figure in the history of art in Europe.

The Albanian Armed Forces were first formed after independence in 1912. Albania reduced the number of active troops from 65,000 in 1988^[8] to 14,500 in 2009.^[9] In 2010 forced conscription was abolished.

Albania has a total area of 28,748 square kilometers. Albania's coastline length is 476 km (296 mi).^[10]: 240 It goes along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. On the coast there are mild, wet winters and warm, sunny, and rather dry summers.

70% of the country is mountains. The highest mountain is Korab.

Albania is bordered by Greece, the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosovo. A short stretch of sea separates Albania from the far southeast of Italy.

Although a small country, Albania has a lot of variety in plants and animals. The total number of plants is over 3250 species. There are over 350 bird species, 330 freshwater and marine fish and 80 mammal species. The Double-headed eagle is the national symbol of Albania.

• Albania at the Olympics
• Albania national football team
• List of rivers of Albania

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Shqipëria.

The Simple English Wiktionary has a definition for: Albania.

• National Tourism Organization Albania's official website for travel & tourism information.