Albania

Albania is a small country in the southeast of Europe next to the Adriatic Sea. Population: 2,831,741 (2012). Capital: Tirana. Blessed with many natural resources, Albania has remained somewhat isolated from the world because of its mountainous topography and the policies of its former hard line government. After the liberation of Albania from Nazi occupation, the country became a socialist republic, which was led by Enver Hoxha.

Capital	Tirana
Official language	Albanian
Ethnic groups	Albanians, Greeks, Macedonians
President	Bujar Nishani
Prime Minister	Sali Berisha
Area	28,748 km^2
Population	2,831,741 (2012)
Currency	lek
Drives on	the right
Internet TLD	.al
Calling code	+355

In recent times the country has suffered economic hardships because of the onslaught of thousands of ethnic Albanian Muslims exiting the former Yugoslavia. However, in 2009 the country joined NATO, and is currently applying for EU membership.

Tourism to Albania has increased in recent years, and this comes as no surprise due to the country's pristine beaches, impressive mountain ranges, delicious cuisine, and genuine hospitality. Albania’s capital, Tirana, is host to a vibrant nightlife, while the countryside has become a growing Mecca for backpackers.

Дата добавления: 2015-08-03