albania

{{main|Names of the Albanians and Albania}}

The historical origins of the term "Albania" can be traced back to medieval Latin, with its foundations believed to be associated with the Illyrian tribe of the Albani. This connection gains further support from the work of the Ancient Greek geographer Ptolemy during the 2nd century AD, where he included the settlement of Albanopolis situated to the northeast of Durrës.Madrugearu A, Gordon M. The wars of the Balkan Peninsula. Rowman & Littlefield, 2007. p. 146.{{Barrington|49 & notes}} The presence of a medieval settlement named Albanon or Arbanon hints at the possibility of historical continuity. The precise relationship among these historical references and the question of whether Albanopolis was synonymous with Albanon remain subjects of scholarly debate.The Illyrians by J. J. Wilkes, 1992, {{ISBN|978-0-631-19807-9}}, page 279,"We cannot be certain that the Arbanon of Anna Comnena is the same as Albanopolis of the Albani, a place located on the map of Ptolemy (3.12)"

The Byzantine historian Michael Attaliates, in his 11th-century historical account, provides the earliest undisputed reference to the Albanians, when he mentions them having taken part in a revolt against Constantinople in 1079.{{harvnb|Madgearu|Gordon|2008|p=25}}. "It is still disputed by scholars that those Albanoi from 1042 were Normans from Sicily, [Southern Italy], or if they are in fact the Albanoi [a large clan of that belongs to the many clans of Albanians] found in Albanian lands during this time frame." He also identifies the Arbanitai as subjects of the Duke of Dyrrachium.Robert Elsei. The Albanian lexicon of Dion Von Kirkman. Earliest reference to the existence of the Albanian language, pp. 113–122. In the Middle Ages, Albania was denoted as {{lang|sq|Arbëri|i=yes}} or {{lang|sq|Arbëni|i=yes}} by its inhabitants, who identified themselves as {{lang|sq|Arbëreshë|i=yes}} or {{lang|sq|Arbëneshë|i=yes}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.pinocacozza.it/|title=pinocacozza.it|website=pinocacozza.it|access-date=23 November 2007|archive-date=30 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230223257/http://www.pinocacozza.it/|url-status=dead}} Albanians employ the terms {{lang|sq|Shqipëri|i=yes}} or {{lang|sq|Shqipëria|i=yes}} for their nation, designations that trace their historical origins to the 14th century.{{cite book|last=Matasović|first=Ranko|year=2019|title=A Grammatical Sketch of Albanian for Students of Indo European|url=http://mudrac.ffzg.unizg.hr/~rmatasov/Albanian.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://mudrac.ffzg.unizg.hr/~rmatasov/Albanian.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live|place=Zagreb|publisher=Ranko Matasovic|page=39}} But only in the late 17th and early 18th centuries did these terms gradually supersede {{lang|sq|Arbëria|i=yes}} and {{lang|sq|Arbëreshë|i=yes}} among Albanians.{{cite book |last=Lloshi |first=Xhevat |chapter=Albanian |editor1-last=Hinrichs |editor1-first=Uwe |editor2-last=Büttner |editor2-first=Uwe |title=Handbuch der Südosteuropa-Linguistik |year=1999 |location=Wiesbaden |publisher=Otto Harrassowitz Verlag |isbn=9783447039390 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Phyvk2tPaYQC |page=277}} These two expressions are widely interpreted to symbolise "Children of the Eagles" and "Land of the Eagles".Kristo Frasheri. History of Albania (A Brief Overview). Tirana, 1964.{{cite web |url=http://mirror.undp.org/albania/download/pdf/albanian.pdf |title=The Albanian Language |last=Lloshi |first=Xhevat |publisher=United Nations Development Programme |access-date=9 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709114947/http://mirror.undp.org/albania/download/pdf/albanian.pdf |archive-date=9 July 2011}}

{{For timeline|Timeline of Albanian history}}

{{Main|History of Albania}}

{{Main|Prehistoric Albania|l1=Prehistory of Albania}}

File:Kamenicë Tumulus, Albania 2018 02.jpg in the county of Korçë]]

Mesolithic habitation in Albania has been evidenced in several open air sites which during that period were close to the Adriatic coastline and in cave sites. Mesolithic objects found in a cave near Xarrë include flint and jasper objects along with fossilised animal bones, while those discoveries at Mount Dajt comprise bone and stone tools similar to those of the Aurignacian culture.F. Prendi, "The Prehistory of Albania", The Cambridge Ancient History, 2nd edn., vol. 3, part 1: [https://books.google.com/books?id=vXljf8JqmkoC&pg=PA187 The Prehistory of the Balkans; and the Middle East and the Aegean World, Tenth to Eighth Centuries B.C.], ed. John Boardman et al. (Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1982), 189–90. The Neolithic era in Albania began around 7000 BC and is evidenced in finds which indicate domestication of sheep and goats and small-scale agriculture. A part of the Neolithic population may have been the same as the Mesolithic population of the southern Balkans like in the Konispol cave where the Mesolithic stratum co-exists with Pre-Pottery Neolithic finds. Cardium pottery culture appears in coastal Albania and across the Adriatic after 6500 BC, while the settlements of the interior took part in the processes which formed the Starčevo culture.{{cite journal |last1=Bunguri |first1=Adem |title=Different models for the Neolithisation of Albania |journal=Documenta Praehistorica |date=2014 |volume=32 |url=https://www.academia.edu/51430439}} The Albanian bitumen mines of Selenicë provide early evidence of bitumen exploitation in Europe, dating to Late Neolithic Albania (from 5000 BC), when local communities used it as pigment for ceramic decoration, waterproofing, and adhesive for reparing broken vessels. The bitumen of Selenicë circulated towards eastern Albania from the early 5th millennium BC. First evidence of its overseas trade export comes from Neolithic and Bronze Age southern Italy. The high-quality bitumen of Selenicë has been exploited throughout all the historical ages since the Late Neolithic era until today.{{cite journal |last1=Connan |first1=J. |last2=Elezi |first2=G. |last3=Engel |first3=M.H. |last4=Zumberge |first4=A. |title=Natural asphalt on Late Neolithic (5000 – 4500 BCE) potsherds from southeastern Albania: A geochemical study |journal=Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports |volume=53 |year=2024 |pages=2–3, 11 |bibcode=2024JArSR..53j4343C |issn=2352-409X |eissn=2352-4103 |doi=10.1016/j.jasrep.2023.104343 |doi-access=free}}

The Indo-Europeanisation of Albania in the context of the IE-isation of the western Balkans began after 2800 BC. The presence of the Early Bronze Age tumuli in the vicinity of later Apollonia dates to 2679±174 calBC (2852-2505 calBC). These burial mounds belong to the southern expression of the Adriatic-Ljubljana culture (related to later Cetina culture) which moved southwards along the Adriatic from the northern Balkans. The same community built similar mounds in Montenegro (Rakića Kuće) and northern Albania (Shtoj).{{cite journal |last1=Govedarica |first1=Blagoje |title=The Stratigraphy of Tumulus 6 in Shtoj and the Appearance of the Violin Idols in Burial Complexes of the South Adriatic Region |journal=Godišnjak Centra za balkanološka ispitivanja |date=2016 |issue=45 |pages=22–25 |url=https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=528608 |access-date=7 January 2023 |issn=0350-0020}} The first archaeogenetic find related to the IE-isation of Albania involves a man with predominantly Yamnaya ancestry buried in a tumulus of northeastern Albania which dates to 2663–2472 calBC.{{cite journal |last1=Lazaridis |first1=Iosif |last2=Alpaslan-Roodenberg |first2=Songül |display-authors=et al. |title=The genetic history of the Southern Arc: A bridge between West Asia and Europe |journal=Science |volume=377 |issue=6609 |date=26 August 2022 |page=29 |quote=: Supplementary Materials |pmid=36007055 |pmc=10064553 |s2cid=251843620 |doi=10.1126/science.abm4247 | issn = 0036-8075 }} During the Middle Bronze Age, Cetina culture sites and finds appear in Albania. Cetina culture moved southwards across the Adriatic from the Cetina valley of Dalmatia. In Albania, Cetina finds are concentrated around southern Lake Shkodër and appear typically in tumulus cemeteries like in Shkrel and Shtoj and hillforts like Gajtan (Shkodër) as well as cave sites like Blaz, Nezir and Keputa (central Albania) and lake basin sites like Sovjan (southeastern Albania).{{cite journal |last1=Gori |first1=Maja |last2=Recchia |first2=Giulia |last3=Tomas |first3=Helen |title=The Cetina phenomenon across the Adriatic during the 2nd half of the 3rd millennium BC: new data and research perspectives |journal=38° Convegno Nazionale Sulla Preistoria, Protostoria, Storia della Daunia |date=2018 |page=201 |url=https://www.academia.edu/36936788}}

{{Main|History of Albania#Antiquity|l1=Antiquity in Albania}}

File:The City and the Prokletije from the castle.jpg was the capital of the Illyrian kingdom of Ardiaei and Labeatae]]

The incorporated territory of Albania was historically inhabited by Indo-European peoples, amongst them numerous Illyrian and Epirote tribes. There were also several Greek colonies. The territory referred to as Illyria corresponded roughly to the area east of the Adriatic Sea in the Mediterranean Sea extending in the south to the mouth of the Vjosë.The Illyrians (The Peoples of Europe) by John Wilkes, 1996, {{ISBN|978-0-631-19807-9}}, page 92, "Appian's description of the Illyrian territories records a southern boundary with Chaonia and Thesprotia, where ancient Epirus began south of river Aoous (Vjose)" [https://books.google.com/books?id=4Nv6SPRKqs8C&pg=PR20 also map]Cambridge University Press. [https://books.google.com/books?id=0qAoqP4g1fEC&pg=PA266 The Cambridge ancient history]. 2000. {{ISBN|0-521-23447-6}}, page 261,"... down to the mouth of Aous" The first account of the Illyrian groups comes from Periplus of the Euxine Sea, a Greek text written in the 4th century BC. The Bryges were also present in central Albania, while the south was inhabited by the Epirote Chaonians, whose capital was at Phoenice.{{cite book|last1=Boardman|first1=John|last2=Hammond|first2=Nicholas Geoffrey Lemprière|title=The Cambridge Ancient History: The Expansion of the Greek World, Eighth to Six Centuries B.C|location=Cambridge, United Kingdom|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=1982|isbn=0-521-23447-6|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0qAoqP4g1fEC |page=284}}{{Cite book|last1=Lewis|first1=David Malcolm|last2=Boardman|first2=John|title=The Cambridge Ancient History, Volume 6: The Fourth Century BC|location=Cambridge, United Kingdom|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=1994|isbn=0-521-23348-8|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vx251bK988gC |pages=430, 434}} Other colonies such as Apollonia and Epidamnos were established by Greek city-states on the coast by the 7th century BC.{{cite book|last=Wilkes|first=John|title=The Illyrians|location=Oxford, United Kingdom|publisher=Blackwell Publishing|year=1995|isbn=0-631-19807-5|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4Nv6SPRKqs8C |pages=94, 96, 104}}{{cite book|last=Wilson|first=Nigel Guy|title=Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece|location=New York, New York and Oxford, United Kingdom|publisher=Routledge (Taylor & Francis)|year=2006|isbn=978-0-415-87396-3|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-aFtPdh6-2QC |page=594}}{{cite book|last=Chamoux|first=François|title=Hellenistic Civilization|location=Oxford, United Kingdom|publisher=Blackwell Publishing|year=2003|isbn=0-631-22242-1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nafU9ADpCwcC|page=97}}

File:Parku Arkeologjik i Apollonisë 04.jpg was an important Greek colony on the Illyrian coast along the Adriatic Sea and one of the western points of the Via Egnatia route, that connected Rome and Constantinople]]

The Illyrian Taulanti were a powerful Illyrian tribe that were among the earliest recorded tribes in the area. They lived in an area that corresponds much of present-day Albania. Together with the Dardanian ruler Cleitus, Glaucias, the ruler of the Taulantian kingdom, fought against Alexander the Great at the Battle of Pelium in 335 BC. As the time passed, the ruler of Ancient Macedonia, Cassander of Macedon captured Apollonia and crossed the river Genusus ({{Langx|sq|Shkumbin}}) in 314 BC. A few years later Glaucias laid siege to Apollonia and captured the Greek colony of Epidamnos.Justin, Epitome, 17.3

The Illyrian Ardiaei tribe, centred in Montenegro, ruled over most of the territory of northern Albania. Their Ardiaean Kingdom reached its greatest extent under King Agron, the son of Pleuratus II. Agron extended his rule over other neighbouring tribes as well.{{Cite book |last1=Hammond |first1=Nicholas Geoffrey Lemprière |last2=Walbank |first2=Frank William |date=1 January 1972 |title=A History of Macedonia: 336–167 B.C. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qpb3JdwuDQIC |publisher=Clarendon Press |isbn=978-0-19-814815-9}} Following Agron's death in 230 BC, his wife, Teuta, inherited the Ardiaean kingdom. Teuta's forces extended their operations further southwards to the Ionian Sea.{{Cite book |last=Jackson-Laufer |first=Guida Myrl |date=1 January 1999 |title=Women Rulers Throughout the Ages: An Illustrated Guide |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9791576070917 |url-access=registration |publisher=ABC-CLIO |pages=[https://archive.org/details/isbn_9791576070917/page/382 382]–383 |isbn=978-1-57607-091-8}} In 229 BC, Rome declared war{{Cite book |title=The History of Rome |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=j74oAAAAYAAJ |publisher=D. Appleton & Company |date=1 January 1846 |page=259}} on the kingdom for extensively plundering Roman ships. The war ended in Illyrian defeat in 227 BC. Teuta was eventually succeeded by Gentius in 181 BC.{{Cite book |title=The Illyrians |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4Nv6SPRKqs8C |publisher=Wiley |date=9 January 1996 |isbn=978-0-631-19807-9 |first=John |last=Wilkes |page=189}} Gentius clashed with the Romans in 168 BC, initiating the Third Illyrian War. The conflict resulted in Roman conquest of the region by 167 BC. The Romans split the region into three administrative divisions.Marjeta Šašel Kos, "The Illyrian King Ballaeus – Some Historical Aspects", Épire, Illyrie, Macédoine: Mélanges offerts au professeur Pierre Cabanes, ed. Danièle Berranger (Clermont-Ferrand: Presses Universitaires Blaise Pascal, 2007), 127.

{{Main|Albania in the Middle Ages}}

File:Krujë-KrujaAlbania 2016.jpg was the capital of the Principality of Arbanon in the Middle Ages]]

The Roman Empire was split in 395 upon the death of Theodosius I into an Eastern and Western Roman Empire in part because of the increasing pressure from threats during the Barbarian Invasions. From the 6th century into the 7th century, the Slavs crossed the Danube and largely absorbed the indigenous Greeks, Illyrians and Thracians in the Balkans; thus, the Illyrians were mentioned for the last time in historical records in the 7th century.{{cite book|last1=Bideleux|first1=Robert|last2=Jeffries|first2=Ian|title=Balkans: A Post-Communist History|url=https://archive.org/details/balkanspostcommu0000bide|url-access=registration |date=24 January 2007|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-134-58328-7|page=[https://archive.org/details/balkanspostcommu0000bide/page/25 25]|quote=From AD 548 onward, the lands now known as Albania began to be overrun from the north by ever-increasing ...}}{{citation|last=Schaefer|first=Richard T.|title=Encyclopedia of Race, Ethnicity, and Society|year=2008|publisher=SAGE Publications|isbn=978-1-4129-2694-2|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jscZAQAAIAAJ}}

In the 11th century, the Great Schism formalised the break of communion between the Eastern Orthodox and Western Catholic Church that is reflected in Albania through the emergence of a Catholic north and Orthodox south. The Albanian people inhabited the west of Lake Ochrida and the upper valley of River Shkumbin and established the Principality of Arbanon in 1190 under the leadership of Progon of Kruja.{{cite book|last=Nicol|first=Donald MacGillivray|title=Studies in late Byzantine history and prosopography|year=1986|publisher=Variorum Reprints|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XnKgAAAAMAAJ&q=Alain+Ducellier|isbn=9780860781905}} The realm was succeeded by his sons Gjin and Dhimitri.

Upon the death of Dhimiter, the territory came under the rule of the Albanian-Greek Gregory Kamonas and subsequently under the Golem of Kruja.{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/illyrischalbanis00thaluoft |title=Illyrisch-albanische Forschungen |publisher=Duncker & Humblot |last1=Jireček |first1=Konstantin |last2=Thopia |year=1916 |page=[https://archive.org/details/illyrischalbanis00thaluoft/page/239 239] |quote=Griechen Gregorios Kamonas}}{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bclfdU_2lesC&pg=PA786 |title=The New Cambridge Medieval History: Volume 5, C.1198-c.1300 |isbn=978-0-521-36289-4 |last1=Abulafia |first1=David |last2=McKitterick |date=21 October 1999 |page=786 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |quote=Greco-Albanian lord Gregorios Kamonas}}{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J7pnAAAAMAAJ&q=gregorios+kamonas |title=The Genealogist |year=1980 |page=40}} In the 13th century, the principality was dissolved.Clements, John (1992), Clements encyclopedia of world governments, Vol. 10. Political Research, Inc. p. 31: "By 1190, Byzantium's power had so receded that the archon Progon succeeded in establishing the first Albanian state of the Middle Ages, a principality"{{cite book |last1=Pickard |first1=Rob |last2=Çeliku |first2=Florent |title=Analysis and Reform of Cultural Heritage Policies in South-East Europe |year=2008 |location=Strasbourg |publisher=Council of Europe Publishing |isbn=978-92-871-6265-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Bi8fjENzJacC |page=16}}{{cite book |last=Norris |first=H. T. |title=Islam in the Balkans: religion and society between Europe and the Arab world |url=https://archive.org/details/islaminbalkansre00norr |url-access=registration |year=1993 |publisher=University of South Carolina Press |isbn=978-0-87249-977-5 |page=[https://archive.org/details/islaminbalkansre00norr/page/35 35]}} Arbanon is considered to be the first sketch of an Albanian state, that retained a semi-autonomous status as the western extremity of the Byzantine Empire, under the Byzantine Doukai of Epirus or Laskarids of Nicaea.{{cite book |last1=Pipa |first1=Arshi |last2=Repishti |first2=Sami |year=1984 |title=Studies on Kosova |series=East European Monographs #155 |isbn=978-0-88033-047-3 |pages=7–8}}

File:Venezia_-_Ex_Scola_degli_albanesi_(sec._XV)_-_Foto_Giovanni_Dall%27Orto,_12-Aug-2007_-_11_-_Maometto_II_assedia_Scutari.jpg commemorating the siege of Shkodra. It illustrates Sultan Mehmet II laying siege to the Albanian town of Scutari, then part of Venetian Empire]]

Towards the end of the 12th and beginning of the 13th centuries, Serbs and Venetians started to take possession over the territory.{{cite web |editor1-last=Zickel |editor1-first=Raymond |editor2-last=Iwaskiw |editor2-first=Walter R. |year=1994 |title="The Barbarian Invasions and the Middle Ages," Albania: A Country Study |url=http://countrystudies.us/albania/15.htm |access-date=9 April 2008}} The ethnogenesis of the Albanians is uncertain; however, the first undisputed mention of Albanians dates back in historical records from 1079 or 1080 in a work by Michael Attaliates, who referred to the Albanoi as having taken part in a revolt against Constantinople.{{cite book|last1=Madgearu|first1=Alexandru|last2=Gordon|first2=Martin|title=The wars of the Balkan Peninsula: Their medieval origins|year=2008|location=Lanham|publisher=Scarecrow Press|url=https://archive.org/details/warsofbalkanpeni0000madg|url-access=registration|page=[https://archive.org/details/warsofbalkanpeni0000madg/page/43 43]|quote=Albanoi.|isbn=9780810858466}} At this point the Albanians were fully Christianised.

After the dissolution of Arbanon, Charles of Anjou concluded an agreement with the Albanian rulers, promising to protect them and their ancient liberties. In 1272, he established the Kingdom of Albania and conquered regions back from the Despotate of Epirus. The kingdom claimed all of central Albania territory from Dyrrhachium along the Adriatic Sea coast down to Butrint. A Catholic political structure was a basis for the papal plans of spreading Catholicism in the Balkan Peninsula. This plan found also the support of Helen of Anjou. Around 30 Catholic churches and monasteries were built during her rule mainly in northern Albania.{{Cite book |title=Regnum Albaniae, the Papal Curia, and the Western Visions of a Borderline Nobility |last=Etleva |first=Lala |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2008 |url=http://www.etd.ceu.hu/2009/mphlae01.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.etd.ceu.hu/2009/mphlae01.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live}} Internal power struggles within the Byzantine Empire in the 14th century enabled Serbs' most powerful medieval ruler, Stefan Dusan, to establish a short-lived empire that included all of Albania except Durrës.

File:Albanian Principalities, ca. 1390 (modern Albania).png]]

In 1367, Albanian rulers established the Despotate of Arta. During that time, several Albanian principalities were created, notably the Principality of Albania, Principality of Kastrioti, Lordship of Berat and Principality of Dukagjini. In the first half of the 15th century, the Ottoman Empire invaded most of Albania, and the League of Lezhë was held under Skanderbeg as a ruler, who became the national hero of the Albanian medieval history.

{{Main|Albania under the Ottoman Empire}}

{{See also|Skanderbeg#Rebellion against the Ottomans|l1=Albanian rebellion against the Ottoman Empire}}

{{multiple image

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| image1 = Skanderbeg by Antonio Maria Crespi.jpg

| alt1 = Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg

| caption1 = After serving the Ottoman Empire for nearly 20 years, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg deserted and began a successful rebellion against the empire that halted Ottoman advance into Europe for 25 years

| image2 = Monvoisin, Raymond - Ali Pacha y Vasiliki -1832 ost 345x272 PalCous frg1.jpg

| alt2 = Ali Pasha Tepelena

| caption2 = Ali Pasha Tepelena was a powerful autonomous Ottoman-Albanian ruler, governing over the Pashalik of Yanina

}}

With the fall of Constantinople, the Ottoman Empire continued an extended period of conquest and expansion with its borders going deep into Southeast Europe. They reached the Albanian Ionian Sea Coast in 1385 and erected their garrisons across Southern Albania in 1415 and then occupied most of Albania in 1431.{{Cite thesis |last=Licursi |first=Emiddio Pietro|title=Empire of Nations: The Consolidation of Albanian and Turkish National Identities in the Late Ottoman Empire, 1878–1913 |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/72122169/7/Pashko-Vasa|year=2011 |publisher=Columbia University |location=New York |page=19 |quote=By 1415, after a chaotic interregnum, Sultan Mehmet I sent the military to erect the first Ottoman garrisons throughout southern Albania, establishing direct military authority in the region ... l jurisdiction over most of Albania ...|hdl=10022/AC:P:10297}}[https://books.google.com/books?id=sQGIDAAAQBAJ&q=albania+vassal+serbia&pg=PA120 The Balkans: From Constantinople to Communism] by D. Hupchick, page 110 Thousands of Albanians consequently fled to Western Europe, particularly to Calabria, Naples, Ragusa and Sicily, whereby others sought protection at the often inaccessible Mountains of Albania.{{cite book|author=Gjonça, Arjan |title=Communism, Health and Lifestyle: The Paradox of Mortality Transition in Albania, 1950–1990|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OKEal7FHClUC&pg=PA7|year=2001|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-313-31586-2|page=7}} The Albanians, as Christians, were considered an inferior class of people, and as such they were subjected to heavy taxes among others by the Devshirme system that allowed the Sultan to collect a requisite percentage of Christian adolescents from their families to compose the Janissary.{{cite web |last1=Zickel |first1=Raymond |last2=Iwaskiw |first2=Walter R. |year=1994 |title=Albania: A Country Study ("Albanians under Ottoman Rule") |url=http://countrystudies.us/albania/18.htm |access-date=9 April 2008}} The Ottoman conquest was also accompanied with the gradual process of Islamisation and the rapid construction of mosques.

A prosperous and longstanding revolution erupted after the formation of the League of Lezhë until the fall of Shkodër under the leadership of Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, who consistently defeated major Ottoman armies led by Sultans Murad II and Mehmed II. Skanderbeg managed to unite several of the Albanian principalities, amongst them the Arianitis, Dukagjinis, Zaharias and Thopias, and establish a centralised authority over most of the non-conquered territories, becoming the Lord of Albania.{{cite book |author1=Rob Pickard |title=Analysis and Reform of Cultural Heritage Policies in South-East Europe |date=2008 |isbn=978-92-871-6265-6 |page=16 |publisher=Council of Europe |edition=Europarat}} The Ottoman Empire's expansion ground to a halt during the time that Skanderbeg's forces resisted, and he has been credited with being one of the main reasons for the delay of Ottoman expansion into Western Europe, giving the Italian principalities more time to better prepare for the Ottoman arrival.{{sfn|Hodgkinson|2005|p=240}} However, the failure of most European nations, with the exception of Naples, in giving him support, along with the failure of Pope Pius II's plans to organise a promised crusade against the Ottomans meant that none of Skanderbeg's victories permanently hindered the Ottomans from invading the Western Balkans.{{sfn|Hodgkinson|2005|p=xii}}{{cite book |last=Donald Edgar Pitcher |title=An Historical Geography of the Ottoman Empire: From Earliest Times to the End of the Sixteenth Century |publisher=Brill |year=1968 |page=88}}

Despite his brilliance as a military leader, Skanderbeg's victories were only delaying the final conquests. The constant Ottoman invasions caused enormous destruction to Albania, greatly reducing the population and destroying flocks of livestock and crops. Besides surrender, there was no possible way Skanderbeg would be able to halt the Ottoman invasions despite his successes against them. His manpower and resources were insufficient, preventing him from expanding the war efforts and driving the Turks from the Albanian borders. Albania was therefore doomed to face an unending series of Ottoman attacks until it eventually fell years after his death.{{cite book |last=Fine |first=John V.A. |title=The late medieval Balkans: a critical survey from the late twelfth century to the Ottoman conquest |date=1994 |publisher=University of Michigan Press |location=Ann Arbor, MI |isbn=9780472082605 |page=598 |edition=2. print |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LvVbRrH1QBgC}}

When the Ottomans were gaining a firm foothold in the region, Albanian towns were organised into four principal sanjaks. The government fostered trade by settling a sizeable Jewish colony of refugees fleeing persecution in Spain. The city of Vlorë saw passing through its ports imported merchandise from Europe such as velvets, cotton goods, mohairs, carpets, spices and leather from Bursa and Constantinople. Some citizens of Vlorë even had business associates throughout Europe.

The phenomenon of Islamisation among the Albanians became primarily widespread from the 17th century and continued into the 18th century. Islam offered them equal opportunities and advancement within the Ottoman Empire. However, motives for conversion were, according to some scholars, diverse depending on the context though the lack of source material does not help when investigating such issues. Because of increasing suppression of Catholicism, most Catholic Albanians converted in the 17th century, while Orthodox Albanians followed suit mainly in the following century.

Since the Albanians were seen as strategically important, they made up a significant proportion of the Ottoman military and bureaucracy. Many Muslim Albanians attained important political and military positions and culturally contributed to the broader Muslim world.Clayer, Nathalie (2012). [http://referenceworks.brillonline.com/entries/encyclopaedia-of-islam-3/albania-COM_23054 "Albania"] in Encyclopaedia of Islam, Gudrun Krämer, Denis Matringe, Rokovet, John Nawas, Everett Rowson (eds.). Brill Online. Enjoying this privileged position, they held various high administrative positions with over two dozen Albanian Grand Viziers. Others included members of the prominent Köprülü family, Zagan Pasha, Muhammad Ali of Egypt and Ali Pasha of Tepelena. Furthermore, two sultans, Bayezid II and Mehmed III, both had mothers of Albanian origin.[http://referenceworks.brillonline.com/entries/encyclopaedia-of-islam-2/arnawutluk-COM_0065 "Arnawutluḳ."] in Encyclopaedia of Islam, Second Edition. Brill Online, 2012.{{cite book|last=Babinger|first=Franz|title=Mehmed the Conqueror and His Time|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PPxC6rO7vvsC&q=Albanian&pg=PA175|year=1992|publisher=Princeton University Press|isbn=0-691-01078-1|page=51}}{{Cite book |title=The Imperial Harem: Women and Sovereignty in the Ottoman Empire |last=Peirce |first=Leslie P. |publisher=Oxford University Press, Inc. |year=1993 |isbn=0-19-507673-7 |location=New York |page=94}}

{{Main|Albanian Renaissance}}

{{See also|League of Prizren}}

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| caption2 = Dora d'Istria was among the main advocates in Europe for the Albanian cause{{cite web |author1=Observator Cultural |title=Dor de Dunăre şi alte nostalgii cosmopolite |url=https://www.observatorcultural.ro/articol/dor-de-dunare-si-alte-nostalgii-cosmopolite-2/ |website=observatorcultural.ro |language=ro|author1-link=Observator Cultural}}

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The Albanian Renaissance was a period with its roots in the late 18th century and continuing into the 19th century, during which the Albanian people gathered spiritual and intellectual strength for an independent cultural and political life within an independent nation. Modern Albanian culture flourished too, especially Albanian literature and arts, and was frequently linked to the influences of the Romanticism and Enlightenment principles.{{cite book |author1=Sarah Amsler |title=Theorising Social Change in Post-Soviet Countries: Critical Approaches |publisher=Peter Lang, 2007 |isbn=9783039103294 |pages=96105 |edition=Balihar Sanghera, Sarah Amsler, Tatiana Yarkova |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MzXP_r6oAxwC&pg=PA96 |year=2007}} Prior to the rise of nationalism, Ottoman authorities suppressed any expression of national unity or conscience by the Albanian people.

The victory of Russia over the Ottoman Empire following the Russian-Ottoman Wars resulted the execution of the Treaty of San Stefano which assigned Albanian-populated lands to their Slavic and Greek neighbours. However, the United Kingdom and Austro-Hungarian Empire consequently blocked the arrangement and caused the Treaty of Berlin. From this point, Albanians started to organise themselves with the goal to protect and unite the Albanian-populated lands into a unitary nation, leading to the formation of the League of Prizren. The league had initially the assistance of the Ottoman authorities whose position was based on the religious solidarity of Muslim people and landlords connected with the Ottoman administration. They favoured and protected the Muslim solidarity and called for defence of Muslim lands simultaneously constituting the reason for titling the league Committee of the Real Muslims.{{Citation |last1=Kopecek |first1=Michal |last2=Ersoy |first2=Ahmed |last3=Gorni |first3=Maciej |last4=Kechriotis |first4=Vangelis |last5=Manchev |first5=Boyan |last6=Trencsenyi |first6=Balazs |last7=Turda |first7=Marius |title=Discourses of collective identity in Central and Southeast Europe (1770–1945) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k5Vsjg508EYC&pg=PA349 |volume=1 |year=2006 |publisher=Central European University Press |location=Budapest, Hungary |isbn=978-963-7326-52-3 |page=348 |quote=The position of the League in the beginning was based on religious solidarity. It was even called Komiteti i Myslimanëve të Vërtetë (The Committee of the Real Muslims) ... decisions are taken and supported mostly by landlords and people closely connected with Ottoman administration and religious authorities..}}

Approximately 300 Muslims participated in the assembly composed by delegates from Bosnia, the administrator of the Sanjak of Prizren as representatives of the central authorities and no delegates from Vilayet of Scutari.{{Citation |last1=Kopeček |first1=Michal |last2=Ersoy |first2=Ahmed |last3=Gorni |first3=Maciej |last4=Kechriotis |first4=Vangelis |last5=Manchev |first5=Boyan |last6=Trencsenyi |first6=Balazs |last7=Turda |first7=Marius |title=Discourses of collective identity in Central and Southeast Europe (1770–1945) |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k5Vsjg508EYC&pg=PA349 |access-date=18 January 2011 |volume=1 |year=2006 |publisher=Central European University Press |location=Budapest, Hungary |isbn=978-963-7326-52-3 |page=347 |chapter=Program of the Albanian League of Prizren |quote=there were no delegates from Shkodra villayet and a few Bosnian delegates also participated. Present was also mutasarrif (administrator of sandjak) of Prizren as representative of the central authorities}} Signed by only 47 Muslim deputies, the league issued the Kararname that contained a proclamation that the people from northern Albania, Epirus and Bosnia and Herzegovina are willing to defend the territorial integrity of the Ottoman Empire by all possible means against the troops of Bulgaria, Serbia and Montenegro.{{cite web |url=http://www.albanianhistory.net/texts19/AH1878_2.html |title=1878 The Resolutions of the League of Prizren |last=Elsie |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Elsie |publisher=albanianhistory.net |access-date=20 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100908114200/http://www.albanianhistory.net/texts19/AH1878_2.html |archive-date=8 September 2010 |quote=On 10 June 1878, ... The League of Prizren, Alb. Lidhja e Prizrenit, ... On 13 June 1878, the League submitted an eighteen-page memorandum to Benjamin Disraeli, the British representative at the Congress of Berlin}}

Ottomans authorities cancelled their assistance when the league, under Abdyl Frashëri, became focused on working towards Albanian autonomy and requested merging four vilayets, including Kosovo, Shkodër, Monastir and Ioannina, into a unified vilayet, the Albanian Vilayet. The league used military force to prevent the annexing areas of Plav and Gusinje assigned to Montenegro. After several successful battles with Montenegrin troops, such as the Battle of Novšiće, the league was forced to retreat from their contested regions. The league was later defeated by the Ottoman army sent by the sultan.{{cite encyclopedia|title=Albanian League|url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/12553/Albanian-League|encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=5 January 2012}}

{{Clear}}

{{Main|Independent Albania}}

{{See also|Albanian Declaration of Independence}}

{{Further|Massacres of Albanians in the Balkan Wars}}

File:Ismail Qemali (portrait).jpg is regarded as the founding father of the modern Albanian nation]]

Albania declared independence from the Ottoman Empire on 28 November 1912, accompanied by the establishment of the Senate and Government by the Assembly of Vlorë on 4 December 1912.{{cite book |last=Giaro |first=Tomasz |title=Modernisierung durch Transfer zwischen den Weltkriegen |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dmrRCdTQBTcC&q=Provisional%20government%20of%20vlore%20december%204%201912&pg=PA185 |access-date=24 January 2011 |year=2007 |publisher=Vittorio Klosterman GmbH |location=Frankfurt am Main, Germany |isbn=978-3-465-04017-0 |page=185 |chapter=The Albanian legal and constitutional system between the World Wars |quote=From its own members congress elected a senate (Pleqësi), composed of 18 members, which assumed advisory role to the government.}}{{cite web|url=http://www.albanianhistory.net/texts20_1/AH1920.html |title=Ismail Kemal bey Vlora: Memoirs |first=Ismail |last=Qemali |access-date=23 January 2011 |quote=15th–28th November 1912 ... |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617232905/http://www.albanianhistory.net/texts20_1/AH1920.html |archive-date=17 June 2010}}{{cite web |url=http://www.albanianhistory.net/texts20_1/AH1920.html |title=Ismail Kemal bey Vlora: Memoirs |first=Ismail |last=Qemali |access-date=23 January 2011 |quote=On the resumption of the sitting, I was elected President of the Provisional Government, with a mandate to form a Cabinet ... |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617232905/http://www.albanianhistory.net/texts20_1/AH1920.html |archive-date=17 June 2010}}{{cite book |last=Giaro |first=Tomasz |title=Modernisierung durch Transfer zwischen den Weltkriegen |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dmrRCdTQBTcC&q=Provisional%20government%20of%20vlore%20december%204%201912&pg=PA185 |access-date=24 January 2011 |year=2007 |publisher=Vittorio Klosterman GmbH |location=Frankfurt am Main, Germany |isbn=978-3-465-04017-0 |page=185 |chapter=The Albanian legal and constitutional system between the World Wars |quote=a provisional government, consisting of ten members and led by Vlora, was formed on 4 December.}} Its sovereignty was recognised by the Conference of London. On 29 July 1913, the Treaty of London delineated the borders of the country and its neighbors, leaving many Albanians outside Albania, predominantly partitioned between Montenegro, Serbia, and Greece.{{cite web |last=Elsie |first=Robert |title=1913 The Conference of London |url=http://www.albanianhistory.net/texts20_1/AH1913_2.html |access-date=5 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717005551/http://www.albanianhistory.net/texts20_1/AH1913_2.html |archive-date=17 July 2011}}

Headquartered in Vlorë, the International Commission of Control was established on 15 October 1913 to take care of the administration of Albania until its own political institutions were in order.{{Citation |last=Jelavich |first=Barbara |title=History of the Balkans: Twentieth century |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Hd-or3qtqrsC&pg=PA100 |access-date=21 January 2011 |volume=2 |orig-year=1983 |year=1999 |publisher=The Press Syndicate of University of Cambridge |location=Cambridge, United Kingdom |isbn=978-0-521-27459-3 |page=[https://archive.org/details/historyofbalkans0000jela/page/101 101] |chapter=The end of Ottoman rule in Europe |quote=the International Commission ... had headquarters in Vlorë |url=https://archive.org/details/historyofbalkans0000jela/page/101}}{{cite web |url=http://www.cecl.gr/RigasNetwork/databank/REPORTS/r23/ZAHARIA.html |title=The post – 1989 constitutional course of south east Europe |last=Zaharia |first=Perikli |date=24 March 2003 |publisher=Centre for European Constitutional Law |location=Athens |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616151647/http://www.cecl.gr/RigasNetwork/databank/REPORTS/r23/ZAHARIA.html |archive-date=16 June 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=22 January 2011}} The International Gendarmerie was established as the Principality of Albania's first law enforcement agency. In November, the first gendarmerie members arrived in the country. Prince of Albania Wilhelm of Wied (Princ Vilhelm Vidi) was selected as the first prince of the principality.{{Citation |last1=Seton-Watson |first1=R.W. |last2=Wilson |first2=J. Dover |last3=Zimmern |first3=Alfred E. |last4=Greenwood |first4=Arthur |title=The War and Democracy |chapter-url=http://www.gutenberg.org/files/10668/10668.txt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113042806/http://www.gutenberg.org/files/10668/10668.txt |archive-date=13 November 2012 |date=10 January 2004 |orig-year=1915 |publisher=MacMillan |edition=1st |location=London |chapter=III Germany |quote=Prince William of Wied, the first Prince of Albania}} On 7 March, he arrived in the provisional capital of Durrës and began to organise his government, appointing Turhan Pasha Përmeti to form the first Albanian cabinet.

In November 1913, the Albanian pro-Ottoman forces had offered the throne of Albania to the Ottoman war minister of Albanian origin, Ahmed Izzet Pasha.{{cite web |url=http://www.albanianphotography.net/en/dmm.html |title=Albania under prince Wied |first=Robert |last=Elsie |author-link=Robert Elsie |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717003848/http://www.albanianphotography.net/en/dmm.html |quote=pro-Ottoman forces ... were opposed to the increasing Western influence ... In November 1913, these forces, ... had offered the vacant Albanian throne to General Izzet Pasha ... War Minister who was of Albanian origin. |archive-date=17 July 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=25 January 2011}} The pro-Ottoman peasants believed that the new regime was a tool of the six Christian Great Powers and local landowners, who owned half of the arable land.{{Citation |last=Jelavich |first=Barbara |title=History of the Balkans: Twentieth century |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Hd-or3qtqrsC&pg=PA100 |access-date=25 January 2011 |volume=2 |orig-year=1983 |year=1999 |publisher=The Press Syndicate of University of Cambridge |location=Cambridge, United Kingdom |isbn=978-0-521-27459-3 |page=103 |quote=peasants..willing listeners to Ottoman propaganda ... attached the new regime as a tool of the beys and Christian powers}}

In February 1914, the Autonomous Republic of Northern Epirus was proclaimed in Gjirokastër by the local Greek population against incorporation to Albania. This initiative was short-lived, and in 1921 the southern provinces were incorporated into the Albanian Principality.{{cite book|last1=Bowden|first1=William|title=Epirus Vetus : the archaeology of a late antique province |date=2003 |publisher=Duckworth |location=London |isbn=978-0-7156-3116-4 |page=28 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IjsbAAAAYAAJ&q=%22+Autonomous+Republic+of+Northern+Epirus.%22 |quote=the Greek Epirote population of the area refused to be incorporated into the new Albanian state and in February 1914 declared the Autonomous Republic of Northern Epirus ... in 1921 Albania was recognised as an independent sovereign state, with its borders established on their present lines.}}{{cite book|last1=ed|first1=Gregory C. Ference|title=Chronology of 20th century eastern European history |date=1994|publisher=Gale Research|location=Detroit [u.a.]|isbn=978-0-8103-8879-6|page=9|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RSLsAAAAMAAJ|quote=February 28 George Zographos, a former foreign minister of Greece, proclaims at Gjirokaster the establishment of the Autonomous Republic of Northern Epirus, with Zographos as president. He notifies the International Commission that his government has been established because the Great Powers have not provided the Greeks in southern Albania any guarantees for the protection of the life, property and religious freedom, and ethnic existence.}} Meanwhile, the revolt of Albanian peasants against the new regime erupted under the leadership of the group of Muslim clerics gathered around Essad Pasha Toptani, who proclaimed himself the savior of Albania and Islam.{{cite web |url=http://www.albaniainbrief.com/Albanian%20History/Fighting%20for%20amputated%20Albania.htm |title=The Efforts to settle amputated Albania state |publisher=albaniainbrief.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110601023209/http://albaniainbrief.com/Albanian%20History/Fighting%20for%20amputated%20Albania.htm |archive-date=1 June 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=28 January 2011 |quote=Thousands of muslim peasants, ... were exploited by their leaders Haxhi Qamili, Arif Hiqmeti, Musa Qazimi and Mustafa Ndroqi, ... to rebel}}{{cite book |last=Vickers |first=Miranda |title=The Albanians: a modern history |publisher=I.B. Tauris |year=1999 |quote=He gathered round him a group of discontented Muslim priests ... and proclaimed himself the savior of Albania and the Champion of Islam. |page=81 |isbn=978-1-86064-541-9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IzI0uOZ2j6gC}} To gain the support of the Mirdita Catholic volunteers from northern Albania, Prince Wied appointed their leader, Prênk Bibë Doda, foreign minister of the Principality of Albania. In May and June 1914, the International Gendarmerie was joined by Isa Boletini and his men, mostly from Kosovo,{{cite web |url=http://www.albanianphotography.net/en/dmm.html |title=Albania under prince Wied |first=Robert |last=Elsie |author-link=Robert Elsie |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717003848/http://www.albanianphotography.net/en/dmm.html |quote=mostly volunteers from Kosova under their leader Isa Boletini |archive-date=17 July 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=25 January 2011}} and the rebels defeated northern Mirdita Catholics, capturing most of Central Albania by the end of August 1914.{{cite web |url=http://www.albanianphotography.net/en/dmm.html |title=Albania under prince Wied |first=Robert |last=Elsie |author-link=Robert Elsie |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717003848/http://www.albanianphotography.net/en/dmm.html |quote=Panic broke out in Durrës, and the royal family sought refuge on an Italian vessel ... |archive-date=17 July 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=25 January 2011}} Prince Wied's regime collapsed, and he left the country on 3 September 1914.{{cite book |last1=Springer |first1=Elisabeth |last2=Kammerhofer |first2=Leopold |title=Archiv und Forschung |publisher=Oldenbourg Wissenschaftsverlag |year=1993 |page=346 |isbn=978-3-486-55989-7}}

{{Main|Albanian Republic (1925–1928)|l1=First Republic of Albania}}

{{See also|World War I in Albania|World War II in Albania|l1=World War I}}

File:Fan Stilian Noli.jpg played a significant role in the 20th century, advocating for Albanian independence and cultural revival, while also serving as Prime Minister in 1924 and later as the head of the Albanian Orthodox Church.]]

The interwar period in Albania was marked by persistent economic and social difficulties, political instability and foreign interventions.{{cite book |editor1-last=Zickel |editor1-first=Raymond |editor2-last=Iwaskiw |editor2-first=Walter R. |title=Albania country study |publisher=Federal Research Division, Library of Congress |url=https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/master/frd/frdcstdy/al/albaniacountryst00zick/albaniacountryst00zick.pdf |access-date=11 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230911125032/https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/master/frd/frdcstdy/al/albaniacountryst00zick/albaniacountryst00zick.pdf |archive-date=11 September 2023 |url-status=live}}{{cite book |last=Vickers |first=Miranda |title=The Albanians: A Modern History |date=29 November 1999 |publisher=Bloomsbury Academic |isbn=978-1-86064-541-9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IzI0uOZ2j6gC |access-date=13 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913115455/https://books.google.com/books?id=IzI0uOZ2j6gC |archive-date=13 September 2023 |page=118}} After World War I, Albania lacked an established government and internationally recognised borders, rendering it vulnerable to neighboring entities such as Greece, Italy, and Yugoslavia, all of which sought to expand their influence. This led to political uncertainty, highlighted in 1918 when the Congress of Durrës sought Paris Peace Conference protection but was denied, further complicating Albania's position on the international stage. Territorial tensions escalated as Yugoslavia, particularly Serbia, sought control of northern Albania, while Greece aimed dominance in southern Albania. The situation deteriorated in 1919 when the Serbs launched attacks on Albanian inhabitants, among others in Gusinje and Plav, resulting in massacres and large-scale displacement.{{cite book |last1=Davies |first1=Norman |date=2011 |title=Vanished Kingdoms: The History of Half-Forgotten Europe |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z4G_Cz9TF88C&q=Serbian+atrocities&pg=RA4-PR26 |url-status=live |publisher=Penguin Books Limited |isbn=978-0-14-196048-7 |page=17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913120242/https://books.google.com/books?id=Z4G_Cz9TF88C&q=Serbian+atrocities&pg=RA4-PR26 |archive-date=13 September 2023}}{{cite book |last1=Pettifer |first1=James |last2=Buchanan |first2=Tom |date=2015 |title=War in the Balkans: Conflict and Diplomacy before World War I |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g7eKDwAAQBAJ&q=Gusinye+massacre&pg=PA32 |access-date=13 September 2023 |url-status=live |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=978-0-85772-641-4 |page=32 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913120417/https://books.google.com/books?id=g7eKDwAAQBAJ&q=Gusinye+massacre&pg=PA32 |archive-date=13 September 2023}} Meanwhile, Italian influence continued to expand during this time, driven by economic interests and political ambitions.{{cite book |last1=Gerwarth |first1=Robert |date=2007 |title=Twisted Paths: Europe 1914-1945 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ts4SDAAAQBAJ |access-date=13 September 2023 |url-status=live |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-1992-8185-5 |pages=242–261 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913120715/https://books.google.com/books?id=Ts4SDAAAQBAJ |archive-date=13 September 2023}}

Fan Noli, renowned for his idealism, became prime minister in 1924, with a vision to institute a Western-style constitutional government, abolish feudalism, counter Italian influence, and enhance critical sectors, including infrastructure, education and healthcare. He faced resistance from former allies, who had assisted in the removal of Zog from power, and struggled to secure foreign aid to implement his agenda. Noli's decision to establish diplomatic ties with the Soviet Union, an adversary of the Serbian elite, ignited allegations of bolshevism from Belgrade. This in turn led to increased pressure from Italy and culminated in Zog's restoration to authority. In 1928, Zog transitioned Albania from a republic to a monarchy that garnered backing from Fascist Italy, with Zog assuming the title of King Zog I. Key constitutional changes dissolved the Senate and established a unicameral National Assembly while preserving Zog's authoritative powers.

In 1939, Italy under Benito Mussolini launched a military invasion of Albania, resulting to the exile of Zog and the creation of an Italian protectorate.{{cite book |last1=Keegan |first1=John |last2=Churchill |first2=Winston |date=1986 |title=The Second World War (Six Volume Boxed Set) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e0_3Nrc8D0wC&pg=PA314 |access-date=13 September 2023 |url-status=live |location=Boston, United States |publisher=Mariner Books |isbn=0-395-41685-X |page=314 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913121029/https://books.google.com/books?id=e0_3Nrc8D0wC&pg=PA314 |archive-date=13 September 2023}}{{cite book |last=Zabecki |first= David T. |title=World War II in Europe: an encyclopedia |publisher=Garland Pub |location=New York |year=1999 |pages=1353 |isbn=0-8240-7029-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gYDN-UfehEEC&q=albania+%22Italian+protectorate%22&pg=PA1353}} As World War II progressed, Italy aimed to expand its territorial dominion in the Balkans, including territorial claims on regions of Greece (Chameria), Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosovo. These ambitions laid the foundation of Greater Albania, which aimed to unite all areas with Albanian-majority populations into a single country.{{cite book|last1=Bogdani|first1=Mirela|last2=Loughlin|first2=John|title=Albania and the European Union: The Tumultuous Journey Towards Integration and Accession|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=32Wu8H7t8MwC&pg=PA230 |date=15 March 2007|publisher=I.B. Tauris|isbn=978-1-84511-308-7|page=230}} In 1943, as Italy's control declined, Nazi Germany assumed control of Albania, subjecting Albanians to forced labour, economic exploitation and repression under German rule.{{cite book|last=Morrock|first=Richard|title=The Psychology of Genocide and Violent Oppression: A Study of Mass Cruelty from Nazi Germany to Rwanda|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CZtnAbKkOmIC&pg=PA55 |date=11 October 2010|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-0-7864-5628-4|page=55|quote=The nationalist Balli Kombetar, which had fought against Italy, made a deal with the German invaders, and formed a "neutral" government in Tirana which ...}} The tide shifted in 1944 when Albanian partisan forces, under the leadership of Enver Hoxha and other communist leaders, successfully liberated Albania from German occupation.{{cite encyclopedia|title=Albanian Nationalism|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Albania/Albanian-nationalism|encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=22 November 2016}}

{{Clear}}

{{Main|Communism in Albania}}

{{Further|Expulsion of Cham Albanians}}

File:Enver Hoxha (portret).jpg was the founding leader of communist Albania and its ruler for over four decades, implementing a regime marked by authoritarianism and isolationism]]

The establishment of the People's Republic of Albania under the leadership of Enver Hoxha was a significant epoch in modern Albanian history.{{cite encyclopedia|title=Envery Hoxha|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Enver-Hoxha|encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=22 November 2016}} Hoxha's regime embraced Marxist–Leninist ideologies and implemented authoritarian policies, including prohibition of religious practices, severe restrictions on travel, and abolition of private property rights.{{cite web |publisher=Human Rights Watch (HRW) |title=Human Rights in Post-Communist Albania |url=https://www.hrw.org/legacy/summaries/s.albania963.html |access-date=11 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230911115340/https://www.hrw.org/legacy/summaries/s.albania963.html |archive-date=11 September 2023 |url-status=live}} It was also defined by a persistent pattern of purges, extensive repression, instances of betrayal, and hostility to external influences. Any form of opposition or resistance to his rule was met with expeditious and severe consequences, such as internal exile, extended imprisonment, and execution. The regime confronted a multitude of challenges, including widespread poverty, illiteracy, health crises and gender inequality. In response, Hoxha initiated a modernisation initiative aimed at attaining economic and social liberation and transforming Albania into an industrial society. The regime placed a high priority on the diversification of the economy through Soviet-style industrialisation, comprehensive infrastructure development such as the introduction of a transformative railway system, expansion of education and healthcare services, elimination of adult illiteracy, and targeted advancements in areas such as women's rights.{{cite web |last=Fischer |first=Bernd |website=OpenDemocracy |title=Albania and Enver Hoxha's legacy |url=https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/albania-and-enver-hoxhas-legacy/ |access-date=11 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230911122056/https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/albania-and-enver-hoxhas-legacy/ |archive-date=11 September 2023 |date=10 June 2010 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Pano |first=Aristotel |title=Panorama of the Economic-Social Development of Socialist Albania |url=http://www.revolutionarydemocracy.org/archive/panorama.htm |access-date=11 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531224429/http://www.revolutionarydemocracy.org/archive/panorama.htm |archive-date=31 May 2023 |url-status=live}}40 Years of Socialist Albania, Dhimiter Picani{{cite news |last=Qori|first=Arlind |date=22 February 2019 |title=From Faculty to Factory|url=https://jacobinmag.com/2019/02/albania-student-movement-higher-education|work=Jacobin |access-date=14 March 2019}}

File:Bunker in Albanian Alps.jpg were constructed to prevent potential external invasions. By 1983, approximately 173,371 bunkers were scattered throughout its territory{{Cite web|url=http://shqiptarja.com/speciale/2751/ekskluzive-hapet-dosja-ja-harta-e-bunkereve-e-tuneleve-sekrete-257289.html|title=Hapet dosja, ja harta e bunkerëve dhe tuneleve sekretë|access-date=11 August 2016|archive-date=17 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917171111/http://shqiptarja.com/speciale/2751/ekskluzive-hapet-dosja-ja-harta-e-bunkereve-e-tuneleve-sekrete-257289.html|url-status=dead}}]]

Albania's diplomatic history under Hoxha was characterised by notable conflicts. Initially aligned with Yugoslavia as a satellite state, the relationship deteriorated as Yugoslavia aimed to incorporate Albania within its territory. Subsequently, Albania established relations with the Soviet Union and engaged trade agreements with other Eastern European countries, but experienced disagreements over Soviet policies, leading to strained ties with Moscow and diplomatic separation in 1961. Simultaneously, tensions with the West heightened due to Albania's refusal to hold free elections and allegations of Western support for anti-communist uprisings. Albania's enduring partnership was with China; it sided with Beijing during the Sino-Soviet conflict, resulting in severed ties with the Soviet Union and withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact in response to the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968. But their relations stagnated in 1970, prompting both to reassess their commitment, and Albania actively reduced its dependence on China.

Under Hoxha's regime, Albania underwent a widespread campaign targeting religious clergy of various faiths, resulting in public persecution and executions, particularly targeting Muslims, Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox adherents. In 1946, religious estates underwent nationalisation, coinciding with the closure or transformation of religious institutions into various other purposes. This culminated in 1976, when Albania became the world's first constitutionally atheist state.{{Cite book|title=Historical Dictionary of Albania|last=Elsie|first=Robert|publisher=The Scarecrow Press|year=2010|isbn=978-0-8108-6188-6|edition=2nd|series=Historical Dictionaries of Europe, No. 75|location=Lanham, MD, and Plymouth|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=haFlGXIg8uoC&pg=PA27 27]}} Under this regime, citizens were forced to renounce their religious beliefs, adopt a secular way of life, and embrace socialist ideology.

{{Main|Fall of communism in Albania}}

{{Further|Pyramid schemes in Albania|Albanian civil war of 1997|l1=Pyramid schemes|l2=civil war of 1997}}

File:Tirana Square 1988.jpg in Tirana]]

After four decades of communism paired with the revolutions of 1989, Albania witnessed a notable rise in political activism, particularly among students, which led to a transformation in the prevailing order. After the first multi-party elections of 1991, the communist party maintained a stronghold in the parliament until its defeat in the parliamentary elections of 1992 directed by the Democratic Party.{{cite web |publisher=Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) |title=Report: The Elections in Albania |url=https://www.csce.gov/international-impact/publications/report-elections-albania |access-date=1 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001110932/https://www.csce.gov/international-impact/publications/report-elections-albania |archive-date=1 October 2020 |date=4 April 1991}} Considerable economic and financial resources were devoted to pyramid schemes that were widely supported by the government. The schemes swept up somewhere between one sixth and one third of the population of the country.{{cite journal |last=Jarvis |first=Christopher |year=2000 |url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/2000/03/jarvis.htm |title=The Rise and Fall of the Albanian Pyramid Schemes |journal=Finance and Development |volume=37 |issue=1 |pages=1}}{{cite journal |last=Bezemer |first=Dirk |year=2001 |title=Post-socialist Financial Fragility: The Case of Albania |journal=Cambridge Journal of Economics |volume=25 |issue=1 |pages=1–25 |doi=10.1093/cje/25.1.1 |jstor=23599718 |hdl=10419/85494 |hdl-access=free |url=http://papers.tinbergen.nl/99045.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://papers.tinbergen.nl/99045.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live}} Despite the International Monetary Fund's warnings, Sali Berisha defended the schemes as large investment firms, leading more people to redirect their remittances and sell their homes and cattle for cash to deposit in the schemes.{{cite journal |last=Musaraj |first=Smoki |year=2011 |title=Tales from Albarado: The Materiality of Pyramid Schemes in Post-socialist Albania |journal=Cultural Anthropology |volume=26 |issue=1 |pages=84–110 |doi=10.1111/j.1548-1360.2010.01081.x}}

The schemes began to collapse in late 1996, leading many of the investors to join initially peaceful protests against the government, requesting their money back. The protests turned violent in February 1997 as government forces responded by firing on the demonstrators. In March, the Police and Republican Guard deserted, leaving their armories open. These were promptly emptied by militias and criminal gangs. The resulting civil war caused a wave of evacuations of foreign nationals and refugees.For the most part, the Albanian refugees emigrated to Italy, Greece, Switzerland, Germany, or North America.

The crisis led both Aleksandër Meksi and Sali Berisha to resign from office in the wake of the general election. In April 1997, Operation Alba, a U.N. peacekeeping force led by Italy, entered Albania with two goals: to assist with the evacuation of expatriates and secure the ground for international organisations. The main international organisation involved was the Western European Union's multinational Albanian Police element, which worked with the government to restructure the judicial system and simultaneously the Albanian police.

{{Clear}}

{{See also|Accession of Albania to the European Union|Albania–NATO relations|l1=Accession of Albania to the EU|l2=NATO}}

{{Further|2019 Albania earthquake|COVID-19 pandemic in Albania}}

File:2019-11-26_Mamurras,_Albania_M6.4_earthquake_shakemap_(USGS).jpg was the strongest to hit Albania in more than four decades{{cite web |title=Significant Earthquake Information|last=National Geophysical Data Center / World Data Service (NGDC/WDS): NCEI/WDS Global Significant Earthquake Database. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information|url=https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazel/view/hazards/earthquake/event-more-info/10461|year=1972 |publisher=NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information|doi=10.7289/V5TD9V7K }}]]

After its communist system disintegrated, Albania embarked on an active path towards Westernisation with the ambition to obtain membership in the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).{{cite web |last=Burden |first=Brandon |publisher=Calhoun Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) |title=Nato's small states: Albania as a case study |url=https://calhoun.nps.edu/bitstream/handle/10945/51657/16Dec_Burden_Brandon.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y |access-date=16 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418005451/https://calhoun.nps.edu/bitstream/handle/10945/51657/16Dec_Burden_Brandon.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y |archive-date=18 April 2021 |pages=44–60 |date=December 2016 |url-status=live}} A notable milestone was reached in 2009, when the country attained membership in NATO, marking a pioneering achievement among the nations of Southeast Europe.{{cite web |publisher=North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) |title=Ceremony marks the accession of Albania and Croatia to NATO |url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_52902.htm?selectedLocale=en |access-date=1 December 2019 |date=7 April 2009}}{{cite web |website=ambasadat.gov.al |publisher=Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Albania to NATO |title=Albania in NATO |url=http://www.ambasadat.gov.al/otan/en/albania-nato}} In adherence to its vision for further integration into the EU, it formally applied for membership on 28 April 2009.{{cite web |publisher=European Commission (EC) |title=Albania{{spaced ndash}}Eu-Albania relations |url=http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/potential-candidate-countries/albania/eu_albania_relations_en.htm |access-date=1 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626032053/http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/potential-candidate-countries/albania/eu_albania_relations_en.htm |archive-date=26 June 2013 |url-status=dead}} Another milestone was reached on 24 June 2014, when the country was granted official candidate status.{{cite web |publisher=European Commission (EC) |title=EU candidate status for Albania |url=http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-14-439_en.htm |access-date=1 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505211210/https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/MEMO_14_439 |archive-date=5 May 2023 |date=24 June 2014 |url-status=live}}

Edi Rama of the Socialist Party won both the 2013 and 2017 parliamentary elections. As prime minister, he implemented numerous reforms focused on modernising the economy, as well as democratising state institutions, including the judiciary and law enforcement. Unemployment has steadily declined, with Albania achieving the 4th-lowest unemployment rate in the Balkans.{{cite web|url=http://gazeta-shqip.com/lajme/2017/01/26/ahmetaj-premtimi-per-300-mije-vende-pune-eshte-mbajtur/|title=Ahmetaj: Premtimi për 300 mijë vende punë është mbajtur – Gazeta SHQIP Online|first=Gazeta|last=Shqip|website=gazeta-shqip.com}} Rama has also placed gender equality at the centre of his agenda; since 2017 almost 50% of the ministers have been female, the largest number of women serving in the country's history.{{cite web|title=PM Rama at 'Global Leader Woman' Summit|url=http://www.ambasadat.gov.al/saudi-arabia/en/pm-rama-global-leader-woman-summit|website=ambasadat.gov.al}} During the 2021 parliamentary elections, the ruling Socialist Party led by Rama secured its third consecutive victory, winning nearly half of votes and enough seats in parliament to govern alone.{{cite web |publisher=Deutsche Welle (DW) |title=Albania: PM Edi Rama secures third term for Socialist Party |url=https://www.dw.com/en/albania-pm-edi-rama-secures-third-term-for-socialist-party/a-57356202 |access-date=16 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610072140/https://www.dw.com/en/albania-pm-edi-rama-secures-third-term-for-socialist-party/a-57356202 |archive-date=10 June 2021 |date=27 April 2021 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Crowcroft |first=Orlando |publisher=Euronews |title=Edi Rama claims 'beautiful victory' in Albanian election |url=https://www.euronews.com/2021/04/27/albanian-voters-head-to-the-polls-after-divisive-election-campaign |access-date=16 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430223803/https://www.euronews.com/2021/04/27/albanian-voters-head-to-the-polls-after-divisive-election-campaign |archive-date=30 April 2021 |date=27 April 2021 |url-status=live }}

On 26 November 2019, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake ravaged Albania, with the epicentre about {{convert|16|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} southwest of the town of Mamurras.{{cite anss|Albania|2019|us70006d0m|M 6.4 – 16 km WSW of Mamurras, Albania |access-date=1 December 2019}} The tremor was felt in Tirana and in places as far away as Taranto, Italy, and Belgrade, Serbia, while the most affected areas were the coastal city of Durrës and the village of Kodër-Thumanë.{{Cite web |url=https://earthquake-report.com/2019/11/26/very-strong-earthquake-albania-november-26-2019/ |title=Very Strong earthquake – Albania – November 26, 2019 |date=26 November 2019 |website=Earthquake-Report |access-date=1 December 2019 |archive-date=28 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128174146/https://earthquake-report.com/2019/11/26/very-strong-earthquake-albania-november-26-2019/ |url-status=usurped }} Comprehensive response to the earthquake included substantial humanitarian aid from the Albanian diaspora and various countries around the world.{{cite web |publisher=Exit News |title=Albanians Raise $13 Million in 3 Days for Earthquake Relief |url=https://exit.al/en/2019/11/29/albanians-raise-13-million-in-3-days-for-earthquake-relief/ |access-date=3 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803175535/https://exit.al/en/2019/11/29/albanians-raise-13-million-in-3-days-for-earthquake-relief/ |archive-date=3 August 2020 |date=29 November 2019}}

On 9 March 2020, COVID-19 was confirmed to have spread to Albania.{{cite web |publisher=Ministry of Health and Social Protection |title=Ministria e Shëndetësisë: Konfirmohen dy rastet e para me koronavirusin e ri |url=https://shendetesia.gov.al/ministria-e-shendetesise-konfirmohen-dy-rastet-e-para-me-koronavirusin-e-ri/ |access-date=3 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723160112/https://shendetesia.gov.al/ministria-e-shendetesise-konfirmohen-dy-rastet-e-para-me-koronavirusin-e-ri/ |archive-date=23 July 2020 |language=sq |date=9 March 2020}}{{cite web |last=Ruci |first=Ani |publisher=Deutsche Welle (DW) |title=Shqipëria preket nga virusi Corona |url=https://www.dw.com/sq/shqip%C3%ABria-preket-nga-virusi-corona/a-52695009 |access-date=3 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803155129/https://www.dw.com/sq/shqip%C3%ABria-preket-nga-virusi-corona/a-52695009 |archive-date=3 August 2020 |language=sq |date=9 March 2020}} From March to June 2020, the government declared a state of emergency as a measure to limit the virus's spread.{{cite web |publisher=A2 CNN |title=Masat për koronavirusin, Rama: Nga nesër postblloqe, gjobë 5000 euro kush thyen karantinën |url=https://a2news.com/2020/03/11/masat-per-koronavirusin-rama-nga-neser-postblloqe-gjobe-5000-euro-kush-thyen-karantinen/ |access-date=3 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803163323/https://a2news.com/2020/03/11/masat-per-koronavirusin-rama-nga-neser-postblloqe-gjobe-5000-euro-kush-thyen-karantinen/ |archive-date=3 August 2020 |language=sq |date=11 March 2020}}{{cite web |last=Gjonaj |first=Arlinda |publisher=Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) |title=Rama: Mbyllja e kufijve nuk këshillohet nga OBSH, vetëm kufizime të pjesshme |work=Agjencia Telegrafike Shqiptare |url=https://ata.gov.al/2020/03/09/rama-mbyllja-e-kufijve-nuk-keshillohet-nga-obsh-vetem-kufizime-te-pjesshme/ |access-date=3 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803163653/https://ata.gov.al/2020/03/09/rama-mbyllja-e-kufijve-nuk-keshillohet-nga-obsh-vetem-kufizime-te-pjesshme/ |archive-date=3 August 2020 |language=sq |date=9 March 2020}}{{cite web |last=Cuka |first=Fatjon |publisher=Anadolu Agency (AA) |title=COVID-19, në Shqipëri vazhdon lehtësimi i masave |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/sq/ballkani/covid-19-n%C3%AB-shqip%C3%ABri-vazhdon-leht%C3%ABsimi-i-masave-/1860741 |access-date=3 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803164706/https://www.aa.com.tr/sq/ballkani/covid-19-n%C3%AB-shqip%C3%ABri-vazhdon-leht%C3%ABsimi-i-masave-/1860741 |archive-date=3 August 2020 |language=sq |date=1 June 2020}} The country's COVID-19 vaccination campaign started on 11 January 2021, but as of 11 August 2021, the total number of vaccines administered in Albania was 1,280,239 doses.{{cite web |publisher=Ministry of Health and Social Protection |title=Fushata e vaksinimit 'Shqipëria buzëqesh' |url=https://shendetesia.gov.al/fushata-e-vaksinimit-shqiperia-buzeqesh/ |access-date=16 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816152924/https://shendetesia.gov.al/fushata-e-vaksinimit-shqiperia-buzeqesh/ |archive-date=16 August 2021 |language=sq |url-status=live }}{{cite web |publisher=Ministry of Health and Social Protection |title=Vaksinimi antiCOVID/ Kryhen 1,280,239 vaksinime |url=https://shendetesia.gov.al/vaksinimi-anticovid-kryhen-1280239-vaksinime/ |access-date=16 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814213946/https://shendetesia.gov.al/vaksinimi-anticovid-kryhen-1280239-vaksinime/ |archive-date=14 August 2021 |language=sq |date=11 August 2021 |url-status=live }}

On 21 September 2024, it was reported that Prime Minister Rama was planning to create the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order, a sovereign microstate for the Order within Tirana.{{Cite news |last=Higgens |first=Andrew |date=21 September 2024 |title=Albania Is Planning a New Muslim State Inside Its Capital |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/21/world/europe/albania-tirana-muslim-state-bektashi.html |url-status=live |access-date=21 September 2024 |work=The New York Times |archive-date=21 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921090757/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/21/world/europe/albania-tirana-muslim-state-bektashi.html }}

{{Main|Geography of Albania}}

File:Valbona_nga_Kukaj.jpg are an extension and simultaneously the highest section of the Dinaric Alps.]]

Albania lies along the Mediterranean Sea on the Balkan Peninsula in South and Southeast Europe, and has an area of {{convert|28748|km2|0|abbr=on}}.{{cite web |last=Eftimi |first=R. |title=Some Considerations on Seawater-freshwater Relationship in Albanian Coastal Area |url=http://aguas.igme.es/igme/publica/tiac-02/ALBANIA-I.pdf |access-date=30 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725011907/http://aguas.igme.es/igme/publica/tiac-02/ALBANIA-I.pdf |archive-date=25 July 2020 |location=Tirana}} It is bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the west, Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east, Greece to the south, and the Ionian Sea to the southwest. It is between latitudes 42° and 39° N and longitudes 21° and 19° E. Geographic coordinates include Vërmosh at 42° 35' 34" northern latitude as the northernmost point, Konispol at 39° 40' 0" northern latitude as the southernmost, Sazan at 19° 16' 50" eastern longitude as the westernmost, and Vërnik at 21° 1' 26" eastern longitude as the easternmost.{{cite web |publisher=Instituti i Statistikës (INSTAT) |url=http://www.instat.gov.al/graphics/doc/downloads/publikime/Tregues%20sipas%20qarqeve2006.pdf |title=Tregues Sipas Qarqeve Indicators by Prefectures |access-date=30 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724163040/http://www.instat.gov.al/graphics/doc/downloads/publikime/Tregues%20sipas%20qarqeve2006.pdf |archive-date=24 July 2011}} Mount Korab, rising at {{convert|2764|m|ft|2|abbr=on}} above the Adriatic, is the highest point, while the Mediterranean Sea, at {{convert|0|m|ft|2|abbr=on}}, is the lowest. The country extends {{convert|148|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} from east to west and around {{convert|340|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} from north to south.

Albania has a diverse and varied landscape with mountains and hills that traverse its territory in various directions. The country is home to extensive mountain ranges, including the Albanian Alps in the north, the Korab Mountains in the east, the Pindus Mountains in the southeast, the Ceraunian Mountains in the southwest, and the Skanderbeg Mountains in the centre. In the northwest is the Lake of Shkodër, Southern Europe's largest lake.{{cite web|last1=Bolevich|first1=Maria|title=Largest lake in southern Europe under threat from "eco-resort"|url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/2116873-largest-lake-in-southern-europe-under-threat-from-eco-resort/|website=New Scientist |date=3 January 2017}} Towards the southeast emerges the Lake of Ohrid, one of the world's oldest continuously existing lakes.{{cite web|title=Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/99|publisher=UNESCO|pages=UNESCO|quote=Situated on the shores of Lake Ohrid, the town of Ohrid is one of the oldest human settlements in Europe; Lake Ohrid is a superlative natural phenomenon, providing refuge for numerous endemic and relict freshwater species of flora and fauna dating from the tertiary period. As a deep and ancient lake of tectonic origin, Lake Ohrid has existed continuously for approximately two to three million years.}} Farther south, the expanse includes the Large and Small Lake of Prespa, some of the Balkans' highest lakes. Rivers rise mostly in the east and discharge into the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. The country's longest river, measured from mouth to source, is the Drin, which starts at the confluence of its two headwaters, the Black and White Drin. Of particular concern is the Vjosë, one of Europe's last intact large river systems.

In Albania forest cover is around 29.% of the total land area, equivalent to 788,900 hectares (ha) of forest in 2020, up from 788,800 hectares (ha) in 1990. Of the naturally regenerating forest 11% was reported to be primary forest (consisting of native tree species with no clearly visible indications of human activity) and around 0% of the forest area was found within protected areas. For the year 2015, 97% of the forest area was reported to be under public ownership, 3% private ownership and 0% with ownership listed as other or unknown.{{Cite book |url=https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/a6e225da-4a31-4e06-818d-ca3aeadfd635/content |title=Terms and Definitions FRA 2025 Forest Resources Assessment, Working Paper 194 |publisher=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |year=2023}}{{Cite web |title=Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020, Albania |url=https://fra-data.fao.org/assessments/fra/2020/ALB/home/overview |website=Food Agriculture Organization of the United Nations}}

{{Main|Climate of Albania}}

File:Gjipe_beach,_Albania.JPG is located on the confluence of the Adriatic and Ionian Sea, on the Albanian Riviera]]

The climate of Albania exhibits a distinguished level of variability and diversity due to the differences in latitude, longitude and altitude.{{cite web |publisher=United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) |title=Environmental Performance Reviews Albania |url=http://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/env/epr/epr_studies/AlbaniaII.pdf |access-date=8 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708192107/https://unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/env/epr/epr_studies/AlbaniaII.pdf |archive-date=8 July 2023 |page=30 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |publisher=Ministry of Environment of Albania |title=The First National Communication of the Republic of Albania to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) |url=https://unfccc.int/files/meetings/seminar/application/pdf/sem_albania_sup3.pdf |access-date=8 July 2023 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://unfccc.int/files/meetings/seminar/application/pdf/sem_albania_sup3.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |location=Tirana |pages=33{{spaced ndash}}34 |url-status=live}} Albania experiences a Mediterranean and Continental climate, characterised by the presence of four distinct seasons.{{cite web|author1=Ministry of Environment of Albania|title=Albania's Second National Communication to the Conference of Parties under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change|url=http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/albnc2.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/albnc2.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live|website=unfccc.int|location=Tirana|page=28|author1-link=Ministry of Environment (Albania)}} According to the Köppen classification, Albania encompasses five primary climatic types, spanning from Mediterranean and subtropical in the western half to oceanic, continental and subarctic in the eastern half of the country.{{cite web |publisher=World Bank Group |title=Albania: Climate Change Overview |url=https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/country/albania |access-date=8 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708191821/https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/country/albania |archive-date=8 July 2023 |url-status=live}} The coastal regions along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas in Albania are acknowledged as the warmest areas, while the northern and eastern regions encompassing the Albanian Alps and the Korab Mountains are recognised as the coldest areas in the country. Throughout the year, the average monthly temperatures fluctuate, ranging from {{convert|-1|°C|°F|lk=on}} during the winter months to {{convert|21.8|°C|°F|lk=off}} in the summer months. Notably, the highest recorded temperature of {{convert|43.9|°C|°F|lk=off}} was observed in Kuçovë on 18 July 1973, while the lowest temperature of {{convert|-29|°C|°F|lk=off}} was recorded in Shtyllë, Librazhd on 9 January 2017.{{cite web |url=http://www.chemicals.al/doc/profili_shqip.pdf|title=PERGATITJA E PROFILIT KOMBETAR SHQIPETAR PER TE VLERESUAR STRUKTUREN KOMBETARE NE MENAXHIMIN E KIMIKATEVE DHE ZBATIMIN E UDHEZIMEVE TE SAICM|access-date=4 March 2018|archive-date=11 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411202329/http://www.chemicals.al/doc/profili_shqip.pdf|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://shqiptarja.com/aktualitet/2731/--8203-moti-regjistrohet-temperatura-rekord-ne-shqiperi---29-grade-ne-librazhd-396120.html|title=Moti, regjistrohet temperatura rekord në Shqipëri, – 29 gradë në Librazhd|access-date=4 March 2018|archive-date=4 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304172653/https://shqiptarja.com/aktualitet/2731/--8203-moti-regjistrohet-temperatura-rekord-ne-shqiperi---29-grade-ne-librazhd-396120.html|url-status=dead}}

Albania receives most of the precipitation in winter months and less in summer months. The average precipitation is about {{convert|1485|mm|in|abbr=off}}. The mean annual precipitation ranges between {{convert|600|and|3000|mm|in|abbr=off}} depending on geographical location. The northwestern and southeastern highlands receive the intenser amount of precipitation, whilst the northeastern and southwestern highlands as well as the Western Lowlands the more limited amount.{{cite web|author1=Alban Kuriqi|title=Climate and climate change data for Albania|url=http://drinkadria.fgg.uni-lj.si/externalapp/content/climate/FB11_CC_Albania_national.pdf|website=drinkadria.fgg.uni-lj.si|location=Tirana|pages=3–5|access-date=26 November 2017|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043318/http://drinkadria.fgg.uni-lj.si/externalapp/content/climate/FB11_CC_Albania_national.pdf|url-status=dead}} The Albanian Alps in the far north of the country are considered to be among the most humid regions of Europe, receiving at least {{convert|3100|mm|1|abbr=on}} of rain annually. Four glaciers within these mountains were discovered at a relatively low altitude of {{convert|2000|m|ft}}, which is extremely rare for such a southerly latitude.{{cite journal |journal=Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research |volume=41 |issue=4 |pages=455–459 |date=30 November 2009 |last1=Hughes |first1=Philip D. |title=Twenty-first Century Glaciers and Climate in the Prokletije Mountains, Albania|doi=10.1657/1938-4246-41.4.455|bibcode=2009AAAR...41..455H |doi-access=free}}

{{Main|Biodiversity of Albania}}

{{See also|List of ecoregions in Albania|l1=Ecoregions in Albania}}

File:Golden_eagle_(13434882845).jpg is the national symbol and animal of Albania]]

A biodiversity hotspot, Albania possesses an exceptionally rich and contrasting biodiversity on account of its geographical location at the centre of the Mediterranean Sea and the great diversity in its climatic, geological and hydrological conditions.{{cite web |publisher=BirdLife International |title=Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot |url=https://www.cepf.net/sites/default/files/mediterranean-basin-2017-ecosystem-profile-english_0.pdf |access-date=30 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730213136/https://www.cepf.net/sites/default/files/mediterranean-basin-2017-ecosystem-profile-english_0.pdf |archive-date=30 July 2020 |date=July 2017}}{{cite web |publisher=National Agency of Protected Areas |title=Biodiversity in Albania |url=https://macfungi.webs.com/Fungi-Albanici/Report%20on%20National%20Situation%20of%20Biodiversity%20in%20Albania.pdf |access-date=30 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730213513/https://macfungi.webs.com/Fungi-Albanici/Report%20on%20National%20Situation%20of%20Biodiversity%20in%20Albania.pdf |archive-date=30 July 2020}} Because of remoteness, the mountains and hills of Albania are endowed with forests, trees and grasses that are essential to the lives for a wide variety of animals, among others for two of the most endangered species of the country, the lynx and brown bear, as well as the wildcat, grey wolf, red fox, golden jackal, Egyptian vulture and golden eagle, the latter constituting the national animal of the country.{{cite web |publisher=Ministry of Tourism and Environment |title=Fifth National Report of Albania to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) |url=https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/al/al-nr-05-en.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/al/al-nr-05-en.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live |access-date=30 July 2020 |page=4}}{{cite web|author1=UNECE|title=Albania Environmental Performance Reviews|url=http://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/env/epr/epr_studies/AlbaniaII.pdf|website=unece.org|page=141}}{{cite web |title=On the status and distribution of the large carnivores (Mammalia: Carnivora) in Albania |url=http://www.catsg.org/balkanlynx/07_library/7_2_publications/Pdfs/Bego_2000_Status_and_distribution_of_large_carnivores_in_Albania.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.catsg.org/balkanlynx/07_library/7_2_publications/Pdfs/Bego_2000_Status_and_distribution_of_large_carnivores_in_Albania.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live |access-date=30 July 2020 |location=Tirana |page=4}}{{cite web |title=Die potentielle Verbreitung der Wildkatze (Felis silvestris silvestris) in Österreich als Entscheidungsgrundlage für weitere Schutzmaßnahmen |url=https://www.wildkatze-in-oesterreich.at/pages_file/de/62/Habitateignung-Felis-silvestris-silvestris-Da-sarah-friembichler.pdf |website=wildkatze-in-oesterreich.at |location=Salzburg |page=19 |language=de |access-date=14 October 2018 |archive-date=9 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909073952/https://www.wildkatze-in-oesterreich.at/pages_file/de/62/Habitateignung-Felis-silvestris-silvestris-Da-sarah-friembichler.pdf |url-status=dead }}

The estuaries, wetlands and lakes are extraordinarily important for the greater flamingo, pygmy cormorant and the extremely rare and perhaps the most iconic bird of the country, the dalmatian pelican.{{cite web|author1=Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania|title=Albanian Nature|url=http://www.ppnea.org/albanian_nature.html|website=ppnea.org |access-date=4 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831152920/http://ppnea.org/albanian_nature.html |archive-date=31 August 2018 |url-status=dead}} Of particular importance are the Mediterranean monk seal, loggerhead sea turtle and green sea turtle that use to nest on the country's coastal waters and shores.

In terms of phytogeography, Albania is part of the Boreal Kingdom and stretches specifically within the Illyrian province of the Circumboreal and Mediterranean Region. Its territory can be subdivided into four terrestrial ecoregions of the Palearctic realm namely within the Illyrian deciduous forests, Balkan mixed forests, Pindus Mountains mixed forests and Dinaric Mountains mixed forests.{{cite web|author1=NaturAL|title=Albania towards NATURA 2000|url=http://www.natura.al/page.php?lang=en§ion=albaniatowardsn2000|website=natura.al|location=Tirana|page=1|access-date=26 November 2017|archive-date=11 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311223347/http://www.natura.al/page.php?lang=en§ion=albaniatowardsn2000|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=The National Parks of Albania The fifteen national parks in Albania encompass an area of 210,668.48 hectares which accounts for about 3.65% of the overall territory of the country.|url=http://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-national-parks-of-albania-protecting-the-natural-treasures-of-the-country.html|website=worldatlas.com|date=11 September 2019 |quote=The territory of Albania can be divided into four ecoregions: Dinaric Alpine (mixed forests in the far north). Balcanic (mixed forest in the north-east). Pindus mountain (mixed forests covering the central and southeast mountains). Illyrian deciduous (forest covering the rest of the country).}}

Approximately 3,500 different species of plants can be found in Albania which refers principally to a Mediterranean and Eurasian character. The country maintains a vibrant tradition of herbal and medicinal practices. At the minimum 300 plants growing locally are used in the preparation of herbs and medicines.{{cite web |author=Ministry of Environment |title=Gap Analysis for Nature Protection Legal Acts on Wild Fauna Conservation and Hunting (Albania) |url=https://www.al.undp.org/content/dam/albania/docs/FINAL%20GAP.pdf |website=al.undp.org |pages=86–99 |access-date=4 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014204539/https://www.al.undp.org/content/dam/albania/docs/FINAL%20GAP.pdf |archive-date=14 October 2018 |url-status=dead|author-link=Ministry of Environment (Albania)}} The trees within the forests are primarily fir, oak, beech and pine.

File:Ksamill-1.jpg lie in the Butrint National Park]]

Albania has been an active participant in numerous international agreements and conventions aimed at strengthing its commitment to the preservation and sustainable management of biological diversity. Since 1994, the country is a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its associated Cartagena and Nagoya Protocols.{{cite web |publisher=Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) |title=Country Profiles: Albania{{spaced ndash}}Main Details |url=https://www.cbd.int/countries/profile/?country=al#:~:text=In%20Albania%2C%203%2C200%20taxa%20of,are%20endemic%20to%20the%20country. |access-date=4 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904154959/https://www.cbd.int/countries/profile/?country=al |archive-date=4 September 2023 |url-status=live}} To uphold these commitments, it has developed and implemented a comprehensive National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). Furthermore, Albania has established a partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), advancing its conservation efforts on both national and international scales. Guided by the IUCN, the country has made substantial progress in the foundation of protected areas within its boundaries, encompassing 12 national parks among others Butrint, Karaburun-Sazan, Llogara, Prespa and Vjosa.{{cite journal |date=26 January 2022 |title=Për miratimin e ndryshimit të statusit dhe të sipërfaqes së ekosistemeve natyrore park kombëtar (kategoria ii) të zonave të mbrojtura mjedisore |url=https://qbz.gov.al/alfresco/api/-default-/public/alfresco/versions/1/nodes/9bdebcfb-5b0f-4d93-9854-5183906bd793/content?attachment=true&alf_ticket=TICKET_e8d425ce36bd2eaf13017ada30e7b7e30a4a8a93 |journal=Qendra e Botimeve Zyrtare |access-date=2 September 2023}}

As a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, Albania has granted special recognition upon four wetlands, designating them as Wetlands of International Importance, including Buna-Shkodër, Butrint, Karavasta and Prespa.{{cite web |publisher=Ramsar Convention |title=Annotated List of Wetlands of International Importance: Albania |url=https://rsis.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/rsiswp_search/exports/Ramsar-Sites-annotated-summary-Albania.pdf |access-date=4 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904155518/https://rsis.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/rsiswp_search/exports/Ramsar-Sites-annotated-summary-Albania.pdf |archive-date=4 September 2023 |url-status=live}} The country's dedication to protection extends further into the sphere of UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves, operating within the framework of the Man and the Biosphere Programme, evidenced by its engagement in the Ohrid-Prespa Transboundary Biosphere Reserve.{{cite web |publisher=United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) |title=Ohrid-Prespa Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, Albania/North Macedonia |url=https://en.unesco.org/biosphere/eu-na/ohrid-prespa |access-date=4 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904155725/https://en.unesco.org/biosphere/eu-na/ohrid-prespa |archive-date=4 September 2023 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |publisher=Euronatur |title=Prespa-Ohrid region: Ancient lakes and undiscovered mountain ranges |url=https://www.euronatur.org/en/what-we-do/project-areas/project-areas-a-z/balkan-green-belt/projects/prespa-ohrid-region/ |access-date=20 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920142057/https://www.euronatur.org/en/what-we-do/project-areas/project-areas-a-z/balkan-green-belt/projects/prespa-ohrid-region/ |archive-date=20 September 2021 |url-status=live}} Furthermore, Albania is host to two natural World Heritage Sites, which encompass the Ohrid region and both the Gashi River and Rrajca as part of Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe.{{cite web |publisher=United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) |title=Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe |url=http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1133 |access-date=20 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912222952/http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1133 |archive-date=12 September 2021 |url-status=live}}

{{Main|Protected areas of Albania}}

File:A fishermen house in Karavasta Lagoon (Divjakë-Karavasta National Park).jpg within the Divjakë-Karavasta National Park]]

The protected areas of Albania are areas designated and managed by the Albanian government. There are 12 national parks, 4 ramsar sites, 1 biosphere reserve and 786 other types of conservation reserves in Albania.{{cite web |last=Shumka |first=Spase |publisher=United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) |title=Albania's Biodiversity and Protected Areas An Executive Summary |url=https://www.undp.org/content/dam/albania/docs/short_report_design.pdf |access-date=26 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726213843/https://www.undp.org/content/dam/albania/docs/short_report_design.pdf |archive-date=26 July 2020}} Located in the north, the Albanian Alps National Park, comprising the former Theth National Park and Valbonë Valley National Park, is surrounded amidst the towering peaks of the Albanian Alps. In the east, portions of the rugged Korab, Nemërçka and Shebenik Mountains are conserved within the boundaries of Fir of Hotovë-Dangëlli National Park, Shebenik National Park and Prespa National Park, with the latter encompassing Albania's share of the Great and Small Lakes of Prespa.

To the south, the Ceraunian Mountains define the Albanian Ionian Sea Coast, shaping the landscape of Llogara National Park, which extends into the Karaburun Peninsula, forming the Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park. Further southward lies Butrint National Park, occupying a peninsula surrounded by the Lake of Butrint and the Channel of Vivari. In the west, stretching along the Albanian Adriatic Sea Coast, the Divjakë-Karavasta National Park boasts the extensive Lagoon of Karavasta, one of the largest lagoon systems in the Mediterranean Sea. Notably, Europe's first wild river national park, Vjosa National Park, safeguards the Vjosa River and its primary tributaries, which originates in the Pindus Mountains and flows to the Adriatic Sea. Dajti Mountain National Park, Lurë-Dejë Mountain National Park and Tomorr Mountain National Park protect the mountainous terrain of the centre of Albania, including the Tomorr and Skanderbeg Mountains.

{{Main|Environmental issues in Albania}}

File:Show Your Stripes change in temperature graphic for All of Albania with bars with labels.png

Environmental issues in Albania notably encompass air and water pollution, climate change impacts, waste management shortcomings, biodiversity loss and imperative for nature conservation.{{cite web |publisher=Sida's Helpdesk for Environment and Climate Change (SLU) |title=Albania Environment and Climate Change Policy Brief |url=https://sidaenvironmenthelpdesk.se/digitalAssets/1616/1616252_albania-eccpb-alb-nov-2011.pdf |access-date=5 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210905140139/https://sidaenvironmenthelpdesk.se/digitalAssets/1616/1616252_albania-eccpb-alb-nov-2011.pdf |archive-date=5 September 2021 |page=2 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |publisher=United Nations Development Programme Albania (UNDP) |title=Albania: Environment and Climate Change |url=https://www.al.undp.org/content/albania/en/home/crisis-response/in-depth.html |access-date=5 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922152100/https://www.al.undp.org/content/albania/en/home/crisis-response/in-depth.html |archive-date=22 September 2020 |url-status=live}}

Climate change is predicted to exert significant impacts on the quality of life in Albania.{{cite web |publisher=World Bank |title=Climate Risk Country Profile Albania |url=https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/sites/default/files/2021-06/15812-Albania%20Country%20Profile-WEB.pdf |access-date=6 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906121926/https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/sites/default/files/2021-06/15812-Albania%20Country%20Profile-WEB.pdf |archive-date=6 September 2021 |page=12 |url-status=live}} Albania is one of the European countries most at risk and vulnerable to natural disasters.{{Cite web |last=World Bank |date=October 2024 |title=Albania—Country Climate and Development Report |url=https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/albania/publication/albania-country-climate-and-development-report#:~:text=Background,in%20the%20year%202050%20alone. |access-date=2024-12-06 |website=World Bank |language=en}} Natural disasters, such as floods, forest fires, and landslides, are increasing in Albania due to climate change, causing significant damage.{{Cite web |last=International monetary Fund |date=14 November 2022 |title=IMF Country Report No. 22/363: Albania |url=https://www.imf.org/-/media/Files/Publications/CR/2022/English/1ALBEA2022005.ashx |access-date=6 December 2024 |website=IMF}}{{cite web |publisher=Ministry of Environment |title=Third National Communication of the Republic of Albania under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change |url=https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/Albania%20NC3_13%20October%202016_0.pdf |access-date=6 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707035551/https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/Albania%20NC3_13%20October%202016_0.pdf |archive-date=7 July 2021 |page=143 |url-status=live}} Rising sea levels are anticipated to negatively impact coastal communities and the tourism industry.{{Cite web |last=International monetary Fund |date=14 November 2022 |title=IMF Country Report No. 22/363: Albania |url=https://www.imf.org/-/media/Files/Publications/CR/2022/English/1ALBEA2022005.ashx |access-date=6 December 2024 |website=IMF}}

In 2023 Albania emitted 7.67 million tonnes of greenhouse gases,{{Cite journal |last1=Jones |first1=Matthew W. |last2=Peters |first2=Glen P. |last3=Gasser |first3=Thomas |last4=Andrew |first4=Robbie M. |last5=Schwingshackl |first5=Clemens |last6=Gütschow |first6=Johannes |last7=Houghton |first7=Richard A. |last8=Friedlingstein |first8=Pierre |last9=Pongratz |first9=Julia |last10=Le Quéré |first10=Corinne |date=2023-03-29 |title=National contributions to climate change due to historical emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide since 1850 |url=https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-023-02041-1 |journal=Scientific Data |volume=10 |issue=1 |page=155 |doi=10.1038/s41597-023-02041-1 |pmid=36991071 |issn=2052-4463|pmc=10060593 |bibcode=2023NatSD..10..155J }} equivalent to 2.73 tonnes per person,{{Cite journal |last1=Ritchie |first1=Hannah |last2=Rosado |first2=Pablo |last3=Roser |first3=Max |date=2024-01-05 |title=Greenhouse gas emissions |url=https://ourworldindata.org/greenhouse-gas-emissions |journal=Our World in Data |language=en}} making it a relatively low emitting country. Albania has pledged a 20.9% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030, and net zero by 2050.{{Cite web |title=Albania Climate Change Data {{!}} Emissions and Policies |url=https://www.climatewatchdata.org/countries/ALB?end_year=2021&start_year=1990 |access-date=2024-12-06 |website=www.climatewatchdata.org}}

The country has a moderate and improving performance in the Environmental Performance Index with an overall ranking of 62 out of 180 countries in 2022.{{cite web |publisher=Environmental Performance Index (EPI) |title=2022 Environmental Performance Index Results |date=3 June 2020 |url=https://epi.yale.edu/epi-results/2022/component/epi |access-date=10 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610151325/https://epi.yale.edu/epi-results/2022/component/epi |archive-date=10 June 2023 |url-status=live}} However, Albania's ranking has decreased since its highest placement at position 15 in the Environmental Performance Index of 2012.{{cite web |publisher=Columbia University, Yale University |title=2012 Environmental Performance Index and Pilot Trend Environmental Performance Index |url=https://wbc-rti.info/object/document/7519/attach/2012EPI_Report.pdf |access-date=5 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200528081455/https://wbc-rti.info/object/document/7519/attach/2012EPI_Report.pdf |archive-date=28 May 2020 |page=10 |url-status=live}}

{{Panorama |image=Prespa_and_Prespa_National_Park_Albania_2017.jpg |height=210px |caption={{Center|The Prespa National Park in southeastern Albania is part of the European Green Belt and Ohrid-Prespa Biosphere Reserve.}}}}

{{Main|Politics of Albania}}

{{See also|Government of Albania}}

Since declaring independence in 1912, Albania has experienced a significant political transformation, traversing through distinct periods that included a monarchical rule, a communist regime and the eventual establishment of a democratic order.{{cite web |publisher=North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) |title=Legal and Institutional Reform in albania after the Democratic Revolution (1991{{spaced ndash}}1997) |url=https://www.nato.int/acad/fellow/95-97/luarasi.pdf |access-date=10 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230910150444/https://www.nato.int/acad/fellow/95-97/luarasi.pdf |archive-date=10 September 2023 |url-status=live}} In 1998, Albania transitioned into a sovereign parliamentary constitutional republic, marking a fundamental milestone in its political evolution.{{cite web |publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) |title=Constitution of the Republic of Albania |url=https://www.osce.org/albania/41888 |access-date=10 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230910145807/https://www.osce.org/albania/41888 |archive-date=10 September 2023 |url-status=live}} Its governance structure operates under a constitution that serves as the principal document of the country.{{cite web |publisher=Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) |title=Constitution of Albania |url=https://www.fao.org/faolex/results/details/en/c/LEX-FAOC072561/ |access-date=10 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230910150216/https://www.fao.org/faolex/results/details/en/c/LEX-FAOC072561/ |archive-date=10 September 2023 |url-status=live}} The constitution is grounded in the principle of the separation of powers, with three arms of government that encompass the legislative embodied in the Parliament, the executive led by the President as the ceremonial head of state and the Prime Minister as the functional head of government, and the judiciary with a hierarchy of courts, including the constitutional and supreme courts as well as multiple appeal and administrative courts.

Albania's legal system is structured to protect its people's political rights, regardless of their ethnic, linguistic, racial, or religious affiliations.{{cite web |publisher=Freedom House |title=Albania: Freedom in the World 2023 |url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/albania/freedom-world/2023 |access-date=10 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230910183519/https://freedomhouse.org/country/albania/freedom-world/2023 |archive-date=10 September 2023 |url-status=live}} Despite these principles, there are significant human rights concerns in Albania that demand attention.{{cite web |publisher=United States Department of State |title=2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Albania |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/albania/ |access-date=10 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230910184101/https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/albania/ |archive-date=10 September 2023 |url-status=live}} These concerns include issues related to the independence of the judiciary, the absence of a free media sector and the enduring problem of corruption within various governmental bodies, law enforcement agencies and other institutions. As Albania pursues its path towards EU membership, active efforts are being made to achieve substantial improvements in these areas to align with EU criteria and standards.

{{Main|Foreign relations of Albania}}

File:Artigianato Arberesh.jpg and Albania, an official application for the inclusion of the Arbëreshë people in the list of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage is being prepared.{{cite web |publisher=Telegrafi |title=Arbëreshët kërkojnë ndihmë nga Tirana (Video) |date=4 April 2017 |url=https://telegrafi.com/arbereshet-kerkojne-ndihme-nga-tirana-video/ |access-date=4 April 2017 |language=sq}}]]

Emerging from decades of isolation during the communism, Albania has adopted a foreign policy orientation centred on active cooperation and engagement in international affairs. At the core of Albania's foreign policies lie a set of objectives, which encompass the commitment to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, the cultivation of diplomatic ties with other countries, advocating for international recognition of Kosovo, addressing the concerns related to the expulsion of Cham Albanians, pursuing Euro-Atlantic integration and protecting the rights of the Albanians in Kosovo, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and the diaspora.{{cite journal |last1=Aydın |first1=Abdurrahim F. |last2=Progonati |first2=Erjada |title=Albanian foreign policy in the post-communist era |journal=Unisci Discussion Papers |date=May 2011 |volume=26 |doi=10.5209/REV_UNIS.2011.V26.37824 |s2cid=154016018|doi-access=free |url=https://www.redalyc.org/pdf/767/76718800012.pdf }}

The external affairs of Albania underscore the country's dedication to regional stability and integration into major international institutions.{{cite web |publisher=Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs |title=Albania in the region |url=https://punetejashtme.gov.al/en/shqiperia-ne-rajon/ |access-date=3 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603154057/https://punetejashtme.gov.al/en/shqiperia-ne-rajon/ |archive-date=3 June 2023 |url-status=live}} Albania became a member of the United Nations (UN) in 1955, shortly after emerging from a period of isolation during the communist era.{{cite web |publisher=Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs |title=Meeting Global Challenges Through Partnership Albania For UN Security Council 2022{{spaced ndash}}2023 |url=https://punetejashtme.gov.al/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Security-Council-UN.pdf |access-date=4 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904125516/https://punetejashtme.gov.al/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Security-Council-UN.pdf |archive-date=4 September 2023 |url-status=live}} The country reached a major achievement in its foreign policy by securing NATO membership in 2009.{{cite web |publisher=North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) |title=Nato member countries |url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_52044.htm |access-date=3 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903225501/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_52044.htm |archive-date=3 September 2023 |date=8 June 2023 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |publisher=North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) |title=Ceremony marks the accession of Albania and Croatia to Nato |url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_52902.htm |access-date=3 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903225736/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_52902.htm |archive-date=3 September 2023 |date=7 April 2009 |url-status=live}} Since obtaining candidate status in 2014, the country has also embarked on a comprehensive reform agenda to align itself with European Union (EU) accession standards, with the objective of becoming an EU member state.

Albania and Kosovo maintain a fraternal relationship strengthened by their substantial cultural, ethnical and historical ties.{{cite web |publisher=Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs |title=Relations with Regional Countries |url=https://punetejashtme.gov.al/en/shqiperia-ne-rajon/marredheniet-me-vendet-e-rajonit/ |access-date=4 September 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230904132650/https://punetejashtme.gov.al/en/shqiperia-ne-rajon/marredheniet-me-vendet-e-rajonit/ |archive-date=4 September 2023 |url-status=live}} Both countries foster enduring diplomatic ties, with Albania actively supporting Kosovo's development and international integration efforts. Its fundamental contribution to Kosovo's path to independence is underscored by its early recognition of Kosovo's sovereignty in 2008.{{cite web |last=Dhimolea |first=Antonela |publisher=Friedrich Ebert Foundation |title=Comprehensive cooperation between Albania and Kosovo as an auxiliary instrument to a speedy regional economic integration |url=https://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/albanien/20321.pdf |access-date=4 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904133234/https://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/albanien/20321.pdf |archive-date=4 September 2023 |url-status=live}} Furthermore, both governments hold annual joint meetings, displayed by the inaugural meeting in 2014, which serves as an official platform to enhance bilateral cooperation and reinforce their joint commitment to policies that promote the stability and prosperity of the broader Albanian region.

{{Main|Armed Forces of Albania}}

File:Albanian special operations forces, provide security as Afghan Border Police (ABP) break ground on a new checkpoint in the district of Spin Boldak, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, March 25, 2013 130325-A-MX357-127.jpg in the Province of Kandahar, Afghanistan]]

The Albanian Armed Forces consist of Land, Air and Naval Forces and constitute the military and paramilitary forces of the country. They are led by a commander-in-chief under the supervision of the Ministry of Defence and by the President as the supreme commander during wartime. However, in times of peace its powers are executed through the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister.{{cite constitution |article=169 |section=1 |country=Albania |ratified=28 November 1998 |url=http://www.osce.org/albania/41888 |access-date=6 July 2016}}

The chief purpose of the armed forces of Albania is the defence of the independence, the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the country, as well as the participation in humanitarian, combat, non-combat and peace support operations. Military service is voluntary since 2010 with the age of 19 being the legal minimum age for the duty.{{cite web|title=Albania to end conscription by 2010|url=https://www.wri-irg.org/node/745|website=wri-irg.org |date=22 August 2008}}{{cite web|title=Albania Military 2017|url=http://www.theodora.com/wfbcurrent/albania/albania_military.html|website=theodora.com}}

Albania has committed to increase the participations in multinational operations.{{cite web|author1=Ministry of Defence|title=Engagement Policy and evidence of AAF participation in PK missions|url=http://www.mod.gov.al/arkiv/eng/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=902:politika-e-angazhimit-dhe-evidenca-e-pjesemarrjes-se-farsh-ne-misione-paqeruajtese-dhe-luftarake-te-drejtuara-nga-nato-be-dhe-okb&catid=197:misione-nderkombetare&Itemid=588|website=mod.gov.al|author1-link=Ministry of Defence (Albania)}} Since the fall of communism, the country has participated in six international missions but only one United Nations mission in Georgia, where it sent three military observers. Since February 2008, Albania has participated officially in NATO's Operation Active Endeavor in the Mediterranean Sea.[http://www.nato.int/isminor sues/active_endeavour/index.html Operation Active Endeavour]. nato.int {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830210539/http://www.nato.int/issues/active_endeavour/index.html |date=30 August 2011}} It was invited to join NATO on 3 April 2008, and it became a full member on 2 April 2009.{{cite web|title=Albania membership Nato |publisher=NATO |url=http://www.nato.int/issues/nato_albania/evolution.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728003727/http://www.nato.int/issues/nato_albania/evolution.html |archive-date=28 July 2011}}

Albania reduced the number of active troops from 65,000 in 1988 to 14,500 in 2009.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/1935630.stm |work=BBC News |title=Albania sells off its military hardware |date=17 April 2002}}{{cite web|url=http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/features/setimes/features/2008/08/21/feature-03 |title=Albania to abolish conscription by 2010 |work=Southeast European Times |date=21 August 2008 |access-date=29 December 2009}} The military now consists mainly of a small fleet of aircraft and sea vessels. Increasing the military budget was one of the most important conditions for NATO integration. As of 1996 military spending was an estimated 1.5% of the country's GDP, only to peak in 2009 at 2% and fall again to 1.5%.{{cite web|title=Albanian military expenditure as % of GDP|url=https://www.google.com/publicdata/explore?ds=d5bncppjof8f9_&met_y=ms_mil_xpnd_gd_zs&idim=country:ALB&dl=en&q=military+expenditure+of+albania#!ctype=l&strail=false&bcs=d&nselm=h&met_y=ms_mil_xpnd_gd_zs&scale_y=lin&ind_y=false&rdim=region&idim=country:ALB&ifdim=region&dl=en&ind=false|publisher=World Bank}}

{{Main|Administrative divisions of Albania}}

{{See also|Counties of Albania|Regions of Albania|Municipalities of Albania|Communes of Albania|Villages of Albania}}

{{image frame |content={{Albania Labelled Map}} |caption=The counties of Albania are the first-level administrative units in Albania.}}

Albania is defined within a territorial area of {{convert|28748|km2|0|abbr=on}} in the Balkan Peninsula. It is informally divided into three regions, the Northern, Central and Southern Regions. Since its Declaration of Independence in 1912, Albania has reformed its internal organisation 21 times. Presently, the primary administrative units are the twelve constituent counties ({{lang|sq|{{linktext|qarqe|lang=sq}}/{{linktext|qarqet|lang=sq}}}}), which hold equal status under the law.{{cite web |publisher=Government of Albania |title=Reforma Administrativo-territoriale |url=https://www.parlament.al/download/studime_propozime_per_komisioni_p--r_reform--n_administrativo-territoriale/KRITERET-TEKNIKE-PROPOZIMI-PER-KOMISIONIN-28-PRILL-2014.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.parlament.al/download/studime_propozime_per_komisioni_p--r_reform--n_administrativo-territoriale/KRITERET-TEKNIKE-PROPOZIMI-PER-KOMISIONIN-28-PRILL-2014.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live |page=8 |language=sq}} Counties had previously been used in the 1950s and were recreated on 31 July 2000 to unify the 36 districts ({{lang|sq|{{linktext|rrathë|lang=sq}}/{{linktext|rrathët|lang=sq}}}}) of that time.{{cite web |title=A Brief History of the Administrative-territorial Organisation in Albania |url=http://www.reformaterritoriale.al/en/reform/history |website=reformaterritoriale.al |access-date=27 September 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609225417/http://www.reformaterritoriale.al/en/reform/history |archive-date=9 June 2017}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.reformaterritoriale.al/en/roadmap/history |title=A Brief History of the Administrative-territorial Organization in Albania |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524170836/http://www.reformaterritoriale.al/en/roadmap/history |archive-date=24 May 2015}} The largest county in Albania by population is Tirana County with over 800,000 people. The smallest county, by population, is Gjirokastër County with over 70,000 people. The largest county, by area, is Korçë County encompassing {{convert|3711|km²|sqmi}} of the southeast of Albania. The smallest county, by area, is Durrës County with an area of {{convert|766|km²|sqmi}} in the west of Albania.

The counties are made up of 61 second-level divisions known as municipalities ({{lang|sq|{{linktext|bashki|lang=sq}}/{{linktext|bashkia|lang=sq}}}}).{{cite web |publisher=Fletorja Zyrtare e Republikës së Shqipërisë |title=STRATEGJIA NDËRSEKTORIALE PËR DECENTRALIZIMIN DHE QEVERISJEN VENDORE 2015–2020 |url=http://www.qbz.gov.al/botime/fletore_zyrtare/2015/PDF-2015/147-2015.pdf |page=9 |language=sq |access-date=23 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630232453/http://qbz.gov.al/botime/fletore_zyrtare/2015/PDF-2015/147-2015.pdf |archive-date=30 June 2017 |url-status=dead}} The municipalities are the first level of local governance, responsible for local needs and law enforcement.{{cite web|url=http://www.moi.gov.al/english/images/pdf/qeverisja_vendore.pdf |title=On the Organization and Functioning of the Local Government, Republic of Albania, 2000 |access-date=27 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100215175046/http://www.moi.gov.al/english/images/pdf/qeverisja_vendore.pdf |archive-date=15 February 2010 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.shekulli.com.al/web/p.php?id=38109&kat=88 |title=Ndarja e re, mbeten 28 bashki, shkrihen komunat | Shekulli Online |publisher=Shekulli.com.al |date=10 January 2014 |access-date=15 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140113102623/http://www.shekulli.com.al/web/p.php?id=38109&kat=88 |archive-date=13 January 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://www.reformaterritoriale.al/ |title=Reforma Territoriale – KRYESORE |publisher=Reformaterritoriale.al |access-date=15 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170514063154/http://www.reformaterritoriale.al/ |archive-date=14 May 2017}} They unified and simplified the previous system of urban and rural municipalities or communes ({{lang|sq|{{linktext|komuna|lang=sq}}/{{linktext|komunat|lang=sq}}}}) in 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.top-channel.tv/lajme/artikull.php?id=292404|title=Ndarja administrative, njësitë vendore në lagje dhe fshatra|access-date=7 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925225940/http://top-channel.tv/lajme/artikull.php?id=292404|archive-date=25 September 2017|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.shekulli.com.al/web/p.php?id=38109&kat=88|title=Ndarja e re, mbeten 28 bashki, shkrihen komunat – Shekulli Online|publisher=Shekulli.com.al |access-date=23 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140113102623/http://www.shekulli.com.al/web/p.php?id=38109&kat=88 |archive-date=13 January 2014}} For smaller issues of local government, the municipalities are organised into 373 administrative units ({{lang|sq|njësia}}/{{lang|sq|njësitë administrative}}). There are also 2980 villages ({{lang|sq|{{linktext|fshatra|lang=sq}}/{{linktext|fshatrat|lang=sq}}}}), neighborhoods or wards ({{lang|sq|{{linktext|lagje|lang=sq}}/{{linktext|lagjet|lang=sq}}}}), and localities ({{lang|sq|{{linktext|lokalitete|lang=sq}}/{{linktext|lokalitetet|lang=sq}}}}) previously used as administrative units.

{{Clear}}

{{Main|Economy of Albania}}File:Toptani Shopping Mall Tirana 2016.jpg is the economic hub of the country. It is home to major domestic and foreign companies operating in the country.]]

Albania has continued to develop its mixed economy, achieving an upper-middle-income status as classified by the World Bank. In 2022, the country's GDP per capita was reported at $8,575.20.{{Cite web |title=World Bank Open Data |url=https://data.worldbank.org/country/albania |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=World Bank Open Data}}{{Cite web |title=World Bank Open Data |url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.PCAP.CD |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=World Bank Open Data}}{{Cite web |title=Overview |url=https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/albania/overview |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=World Bank |language=en}}

The unemployment rate has seen fluctuations over recent years.{{Cite web |title=Albania Unemployment Rate 1991-2025 |url=https://www.macrotrends.net/global-metrics/countries/ALB/albania/unemployment-rate |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=www.macrotrends.net}} In the third quarter of 2024, the unemployment rate stood at 10.5%, a decrease from 10.7% in the previous quarter. Notably, the unemployment rate among individuals aged 15 to 29 decreased to 19.1% in the fourth quarter of 2024, down from 21.2% in the same period of 2023.{{Cite web |last=Hodo |first=Genta |date=2025-03-12 |title=Albania's unemployment rate down in Q4 {{!}} Albania Economy News {{!}} SeeNews |url=https://seenews.com/news/albanias-unemployment-rate-down-in-q4-1272190 |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=seenews.com |language=en}}

Italy remains Albania's largest trading partner, accounting for 49.5% of exports in 2022. Other significant export partners include Serbia (10.2%), Montenegro (7.9%), Greece (6.8%), North Macedonia (5.5%), and Spain (4.4%).{{Cite web |title=Foreign trade figures of Albania - International Trade Portal |url=https://www.lloydsbanktrade.com/en/market-potential/albania/trade-profile |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=www.lloydsbanktrade.com |language=en}} The United States is also a notable trading partner, with Albania maintaining a trade relationship involving various goods.{{Cite web |title=Albania (ALB) and United States (USA) Trade |url=https://oec.world/en/profile/bilateral-country/alb/partner/usa |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=The Observatory of Economic Complexity |language=en}}

Foreign direct investment (FDI) has shown a positive trend. According to preliminary data from the Bank of Albania, FDI inflows in 2022 exceeded $1.44 billion, with investments concentrated in extractive industries and energy.{{Cite web |title=Albania |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-investment-climate-statements/albania/ |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=United States Department of State |language=en-US}} By the end of 2023, the stock of FDI from European Union countries in Albania reached nearly €6 billion.{{Cite web |title=Albania Region's 3rd for FDI from EU Countries |url=https://albaniandailynews.com/news/albania-region-s-3rd-for-fdi-from-eu-countries |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=ALBANIA DAILY NEWS |language=en}}

{{main|Agriculture in Albania}}

File:Berat_kale_-_panoramio.jpg. Due to the Mediterranean climate, wine, olives and citrus fruits are mostly produced in Southern Albania.]]

Agriculture in the country is based on small to medium-sized family-owned dispersed units. It remains a significant sector of the economy of Albania. It employs 41%{{cite web|title=Albanian employment rate increases in agriculture, services sector in Q1 2016|url=http://www.fdi.gov.cn/1800000121_37_49409_0_7.html|website=fdi.gov.cn|access-date=15 June 2016|archive-date=22 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922195106/http://www.fdi.gov.cn/1800000121_37_49409_0_7.html|url-status=dead}} of the population, and about 24.31% of the land is used for agricultural purposes. One of the earliest farming sites in Europe has been found in the southeast of the country.{{cite web|url=http://www.uc.edu/news/NR.aspx?id=15552 |title=UC Research Reveals One of the Earliest Farming Sites in Europe |publisher=University of Cincinnati |date=16 April 2012 |access-date=17 June 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910103042/http://www.uc.edu/news/NR.aspx?id=15552 |archive-date=10 September 2015}} As part of the pre-accession process of Albania to the European Union, farmers are being aided through IPA funds to improve Albanian agriculture standards.{{Cite web |url=http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/albania/ipa/2011/pf_7_agriculture_ipard_like_measures.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/albania/ipa/2011/pf_7_agriculture_ipard_like_measures.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live |title=IPA National Programme 2011 for Albania Project Fiche 7: Support to Agriculture and Rural Development |publisher=European Commission}}

Albania produces significant amounts of fruits (apples, olives, grapes, oranges, lemons, apricots, peaches, cherries, figs, sour cherries, plums, and strawberries), vegetables (potatoes, tomatoes, maize, onions, and wheat), sugar beets, tobacco, meat, honey, dairy products, traditional medicine and aromatic plants. Further, the country is a worldwide significant producer of salvia, rosemary and yellow gentian.{{cite web|author1=Dhimitër Doka|title=Albaniens vergessener Exportschlager|url=https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/web/kosmos-humboldtianer-im-fokus-91-4.html|website=humboldt-foundation.de|access-date=10 May 2016|language=de|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201082108/https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/web/kosmos-humboldtianer-im-fokus-91-4.html|url-status=dead}} The country's proximity to the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic Sea give the underdeveloped fishing industry great potential. The World Bank and European Community economists report that, Albania's fishing industry has good potential to generate export earnings because prices in the nearby Greek and Italian markets are many times higher than those in the Albanian market. The fish available off the coasts of the country are carp, trout, sea bream, mussels and crustaceans.

Albania has one of Europe's longest histories of viticulture.[http://www.winealbania.com winealbania.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110208101841/http://winealbania.com/ |date=8 February 2011}} Wine Albania Portal Today's region was one of the few places where vine was naturally grown during the ice age. The oldest found seeds in the region are 4,000 to 6,000 years old.{{cite book|author=Tom Stevenson|title=The Sotheby's Wine Encyclopedia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8S7IkQEACAAJ|year=2011|publisher=Dorling Kindersley|isbn=978-1-4053-5979-5}} In 2009, the nation produced an estimated 17,500 tonnes of wine.{{cite web|url=http://faostat.fao.org/site/636/DesktopDefault.aspx?PageID=636#ancor |title=Wine production (tons) |publisher=Food and Agriculture Organization |page=28 |access-date=18 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520105103/http://faostat.fao.org/site/636/DesktopDefault.aspx?PageID=636 |archive-date=20 May 2011}}

{{See also|Category:Mines in Albania}}

File:Something in Albania (10759257413).jpg factory in Fushë-Krujë]]

Albania's secondary sector has undergone many changes and diversification since the communist regime collapsed. It is very diversified, from electronics, manufacturing,{{cite web|title=Manufacturing & garment industry|url=https://invest-in-albania.org/manufacturing-garment-industry/|date=1 June 2014|access-date=17 April 2017|archive-date=18 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818214425/https://invest-in-albania.org/manufacturing-garment-industry/|url-status=dead}} textiles, to food, cement, mining,{{cite web|title=Mining sector|url=https://invest-in-albania.org/mining-sector/ |date=1 June 2014}} and energy. The Antea Cement plant in Fushë-Krujë is considered one of the nation's largest industrial greenfield investments.{{cite web|title=ANTEA, the company with the highest working standards|url=http://www.anteacement.com/2015/06/20/antea-the-company-with-the-highest-working-standards/|website=anteacement.com|access-date=17 April 2017|archive-date=18 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418081831/http://www.anteacement.com/2015/06/20/antea-the-company-with-the-highest-working-standards/|url-status=dead}} Albanian oil and gas is one of the most promising, albeit strictly regulated, sectors of its economy. Albania has the second-largest oil deposits in the Balkan peninsula after Romania, and the largest oil reserves{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/bankerspetroleum-idUSL3E7F724020110407 |work=Reuters |title=UPDATE 1-Bankers Petroleum's key Albanian oilfield output jumps in Q1 |date=7 April 2011 |access-date=30 June 2017 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924152246/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/07/bankerspetroleum-idUSL3E7F724020110407 |url-status=live }} in Europe. The Albpetrol company is owned by the Albanian state and monitors the state petroleum agreements in the country. The textile industry has seen an extensive expansion by approaching companies from the European Union (EU) in Albania. According to the Instituti i Statistikës (INSTAT), {{As of|2016|lc=y}}, textile production had an annual growth of 5.3% and an annual turnover of around 1.5 billion euros.{{cite web|title=Textile industry in Albania is unprepared for a potential influx of import orders|url=http://www.balkaneu.com/textile-industry-albania-unprepared-potential-influx-import-orders/|website=balkaneu.com |date=24 August 2014}}

Albania is a significant minerals producer and ranks among the world's leading chromium producers and exporters.{{cite book|title=Europe Review 2003/04: The Economic and Business Report|pages=3–7|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Hwi0s3I5jLEC&q=largest%20chrome%20producer%20in%20the%20world%20albania&pg=PA5 |isbn=9780749440671|year=2003|last1=Page|first1=Kogan Kogan|publisher=Kogan Page Publishers}} The nation is also a notable producer of copper, nickel, and coal.{{cite web|title=Albania – Mining and Minerals|url=https://www.export.gov/article?id=Albania-Mining-and-Minerals|date=15 August 2016|access-date=17 April 2017|archive-date=18 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418083842/https://www.export.gov/article?id=Albania-Mining-and-Minerals|url-status=dead}} The Batra mine, Bulqizë mine, and Thekna mine are among the most recognised Albanian mines still in operation.

{{see also|Banking in Albania|Telecommunications in Albania|Tourism in Albania|l1=Banking|l2=Telecommunications}}

File:Ksamil Albania . Albanian Riviera.jpg, in the south of the Albanian Ionian Sea Coast]]

The tertiary sector represents the fastest growing sector of the country's economy. 36% of the population work in the service sector which contributes to 65% of the country's GDP.{{cite web |first1=Oltiana|last1= Muharremi|first2= Filloreta|last2= Madani|first3= Erald|last3= Pelari |title=The Development of the Service Sector in Albania and Its Future |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271105196 |website=researchgate.net |pages=2–9}} Ever since the end of the 20th century, the banking industry is a major component of the tertiary sector and remains in good conditions overall due to privatisation and the commendable monetary policy.{{cite web |title=Analysis of the Albanian Banking System in the Transition Years |url=https://www.ijbcnet.com/2-4/IJBC-12-2406.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.ijbcnet.com/2-4/IJBC-12-2406.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live |website=ijbcnet.com}}

Previously one of the most isolated and controlled countries in the world, telecommunication industry represents nowadays another major contributor to the sector. It developed largely through privatisation and subsequent investment by both domestic and foreign investors. Eagle, Vodafone and Telekom Albania are the leading telecommunications service providers in the country.

Tourism is recognised as an industry of national importance and has been steadily increasing since the beginnings of the 21st century.{{cite web |title=TOURISM AND EMPLOYMENT IN ALBANIA – IS THERE A STRONG CORRELATION? |url=http://www.asecu.gr/files/13th_conf_files/Tourism-and-Employment-in-Albania-Is-There-A-Strong-Correlation.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.asecu.gr/files/13th_conf_files/Tourism-and-Employment-in-Albania-Is-There-A-Strong-Correlation.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live |website=asecu.gr |pages=1–9}}{{cite web |author1=Eglantina Hysa – Epoka University |title=INFLUENCE OF TOURISM SECTOR IN ALBANIAN GDP: ESTIMATION USING MULTIPLE REGRESSION METHOD |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308111717 |website=researchgate.net |location=Tirana |pages=1–6}} It directly accounted for 8.4% of GDP in 2016 though including indirect contributions pushes the proportion to 26%.{{cite web|author1=World Travel & Tourism Council|title=Travel & Tourism: Economic Impact 2017: Albania|url=https://www.wttc.org/.../econo.../countries-2017/albania2017.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.wttc.org/.../econo.../countries-2017/albania2017.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live|website=wttc.org|location=London|page=12|author1-link=World Travel & Tourism Council}}{{dead link|date=November 2017}} In the same year, the country received approximately 4.74 million visitors mostly from across Europe and the United States as well.{{cite web|title=Arrivals of foreign citizens by Lëvizjet e shtetasve shqiptarë dhe të huaj and Month|url=http://databaza.instat.gov.al/.../Tr.../table/tableViewLayout2/...|website=databaza.instat.gov.al}}{{dead link|date=November 2017}}

The increase of foreign visitors has been dramatic. Albania had only 500,000 visitors in 2005, and an estimated 4.2 million in 2012, an increase of 740 percent. In 2015, summer tourism increased by 25 percent from 2014, according to the country's tourism agency.{{cite web |url=http://www.travel-gazette.com/…/number-of-tourists-to-alba…/

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311214704/http://www.travel-gazette.com/%E2%80%A6/number-of-tourists-to-alba%E2%80%A6/

|url-status=usurped

|archive-date=11 March 2021

|title=Number of tourists to Albania up 25 pct during summer 2015 |author= |date=4 October 2015 |website=Travel Gazette |access-date=9 February 2017}} In 2011, Lonely Planet named Albania as a top travel destination,{{cite web |url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/…/travel-tips-and-articles/76164 |title=Lonely Planet's top 10 countries for 2011 – travel tips and articles – Lonely Planet |access-date=7 August 2013 }}{{Dead link|date=December 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{failed verification|date=November 2017|reason=How could a 2011 article talk about 2015? anyway link needs updating}} while The New York Times placed Albania as number 4 global tourist destination in 2014.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/…/01/10/tra…/2014-places-to-go.html…|title=52 Places to Go in 2014 |work=The New York Times|date=5 September 2014}}{{dead link|date=November 2017}}

The bulk of the tourist industry is concentrated along the Adriatic and Ionian Sea in the west of the country. But the Albanian Riviera in the southwest has the most scenic and pristine beaches; its coastline has a considerable length of {{convert|446|km|abbr=off}}.{{cite book|title=Sustainable Development of Sea-Corridors and Coastal Waters: The TEN ECOPORT project in South East Europe|publisher=Springer|isbn=9783319113852|page=85|edition=Chrysostomos Stylios, Tania Floqi, Jordan Marinski, Leonardo Damiani |date=7 April 2015}} The coast has a distinctive character, rich in varieties of virgin beaches, capes, coves, covered bays, lagoons, small gravel beaches, sea caves, and many landforms. Some parts of this seaside are very clean ecologically, including unexplored areas, which are very rare within the Mediterranean.{{cite web |url=http://albania.al/explore/natural-heritage/coast-line |title=Coastline | The Official website of Albanian Tourism |publisher=Albania.al |access-date=15 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809003858/http://www.albania.al/explore/natural-heritage/coast-line |archive-date=9 August 2014 |url-status=dead}} Other attractions include the mountainous areas such as the Albanian Alps, Ceraunian Mountains and Korab Mountains but also the historical cities of Berat, Durrës, Gjirokastër, Sarandë, Shkodër and Korçë.

{{Main|Transport in Albania}}

File:Autostrada Durrës-Morina-05.jpg connects the Adriatic Sea across the Western Lowlands with the Albanian Alps.]]

Transportation 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 the highways and motorways in Albania, as well as the Albanian Aviation Authority (AAC), with the responsibility of coordinating civil aviation and airports in the country.

The international airport of Tirana is the premier air gateway to the country, and is also the principal hub for Albania's national flag carrier airline, Air Albania. The airport carried more than 3.3 million passengers in 2019 with connections to many destinations in other countries around Europe, Africa and Asia.{{cite web |publisher=Instituti i Statistikës (INSTAT) |title=Statistikat e transportit |url=http://www.instat.gov.al/media/6649/statistikat-e-transportit_dhjetor_2019.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.instat.gov.al/media/6649/statistikat-e-transportit_dhjetor_2019.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live |access-date=8 July 2020 |page=2 |language=sq |date=27 January 2019}} The country plans to progressively increase the number of airports especially in the south with possible locations in Sarandë, Gjirokastër and Vlorë.{{cite web |author1=Tirana Times |title=Turkish consortium bids to build Vlora airport as Albania prepares to launch national carrier |url=http://www.tiranatimes.com/?p=135404 |website=tiranatimes.com |date=17 January 2018}}

The highways and motorways in Albania are properly maintained and often still under construction and renovation. The Autostrada 1 (A1) is an integral transportation corridor and the country's longest motorway. It is planned to link Durrës on the Adriatic Sea across Pristina in Kosovo with the Pan-European Corridor X in Serbia.{{cite web |author1=South East Europe Transport Observatory (SEETO) |title=THE CORE TRANSPORT NETWORK South-East Europe Transport Observatory SEETO |url=https://ec.europa.eu/neighbourhood-enlargement/sites/near/files/pdf/projects-in-focus/donor-coordination/2-3_april_2009/working_group_transport_seeto_en.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://ec.europa.eu/neighbourhood-enlargement/sites/near/files/pdf/projects-in-focus/donor-coordination/2-3_april_2009/working_group_transport_seeto_en.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live |publisher=European Commission |page=2}}{{cite web |title=Serbia and Kosovo Only Beginning to Form Infrastructural Links: Peace Highway to Connect the Region |url=https://kossev.info/serbia-and-kosovo-only-beginning-to-form-infrastructural-links-peace-highway-to-connect-the-region/ |website=kossev.info |date=15 April 2018}} The Autostrada 2 (A2) is part of the Adriatic–Ionian Corridor as well as the Pan-European Corridor VIII and connects Fier with Vlorë. The Autostrada 3 (A3) is under construction and after its completion will connect Tirana and Elbasan with the Pan-European Corridor VIII. When all three corridors are completed, Albania will have an estimated {{convert|759|km}} of highway, linking it with all neighboring countries.

Durrës is the busiest and largest seaport in the country, followed by Vlorë, Shëngjin and Sarandë. {{as of|2014}}, it is as one of the largest passenger ports on the Adriatic Sea, with annual passenger volume of about 1.5 million. The principal ports serve a system of ferries connecting Albania with islands and coastal cities in Croatia, Greece, and Italy.

The rail network is administered by the national railway company Hekurudha Shqiptare, which was extensively promoted by Hoxha. There has been considerable increase in private car ownership and bus usage while rail use decreased since the end of communism. A new railway line from Tirana and its airport to Durrës is planned. The location of this railway, connecting Albania's most populated urban areas, makes it an important economic development project.{{cite web|last1=Rabeta|first1=Lorenc|title=Trenat e rinj Tiranë-Durrës-Rinas me 222 pasagjerë, 112 të ulur|url=http://shqiptarja.com/news.php?IDNotizia=396302|website=dailynews.al|access-date=12 January 2017|archive-date=13 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113141207/http://shqiptarja.com/news.php?IDNotizia=396302|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Hekurudha Tiranë-Rinas-Durrës, Haxhinasto: Projekti përfundon në 2019|url=http://www.top-channel.tv/lajme/artikull.php?id=329857|website=top-channel.tv|language=sq |date=25 June 2016 |access-date=4 January 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928055749/http://top-channel.tv/lajme/artikull.php?id=329857 |archive-date=28 September 2017}}

{{Main|Education in Albania}}

File:Akademia_e_arteve_Ergys_Veliu_Photography.jpg is the largest higher education institute dedicated to the study of arts]]

In Albania, education is secular, free, compulsory, and based on three levels.{{cite web |title=Language Education Policy Profile: Albania Country Report |url=https://rm.coe.int/language-education-policy-profile-albania-country-report/16807b3b2d |location=Tirana |date=October 2016}}{{cite web |title=The Albanian education system described and compared with the Dutch system|url=https://www.epnuffic.nl/en/publications/find-a-publication/education-system-albania.pdf |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20171014102820/https://www.epnuffic.nl/en/publications/find-a-publication/education-system-albania.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 October 2017 |date=1 January 2015}} The academic year is apportioned into two semesters, beginning in September or October and ending in June or July. Albanian is the primary language of instruction in the country's academic institutions. The study of a first foreign language is mandatory and taught most often at elementary and bilingual schools.{{cite web |title=Language Education Policy Profile 2015 – 2017 ALBANIA |url=https://rm.coe.int/language-education-policy-profile-albania/168073cf89 |website=rm.coe.int |location=Tirana |pages=13–18}} Languages taught in schools are English, Italian, French and German. Albania 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.{{cite web|title=SCHOOL LIFE EXPECTANCY|url=http://world.bymap.org/SchoolLifeExpectancy.html|website=world.bymap.org |date=31 January 2017}}{{Cite CIA World Factbook|country=Albania|access-date=21 June 2013|year=2013}}

Compulsory primary education is divided into two levels, elementary and secondary school, from grade one to five and six to nine, respectively. Pupils are required to attend school from the age six until they turn 16. Upon successful completion of primary education, all pupils are entitled to attend high schools, specialising in any field, including arts, sports, languages, sciences, and technology.

Tertiary education is optional and has undergone a thorough reformation and restructuring in compliance with the principles of the Bologna Process. There are a significant number of private and public institutions of higher education in Albania's major cities.{{cite web |title=Overview of the Higher Education System Albania |url=https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/sites/eacea-site/files/countryfiche_albania_2017.pdf |publisher=European Commission |pages=12–16 |date=February 2017 |access-date=30 October 2018 |archive-date=30 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930135101/https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/sites/eacea-site/files/countryfiche_albania_2017.pdf |url-status=dead }} Tertiary education is organised into three successive levels, the bachelor, master, and doctorate.

{{Main|Health in Albania}}

File:Olive-oil-1412361 1920.jpg from the Mediterranean, which is characterised by the use of fruits, vegetables and olive oil, contributes to the good nutrition of the country's population{{cite web |title=Health Care Systems in Transition Albania 2002 |url=http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/96426/E80089.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/96426/E80089.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live |publisher=World Health Organization |page=17}}]]

The constitution of Albania guarantees its citizens equal, free, and universal health care.{{cite web |title=1998 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA |url=https://www.osce.org/albania/41888?download=true |website=osce.org |page=10}} The health care system is organised into primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare, and is in a process of modernisation and development.{{cite web |title=Albania Demographic and Health Survey 2008–09 |url=https://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/FR230/FR230.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/FR230/FR230.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live |website=dhsprogram.com |page=37 |date=March 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.euro.who.int/document/e80089.pdf |title=Albania-prel.pmd |access-date=29 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091227181701/http://www.euro.who.int/document/E80089.pdf |archive-date=27 December 2009 |url-status=live}} The life expectancy at birth in Albania is 77.8 years, ranking 37th in the world and surpassing several developed countries.{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2102rank.html?countryName=Albania&countryCode=al®ionCode=eu&rank=51#al|title=Life Expectancy at Birth|publisher=CIA – The World Factbook|access-date=10 October 2009|archive-date=13 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713025849/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2102rank.html?countryName=Albania&countryCode=al®ionCode=eu&rank=51#al|url-status=dead}} The average healthy life expectancy is 68.8 years, ranking 37th in the world.{{cite web|author1=WHO|title=Healthy life expectancy at birth, 2000–2015|url=http://gamapserver.who.int/gho/interactive_charts/mbd/hale_1/atlas.html|publisher=World Health Organization|access-date=9 December 2017|archive-date=13 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191013084820/http://gamapserver.who.int/gho/interactive_charts/mbd/hale_1/atlas.html|url-status=dead}} The country's infant mortality rate was estimated at 12 per 1,000 live births in 2015. In 2000, the country had the world's 55th-best healthcare performance, as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO).{{Cite web |url=http://pages.stern.nyu.edu/~wgreene/Statistics/WHO-COMP-Study-30.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://pages.stern.nyu.edu/~wgreene/Statistics/WHO-COMP-Study-30.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live |title=Measuring overall health system performance for 191 countries |author=World Health Organization |publisher=New York University|author-link=World Health Organization}}

Cardiovascular disease is the principal cause of death in Albania, accounting for 52% of deaths. Accidents, injuries, malignant and respiratory diseases are other primary causes of death. Neuropsychiatric disease has also increased due to recent demographic, social, and economic changes in the country.

In 2009, Albania had a fruit and vegetable supply of 886 grams per capita per day, the fifth-highest supply in Europe.{{cite web |title=Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity Albania |url=http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/243282/Albania-WHO-Country-Profile.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/243282/Albania-WHO-Country-Profile.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live |publisher=World Health Organization |page=3}} Compared to other developed and developing countries, Albania has a relatively low rate of obesity, probably thanks to the Mediterranean diet.{{cite news|title=The World Is Getting Fatter and No One Knows How to Stop It|newspaper=Bloomberg.com|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2016-global-obesity/|publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |date=6 April 2016}}{{cite web|title=Living Smart, the Mediterranean Way of Being Albanian|url=http://agroweb.org/?id=10&l=2106&ln=en&url=living-smart-the-mediterranean-way-of-being-albanian|website=agroweb.org|date=1 May 2017|access-date=24 June 2017|archive-date=17 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917171550/http://agroweb.org/?id=10&l=2106&ln=en&url=living-smart-the-mediterranean-way-of-being-albanian|url-status=dead}} According to 2016 WHO data, 21.7% of adults in the country are clinically overweight, with a Body mass index (BMI) score of 25 or more.{{cite web|title=Prevalence of obesity, ages 18+, 2010–2014|url=http://gamapserver.who.int/gho/interactive_charts/ncd/risk_factors/obesity/atlas.html|website=WHO|publisher=World Health Organization|access-date=26 February 2016|archive-date=20 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191120191542/http://gamapserver.who.int/gho/interactive_charts/ncd/risk_factors/obesity/atlas.html|url-status=dead}}

{{Main|Renewable energy in Albania}}

{{See also|List of power stations in Albania|List of oil and gas fields in Albania|l1=Power stations|l2=Oil fields in Albania}}

File:Albania electricity production.svg

Due to its location and natural resources, Albania has a wide variety of energy resources, ranging from gas, oil, and coal to wind, solar, water, and other renewable sources.{{cite web |publisher=Ministry of Environment |title=Albania's Technology Needs Assessment (Final Draft) |url=https://unfccc.int/files/meetings/seminar/application/pdf/sem_albania_sup2.pdf |access-date=29 August 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209062915/http://unfccc.int/files/meetings/seminar/application/pdf/sem_albania_sup2.pdf |archive-date=9 December 2017 |date=March 2004}}{{cite web |last=Zavalani |first=Orion |publisher=European Commission (EC) |title=Renewable energy potentials of Albania |url=https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/124474-renewable-energy-potentials-of-albania |access-date=29 August 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829151705/https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/124474-renewable-energy-potentials-of-albania |archive-date=29 August 2020}} According to the World Economic Forum's 2023 Energy Transition Index (ETI), the country ranked 21st globally, highlighting the progress in its energy transition agenda.{{cite web |publisher=World Economic Forum |title=Fostering Effective Energy Transition 2023 Edition |url=https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Fostering_Effective_Energy_Transition_2023.pdf |access-date=8 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708154526/https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Fostering_Effective_Energy_Transition_2023.pdf |archive-date=8 July 2023 |page=12 |url-status=live}} Currently, Albania's electricity generation sector depends on hydroelectricity, ranking fifth in the world in percentage terms.{{cite web |publisher=Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy (Albania) |title=Albania Renewable Energy Progress Reports 2014–2015 |url=https://www.energy-community.org/dam/jcr:fbad98e2-6780-430b-a465-2ab46e9cb499/AL_RE_progress_2017.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.energy-community.org/dam/jcr:fbad98e2-6780-430b-a465-2ab46e9cb499/AL_RE_progress_2017.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live |page=2}}{{cite web |publisher=World Bank |url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/EG.ELC.HYRO.ZS?year_high_desc=true |title=Electricity production from hydroelectric sources (% of total) |access-date=29 August 2020}}{{cite web |publisher=The World Factbook |title=Electricity – from hydroelectric plants |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/259rank.html#AL |access-date=29 August 2020 |archive-date=17 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817215245/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/259rank.html#AL |url-status=dead }} Increasing risks of river floods and droughts due to climate change is expected to put electricity generation at risk.{{Cite web |last=International monetary Fund |date=14 November 2022 |title=IMF Country Report No. 22/363: Albania |url=https://www.imf.org/-/media/Files/Publications/CR/2022/English/1ALBEA2022005.ashx |access-date=6 December 2024 |website=IMF}} The Drin, in the north, hosts four hydroelectric power stations, including Fierza, Koman, Skavica and Vau i Dejës. Two other power stations, such as the Banjë and Moglicë, are along the Devoll in the south.{{cite web |publisher=International Hydropower Association (IHA) |title=Profile: Albania |url=https://www.hydropower.org/country-profiles/albania |access-date=29 August 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829161126/https://www.hydropower.org/country-profiles/albania |archive-date=29 August 2020}}

Albania has considerable oil deposits. It has the 10th-largest oil reserves in Europe and the 58th in the world.{{cite web|author1=Energy Information Administration|title=Crude Oil Proved Reserves 2016|url=http://www.eia.gov/cfapps/ipdbproject/IEDIndex3.cfm?tid=5&pid=57&aid=6|website=eia.gov|pages=1 |date=3 September 2016|author1-link=Energy Information Administration}} The country's main petroleum deposits are located around the Albanian Adriatic Sea Coast and Myzeqe Plain within the Western Lowlands, where the country's largest reserve is located. Patos-Marinza, also located within the area, is the largest onshore oil field in Europe.{{cite web|author1=Lorenc Gordani|title=Albania, from the largest continental onshore oil reserves in Europe, to the new bridge between the Balkans and Italy, by Dr Lorenc Gordani|url=http://esc.albaniaenergy.org/en/2017/06/21/albania-oil-reserves-natural-gas-dr-lorenc-gordani-21th-june-2017/|website=esc.albaniaenergy.org|pages=1 |date=21 June 2017}}{{Dead link|date=January 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), part of the planned Southern Gas Corridor, runs for {{convert|215|km|0|abbr=off}} across Albania's territory before entering the Albanian Adriatic Sea Coast approximately {{convert|17|km|0|abbr=off}} northwest of Fier.{{cite web |publisher=Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) |title=Scoping Report for the ESIA (Environmental and Social Impact Assessment) Albania |url=https://www.tap-ag.com/assets/07.reference_documents/english/scoping_document/albania/TAP_Scoping_report_ESIA_English.pdf |access-date=29 August 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725013409/https://www.tap-ag.com/assets/07.reference_documents/english/scoping_document/albania/TAP_Scoping_report_ESIA_English.pdf |archive-date=25 July 2020 |date=April 2011}}

Albania's water resources are particularly abundant in all the regions of the country and comprise lakes, rivers, springs, and groundwater aquifers.{{cite web |publisher=European Commission (EC) |title=06/11347 – Albania – Benefits of Compliance with environmental acquis – final report |url=https://ec.europa.eu/environment/archives/international_issues/pdf/report_albania.pdf |access-date=29 August 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829133812/https://ec.europa.eu/environment/archives/international_issues/pdf/report_albania.pdf |archive-date=29 August 2020 |date=October 2007}} The country's available average quantity of fresh water is estimated at {{convert|129.7|m3|0|abbr=off}} per inhabitant per year, one of the highest rates in Europe.{{cite web |publisher=European Statistical Office (Eurostat) |title=Water statistics |url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Water_statistics#:~:text=Among%20the%20EU%20countries%2C%20Finland,Sweden%20(19%20410%20m%C2%B3). |access-date=29 August 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829132407/https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Water_statistics#:~:text=Among%20the%20EU%20countries%2C%20Finland,Sweden%20(19%20410%20m%C2%B3). |archive-date=29 August 2020}} According to data presented by the Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply and Sanitation (JMP) in 2015, about 93% of the country's total population had access to improved sanitation.{{cite web |publisher=United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organization (WHO) |title=Progress on Sanitation and Drinking Water : 2015 Update and MDG Assessment |url=http://www.wssinfo.org/fileadmin/user_upload/resources/JMP-Update-report-2015_English.pdf |access-date=29 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304112745/http://www.wssinfo.org/fileadmin/user_upload/resources/JMP-Update-report-2015_English.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016}}

{{Main|Media in Albania}}

{{See also|Cinema of Albania}}

File:Villa_of_the_former_Radio_Tirana_(03).jpg in the capital of Tirana. {{lang|sq|Radio Televizioni Shqiptar|italic=no}} (RTSH) was initially inaugurated as Radio Tirana in 1938 prior to the World War II]]

The freedom of press and speech, and the right to free expression is guaranteed in the constitution of Albania.{{cite web |publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) |title=1998 Constitution of the Republic of Albania |url=https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/3/2/41888.pdf |access-date=3 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730220735/https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/3/2/41888.pdf |archive-date=30 July 2020}} Albania was ranked 84th on the Press Freedom Index of 2020 compiled by the Reporters Without Borders, with its score steadily declining since 2003.{{cite web |publisher=Reporters Without Borders |title=2020 World Press Freedom Index |date=30 January 2013 |url=https://rsf.org/en/ranking |access-date=3 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003131858/https://rsf.org/en/ranking |archive-date=3 October 2020}} Nevertheless, in the 2020 report of Freedom in the World, the Freedom House classified the freedoms of press and speech in Albania as partly free from political interference and manipulation.{{cite web |publisher=Freedom House |title=Freedom House–Countries and Territories |url=https://freedomhouse.org/countries/freedom-world/scores |access-date=3 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003133208/https://freedomhouse.org/countries/freedom-world/scores |archive-date=3 October 2020}}

{{lang|sq|Radio Televizioni Shqiptar|italic=no}} (RTSH) is the national broadcaster corporation of Albania operating numerous television and radio stations in the country.{{cite web |publisher=Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) |title=Media Outlets in Albania |url=https://www.kas.de/de/web/balkanmedia/media-outlets |access-date=3 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003115348/https://www.kas.de/de/web/balkanmedia/media-outlets |archive-date=3 October 2020}} The three major private broadcaster corporations are Top Channel, Televizioni Klan and Vizion Plus whose content are distributed throughout Albania and beyond its territory in Kosovo and other Albanian-speaking territories.

Albanian cinema has its roots in the 20th century and developed after the country's declaration of independence.{{cite web |publisher=The Albanian Cinema Project |title=An Overview of Albanian Film History |url=https://www.thealbaniancinemaproject.org/albanian-history.html |access-date=3 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003140224/https://www.thealbaniancinemaproject.org/albanian-history.html |archive-date=3 October 2020}} The first movie theater exclusively devoted to showing motion pictures was built in 1912 in Shkodër. During the People's Republic of Albania, Albanian cinema developed rapidly with the inauguration of the Kinostudio Shqipëria e Re in Tirana. In 1953, the Albanian-Soviet epic film, the Great Warrior Skanderbeg, was released chronicling the life and fight of the medieval Albanian hero Skanderbeg. It went on to win the international prize at the 1954 Cannes Film Festival. In 2003, the Tirana International Film Festival was established, the largest film festival in the country. The Durrës Amphitheatre is host to the Durrës International Film Festival, the second largest film festival.

{{Main|Science and technology in Albania|Telecommunications in Albania|l1=Technology}}

After the fall of communism in 1991, human resources in sciences and technology in Albania have drastically decreased. As of various reports, during 1991 to 2005 approximately 50% of the professors and scientists of the universities and science institutions in the country have left Albania.{{cite web|url=http://www.dfid.gov.uk/R4D/SearchResearchDatabase.asp?OutputID=177440|title=Research for Development|publisher=DFID |access-date=13 September 2014}} In 2009, the government approved the National Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation in Albania covering the period 2009 to 2015.{{cite web |url=http://www.dsdc.gov.al/dsdc/pub/national_strategy_of_science_technology_and_innovation_final_draft_381_1.pdf |title=Strategy of Science, Technology and Innovation 2009–2015 |access-date=27 August 2010 |archive-date=3 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110403182343/http://www.dsdc.gov.al/dsdc/pub/national_strategy_of_science_technology_and_innovation_final_draft_381_1.pdf |url-status=dead}} It aims to triple public spending on research and development to 0.6% of GDP and augment the share of GDE from foreign sources, including the framework programmes for research of the European Union, to the point where it covers 40% of research spending, among others. Albania was ranked 84th in the Global Innovation Index in 2024.{{Cite web |title=Global Innovation Index 2024 : Unlocking the Promise of Social Entrepreneurship |url=https://www.wipo.int/web-publications/global-innovation-index-2024/en/ |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=www.wipo.int |language=en}}

Telecommunication represents one of the fastest growing and dynamic sectors in Albania.{{cite web |publisher=Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy |title=Plani Kombëtar për Zhvillimin e Qëndrueshëm të Infrastrukturës Digjitale Broadband 2020–2025 |url=https://www.infrastruktura.gov.al/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/DRAFT-PLANI-KOMBETAR-PER-ZHVILLIMIN-E-QENDRUESHEM-TE-INFRASTRAKTURES-BROADBAND-2020-2025-2.pdf |access-date=30 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830111001/https://www.infrastruktura.gov.al/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/DRAFT-PLANI-KOMBETAR-PER-ZHVILLIMIN-E-QENDRUESHEM-TE-INFRASTRAKTURES-BROADBAND-2020-2025-2.pdf |archive-date=30 August 2020 |page=8 |language=sq}}{{cite web |last1=Muharremi |first1=Oltiana |last2=Madani |first2=Filloreta |last3=Pelari |first3=Erald |title=The Development of the Service Sector in Albania and Its Future |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271105196 |access-date=30 August 2020 |date=October 2013}} Vodafone Albania, Telekom Albania and Albtelecom are the three large providers of mobile and internet in Albania. As of the Electronic and Postal Communications Authority (AKEP) in 2018, the country had approximately 2.7 million active mobile users with almost 1.8 million active broadband subscribers.{{cite web |publisher=Electronic and Postal Communications Authority (AKEP) |title=2019 Raporti Vjetor |url=https://www.parlament.al/Files/Kerkese/20200518141712RAPORT%20VJETOR%202019%20%20-%20AKEP_compressed%20(1).pdf |access-date=30 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830122238/https://www.parlament.al/Files/Kerkese/20200518141712RAPORT%20VJETOR%202019%20%20-%20AKEP_compressed%20%281%29.pdf |archive-date=30 August 2020 |pages=16, 19 |language=sq}} Vodafone Albania alone served more than 931,000 mobile users, Telekom Albania had about 605,000 users and Albtelecom had more than 272,000 users. In January 2023, Albania launched its first two satellites, Albania 1 and Albania 2, into orbit, in what was regarded as a milestone effort in monitoring the country's territory and identifying illegal activities.{{cite web |last=Petrushevska |first=Dragana |work=SeeNews |title=SpaceX launches two Albanian satellites{{spaced ndash}}PM Rama |url=https://seenews.com/news/spacex-launches-two-albanian-satellites-pm-rama-810332 |access-date=17 January 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230117144132/https://seenews.com/news/spacex-launches-two-albanian-satellites-pm-rama-810332 |archive-date=17 January 2023 |date=4 January 2023 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |work=bne IntelliNews |title=Albania's first satellites launched into space |url=https://bne.eu/albania-s-first-satellites-launched-into-space-265909/?source=albania |access-date=17 January 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230117144321/https://bne.eu/albania-s-first-satellites-launched-into-space-265909/?source=albania |archive-date=17 January 2023 |date=4 January 2023 |url-status=live}} Albanian-American engineer Mira Murati, the Chief Technology Officer of research organisation OpenAI, played a substantial role in the development and launch of artificial intelligence services such as ChatGPT, Codex and DALL-E.{{cite web |last=Reyes |first=Marta |work=Medium |title=Who is OpenAI's Mira Murati: An AI innovation race from Tesla to ChatGPT |url=https://medium.com/@martareyessuarez25/who-is-openais-mira-murati-an-ai-innovation-race-from-tesla-to-chatgpt-2f90835149d0 |access-date=24 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224151259/https://medium.com/@martareyessuarez25/who-is-openais-mira-murati-an-ai-innovation-race-from-tesla-to-chatgpt-2f90835149d0 |archive-date=24 December 2023 |date=20 November 2023 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Metz |first1=Cade |last2=Mickle |first2=Tripp |work=The New York Times |title=Meet Mira Murati, the Engineer Now Leading OpenAI |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/17/technology/mira-murati-openai.html |access-date=24 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224151442/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/17/technology/mira-murati-openai.html |archive-date=24 December 2023 |date=17 November 2023 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Aratani |first=Lauren |work=The Guardian |title=How OpenAI interim chief Mira Murati helped launch AI into the mainstream |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/nov/19/how-openai-interim-chief-mira-murati-helped-launch-ai-into-the-mainstream |access-date=24 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224151723/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/nov/19/how-openai-interim-chief-mira-murati-helped-launch-ai-into-the-mainstream |archive-date=24 December 2023 |date=19 November 2023 |url-status=live}} In December 2023, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced plans for collaboration between the Albanian government and ChatGPT, facilitated by discussions with Murati.{{cite web |last=Taylor |first=Alice |work=Euractiv |title=Albania to speed up EU accession using ChatGPT |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/albania-to-speed-up-eu-accession-using-chatgpt/ |access-date=24 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224152827/https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/albania-to-speed-up-eu-accession-using-chatgpt/ |archive-date=24 December 2023 |date=13 December 2023 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |work=Telegrafi |title='Bisedova me Mira Muratin', Rama: Përafrimi i legjislacionit me BE-në bëhet me ChatGPT |url=https://telegrafi.com/bisedova-mira-muratin-rama-perafrimi-legjislacionit-ne-behet-chatgpt/ |access-date=24 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216042231/https://telegrafi.com/bisedova-mira-muratin-rama-perafrimi-legjislacionit-ne-behet-chatgpt/ |archive-date=16 December 2023 |language=sq |date=9 December 2023 |url-status=live}} Rama emphasised the intention to streamline the alignment of Albanian laws with the regulations of the European Union, aiming to reduce costs associated with translation and legal services.

{{Main|Demographics of Albania|l1=Demography of Albania}}

{{See also|Albanian people|Origin of the Albanians}}

File:Albania_demography.svg over the last sixty years]]

The demographic statistics of Albania, as revealed by the 2023 census conducted by the Instituti i Statistikave (INSTAT), indicated a population of 2,402,113, with a notable decline from the 2,821,977 recorded in the 2011 census.{{sfn|2023 Albanian census|2024|p=105}}{{sfn|2011 Albanian census|2012|p=7}} The decrease in inhabitants began after the disintegration of the communist regime in Albania and is associated with significant shifts within the political, economic, and social structure of Albania.{{sfn|Population Dynamics|2014|p=25}}{{sfn|2023 Albanian census|2024|p=114}} A principal factor in this transition incorporates a decline in fertility rates coupled with an increase in emigration, both contributing to persistent demographic changes and challenges.{{sfn|Population Dynamics|2014|p=39}} It is forecast that the population will continue shrinking for the next decade at least, depending on the actual rates and the level of migration.{{cite web |publisher=Instituti i Statistikës (INSTAT) |title=Albania Population Projections 2011–2031 |url=http://www.instat.gov.al/media/2964/population_projections_2011-2031.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.instat.gov.al/media/2964/population_projections_2011-2031.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live |page=37 |access-date=30 July 2020}} Currently, the population density of Albania is measured at 83.6 inhabitants per square kilometer with a varied distribution of inhabitants across different regions.{{sfn|2023 Albanian census|2024|p=105}}{{cite CIA World Factbook|country=Albania|section=People and Society|year=2024|access-date=18 September 2024}} The counties of Tirana and Durrës showcase substantial concentrations of people, accounting for about 41% of the overall demographic of Albania, with 32% residing in Tirana and 9% in Durrës.{{sfn|2023 Albanian census|2024|p=117}} Conversely, more peripheral and rural counties such as Gjirokastër and Kukës present significantly lower population densities, with each aiding 3% to the overall population.{{sfn|2023 Albanian census|2024|p=117}}

Historically, the Albanian people have established several communities in many regions throughout Southern Europe. The Albanian diaspora has been formed since the late Middle Ages, when they emigrated to escape either various socio-political difficulties or the Ottoman conquest of Albania.{{cite book|title=Historia e popullit shqiptar|author=Stafi i Akedemise se Shkencave|year=2003|publisher=Botimet Toena|pages=252–254}} Following the fall of communism, large numbers of Albanians have migrated to countries such as Australia, Canada, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Albanian minorities are present in the neighbouring territories such as the west of North Macedonia, the southeast of Montenegro, Kosovo in its entirety and parts of southern Serbia. Altogether, the number of ethnic Albanians living abroad is estimated to be higher than the total population inside Albania. As much as a third of those born in the country's borders now live outside of it, making Albania one of the countries with the highest rate of outmigration relative to its population in the world.{{cite web |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/30-of-albanians-live-abroad-amid-increased-migration-woes/ |title=30% of Albanians live abroad amid increased migration woes – EURACTIV.com|date=17 November 2022 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/embracing-emigration-migration-development-nexus-albania |title=Article: Embracing Emigration: The Migration-Devel.. | migrationpolicy.org|date=9 September 2015 }} In 2022 the birth rate was 20% lower than in 2021, largely due to emigration of people of childbearing age.{{Cite web|url=https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-trafficking-and-slavery/the-other-albanian-migrant-crisis/|title=The other Albanian migrant crisis|website=openDemocracy}}

{{Main|List of cities and towns in Albania}}

Subsequent to the collapse of communism in 1991, Albania has undergone a remarkable transformation in its urban landscape, emerging as one of the fastest urbanising countries in Europe.{{sfn|Internal Migration Albania|2014|p=12}}{{harvnb|UNECE Country Profile|2024|p=65}}{{harvnb|UNECE Country Profile|2024|p=107}} At the forefront of this transformation is the Tirana-Durrës agglomeration, a densely populated urban corridor situated along the western coast of Albania.{{harvnb|CIEACA: Albania|2017|pp=3–4}} This corridor has become the primary locus of population growth and settlement development, attracting a significant influx of internal migrants from the country's peripheral areas. Despite an overall decline of the country's total population, the proportion of the urban demographic has consistently progressed from 47% in 2001 to 65% in 2023.{{sfn|2023 Albanian census|2024|p=114}}{{sfn|2011 Albanian census|2012|p=10}}{{cite web |publisher=World Bank |title=Urban population (% of total population){{spaced ndash}}Albania |url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS?locations=AL&most_recent_value_desc=true |access-date=14 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914102716/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS?locations=AL&most_recent_value_desc=true |archive-date=14 September 2024 |url-status=live}} This sustained increase, coupled with the concentration in the Tirana-Durrës region, has led to a spread of regional imbalances, with the peripheral areas, particularly Dibër and Kukës, experiencing severe depopulation.{{sfn|Internal Migration Albania|2014|pp=12 & 18}}{{sfn|Internal Migration Albania|2014|p=15}}{{sfn|2023 Albanian census|2024|p=117}}

{{Largest cities of Albania}}

{{Clear}}

{{Main|Languages of Albania}}

{{See also|Albanian language}}

{{update section|date=May 2023}}

File:Mesonjetorja e Pare Shqipe ne Korce.JPG was the first secular school to provide education in the Albanian during the Ottoman Empire.]]

The official language of the country is Albanian which is spoken by the vast majority of the country's population.{{cite web |title=Constitution of the Republic of Albania |url=https://www.osce.org/albania/41888 |website=osce.org |page=3 |quote=The official language in the Republic of Albania is Albanian.}} Its standard spoken and written form is revised and merged from the two main dialects, Gheg and Tosk, though it is notably based more on the Tosk dialect. The Shkumbin river is the rough dividing line between the two dialects. Among minority languages, Greek is the second most-spoken language in the country, with 0.5 to 3% of the population speaking it as first language, mainly in the country's south where its speakers are concentrated.{{cite book|last1=Nitsiakos|first1=Vasilēs G.|title=Balkan Border Crossings: Second Annual of the Konitsa Summer School |date=2011|publisher=LIT Verlag Münster|isbn=9783643800923|page=150|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A6HEpazarccC&pg=PA150 |quote=in the Albanian south... The Greek language is spoken by an important percentage of the Albanians of the south.}}{{cite web |title=What Languages Are Spoken in Albania? |url=https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-languages-are-spoken-in-albania.html |website=WorldAtlas|date=August 2017}}{{cite news|title=The Second Most Spoken Languages Around the World|url=http://graduate.olivet.edu/news-events/news/second-most-spoken-languages-around-world|newspaper=Kathimerini|access-date=12 June 2017|quote=.5% speak it as first language.|archive-date=29 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729003624/https://graduate.olivet.edu/news-events/news/second-most-spoken-languages-around-world|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=The Greek language is widely spoken in Albania (H Ελληνική γλώσσα γίνεται καθομιλουμένη στην Αλβανία)|url=http://www.kathimerini.gr/138922/article/epikairothta/politikh/h-ellhnikh-glwssa-ginetai-ka8omiloymenh-sthn-alvania|newspaper=Kathimerini |access-date=12 June 2017}} Other languages spoken by ethnic minorities in Albania include Aromanian, Serbian, Macedonian, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Gorani, and Roma.{{cite web|url=http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=albania |title=Languages of Albania |access-date=31 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123044546/http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=Albania |archive-date=23 January 2009}} Macedonian is official in the Pustec Municipality in East Albania. According to the 2011 population census, 2,765,610 or 98.8% of the population declared Albanian as their mother tongue.{{cite web |publisher=Instituti i Statistikës (INSTAT) |title=Population and Housing Census 2011 |url=https://www.instat.gov.al/media/3058/main_results__population_and_housing_census_2011.pdf |access-date=21 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200826201945/https://www.instat.gov.al/media/3058/main_results__population_and_housing_census_2011.pdf |archive-date=26 August 2020}} Because of large migration flows from Albania, over half of Albanians during their life learn a second language. The main foreign language known is English with 40.0%, followed by Italian with 27.8% and Greek with 22.9%. The English speakers were mostly young people, the knowledge of Italian is stable in every age group, while there is a decrease of the speakers of Greek in the youngest group.{{Cite news|url=http://www.instat.gov.al/media/4028/adult-education-survey-2017.pdf|title=Press release of the Adult Education Survey|date=10 May 2018|work=Instituti i Statistikës (INSTAT) |access-date=23 May 2018|archive-date=22 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822113506/http://www.instat.gov.al/media/4028/adult-education-survey-2017.pdf|url-status=dead}}

Among young people aged 25 or less, English, German and Turkish have seen rising interest after 2000. Italian and French have had a stable interest, while Greek has lost much of its previous interest. The trends are linked with cultural and economic factors.{{cite book|author=Gjovalin Shkurtaj|title=Urgjenca gjuhësore: -huazime të zëvendësueshme me fjalë shqipe- : (fjalorth)|year=2017|publisher=Naimi|quote=Sic u permend me lart, per shkak te shkaqeve kulturore dhe ekonomike, trendet e mesimit te gjuheve nga te rinjte (grupmosha deri ne 25 vjec) ndryshojne. Keto trende jane percaktues i nje sere fenomeneve shoqerore, sic do te shohim me tej. Keshtu nga viti 2000 e ketej, gjuha angleze, gjermane dhe ajo turke kane pasur nje rritje te interest. Gjuha italiane, por edhe ajo franceze kane pasur nje stabilitet, pra as rritje dhe as ulje te interesit te pergjithshem nga ana e grupmoshes te siperpermendur. Vihet re se gjuha greke ka pesuar nje renie te forte te interesit. Ne fakt, shumica e interesit ka rene per kete gjuhe. Arsyet per kete gjuhe specifike do ti trajtojme me tej ne kapitulin e trete.|isbn=9789928234049|pages=15–16}}

Young people have shown a growing interest in the German language in recent years.{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}} Some of them go to Germany for studying or various experiences. Albania and Germany have agreements for cooperating in helping young people of the two countries know both cultures better.{{cite web |url=http://www.albinfo.ch/gjuha-gjermane-shume-e-kerkuar-ne-shqiperi/ |title=Gjuha gjermane, shumë e kërkuar në Shqipëri |date=10 April 2014 |website=albinfo.ch |publisher=albinfo |access-date=26 May 2018 |archive-date=3 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503235525/https://www.albinfo.ch/gjuha-gjermane-shume-e-kerkuar-ne-shqiperi/ |url-status=dead }} Due to a sharp rise in economic relations with Turkey, interest in learning Turkish, in particular among young people, has been growing on a yearly basis.{{cite web |url=https://www.voal.ch/ne-shqiperi-vazhdon-te-rritet-interesi-per-gjuhen-turke/ |title=Në Shqipëri vazhdon të rritet interesi për gjuhën turke |date=5 October 2016 |website=voal.ch |publisher=voal |access-date=26 May 2018}}

{{Main|Minorities of Albania}}

Designated national and cultural minorities in Albania include Aromanian, Greek, Macedonian, Montenegrin, Serb, Roma, Egyptian, Bosnian and Bulgarian peoples, as well as Gorani and Jews as other minority groups.{{cite news|last1=staff|title=Albania has Recognized the Bulgarian Minority in the Country|url=http://www.novinite.com/articles/184224/Albania+has+Recognized+the+Bulgarian+Minority+in+the+Country |access-date=4 December 2017|work=novinite.com|agency=Sofia News Agency |date=12 October 2017}}{{cite web |author=United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees |url=http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,,,COUNTRYPROF,ALB,,4954cdfe1a,0.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130416035942/http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,,,COUNTRYPROF,ALB,,4954cdfe1a,0.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 April 2013 |title=World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples – Albania : Overview |publisher=United Nations High Commission for Refugees |date=11 May 2005 |access-date=5 May 2013 }} The 2023 census recorded the ethnic composition as Albanians 2,186,917 (91,04% of the total), Greeks 23,485 (0,98%), Macedonians 2,281 (0,09%), Montenegrins 511 (0,02%), Aromanians 2,459 (0,1%), Roma 9,813 (0.4%), Balkan Egyptians 12,375 (0,5%), Bosnians 2,963 (0,12%), Serbians 584 (0,02%), Bulgarians 7,057 (0,29%), mixed ethnicities 770 (0.03%), other ethnicities 3,798 (0.15%), and 134,451 (5.60%) with unspecified ethnicity, out of a total population of 2,402,113.{{sfn|2023 Albanian census|2024|p=75}}

{{multiple image

| align = center

| total_width = 600

| image_style = border:none;

| image1 = Albania minorities.png

| caption1 = Regions with a traditional presence of ethnic groups other than Albanian.

| image2 = Albania majority ethnicity 2011 census.PNG

| caption2 = Distribution of ethnic groups within Albania, as of the 2011 census. Districts coloured grey are those where a majority of people did not declare an ethnicity (the question was optional). The census was criticised and boycotted by minorities in Albania.

| image3 = AlbaniaTraditionalCommunitiesByLanguageAndReligion.png

| caption3 = Traditional locations of linguistic and religious communities in Albania.

}}

{{Main|Religion in Albania}}

{{See also|Albanian paganism}}

{{Pie chart

| thumb = right

| caption = Religion in Albania as of the 2023 census conducted by the Instituti i Statistikës (INSTAT){{sfn|2023 Albanian census|2024|p=76}}

|label1 = Sunni Islam

|value1 = 45.86

|color1 = DarkGreen

|label2 = Roman Catholicism

|value2 = 8.38

|color2 = Gold

|label3 = Eastern Orthodoxy

|value3 = 7.22

|color3 = Red

|label4 = Evangelical Christians

|value4 = 0.4

|color4 = Skyblue

|label5 = Bektashi

|value5 = 4.81

|color5 = Yellowgreen

|label6 = Non-affiliated believers

|value6 = 13.82

|color6 = Grey

|label7 = Atheism

|value7 = 3.55

|color7 = Lightgrey

|label8 = Undeclared

|value8 = 15.76

|color8 = black

|label9 = Other

|value9 = 0.15

|color9 = Pink

}}

Albania is a secular and religiously diverse country with no official religion. Freedom of religion, belief and conscience are guaranteed under the country's constitution.{{cite web |publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) |title=1998 Constitution of the Republic of Albania |url=https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/3/2/41888.pdf |access-date=30 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730220735/https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/3/2/41888.pdf |archive-date=30 July 2020}} As of the 2023 Census, there were 1,101,718 (45.86%) Sunni Muslims, 201,530 (8.38%) Catholics, 173,645 (7.22%) Eastern Orthodox, 115,644 (4.81%) Bektashi Muslims, 9,658 (0.4%) Evangelicals, 3,670 (0.15%) of other religions, 332,155 (13.82%) believers without denomination, 85,311 (3.55%) Atheists and 378,782 (15.76%) did not provide an answer.{{sfn|2023 Albanian census|2024|p=76}} Albania is nevertheless ranked among the least religious countries in the world.{{cite web |publisher=Gallup |title=Gallup Global Reports |url=http://www.gallup.com/poll/128210/Gallup-Global-Reports.aspx |access-date=25 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014034457/http://www.gallup.com/poll/128210/Gallup-Global-Reports.aspx |archive-date=14 October 2013 |url-status=dead}} Religion constitute an important role in the lives of only 39% of the country's population.{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Oliver |publisher=The Telegraph |title=Mapped: The world's most (and least) religious countries |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/maps-and-graphics/most-religious-countries-in-the-world/ |access-date=1 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816211924/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/maps-and-graphics/most-religious-countries-in-the-world/ |archive-date=16 August 2021 |date=14 January 2018 |url-status=live}} In another report, 56% considered themselves religious, 30% considered themselves non-religious, while 9% defined themselves as convinced atheists. 80% believed in God.{{cite web |author1=Worldwide Independent Network/Gallup International Association |author1-link=WIN/GIA |title=Religion prevails in the world |url=http://www.wingia.com/web/files/news/370/file/370.pdf |website=wingia.com |page=4 & 7 |access-date=27 February 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114113506/http://www.wingia.com/web/files/news/370/file/370.pdf |archive-date=14 November 2017}}

The Muslim Albanians are spread throughout the country. Orthodox and Bektashis are mostly found in the south, whereas Catholics mainly live in the north.{{cite web|url=https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2007/90160.htm |title=Albania: International Religious Freedom Report 2007 |publisher=U.S. State Department |date=14 September 2007 |access-date=27 August 2010}} In 2008, there were 694 Catholic churches and 425 orthodox churches, 568 mosques and 70 bektashi takyas in the country.{{Cite web|title=Korrieri online – Shqip |url=http://www.korrieri.com/index.php?k=1&i=15799 |date=23 May 2005 |access-date=17 November 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050523030433/http://www.korrieri.com/index.php?k=1&i=15799 |archive-date=23 May 2005}}{{Cite web |title=Në Shqipëri P. ka 1119 kisha dhe 638 xhami |url=https://ateistet.org/lm1108237w |website=Ateistët |access-date=17 November 2015 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118155654/https://ateistet.org/lm1108237w |archive-date=18 November 2015}}

During modern times, the Albanian republican, monarchic and later communist regimes followed 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 was weakened under the monarchy and ultimately eradicated during the 1950s and 1960s, under the state policy of obliterating all organised religion from the territories of Albania. The communist regime persecuted and suppressed religious observance and institutions and entirely banned religion. The country was then officially declared to be the world's first atheist state. Religious freedom has returned, however, since the end of communism.

Islam survived communist era persecution and reemerged in the modern era as a practised religion in Albania.{{cite book|last=Merdjanova|first=Ina|title=Rediscovering the Umma: Muslims in the Balkans between nationalism and transnationalism|year=2013|location=Oxford|publisher=Oxford University Press|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6eYRDAAAQBAJ&q=Islam%20Albania%20Ottoman|isbn=9780190462505|pages=6–7, 39–40}} Some smaller Christian sects in Albania include Evangelicals and several Protestant communities including Seventh-day Adventist Church, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Jehovah's Witnesses.{{cite web |url=http://www.ted-adventist.org/countries/europe/albania |title=Albania |publisher=TED Adventist |access-date=25 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224022017/http://www.ted-adventist.org/countries/europe/albania |archive-date=24 February 2013 |url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/albania/famous-british-celebrity-visits-adra-albania|title=Famous British celebrity visits ADRA Albania – Albania|website=ReliefWeb|date=30 April 2001 }}{{cite web|title=LDS Newsroom-Country Profile-Albania |url=http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/contact-us/albania |publisher=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100825075459/http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/contact-us/albania |archive-date=25 August 2010}}{{cite book|title=2015 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses|publisher=Watch Tower Society|page=178}} The first recorded Protestant of Albania was Said Toptani, who travelled around Europe and returned to Tirana in 1853, where he preached Protestantism. The first evangelical Protestants appeared in the 19th century and the Evangelical Alliance was founded in 1892. Nowadays, it has 160 member congregations from different Protestant denominations. Following mass emigration to Israel after the fall of communism, there are only 200 Albanian Jews left in the country.{{cite news |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3997848,00.html |title=1st chief rabbi inaugurated in Albania – Israel Jewish Scene, Ynetnews |work=Ynetnews |access-date=15 February 2014}}{{cite encyclopedia |last=Scheib |first=Ariel |url=https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/vjw/albania.html |title=Albania Virtual Jewish Tour |encyclopedia=Jewish Virtual Library |access-date=15 February 2014}}

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{{Main|Culture of Albania}}

{{Main|National symbols of Albania}}

File:Casque Skanderbeg Vienne.jpg of Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg stands as an emblem of Albanian independence]]

The red and black national colours are displayed on the flag of Albania that is adorned with a double-headed eagle as the foremost recognised national symbol of Albania.{{cite web |publisher=Fletorja zyrtare e Republikës së Shqipërisë |title=Për formën dhe përmasat e Flamurit kombëtar përmbajtjen e Himnit kombëtar, formën dhe përmasat e Stemës së Republikës të Shqiperisë dhe mënyrën e përdorimit të tyre |url=http://www.qbz.gov.al/botime/fletore_zyrtare/2002/PDF-2002/48-2002.pdf |access-date=11 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804012641/http://www.qbz.gov.al/botime/fletore_zyrtare/2002/PDF-2002/48-2002.pdf |archive-date=4 August 2016 |location=Tirana |language=sq |url-status=dead}}{{cite book |last=Robert |first=Elsie |title=Historical Dictionary of Albania |date=19 March 2010 |publisher=Scarecrow Press |isbn=978-0-8108-7380-3 |page=140 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=haFlGXIg8uoC&dq=albanian+flag+eagle&pg=PA140 |access-date=29 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929164542/https://www.google.de/books/edition/Historical_Dictionary_of_Albania/haFlGXIg8uoC?hl=de&gbpv=1&dq=albanian+flag+eagle&pg=PA140&printsec=frontcover |archive-date=29 September 2023 |url-status=live}}{{cite book |author=James Minahan |author-link=James Minahan |title=The Complete Guide to National Symbols and Emblems |date=23 December 2009 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-0-313-34497-8 |pages=301{{spaced ndash}}304 |access-date=30 September 2023 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D7rOEAAAQBAJ&dq=albania+The+Complete+Guide+to+National+Symbols+and+Emblems&pg=PA303 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930214942/https://www.google.de/books/edition/The_Complete_Guide_to_National_Symbols_a/D7rOEAAAQBAJ?hl=de&gbpv=1&dq=albania+The+Complete+Guide+to+National+Symbols+and+Emblems&pg=PA303&printsec=frontcover |archive-date=30 September 2023 |url-status=}} With the black eagle portraying bravery and strength, the red field symbolises the fortitude and sacrifices of the Albanian people. The eagle is linked with the legacy of the national hero Gjergj Kastrioti, renowned as Skanderbeg, who led a prosperous resistance movement against Ottoman rule.{{cite book |author=Paulist Fathers |publisher=Paulist Fathers |title=Catholic World, Band 23 |page=235 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ybwRAAAAYAAJ&q=skanderbeg+double+headed+eagle&pg=PA235 |year=1876}}{{cite book |author=Francis Tapon |publisher=SonicTrek, Inc. |title=The Hidden Europe: What Eastern Europeans Can Teach Us |isbn=9780976581222 |page=441 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GlbAmn_cajYC&q=skanderbeg+double+headed+eagle&pg=PA441 |date=8 December 2011}} Rooted in the Middle Ages, it emerged as a heraldic symbol in the Principality of Arbër and among notable Albanian dynasties such as the Dukagjini, Kastrioti, Muzaka and Thopia clans.{{cite book |title=Historia e popullit shqiptar |publisher=Botimet Toena, 2002 |location=Tirana |pages=294–298, 433–434 |edition=Instituti i Historisë (Akademia e Shkencave e RSH) |language=sq}} Amid the Albanian Renaissance, marking the resurgence of Albanian national identity and aspirations for independence, the Albanian eagle regained its prominence. Its importance reached its culmination with Albania's declaration of independence in 1912, when Ismail Qemali raised it as the national flag in Vlorë.

The coat of arms of Albania is an adaptation of the flag of Albania and the seal of Skanderbeg. The coat comprises the black double-headed eagle positioned at the centre of a red field. Above the eagle, it carries the helmet of Skanderbeg that is crowned with the head of a golden horned goat. {{lang|sq|Ti Shqipëri, më jep nder, më jep emrin Shqipëtar|i=no}}, which translates to "You Albania, give me honour, give me the name Albanian", is the national motto of Albania. It finds its foundation in the legacy of national poet Naim Frashëri, who held a renowned role during the Albanian Renaissance. The national anthem of Albania, "{{lang|sq|Himni i Flamurit|i=no}}", was composed by Asdreni and adopted as such following Albania's independence in 1912.

{{Main|Albanian national clothing|l1=Albanian traditional clothing}}

File:Les Danseurs Albanais by Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps (c. 1835).jpg is designated as the national costume of Albania with profound cultural significance within Albanian culture]]

Albanian traditional clothing, with its contrasting variations for the northern Gheg and southern Tosk Albanians, is a testament to Albania's history, cultural diversity and ethnic identity.{{cite book |last=Gjergji |first=Andromaqi |author-link=Andromaqi Gjergji |publisher=Academy of Sciences of Albania |year=2004 |title=Albanian Costumes Through the Centuries: Origin, Types, Evolution |isbn=978-99943-614-4-1 |pages=153 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vc3fAAAAMAAJ |access-date=23 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312175750/https://books.google.com/books?id=vc3fAAAAMAAJ

|archive-date=12 March 2023 |url-status=live}} Gheg men wear a light-colored shirt paired with wide loose-fitting trousers referred to as the Tirq. These trousers are securely fastened by a wide woven belt, the Brez. An integral component of their costume is the Xhamadan, a woolen red velvet vest adorned with folkloric motifs and gold patterns.{{harvnb|Blumi|2011|p=19}} They also wear a distinctive dome-shaped hat known as the Qeleshe, crafted from wool, with its origins tracing back to the Illyrians.{{harvnb|Stipčević|1977|p=89|ps=: "It is generally agreed, and rightly so, that the modern Albanian cap originates directly from the similar cap worn by the Illyrians."}}{{cite book |publisher=Instituti Albanologijik i Prishtinës |title=Recherches albanologiques: Folklore et ethnologie |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a6niAAAAMAAJ |access-date=14 April 2013 |year=1982 |page=52 |quote=Ne kuadrin e veshjeve me përkime ilire, të dokumentuara gjer më tani hyjnë tirqit, plisi, qeleshja e bardhë gjysmësferike, goxhufi-gëzofi etj}} Conversely, Tosk men opt for the Fustanella, a knee-length garment designated as the national costume, typically white with pleats, accompanied by a white shirt. They also wear a beige or dark blue Xhamadan reminiscent of the Gheg attire. To complete their attire, men wear knee-high socks referred to as Çorape and leather shoes known as Opinga.

The attire of Gheg and Tosk women is renowned for its rich palette of colors and intricate filigree detailing, displayed across various components including ear ornaments, finger rings, necklaces, belt buckles and buttons. Key components include a long, light-toned shirt paired with an apron, often accompanied by a woolen or felt mantle referred to as the Xhoka. Additional upper garments, such as the Dollama or Mintan, may be layered, along with a headscarf known as Kapica or Shall. A distinctive variation incorporates a pair of aprons, including the Pështjellak at the rear and the Paranik at the front. Integral to the traditional attire of Gheg women is the ancient Xhubleta. Dedicated efforts have been undertaken to preserve and promote the dress, acknowledging its significance as an emblem of Albanian heritage.{{cite web |publisher=UNESCO |title=Xhubleta, skills, craftsmanship and forms of usage |url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/USL/xhubleta-skills-craftsmanship-and-forms-of-usage-01880 |access-date=24 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924132319/https://ich.unesco.org/en/USL/xhubleta-skills-craftsmanship-and-forms-of-usage-01880 |archive-date=24 September 2023 |url-status=live}} As a testament to its importance, the Xhubleta has been inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The distinctive bell-shaped garment is fashioned in black and enriched with embroidered ethnic Albanian motifs, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship of northern Albania. Its crafting process involves multiple intricate stages, encompassing the preparation of shajak fabric and the precise cutting techniques.

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{{Main|Albanian art|Albanian architecture|l2=architecture}}

File:Amphitheatre of Butrint 2009.jpg has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since 1992]]

The artistic history of Albania has been particularly influenced by a multitude of ancient and medieval people, traditions and religions. It covers a broad spectrum with mediums and disciplines that include painting, pottery, sculpture, ceramics and architecture all of them exemplifying a great variety in style and shape, in different regions and period.

The rise of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empire in the Middle Ages was accompanied by a corresponding growth in Christian and Islamic art in the lands of Albania which are apparent in examples of architecture and mosaics throughout the country.{{cite web |title=Robert Elsie: Arti Shqiptar |url=http://www.albanianart.net/index_al.html |website=albanianart.net |access-date=22 November 2015}} Centuries later, the Albanian Renaissance proved crucial to the emancipation of the modern Albanian culture and saw unprecedented developments in all fields of literature and art whereas artists sought to return to the ideals of Impressionism and Romanticism.{{cite book|author=MaryLee Knowlton|title=Albania – Band 23 von Cultures of the world|publisher=Marshall Cavendish, 2004|isbn=9780761418528|pages=102–103|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=alNsb0fpX9IC&q=impressionism+in+albania&pg=PA102 |year=2005}} However, Onufri, Kolë Idromeno, David Selenica, Kostandin Shpataraku and the Zografi Brothers are the most eminent representatives of Albanian art.

The architecture of Albania reflects the legacy of various civilisations tracing back to the classical antiquity. Major cities in Albania have evolved from within the castle to include dwellings, religious and commercial structures, with constant redesigning of town squares and evolution of building techniques. Nowadays, the cities and towns reflect a whole spectrum of various architectural styles. In the 20th century, many historical as well as sacred buildings bearing the ancient influence were demolished during the communist era.{{cite web|author1=Karin Myhrberg – University of Gothenburg|title=Heritage from the Communist Period in Albania – An Unwanted Heritage Today?|url=https://gupea.ub.gu.se/bitstream/2077/29221/1/gupea_2077_29221_1.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://gupea.ub.gu.se/bitstream/2077/29221/1/gupea_2077_29221_1.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live|website=gupea.ub.gu.se|page=12}}

Ancient architecture is found throughout Albania and most visible in Byllis, Amantia, Phoenice, Apollonia, Butrint, Antigonia, Shkodër and Durrës. Considering the long period of rule of the Byzantine Empire, they introduced castles, citadels, churches and monasteries with spectacular wealth of visible murals and frescos. Perhaps the best known examples can be found in the southern Albanian cities and surroundings of Korçë, Berat, Voskopojë and Gjirokastër. Involving the introduction of Ottoman architecture there was a development of mosques and other Islamic buildings, particularly seen in Berat and Gjirokastër.

File:Bliss by Helidon Xhixza.jpg.]]

A productive period of Historicism, Art Nouveau and Neoclassicism merged into the 19th century, best exemplified in Korçë. The 20th century brought new architectural styles such as the modern Italian style, which is present in Tirana such as the Skanderbeg Square and Ministries. It is also present in Shkodër, Vlorë, Sarandë and Durrës. Moreover, other towns received their present-day Albania-unique appearance through various cultural or economic influences.

Socialist classicism arrived during the communist era in Albania after the Second World War. At this period many socialist-styled complexes, wide roads and factories were constructed, while town squares were redesigned and numerous of historic and important buildings demolished. Notable examples of that style include the Mother Teresa Square, Pyramid of Tirana, Palace of Congresses and so on.

Three Albanian archaeological sites are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include the ancient remains of Butrint, the medieval Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastër, and Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region site shared with North Macedonia since 2019.{{cite web|author1=UNESCO|title=Butrint|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/570|publisher=UNESCO|author1-link=UNESCO}}{{cite web|author1=UNESCO|title=Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/569|publisher=UNESCO|author1-link=UNESCO}} Furthermore, the royal Illyrian tombs, the remains of Apollonia, the ancient Amphitheatre of Durrës and the Fortress of Bashtovë has been included on the tentative list of Albania.

{{Main|Albanian cuisine}}

File:Bukë_kollomoqe,_bukë_misri.JPG) is a staple on the Albanian table]]

Throughout the centuries, Albanian cuisine has been widely influenced by Albanian culture, geography and history, and as such, different parts of the country enjoy specific regional cuisines. Cooking traditions especially vary between the north and the south, owing to differing topography and climate that essentially contribute to the excellent growth conditions for a wide array of herbs, fruits, and vegetables.{{cite web |title=Albania Mania |url=http://agroweb.org/archive//?id=10&l=248&ln=en&url=albania-mania |website=agroweb.org |access-date=13 October 2017 |archive-date=13 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013225145/http://agroweb.org/archive//?id=10&l=248&ln=en&url=albania-mania |url-status=dead }}

Albanians produce and use many varieties of fruits such as lemons, oranges, figs, and most notably, olives, which are perhaps the most important element of Albanian cooking. Spices and other herbs such as basil, lavender, mint, oregano, rosemary, and thyme are widely used, as are vegetables such as garlic, onions, peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, as well as legumes of all types.

With a coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian in the Mediterranean Sea, fish, crustaceans, and seafood are a popular and an integral part of the Albanian diet. Otherwise, lamb is the traditional meat for different holidays and religious festivals for both Christians and Muslims, although poultry, beef, and pork are also in plentiful supply.

File:Albanian_cuisine_-_Pite_dhe_Speca.jpgs) served with pite, a traditional and prominent layered Albanian pie]]

Tavë kosi ("soured milk casserole") is the national dish of Albania, consisting of lamb and rice baked under a thick, tart veil of yoghurt. Fërgesë is another national dish, made up of peppers, tomatoes, and cottage cheese. Pite is also popular, a baked pastry with a filling of a mixture of spinach and gjizë (curd) or mish (ground meat).

Petulla, a traditional fried dough, is also a popular speciality, and is served with powdered sugar or feta cheese and different sorts of fruit jams. Flia consists of multiple crêpe-like layers brushed with cream and served with sour cream. Krofne, similar to Berliner doughnuts, are filled with jam, or chocolate and often eaten during winter.

Coffee is an integral part of the Albanian lifestyle. The country has more coffee houses per capita than any other country in the world.{{Cite news|url=https://www.ocnal.com/2018/02/albania-ranked-first-in-world-for.html|title=Albania ranked first in the World for the number of Bars and Restaurants per inhabitant|work=Oculus News|date=19 February 2018}} Tea is also enjoyed both at home or outside at cafés, bars, or restaurants. Çaj Mali (Sideritis tea) is enormously beloved, and a part of the daily routine for most Albanians. It is cultivated across Southern Albania and noted for its medicinal properties. Black tea is also popular.

Albanian wine is also common throughout the country, and has been cultivated for thousands of years. Albania has a long and ancient history of wine production, and belongs to the Old World of wine producing countries.{{cite web|title=Why Albania Is A Great Destination For Wine Drinkers|url=https://epicureandculture.com/albanian-wine/|website=epicureandculture.com |date=5 January 2017|access-date=5 January 2017}}{{cite web|title=Wines of Albania|url=http://www.winesofbalkans.com/index.php?balkan-states/albania|website=winesofbalkans.com|page=1 |access-date=18 January 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107005025/http://www.winesofbalkans.com/index.php?balkan-states%2Falbania |archive-date=7 January 2014}}

{{Clear}}

{{Main|Music of Albania}}

{{See also|Albanian war dances}}

File:A_traditional_male_folk_group_from_Skrapar.JPG is designated as an UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.{{cite web |publisher=United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) |title=Albanian folk iso-polyphony |url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/albanian-folk-iso-polyphony-00155 |access-date=14 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214180840/https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/albanian-folk-iso-polyphony-00155 |archive-date=14 December 2020}}]]

Albanian folk music is a prominent part of the national identity, and continues to play a major part in overall Albanian music. Folk music can be divided into two stylistic groups, mainly the northern Gheg varieties, and southern Lab and Tosk varieties. Northern and southern traditions are contrasted by a rugged tone from the north, and the more relaxed southern form of music.

Many songs concern events from Albanian history and culture, including traditional themes of honour, hospitality, treachery, 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 Albanian soprano Tefta Tashko-Koço. Several gramophone compilations were recorded at the time by the three artists, which eventually led to the recognition of Albanian iso-polyphony as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.{{cite web |url=http://www.shekulli.com.al/m/post.php?id=362126 |title=Kujtimet për Koço Çakalin, themeluesin e këngës himariote |publisher=shekulli.com.al |access-date=23 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829090701/http://www.shekulli.com.al/m/post.php?id=362126 |archive-date=29 August 2016}}

{{lang|sq|Festivali i Këngës|italic=no}} is a traditional Albanian song contest organised by the national broadcaster {{lang|sq|Radio Televizioni Shqiptar|italic=no}} (RTSH). The festival is celebrated annually since its inauguration in 1962 and has launched the careers of some of Albania's most successful singers including Vaçe Zela and Parashqevi Simaku.{{cite web |publisher=Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH) |title=Historiku i Festivalit të Këngës |url=http://www.festivali-rtsh.al/historiku/ |access-date=14 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107023738/http://www.festivali-rtsh.al/historiku/ |archive-date=7 January 2020 |language=sq}} It is significantly a music competition among Albanian performers presenting unreleased songs in premiere, composed by Albanian authors and voted by juries or by 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,{{cite web|title=Era Istrefi requires Albanian citizenship, meets with President Nishani|url=http://www.ocnal.com/2016/11/era-istrefi-requires-albanian.html|website=ocnal |date=12 November 2016 |access-date=12 November 2016}} while soprano Ermonela Jaho has been described by some as the "world's most acclaimed soprano".{{cite news|title=How Ermonela Jaho became the world's most acclaimed soprano|url=https://www.economist.com/news/books-and-arts/21699431-how-ermonela-jaho-became-worlds-most-acclaimed-soprano-fiery-angel |access-date=28 May 2016|newspaper=The Economist|date=28 May 2016}} Albanian opera singer Saimir Pirgu was nominated for the 2017 Grammy Award.{{cite web|title=Tenori shqiptar Saimir Pirgu nominohet në "Grammy Awards"! (Foto)|url=http://telegrafi.com/tenori-shqiptar-saimir-pirgu-nominohet-ne-grammy-awards-foto/|website=Telegrafi |date=7 December 2016|access-date=7 December 2016}}

{{More citations needed section|date=October 2018}}

{{Main|Albanian literature}}File:Meshari.jpg (The Missal) written by Gjon Buzuku (1555)]]

The cultural renaissance was first of all expressed through the development of the Albanian language in the area of church texts and publications. The Protestant reforms invigorated hopes for the development of the local language and literary tradition, when cleric Gjon Buzuku translated the Catholic liturgy into Albanian, trying to do for Albanian what Martin Luther had done for German. Meshari (The Missal) written by Gjon Buzuku was published in 1555 and is considered one of the first literary work of written Albanian during the Middle Ages. The refined level of the language and the stabilised orthography must be the result of an earlier tradition of written Albanian, a tradition that is not well understood. However, there is some fragmented evidence, pre-dating Buzuku, which indicates that Albanian was written from at least the 14th century.

File:Parashqevi-qirjazi_152_186.jpg – teacher and feminist (1880–1970)]]

Albanian writings from 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 Siege of Shkodër (Rrethimi i Shkodrës) from 1504, confirms that he leafed through such chronicles written in the language of the people (in vernacula lingua) as well as his famous biography of Skanderbeg Historia de vita et gestis Scanderbegi Epirotarum principis (History of Skanderbeg) from 1508. The History of Skanderbeg is still the foundation of Skanderbeg studies and is considered an Albanian cultural treasure, vital to the formation of Albanian national self-consciousness.

During the 16th and the 17th centuries, the catechism (E mbësuame krishterë) (Christian Teachings) from 1592 written by Lekë Matrënga, (Doktrina e krishterë) (The Christian Doctrine) from 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. The most famous Albanian writer in the 20th and 21st century is probably Ismail Kadare.

{{See also|Albania at the Olympics|Albania at the Mediterranean Games}}

Albania participated at the Olympic Games in 1972 for the first time. The country made their Winter Olympic Games debut in 2006. Albania missed the next four games, two of them due to the 1980 and 1984 boycotts, but returned for the 1992 games in Barcelona. Since then, Albania have participated in all games. Albania normally competes in events that include swimming, athletics, weightlifting, shooting and wrestling. The country have been represented by the National Olympic Committee of Albania since 1972. The nation has participated at the Mediterranean Games since the games of 1987 in Syria. The Albanian athletes have won a total of 43 (8 gold, 17 silver and 18 bronze) medals from 1987 to 2013.

File:Muzeu_Arkeologjike_Tirane.jpg in central Tirana]]

Popular sports in Albania include football, weightlifting, basketball, volleyball, tennis, swimming, rugby union and gymnastics. Football is by far the most popular sport in Albania. It is governed by the Football Association of Albania ({{langx|sq|Federata Shqiptare e Futbollit}}, F.SH.F.), which has membership in FIFA and UEFA.

The Albania national football team, ranking 51st in the World in 2017 (highest 22nd on 22 August 2015) have won the 1946 Balkan Cup and the Malta Rothmans International Tournament 2000, but had never participated in any major UEFA or FIFA tournament, until UEFA Euro 2016, Albania's first ever appearance at the continental tournament and at a major men's football tournament. Albania scored their first ever goal in a major tournament and secured their first ever win in European Championship when they beat Romania by 1–0 in a UEFA Euro 2016 match on 19 June 2016.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/06/19/albania-vs-romania-euro-2016---live/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/06/19/albania-vs-romania-euro-2016---live/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Euro 2016: Albania 0–1 Romania – Armando Sadiku scores the only goal to seal his country's first ever win at a major competition|work=The Daily Telegraph |date=19 June 2016|access-date=19 June 2016|last1=Amofa|first1=Richard}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/romania-0-1-albania-armando-8233364|title=Romania 0–1 Albania – Sadiku scores landmark goal to provide last 16 hope |date=19 June 2016 |work=Daily Mirror |access-date=19 June 2016}} The most successful football clubs are Skënderbeu, KF Tirana, Dinamo Tirana, Partizani and Vllaznia.

Weightlifting is one of the most successful individual sport for the Albanians, with the national team winning medals at the European Weightlifting Championships and the rest international competitions. Albanian weightlifters have won a total of 16 medals at the European Championships with 1 of them being gold, 7 silver and 8 bronze. In the World Weightlifting Championships, the Albanian weightlifting team has won in 1972 a gold in 2002 a silver and in 2011 a bronze medal.

File:Tirana Gay(P)Ride 2016.jpg.]]

Nearly 60% of women in rural areas suffer physical or psychological violence and nearly 8% are victims of sexual violence.

Protection orders are often violated.

In 2014 the Albanian Helsinki Committee (AHC) reported that the number of female murder victims is still high.{{Cite web |url=https://www.civilrightsdefenders.org/country-reports/human-rights-in-albania/ |title=Human Rights in Albania |access-date=2 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114170645/http://www.civilrightsdefenders.org/country-reports/human-rights-in-albania/ |archive-date=14 January 2018 |url-status=dead }} The Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination has raised concerns regarding the family registration law that discriminates against women. As a result, heads of households, who are overwhelmingly men, have the right to change family residency without their partners' permission.

In 2015, the association ILGA-Europe ranked Albania 19th in terms of LGBT rights out of 49 observed European countries.{{cite web|title=Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex People in Europe|url=http://www.ilga-europe.org/sites/default/files/Attachments/01_full_annual_review_updated.pdf|website=ilga-europe.org|publisher=ILGA-Europe|access-date=8 July 2015|date=2015}} Meanwhile, on the latest report in 2022, lack of progress caused Albania to be ranked the 28th country in Europe, among 49 countries observed.{{Cite web |title=Rainbow Europe |url=https://www.rainbow-europe.org/#8618/0/0 |access-date=20 May 2022 |website=www.rainbow-europe.org}}

• Outline of Albania
• Bibliography of Albania

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{Refbegin|30em|indent=yes}}

• {{cite book |last=Blumi |first=Isa |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |date=10 May 2011 |title=Reinstating the Ottomans: Alternative Balkan Modernities, 1800{{spaced ndash}}1912 |isbn=978-0-230-11908-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ca3IAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA19 |access-date=23 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923161456/https://books.google.de/books?id=ca3IAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA19&redir_esc=y

|archive-date=23 September 2023 |url-status=live}}

• {{cite book |last=Hodgkinson|first=Harry|title=Scanderbeg: From Ottoman Captive to Albanian Hero |year=2005|publisher=I.B. Tauris|isbn=1-85043-941-9}}
• {{cite book |last=Stipčević |first=Aleksandar |publisher=Noyes Press |title=The Illyrians: History and Culture |year=1977 |series=History and Culture Series |isbn=0815550529 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NLcWAQAAIAAJ |access-date=23 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525033344/https://books.google.com/books?id=NLcWAQAAIAAJ |archive-date=25 May 2023 |url-status=live}}
• {{cite book |publisher=United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) |title=Country Profiles on Urban Development, Housing and Land Management: Albania |date=31 July 2024 |isbn=978-92-1-0030496 |url=https://unece.org/info/publications/pub/391437 |access-date=13 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816085952/https://unece.org/info/publications/pub/391437 |archive-date=16 August 2024 |language=en |url-status=live |ref={{harvid|UNECE Country Profile|2024}}}}
• {{cite web |publisher=Instituti i Statistikës (INSTAT) |title=Censi i Popullsisë dhe Banesave në Shqipëri 2011: Rezultatet Kryesore{{spaced ndash}}Albania Population and Housing Census 2011: Main Results |url=https://www.instat.gov.al/media/3058/main_results__population_and_housing_census_2011.pdf |access-date=4 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200826201945/https://www.instat.gov.al/media/3058/main_results__population_and_housing_census_2011.pdf |archive-date=26 August 2020 |language=en |date=2012 |url-status=live |ref={{harvid|2011 Albanian census|2012}}}}
• {{cite web |publisher=Instituti i Statistikës (INSTAT) |title=Population and population dynamics in Albania. New demographic horizons? |url=https://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/sources/census/wphc/Albania/03-analysis.pdf |access-date=18 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918124559/https://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/sources/census/wphc/Albania/03-analysis.pdf |archive-date=18 September 2024 |location=Tirana |date=2014 |url-status=live |ref={{harvid|Population Dynamics|2014}}}}
• {{cite web |publisher=Instituti i Statistikës (INSTAT) |title=Migracioni në Shqipëri, 2014 |url=https://www.instat.gov.al/media/3078/migracioni_ne_shqiperi.pdf |access-date=14 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914105719/https://www.instat.gov.al/media/3078/migracioni_ne_shqiperi.pdf |archive-date=14 September 2024 |location=Tirana |language=sq |date=2014 |url-status=live |ref={{harvid|Internal Migration Albania|2014}}}}
• {{cite web |publisher=World Bank |title=Cities in Europe and Central Asia : Albania |url=https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/338011511933862442/cities-in-europe-and-central-asia-albania |access-date=13 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913120340/https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/338011511933862442/cities-in-europe-and-central-asia-albania |archive-date=13 September 2024 |location=Washington, D.C. |language=en |date=8 June 2017 |url-status=live |ref={{harvid|CIEACA: Albania|2017}}}}
• {{cite web |publisher=Instituti i Statistikës (INSTAT) |title=Censi i Popullsisë dhe Banesave në Shqipëri 2023: Rezultatet Kryesore{{spaced ndash}}Albania Population and Housing Census 2023: Main Results |url=https://www.instat.gov.al/media/13626/cens-2023-census-botim.pdf |access-date=4 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814174433/https://www.instat.gov.al/media/13626/cens-2023-census-botim.pdf |archive-date=14 August 2024 |date=2024 |url-status=live |ref={{harvid|2023 Albanian census|2024}}}}

{{Refend}}

{{Refbegin}}

• History of the Party of Labor of Albania. Tirana: Institute of Marxist–Leninist Studies, 1971. 691 p.
• {{cite book |last1=Abrahams |first1=Fred |date=2015 |title=Modern Albania: From Dictatorship to Democracy in Europe |publisher=NYU Press |page=384 |isbn=978-0-8147-0511-7}}

{{Refend}}

{{Wikiatlas|Albania}}

• [https://albania.al/ albania.al]{{spaced ndash}}{{in lang|en}}
• [https://president.al/ president.al]{{spaced ndash}}{{in lang|sq}}
• [https://kryeministria.al/ kryeministria.al]{{spaced ndash}}{{in lang|sq}}
• [https://parlament.al/ parlament.al]{{spaced ndash}}{{in lang|sq}}
• [https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/albania/ Albania] at The World Factbook by Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

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