Republika e Shqipërisë Republic of Albania
Flag Coat of arms
Motto:  Ti Shqipëri më jep nder, më jep emrin shqipëtar (You Albania give me honor, you give me the name Albanian. The national flag of Albania is a red flag with a black Two-headed eagle in the center The coat of arms of Albania is an adaptation of the Flag of Albania. A motto (from the Italian word motto, meaning witticism sentence is a phrase meant to formally describe the general motivation or intention of a social group )
Anthem: Rreth flamurit të përbashkuar ("United Around the Flag")
Location of  Albania  (orange) on the European continent  (white)  —  [Legend]
Capital		Tirana 41°20′N 19°48′E / 41.333, 19.8
Largest city		Tirana
Official languages		Albanian
Demonym		Albanian
Government		Parliamentary republic
-	President	Bamir Topi
-	Prime Minister	Sali Berisha
Independence		from the Ottoman Empire
-	Date	November 28, 1912
Area
-	Total	28,748 km² (139th) 11,100 sq mi
-	Water (%)	4. A national anthem is a generally patriotic musical composition that evokes and eulogizes the history traditions and struggles of its people recognized either by a nation's Himni i Flamurit (in English: Hymn to the Flag) is the National anthem of Albania. Tirana (Tiranë or Tirana is the Capital and largest city of the Republic of Albania. This articles is about the demographics of the people of Albania. Tirana (Tiranë or Tirana is the Capital and largest city of the Republic of Albania. An official language is a Language that is given a special legal status in a particular Country, State, or other territory Albanian (sq ''Gjuha shqipe'' ˈɟuha ˈʃcipɛ is an Indo-European language spoken by nearly 6 million peoplewhile others claim that it derives from Daco - A demonym or gentilic is a word that denotes the members of a People or the inhabitants of a place } Albanians (Shqiptarët are an Ethnic group and a Nation, in the sense of sharing a common Albanian culture speaking the Albanian language For the government of parliamentary systems see Executive (government. A parliamentary republic or parliamentary constitutional republic is a form of a Republic which operates under a Parliamentary system of government List of Heads of State of Albania (1912-Present Principality of Albania (1912-1920 Chairman of the National Assembly Ismail Qemali Prof Dr Bamir Myrteza Topi (born April 24, 1957 in Tirana) is the President of the Republic of Albania, a post he took on July 24 List of Heads of Government of Albania (1912-Present Principality of Albania (1912-1920 Prime Ministers Ismail Qemali (born October 15, 1944) is the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania. Independence is the Self-government of a Nation, Country, or State by its residents and population or some portion thereof generally exercising The Ottoman Empire (1299–1923 ( Old Ottoman Turkish: دولتْ علیّه عثمانیّه Devlet-i Âliye-yi Osmâniyye, Late Ottoman and Modern Turkish For the town in Argentina, see 28 de Noviembre. Events Year 1912 ( MCMXII) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Leap year starting Area is a Quantity expressing the two- Dimensional size of a defined part of a Surface, typically a region bounded by a closed Curve. To help compare Orders of magnitude of different geographical regions  Areas between 10000 km² and 100000 km² are listed here This is a list of the countries of the world sorted by total area. The square mile is an imperial and US unit of Area equal the area of a square of one statute mile. Water is a common Chemical substance that is essential for the survival of all known forms of Life. In Mathematics, a percentage is a way of expressing a number as a Fraction of 100 ( per cent meaning "per hundred" 7
Population
-	2008 estimate	3,600,523 [2] (130th)
-	Density	134/km² (63) 318. In Biology a population is the collection of inter-breeding organisms of a particular Species; in Sociology List of countries by population in 2005|List of countries by population in 1907This is a list of countries ordered according to Population. Population density (in agriculture standing stock and Standing crop) is a measurement of Population per unit area or unit volume List of countries and dependencies by Population density in inhabitants/km² 6/sq mi
GDP (PPP)		2008 estimate
-	Total	$21. The purchasing power parity ( PPP) theory uses the long-term equilibrium Exchange rate of two currencies to equalize their Purchasing power. 160 billion[1] (112th)
-	Per capita	$6,649 (100th)
Gini (2005)		26. There are three lists of Countries of the world sorted by their Gross domestic product (GDP (the value of all final goods and services produced within a nation Per capita is a Latin phrase meaning for each head with Per meaning 'through' or 'by' This article includes three lists of Countries of the world sorted by their Gross domestic product (GDP at Purchasing power parity (PPP Per capita The Gini coefficient is a measure of statistical dispersion most prominently used as a measure of inequality of income distribution or inequality of wealth 7 (low)
HDI (2007)		▲ 0. The Human Development Index ( HDI) is an index combining normalized measures of Life expectancy, Literacy, Educational attainment, and GDP 801 (high) (68th)
Currency		Lek (ALL)
Time zone		CET (UTC+1)
-	Summer (DST)	CEST (UTC+2)
Internet TLD		.al
Calling code		+355

Albania, officially the Republic of Albania (Albanian Republika e Shqipërisë pronounced [ɾɛˈpublika ɛ ʃcipəˈɾiːs], or simply Shqipëria) is a country in South Eastern Europe. This is a list of countries by Human Development Index as included in the United Nations Development Program 's Human Development Report 2007 A currency is a unit of exchange, facilitating the transfer of Goods and/or services It is one form of Money, where money is The lek (plural lekë) is the Currency of Albania ( ISO 4217 currency code: ALL ISO 4217 is the International standard describing three-letter codes (also known as the currency code) to define the names of currencies established Central European Time ( CET) is one of the names of the Time zone that is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time. Daylight saving time ( DST Central European Summer Time ( CEST) is one of the names of UTC+2 Time zone, 2 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time. A country This is a list of country calling codes defined by ITU-T recommendation E Albanian (sq ''Gjuha shqipe'' ˈɟuha ˈʃcipɛ is an Indo-European language spoken by nearly 6 million peoplewhile others claim that it derives from Daco - Albania is bordered by Greece to the south-east, Montenegro to the north, partially-recognized Kosovo to the northeast, and the Republic of Macedonia to the east. Greece (Ελλάδα transliterated: Elláda, historically, Ellás,) officially the Hellenic Republic (Ελληνική Δημοκρατία Montenegro ( British English) Montenegrin / Serbian: PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE THE LANGUAGES WITHOUT CONSENSUS ON THE TALK PAGE! The Republic of Macedonia (Република It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea to the west, and on the Ionian Sea to the southwest. The Ionian Sea is an arm of the Mediterranean Sea, south of the Adriatic Sea. It is less than 72 km (45 miles) from Italy, across the Strait of Otranto which links the Adriatic Sea to the Ionian Sea. Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest The Strait of Otranto connects the Adriatic Sea with the Ionian Sea. The Ionian Sea is an arm of the Mediterranean Sea, south of the Adriatic Sea.

The country is a member of the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Council of Europe, and World Trade Organisation. The United Nations ( UN) is an International organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in International law, International security The Council of Europe (Conseil de l'Europe is the oldest International organisation working towards European integration, being founded in 1949 It is also a potential candidate for membership in the European Union and received a NATO membership invitation on 3 April 2008. Albania was the first of the officially recognized Potential Candidate countries to start the negotiations of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement in 2003 A Member State of the European Union is any one of the twenty-seven sovereign Nation states that have acceded the European Union (EU since its De facto The European Union ( EU) is a political and economic union of twenty-seven member states, located primarily in The North Atlantic Treaty Events 1043 - Edward the Confessor is crowned King of England. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common ^[2]

Albania is a parliamentary democracy that is transforming its economy into a market-oriented system. A parliamentary system, also known as parliamentarianism (and parliamentarism in American English) is a System of government in which The Albanian capital, Tirana, is home to 350,000 of the country's 3. Tirana (Tiranë or Tirana is the Capital and largest city of the Republic of Albania. 6 million population. As a result of the opening of the country in the post-communist era, Albania is now undergoing a development boom as its telecommunications, transport and utilities infrastructure is being revamped.

Etymology

Satellite image of Albania.

Main article: Albania (toponym)

Albania is the Medieval Latin name of the country, which is called Shqipëri by the inhabitants. Medieval Latin was the form of Latin used in the Middle Ages, primarily as a medium of scholarly exchange and as the Liturgical language of the medieval In Medieval Greek, the name is Albania besides variants Albaētia, Arbanētia. Medieval Greek (Μεσαιωνική Ελληνική is a linguistic term that describes the fourth period in the history of the Greek language. (OED). The Oxford English Dictionary ( OED) published by the Oxford University Press (OUP is a comprehensive Dictionary of the English The ultimate origin of the Alb- element has been traced to an Illyrian alb "hill" cognate to the alp "mountain pasture" found in the Alpine region. The Illyrian languages are a group of Indo-European languages that were spoken in the western part of the Balkans in former times by groups identified as The traditional economy of the Alps throughout history has been based upon rearing cattle involving seasonal migration between valley and high pastures ( German ^[3] In the 2nd century BC, in the History of the World, written by Polybius, there is mention of a city named Arbon in present-day central Albania. Polybius (ca 203 &ndash 120 BC, Greek) was a Greek historian of the Hellenistic Period noted for his book called The Histories The people who lived there were called Arbanios and Arbanitai. ^[4]

Another suggestion is derivation from the Illyrian tribe of the Albanoi recorded by Ptolemy, the geographer and astronomer from Alexandria who drafted a map of remarkable significance for the history of Illyria. The Illyrian languages are a group of Indo-European languages that were spoken in the western part of the Balkans in former times by groups identified as Illyrian tribes or possibly or partly Illyrian tribes or tribes inhabiting lands known as Illyria. Claudius Ptolemaeus ( Greek: Klaúdios Ptolemaîos; after 83 &ndash ca Alexandria ( Egyptian Arabic: اسكندريه Eskendereyya; Standard Arabic: ar الإسكندرية Al-Iskandariyya; Ἀλεξάνδρεια Illyria ( Albanian Iliria ( Ancient Greek; Latin Illyria; see also Illyricum) was in Classical antiquity a region in the This map shows the city of Albanopolis (located Northeast of Durrës). Albanopolis was a city in ancient Illyria, the capital of the Albanoi, an Illyrian tribe ^[5]

In his History written in 1079-1080, Byzantine historian Michael Attaliates was the first to refer to Albanoi as having taken part in a revolt against Constantinople in 1043 and to the Arbanitai as subjects of the duke of Dyrrachium. Attaliates or Michael Attaliates was a Byzantine statesman and historian probably a native of Attalia in Pamphylia, whence he seems to have come to Constantinople (Κωνσταντινούπολις Konstantinoúpolis, or gr ἡ Πόλις hē Polis, Latin: la CONSTANTINOPOLIS ^[6] During the Middle Ages, the Albanians called their country Arbër or Arbën and referred to themselves as Arbëresh or Arbnesh. Arbëreshë are an ethnic community living in Italy, especially the regions of Calabria and Sicily. ^[7] As early as the 16th century, a new name for their home evolved among Albanian people: Shqipëria, "Land of the Eagles", hence the two-headed bird on the national flag. ^[8] The name probably has its origins in the Skanderbeg family crest. Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg ( 6 May 1405 &ndash 17 January 1468) ( Albanian: Gjergj Kastriot Skënderbeu, widely known as

History

Main article: History of Albania

Prehistory

Main articles: Prehistoric Balkans and Illyria

Mural painting at Kruja's castle, depicting the Illyrian Wars

The area of today's Albania has been populated since prehistoric times. The History of Albania began over two millennia ago with tribes of uncertain origin populating the area Prehistoric Balkans is the period of human presence (including early hominins) before the appearance of Indo-European people, which extended Illyria ( Albanian Iliria ( Ancient Greek; Latin Illyria; see also Illyricum) was in Classical antiquity a region in the Krujë ( Albanian: Krujë or Kruja) is the Capital City of the District of Krujë in Albania In the Illyrian Wars of 229 BC and 219 BC, Rome overran the Illyrian settlements in the Neretva river valley and suppressed the In antiquity, much of it was settled by the ancient Illyrians, possible ancestors of modern-day Albanians. Illyrians has come to refer to a broad ill-defined " Indo-European " group of peoples who inhabited the western Balkans ( Illyria, roughly

Surrounded by powerful, warring empires, Albania has experienced considerable violence and competition for control throughout its history. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Serbs, Venetians and Ottomans swept through, leaving their cultural mark as well as their ruins. The term ancient Greece refers to the period of Greek history lasting from the Greek Dark Ages ca Ancient Rome was a Civilization that grew out of a small agricultural community founded on the Italian Peninsula as early as the 10th century BC Serbs ( Serbian: Срби Srbi) are a South Slavic people living in the Balkans and Central Europe, mainly in Serbia, Venice ( Italian: Venezia, Venetian: Venesia or Venexia) is a city in Northern Italy, the capital of the The Ottoman Empire (1299–1923 ( Old Ottoman Turkish: دولتْ علیّه عثمانیّه Devlet-i Âliye-yi Osmâniyye, Late Ottoman and Modern Turkish

Archaeological research shows that the lands that are today inhabited by Albanians were first populated in the Paleolithic Age (Stone Age). } Albanians (Shqiptarët are an Ethnic group and a Nation, in the sense of sharing a common Albanian culture speaking the Albanian language The term Paleolithic (or Palaeolithic) (from Greek παλαιός palaios, " Old " and λίθος Lithos, "stone" The Stone Age is a broad prehistoric time period during which Humans widely used stone for toolmaking The first areas settled were those with favourable climatic and geographic conditions. In Albania, the earliest settlements have been discovered in the Gajtan cavern (Shkodra), in Konispol, at Mount Dajti, and at Saranda. Shkodër (Shkodër or Shkodra is a city located on Lake Shkodër in northwestern Albania in the District Konispol, is the southernmost town in Albania. It sits 1 kilometre away from the Albanian Greek Border. Mount Dajt ( Albanian: Dajt or Dajti) is a Mountain in central Albania, to the east of Tirana. Sarandë or Saranda ( Albanian saɾanɖa Άγιοι Σαράντα Agioi Saranda) is the capital of the District of Sarandë Fragments of Cyclopean structures, were discovered at Kretsunitsa, Arinishta, and other sites in the district of Gjirokastra. Cyclopean masonry is a type of stonework found in Mycenaean architecture built with huge Limestone Boulders, roughly fitted together with minimal Gjirokastër or Gjirokastra ( Albanian ɟɪɾokaˈstəɾ Ljurocastru Αργυρόκαστρο Argyrókastro) is a City The walls, partly Cyclopean, of an ancient city (perhaps Byllis) are visible at Gradishti on the picturesque Viosa River. Few traces remain of the once celebrated Dyrrhachium (today Durrës).

Butrint, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Butrint ( Albanian: Butrint or Butrinti) is an Ancient Greek city and an archeological site in Sarandë, Albania United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established on November 16

The rediscovered Greek^[9] city of Butrint is probably more significant today than it was when Julius Caesar used it as a provisions depot for his troops during his campaigns in the 1st century BC. Butrint ( Albanian: Butrint or Butrinti) is an Ancient Greek city and an archeological site in Sarandë, Albania At that time, it was considered to be an unimportant outpost, overshadowed by the Greek colonies, Apollonia and Durrës.

Formal investigation and recording of Albania's archaeological monuments began with Francois Pouqueville, who was Napoleon's consul-general to Ali Pasha's court, and Martin Leake, who was the British agent there. François Charles Hugues Laurent Pouqueville was born in Le Merlerault, Normandie, France on the 4th of November in 1770 and died on the 20th of December Napoleon Bonaparte (15 August 1769 – 5 May 1821 was a French military and political leader who had a significant impact on the History of Europe. A French mission, led by Len Rey, worked throughout Albania from 1924 to 1938 and published its results in Cahiers d'Archéologie, d'art et d'Histoire en Albanie et dans les Balkans (Notes of Archaeology, Art, and History in Albania and in the Balkans).

Archaeologists today are finding remains from all periods, from the Stone Age to the early Christian era.

Another project that produced prehistoric finds, though unexpectedly, was done in the valley of Kryegjata, close to the present-day city of Fier and in the area of Apollonia. Fieri ( Albanian: Fier or Fieri) is a City in southwest Albania, in the district This excavation, a collaboration between the University of Cincinnati and archaeologists from the Institute of Archeology in Albania, was originally a mission to learn about the Greek colony of Apollonia. The University of Cincinnati is a Coeducational public Research university in Cincinnati, Ohio. Instead, they found evidence of a much older settlement. ^[10]

In 2000, the Albanian government established Butrint National Park, which draws about 70,000 visitors annually and is Albania's second World Heritage site. Butrint National Park, in Albania, was created in March 2000 It protects 29 square kilometres of historic landscape Archaeology and environment. A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a site (such as a Forest, Mountain, Lake, Desert, Monument, Building, complex

In 2003, a synagogue dating from the 5th or 6th century AD was uncovered in Saranda, a coastal town opposite Corfu. Sarandë or Saranda ( Albanian saɾanɖa Άγιοι Σαράντα Agioi Saranda) is the capital of the District of Sarandë Corfu (Κέρκυρα Kérkyra, ˈkʲe̞ɾkʲiɾa Κέρκυρα or Κόρκυρα Corcyra Corfù is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea It was the first time remains of an early synagogue have been found in that area. A synagogue (from Greek: grc συναγωγή transliterated synagogē, "assembly" he בית כנסת beit knesset, "house of The history of its excavation is also noteworthy. The team found exceptional mosaics depicting items associated with Jewish holidays, including a menorah, ram's horn, and citron tree. Mosaics in the basilica of the synagogue show the facade of what resembles a Torah, animals, trees, and other biblical symbols. The structure measures 20 by 24 metres and was probably last used in the 6th century AD as a church.

The territory of Albania in antiquity was inhabited by the Illyrians,^[11] who, like other Balkan peoples, were subdivided into tribes and clans. Illyrians has come to refer to a broad ill-defined " Indo-European " group of peoples who inhabited the western Balkans ( Illyria, roughly ^[12] The kingdom of Illyria grew from the general area of modern-day Northern Albania and eventually controlled much of the eastern Adriatic coastline. Illyria ( Albanian Iliria ( Ancient Greek; Latin Illyria; see also Illyricum) was in Classical antiquity a region in the Scodra was its capital, just as the city is now the most important urban center of northern Albania. The kingdom, however, reached the zenith of its expansion and development in the 4th century BC, when King Bardyllis, one of the most prominent of the Illyrian kings, united many Illyrian tribes into one Illyrian kingdom, and attacked the Greeks of the Molossian kingdom of Epirus and the kingdom of Macedon. Bardyllis of the Illyrians (also attested as Bardylis in Ancient Greek: Βάρδυλις Βάρδυλιν Βάρδυλλις and Latin language The Greeks ( Greek: Έλληνες) are a Nation and Ethnic group native to Greece, Cyprus and neighbouring regions The Molossians (Μολοσσοί English: Molossoi were an ancient Greek tribe that settled Epirus during Mycenaean times Macedon or Macedonia ( Greek grc Μακεδονία grc-Latn Makedonía) was the name of a kingdom centered in the northern-most Its decay began under the same ruler as a result of the attacks made by Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. Philip II of Macedon, ( Greek: Φίλιππος Β' ο Μακεδών &mdash φίλος = friend + ίππος = Horse Alexander the Great ( or, Mégas Aléxandros; July 20 356 BC June 10 or June 11 323 BC also known as Alexander III of Macedon (el Ἀλέξανδρος Γ'

Portrait of Skanderbeg in the Uffizi, Florence. The Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi one of the oldest and most famous Art Museums in the world is housed in the Palazzo degli Uffizi, a Florence ( Italian: Firenze Florentia and Fiorenza) is the Capital City of the Italian region of Tuscany

Independence and recent history

During the fifteenth century Albania enjoyed a brief period of independence under the legendary hero, Skanderbeg; aside from this exception, the country did not enjoy independence until the twentieth century. Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg ( 6 May 1405 &ndash 17 January 1468) ( Albanian: Gjergj Kastriot Skënderbeu, widely known as After five hundred years of Ottoman domination, an independent Albania was proclaimed in 1912. The country adopted a republican form of government in 1920. ^[13] Starting in 1928, the new King Zog began to cede Albania's sovereignty to Italy, and in 1939 the Italians invaded the country. Zog I Skanderbeg III of the Albanians ref> (born Ahmet Zogolli, later changed to Ahmet Zogu) (October 8 1895 &ndash April 9 1961 was King The' Italian people' are a Southern European Ethnic group located primarily in Italy, Switzerland, France and by virtue of a wide-ranging

Tirana liberated November 20, 1944 by the Albanian partisans. Events 284 - Diocletian was chosen as Roman Emperor. 762 - Bögü Khan of the Uyghurs, Year 1944 ( MCMXLIV) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.

Albania was one of the first countries occupied by the Axis Powers in World War II. The Axis powers also known as the Axis alliance Axis nations Axis countries or sometimes just the Axis were those Countries ^[14] As Hitler began his aggressions, the Italian Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini decided to occupy Albania as a means to compete with Hitler's territorial gains. Hi and welcome to Wikipedia! Please understand that this article is frequently vandalized and vandalism is reverted immediately Fascism is a totalitarian nationalist and corporatist ideology Mussolini and the Italian Fascists saw Albania as a historical part of the Roman Empire and the occupation was intended to fulfill Mussolini's dream of creating an Italian Empire. The Roman Empire was the post-Republican phase of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial The Italian colonial empire was created after the Kingdom of Italy joined other European powers in establishing colonies overseas during the " Scramble for Africa The invasion took place in 1939. Despite some strong resistance, especially at Durrës, Italy invaded Albania on April 7, 1939 and took control of the country, with Mussolini proclaiming Italy's figurehead King being King of Albania. Events 529 - First draft of Corpus Juris Civilis (a fundamental work in Jurisprudence) is issued by Eastern Roman Emperor Year 1939 ( MCMXXXIX) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Mussolini, in October 1940, used his Albanian base to launch an attack on Greece. During Italian occupation, the Albanian population was subject to a policy of forced Italianization by the Kingdom's Italian governors in which the use of the Albanian language was discouraged in schools while the Italian language was promoted, and colonization of Albania by Italians was encouraged. Italianization is a term used to describe a process of Cultural assimilation in which ethnically non- or partially- Italian people or territory become Italian During World War II, Albanian nationalist groups, including communist partisans, fought against the Italians and subsequently the Germans. By October 1944 they had thrown the Germans out, the only East European nation to do so without the assistance of Soviet troops. The partially French-educated Enver Hoxha became the leader of the country by virtue of his position as secretary general of the Party of Labor (the Albanian Communist Party). (ɛnˈvɛɾ ˈhɔdʒa 16 October 1908 11 April 1985 was the leader of the People's Republic of Albania from the end of World War II until his death in 1985 as the The Communist Party was created on November 8, 1941 with the help of the Yugoslavian Communist Party. A Political party described as a communist party includes those that advocate the application of the social principles of Communism through a communist form of Events 1519 - Hernán Cortés enters Tenochtitlán and Aztec ruler Moctezuma welcomes him with great a Celebration Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. A Political party described as a communist party includes those that advocate the application of the social principles of Communism through a communist form of

Albania is unique in that it is the only European country occupied by the Nazis that ended World War II with a larger Jewish population than before the War. Nazism, which was a short name for National Socialism (Nationalsozialismus refers primarily to the Ideology and practices of the National Socialist German PLEASE TAKE NOTE************ ^[15] The Albanian response to the Holocaust is especially notable because it was Europe's only largely Muslim country. The Holocaust (from the Greek el ''ὁλόκαυστον'' (el-Latn holókauston holos, "completely" and kaustos, "burnt" also known as ^[16][17] Even so only a Jewish family of six was deported and killed during the Nazi occupation of Albania. ^[18] Not only did the Albanians protect their own Jews, but they provided refuge for Jews from neighboring countries. The Albanians refused to comply and hand over lists of Jews. Instead they provided the Jewish families with forged documents and helped them disperse in the Albanian population. ^{[18] [19]}

Albania allied with the USSR, and then broke with the USSR in 1960 over de-Stalinization. The Cold War ensued as the USSR and the United States struggled indirectly for influence around the world A strong political alliance with China followed, leading to several billion dollars in aid, which was curtailed after 1974. China cut off aid in 1978 when Albania attacked its policies after the death of Chinese ruler Mao Zedong. Mao Zedong ( 26 December 1893 – 9 September 1976) was a Chinese Military and political leader who led Large-scale purges of officials occurred during the 1970s.

Enver Hoxha, the nation's ruler for 4 decades, died April 11, 1985. (ɛnˈvɛɾ ˈhɔdʒa 16 October 1908 11 April 1985 was the leader of the People's Republic of Albania from the end of World War II until his death in 1985 as the Events 491 - Flavius Anastasius becomes Byzantine Emperor, with the name of Anastasius I. Year 1985 ( MCMLXXXV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link displays 1985 Gregorian calendar) Eventually the new regime introduced some liberalization, including measures in 1990 providing for freedom to travel abroad. Efforts were begun to improve ties with the outside world. March 1991 elections left the former Communists in power, but a general strike and urban opposition led to the formation of a coalition cabinet including non-Communists. ^[20]

Albania's former Communists were routed in elections March 1992, amid economic collapse and social unrest. Sali Berisha was elected as the first non-Communist president since World War II. (born October 15, 1944) is the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania. The next crisis occurred in 1997, as riots ravaged the country. The 1997 unrest in Albania, also known as the Lottery Uprising, was an uprising sparked by Ponzi scheme failures

During NATO's air war against Yugoslavia, March-June 1999, Albania hosted some 465,000 Kosovar refugees. The North Atlantic Treaty See also Kingdom of Yugoslavia, Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Yugoslavia ( Serbo-Croatian Kosovo has an estimated population of 21 million (as of 2007 The dominant ethnic group is Albanian (92% with significant minorities of Serbs and others Victory by a pro-Berisha coalition in elections July 3, 2005, ended 8 years of Socialist Party rule. Events 324 - Battle of Adrianople Constantine I defeats Licinius, who flees to Byzantium. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Crowds in Tirana, June 10, 2007, welcomed George W. Events 1190 - Third Crusade: Frederick I Barbarossa drowns in the Sally River while leading an army to Jerusalem Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Bush, the first U. S. president to visit Albania.

Sali Berisha with U. S. President George W. Bush in Tirana.

Government and politics

Main article: Politics of Albania

The Albanian republic is a parliamentary democracy established under a constitution renewed in 1998. Politics of Albania takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic Republic, whereby the Prime Minister is the Elections are now held every four years to a unicameral 140-seat chamber, the People's Assembly. In June 2002, a compromise candidate, Alfred Moisiu, former Army General, was elected to succeed President Rexhep Meidani. (born December 1, 1929, in Shkodër) was the President of the Republic of Albania from July 24, 2002 to July For the army rank(s of General as opposed to the specific rank of Army General see General Army General is a title used in many (born on August 17, 1944, in Tirana, Albania) is an Albanian Politician. Parliamentary elections in July 2005 brought Sali Berisha, as leader of the Democratic Party, back to power. (born October 15, 1944) is the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania. The Euro-Atlantic integration of Albania has been the ultimate goal of the post-communist governments. Albania's EU membership bid has been set as a priority by the European Commission. The European Union ( EU) is a political and economic union of twenty-seven member states, located primarily in

Albania, along with Croatia, received in 3 April 2008 an invitation to join NATO. Events 1043 - Edward the Confessor is crowned King of England. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common The North Atlantic Treaty Full member status is expected to be achieved in 2009. ^[21]

The workforce of Albania has continued to migrate to Greece, Italy, Germany, other parts of Europe, and North America. However, the migration flux is slowly decreasing, as more and more opportunities are emerging in Albania itself as its economy steadily develops. Albanian emigrants have achieved great success in multiple geographies and disciplines abroad. In particular, there is now a significant Albanian community in the United Kingdom, in cities such as Birmingham and Manchester. Birmingham ( ˈbɜːmɪŋəm Ber -ming-um The Albanian Diaspora is most prevalent in Liverpool, where Albanian cuisine has something of a cult following. Liverpool ( is a City and Metropolitan borough of Merseyside, England along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary Pulitzer prize winning journalist Caroline Thorpe, who is currently an emeritus professor at the University of Liverpool, recently noted that 'Albanian food has become as synonymous with Liverpool as Bill Shankley or the Beatles!'. The University of Liverpool is a University in the city of Liverpool, England.

Administrative division

Counties of Albania

Main articles: Counties of Albania, Districts of Albania, and Municipalities of Albania

Albania is divided into 12 administrative divisions called (Albanian: official qark/qarku, but often prefekturë/prefektura Counties),36 districts and 351 municipalities. Albania is divided into twelve counties ( Albanian: qarku, sing ||-||} Albania is divided into 36 districts, or rrethe. Districts are grouped into counties or prefectures of which there are 12 Lists of municipalities by county and by district Berat County Berat District Berat Cukalat Albanian (sq ''Gjuha shqipe'' ˈɟuha ˈʃcipɛ is an Indo-European language spoken by nearly 6 million peoplewhile others claim that it derives from Daco - Each region has its Regional Council and is composed of a number of Municipalities and Communes, which are the first level of local governance responsible for local needs and law enforcement.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Albania

Coastline in southern Albania. The County of Berat (Qarku i Beratit is one of the 12 counties of Albania. The District of Berat (Rrethi i Beratit is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. The District of Kuçovë (Rrethi i Kuçovës is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. The District of Skrapar ( Albanian: Rrethi i Skraparit) is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. Berat (also known in Albanian as Berati, Greek Bulcheriòpolis - Πουλχεριοπολις The County of Dibër (Qarku i Dibrës is one of the 12 counties of Albania. The District of Bulqizë (Rrethi i Bulqizës is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. The District of Dibër (Rrethi i Dibrës (Дистрикт Дебарis one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. The District of Mat (Rrethi i Matit is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. Peshkopi (Peshkopia Пешкопеја is a City in northeast Albania, in the district and County of The County of Durrës (Qarku i Durrësit is one of the 12 counties of Albania. The District of Durrës (Rrethi i Durrësit is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. The District of Krujë (Rrethi i Krujës is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. The County of Elbasan (Qarku i Elbasanit is one of the 12 counties of Albania. The District of Elbasan (Rrethi i Elbasanit is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. The District of Gramsh (Rrethi i Gramshit is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. The District of Librazhd (Rrethi i Librazhdit is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. The District of Peqin (Rrethi i Peqinit is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. Elbasan ( Albanian: Elbasan or Elbasani) is a City in central Albania. The County of Fier (Qarku i Fierit is one of the 12 counties of Albania. The District of Fier (Qarku i Fierit is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. The District of Lushnjë (Rrethi i Lushnjës is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. The District of Mallakastër (Rrethi i Mallakastrës is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. Fieri ( Albanian: Fier or Fieri) is a City in southwest Albania, in the district The County of Gjirokastër ( Albanian: Qarku i Gjirokastrës, Greek: Αργυρόκαστρο, Turkish: Ergir Vilayeti The District of Gjirokastër ( Albanian: Rrethi i Gjirokastrës, Greek: Αργυρόκαστρο, Turkish: Ergir Vilayeti The District of Përmet (Rrethi i Përmetit is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. The District of Tepelenë ( Albanian: Rrethi i Tepelenës, Tepedelen Greek: Τεπελένιον, Tepelènion) is one of the Gjirokastër or Gjirokastra ( Albanian ɟɪɾokaˈstəɾ Ljurocastru Αργυρόκαστρο Argyrókastro) is a City The County of Korçë (Qarku i Korçës is one of the 12 counties of Albania, located in the eastern part of the country The District of Devoll (Rrethi i Devollit is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania and derives its name from the Devoll river flowing through the valley The District of Kolonjë (Rrethi i Kolonjës is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. The District of Korçë (Rrethi i Korçës is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. The District of Pogradec ( Albanian: Rrethi i Pogradecit) is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. Korçë (Korçë or Korça is a major city in the Korçë District of south-eastern Albania, located at near the border with The County of Kukës (Qarku i Kukësit is one of the 12 counties of Albania. The District of Has (Rrethi Has is one of the thirty-six districts of Albania and one of the smallest The District of Kukës (Rrethi i Kukësit is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. The District of Tropojë (Rrethi i Tropojës is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. Kukës ( Albanian: Kukës or Kukësi) is a Town in Albania located at 42 The County of Lezhë (Qarku i Lezhës is one of the 12 counties of Albania. The District of Kurbin (Rrethi i Kurbinit is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. The District of Lezhë (Rrethi i Lezhës is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. The District of Mirditë (Rrethi i Mirditës is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. Lezhë ( Albanian: Lezhë or Lezha) is a City in northwest Albania, in the district Shkodër County ( Albanian: Qarku i Shkodrës) is one of the 12 counties of Albania. The Malësi e Madhe District (Rrethi i Malësi e Madhe is one of the thirty-six districts of Albania. The District of Pukë (Rrethi i Pukës is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. The District of Shkodër ( Albanian: Rrethi i Shkodrës) is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. Shkodër (Shkodër or Shkodra is a city located on Lake Shkodër in northwestern Albania in the District The County of Tirana (Qarku i Tiranës is one of the 12 counties of Albania. The District of Kavajë (Rrethi i Kavajës is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. The District of Tirana (Rrethi i Tiranës is one of the thirty-six districts of Albania. Tirana (Tiranë or Tirana is the Capital and largest city of the Republic of Albania. The County of Vlorë (Qarku i Vlorës is one of the 12 counties of Albania. The District of Delvinë or District of Delvina ( Albanian: Rrethi i Delvinës, Greek: Δέλβινο, Delvino) is Ksamiljpg|thumb|Lake Butrint and the village of Ksamil south of Sarandë seen from the Greek island Corfu]]The District of Sarandë ( Albanian: Rrethi i Sarandës, The District of Vlorë (Rrethi i Vlorës is one of the thirty-six Districts of Albania. Vlorë or Vlora ( Ancient Greek: Αυλών Aulón, meaning "Valley" or possibly from a Greek Borders With the exception of the coastline all Albanian borders are artificial

Albania has a total area of 28,750 square kilometers. Its coastline is 362 kilometres long and extends along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. The Ionian Sea is an arm of the Mediterranean Sea, south of the Adriatic Sea. The lowlands of the west face the Adriatic Sea. The 70% of the country that is mountainous is rugged and often inaccessible from the outside. The highest mountain is Korab situated in the district of Dibra, reaching up to 2,753 metres (9,032 ft). Mount Korab ( Macedonian: Голем Кораб Golem Korab, Albanian: Maja e Korabit or Mali i Korabit) is the highest Mountain The country has a continental climate at its high altitude regions with cold winters and hot summers. Continental climate is a Climate that is characterized by Winter Temperatures cold enough to support a fixed period of Snow cover each Year Besides the capital city of Tirana, which has 800,000 inhabitants, the principal cities are Durrës, Elbasan, Shkodër, Gjirokastër, Vlorë, Korçë and Kukës. Tirana (Tiranë or Tirana is the Capital and largest city of the Republic of Albania. Elbasan ( Albanian: Elbasan or Elbasani) is a City in central Albania. Shkodër (Shkodër or Shkodra is a city located on Lake Shkodër in northwestern Albania in the District Gjirokastër or Gjirokastra ( Albanian ɟɪɾokaˈstəɾ Ljurocastru Αργυρόκαστρο Argyrókastro) is a City Vlorë or Vlora ( Ancient Greek: Αυλών Aulón, meaning "Valley" or possibly from a Greek Korçë (Korçë or Korça is a major city in the Korçë District of south-eastern Albania, located at near the border with Kukës ( Albanian: Kukës or Kukësi) is a Town in Albania located at 42 In Albanian grammar, a word can have indefinite and definite forms, and this also applies to city names: both Tiranë and Tirana, Shkodër and Shkodra are used.

The three largest and deepest tectonic lakes of the Balkan Peninsula are located in Albania. Lake Scutari in the country's northwest has a surface of 368 km², out of which 149 km² belong to Albania. Lake Scutari, also called Lake Skadar ( Albanian: Liqeni i Shkodrës, Serbian: Скадарско језеро / Skadarsko jezero The Albanian shoreline of the lake is 57 km. Ohrid Lake is situated in the country's southeast and is shared between Albania and Macedonia. Lake Ohrid (Охридско Езеро transliterated: Ohridsko Ezero; Liqeni i Ohrit straddles the mountainous border between the southwestern region of the It has a maximal depth of 289 meters and it is so old that a unique flora and fauna can be found there, including “living fossils” and many endemic species. Because of its natural and historical value, Ohrid Lake is under the protection of UNESCO. United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established on November 16

Over a third of the territory of Albania – about a million hectares (2. 5 million acres) – is forested and the country is very rich in flora. About 3. 000 different species of plants grow in Albania, many of which are used for medicinal purposes. Phytogeographically, Albania belongs to the Boreal Kingdom and is shared between the Adriatic and East Mediterranean provinces of the Mediterranean Region and the Illyrian province of the Circumboreal Region. Phytogeography, also called geobotany is the branch of Biogeography that is concerned with the geographic distribution of Plant Species, or more generally Rhododendron-palustreJPG|thumb|right| Rhododendron tomentosum ]]The Boreal Kingdom or Holarctic Kingdom ( Holarctis) is a Floristic kingdom The Mediterranean Basin refers to the lands around and surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. Vaccinium vitis-idaea 20060824 003jpg|thumb|right| Vaccinium vitis-idaea ]]Alnus-viridis According to the WWF and Digital Map of European Ecological Regions by the European Environment Agency, the territory of Albania can be subdivided into three ecoregions: the Illyrian deciduous forests, Pindus Mountains mixed forests and Dinaric Mountains mixed forests. European Environment Agency (EEA agency of the European Union devoted to establishing a monitoring network for the monitoring of the European environment An ecoregion ( ecological region) sometimes called a bioregion, is an ecologically and geographically defined area smaller than a "realm" or " The Illyrian deciduous forests form a terrestrial Ecoregion of Europe according to both the WWF and Digital Map of European Ecological Regions by the The Pindus Mountains mixed forests constitute a terrestrial Ecoregion of Europe according to both the WWF and Digital Map of European Ecological Regions The forests are home to a wide range of mammals, including wolves, bears, wild boars, and chamois. The grey wolf or gray wolf ( Canis lupus) also known as the timber wolf or simply wolf, is a Mammal of the order Carnivora The boar or wild boar ( Sus scrofa) is an Omnivorous, gregarious Mammal of the biological family Suidae. The chamois ( Rupicapra rupicapra) is a Goat -like animal native to the Carpathian Mountains of Romania the European Alps, the Gran Lynx, wildcats, pine martens and polecats are rare, but survive in some parts of the country. A lynx is any of four medium-sized wild cats. All are members of the Genus Lynx, but there is considerable confusion about the best way to classify The Wildcat ( Felis silvestris) sometimes Wild Cat or Wild-cat, is a small felid native to Europe, the western part of Asia

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Albania

Albania Population pyramid, 2005

In July 2007, Albania's population was 3,600,523, with an annual growth rate of 0. This articles is about the demographics of the people of Albania. 73%. ^[22] Albania is a largely ethnically homogeneous country with only small minorities. A large majority of the population is ethnically Albanian. } Albanians (Shqiptarët are an Ethnic group and a Nation, in the sense of sharing a common Albanian culture speaking the Albanian language Minorities include Greeks, Aromanians, Torbesh, Gorani, Macedonians, Roma, Montenegrins, Bulgarians, Balkan Egyptians and Jews. The Greeks ( Greek: Έλληνες) are a Nation and Ethnic group native to Greece, Cyprus and neighbouring regions Aromanians (or Macedo-Rumans; in Aromanian they call themselves Armãnji, Rrãmãnji) are a people living throughout the southern Balkans The Macedonian Muslims ( Macedonian: Македонци-муслимани Makedonci-muslimani) also known as Muslim Macedonians or Torbeš The Goran or Gorani are a Balkan Ethnic group characterised by their adherence to Islam and by their dwelling in the border region between Albania The Macedonians (Македонци transliterated Makedonci) also referred to as Macedonian Slavs --> --> are a South Slavic people The Romani people (singular Rom, plural Roma as a Noun; also known as Romanies or Roma people) are an ethnic group with origins Montenegrins ( Serbian: Црногорци/ Crnogorci) are a South Slavic people closely akin to the Serbs, associated to Montenegro The Bulgarians (българи balgari) are a South Slavic people generally associated with the Republic of Bulgaria and the Bulgarian language Balkan Egyptians or simply Egyptians (Egjiptian Египћани Egipćani or Ђупци Đupci; Египќанци Egipkjanci or Ѓупци PLEASE TAKE NOTE************ The dominant language is Albanian, with two main dialects, Gheg and Tosk. Albanian (sq ''Gjuha shqipe'' ˈɟuha ˈʃcipɛ is an Indo-European language spoken by nearly 6 million peoplewhile others claim that it derives from Daco - Gheg (or Geg) is one of the two major dialects of the Albanian language. Many Albanians are also fluent in English, Italian and Greek. English is a West Germanic language originating in England and is the First language for most people in the United Kingdom, the United States Italian ( or lingua italiana) is a Romance language spoken by about 63 million people as a First language, primarily in Italy. Greek (el ελληνική γλώσσα or simply el ελληνικά — "Hellenic" is an Indo-European language, spoken today by 15-22 million people mainly

Economy

Main article: Economy of Albania

The democratically elected government that won the elections on April 1992 launched an ambitious economic reform programme to halt economic deterioration and forced the country on the path of a market economy. The Economy of Albania is poor-performing by Western European standards but is making the difficult transition to a more open-market economy from its communist This included a comprehensive package of structural reforms, including privatization, enterprise, and financial sector reform, and the creation of the legal framework for a market economy and private sector activity. After severe economic contraction following 1989, the economy slowly rebounded, finally surpassing its 1989 levels by the end of the 1990s. ^[23] Since prices have also risen, however, economic hardship has continued for much of the population. In 1995, Albania began privatizing large state enterprises.

Following the signing of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement in June/July 2006, EU ministers urged Albania to push ahead with reforms, focusing on freedom of press, property rights, institution building, respect for ethnic minorities and observing international standards in municipal elections. In talks with countries who have expressed the wish to join the European Union (EU the EU typically concludes Association Agreements in exchange for commitments to political Albania has made an impressive recovery, building a modern and diversified economy. Recent administrations have also improved the country's infrastructure and opened competition in seaports, railroads, telecommunications, electricity generation, natural gas distribution and airports.

Tourism in Albania is a large industry and is growing rapidly. Tourism in Albania is still in its infancy because the former Communist regime did not allow Tourism to become established The most notable tourist attractions are the ancient sites of Apollonia, Butrinti, and Krujë. Butrint ( Albanian: Butrint or Butrinti) is an Ancient Greek city and an archeological site in Sarandë, Albania Krujë ( Albanian: Krujë or Kruja) is the Capital City of the District of Krujë in Albania Albania's coastline is becoming increasingly popular with tourists due to its relatively unspoiled nature and its beaches.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Albania

See also: Freedom of religion in Albania

Christianity was adopted in the region now known as Albania during Roman rule by the middle of the first century. The majority of Albanians today are either Atheists or Agnostics. The Constitution provides for freedom of religion and the Government generally respected this right in practice Christianity ( Greek Χριστιανισμός from the word Xριστός ( Christ)is a monotheistic Religion centered on the life and teachings The Roman Empire was the post-Republican phase of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial At first the new religion had to compete with Oriental cults, such as the worship of Mithra, known in the region due to Rome's growing interaction with eastern regions of the Roman Empire. The Orient is a term which simply means the " East " It originated in Western Asia to describe that part of the world This article is about the Zoroastrian Yazata Mithra (Miθra For other divinities with related names see the general article Mitra. For a long time it also competed with Illyrian pagan religions. The steady growth of the Christian community in Dyrrhachium (the Roman name for Epidamnus) led to the creation of a local bishopric in 58 AD. Later, episcopal seats were established in Apollonia, Buthrotum (modern Butrint), and Scodra (modern Shkodra). Shkodër (Shkodër or Shkodra is a city located on Lake Shkodër in northwestern Albania in the District

After the division of the Roman Empire in 395, Albania fell under the umbrella of the Eastern Roman Empire, but remained ecclesiastically dependent on Rome. The Roman Empire was the post-Republican phase of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial During the final schism on 1054 between the Western and Eastern churches, the Christians in southern Albania came under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarch in Constantinople, and those in the north under the purview of the Papacy in Rome. Constantinople (Κωνσταντινούπολις Konstantinoúpolis, or gr ἡ Πόλις hē Polis, Latin: la CONSTANTINOPOLIS The arrangement prevailed until Albania passed to Ottoman control in 14th century, and Islam gradually became the dominant religion. The Ottoman Empire (1299–1923 ( Old Ottoman Turkish: دولتْ علیّه عثمانیّه Devlet-i Âliye-yi Osmâniyye, Late Ottoman and Modern Turkish For other meanings including people named 'Islam' see Islam (disambiguation. The Hoxha regime, which took control of Albania after World War II, suppressed religious observance and institutions, and although religious freedom has returned to Albania since Hoxha's death in 1985, the majority of Albanians today do not practice any religion. (ɛnˈvɛɾ ˈhɔdʒa 16 October 1908 11 April 1985 was the leader of the People's Republic of Albania from the end of World War II until his death in 1985 as the

Albanian language

Main article: Albanian language

Albanian was proven to be an Indo-European language in 1854 by the German philologist Franz Bopp. Albanian (sq ''Gjuha shqipe'' ˈɟuha ˈʃcipɛ is an Indo-European language spoken by nearly 6 million peoplewhile others claim that it derives from Daco - Comparative linguistics (originally comparative Philology) is a branch of Historical linguistics that is concerned with comparing languages in order to Franz Bopp ( September 14, 1791 – October 23, 1867) was a German linguist known for extensive comparative work on The Albanian language comprises its own branch of the Indo-European language family.

Some scholars believe that Albanian derives from Illyrian^[24][25] while others,^[26] claim that it derives from Daco-Thracian. The Illyrian languages are a group of Indo-European languages that were spoken in the western part of the Balkans in former times by groups identified as The Dacian language was spoken by the ancient inhabitants of Dacia. The Thracian language was the Indo-European language spoken in ancient times by the Thracians in South-Eastern Europe (Illyrian and Daco-Thracian, however, might have been closely related languages; see Thraco-Illyrian. Thraco-Illyrian is a hypothesis that the Thraco-Dacian and Illyrian languages comprise a distinct branch of Indo-European. )

Establishing longer relations, Albanian is often compared to Balto-Slavic on the one hand and Germanic on the other, both of which share a number of isoglosses with Albanian. An isogloss is the geographical boundary or delineation of a certain linguistic feature e Moreover, Albanian has undergone a vowel shift in which stressed, long o has fallen to a, much like in the former and opposite the latter. Likewise, Albanian has taken the old relative jos and innovatively used it exclusively to qualify adjectives, much in the way Balto-Slavic has used this word to provide the definite ending of adjectives.

Literature

Main article: Albanian literature

See also: List of Albanian writers

The cultural resistance was first of all expressed through the elaboration of the Albanian language in the area of church texts and publications, mainly of the Catholic confessional region in the North, but also of the Orthodox in the South. Albania, part of the ancient Illyrian territories a cross-road of civilizations and geopolitical interests during the barbarian onslaughts and later on a province of the Eastern This is a list of Albanian writers. A - E Abdullah Konushevci Adelina Mamaqi Adem Demaçi Albanian (sq ''Gjuha shqipe'' ˈɟuha ˈʃcipɛ is an Indo-European language spoken by nearly 6 million peoplewhile others claim that it derives from Daco - The Eastern Orthodox Church is the second largest single Christian Communion in the world The Protestant reforms invigorated hopes for the development of the local language and literary tradition when cleric Gjon Buzuku brought into the Albanian language the Catholic liturgy, trying to do for the Albanian language what Luther did for German. Protestantism refers to the forms of Christian faith and practice that originated in the 16th century Protestant Reformation. Gjon Buzuku (16th century was an Albanian Catholic Clergyman who wrote the first known printed book in Albanian. This is an article about liturgy in the Roman Catholic Church. Martin Luther (November 10 1483 February 18 1546 was a German Monk, theologian, university professor Father of Protestantism, and church reformer The German language (de ''Deutsch'') is a West Germanic language and one of the world's major languages.

Excerpt from Meshari by Gjon Buzuku. Meshari ( Albanian for "Prayer Book" is the first Book written in Albanian language. Gjon Buzuku (16th century was an Albanian Catholic Clergyman who wrote the first known printed book in Albanian.

Meshari (The Missal) by Gjon Buzuku, published by him in 1555, is considered to date as the first literary work of written Albanian. Meshari ( Albanian for "Prayer Book" is the first Book written in Albanian language. Gjon Buzuku (16th century was an Albanian Catholic Clergyman who wrote the first known printed book in Albanian. The refined level of the language and the stabilised orthography must be a result of an earlier tradition of writing Albanian, a tradition that is not known. But there are some fragmented evidence, dating earlier than Buzuku, which indicate that Albanian was written at least since 14th century AD. The first known evidence dates from 1332 AD and deals with the French Dominican Guillelmus Adae, Archbishop of Antivari, who in a report in Latin writes that Albanians use Latin letters in their books although their language is quite different from Latin. In Christianity, an archbishop is an elevated Bishop. In the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion and others this means that they lead Bar ( Montenegrin and Serbian Cyrillic: Бар Italian: Antivari, Albanian: Tivari, Greek: Θηβάριον Of special importance in supporting this are: a baptizing formula (Unte paghesont premenit Atit et Birit et spertit senit) of 1462, written in Albanian within a text in Latin by the bishop of Durrës, Pal Engjëlli; a glossary with Albanian words of 1497 by Arnold von Harff, a German who had travelled through Albania, and a 15th century fragment from the Bible from the Gospel of Matthew, also in Albanian, but in Greek letters. A bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight Pal Engjëlli (1416–1470 was an Albanian Catholic Clergyman Archbishop of Durrës and Cardinal of Albania who in 1462 Etymology According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the word bible is from Latin biblia, traced from the same word through Medieval Latin and Late Latin The Gospel of Matthew (Gk Κατά Ματθαίον Ευαγγέλιον is one of the four Canonical gospels in the New Testament and is a Synoptic gospel

Albanian writings of these centuries must not have been religious texts only, but historical chronicles too. They are mentioned by the humanist Marin Barleti, who, in his book Rrethimi i Shkodrës (The Siege of Shkodër) (1504), confirms that he leafed through such chronicles written in the language of the people (in vernacula lingua). Marin Barleti ( Latin: Marinus Barletius, Italian: Marino Barlezio; c Despite the obstacles generated by the Counter-Reformation which was opposed to the development of national languages in Christian liturgy, this process went on uninterrupted. The Counter-Reformation (also Catholic Reformation denotes the period of Catholic revival from the pontificate of Pope Pius IV in 1560 to the close of the A liturgy is the customary public worship done by a specific religious group according to their particular traditions During the 16th to 17th centuries, the catechism E mbësuame krishterë (Christian Teachings) (1592) by Lekë Matrënga, Doktrina e krishterë (The Christian Doctrine) (1618) and Rituale romanum (1621) by Pjetër Budi, the first writer of original Albanian prose and poetry, an apology for George Castriot (1636) by Frang Bardhi, who also published a dictionary and folklore creations, the theological-philosophical treaty Cuneus Prophetarum (The Band of Prophets) (1685) by Pjetër Bogdani, the most universal personality of Albanian Middle Ages, were published in Albanian. A catechism (ˈkætəkɪzəm κατηχισμός is a summary or exposition of Doctrine, traditionally used in Christian religious teaching from New Testament Pjetër Budi (1566-1622 known in Italian as Pietro Budi, was the author of four Religious works in Albanian. For the Wikipedia guideline regarding editing articles see WikipediaManual of Style. Frang Bardhi ( Latin: Franciscus Blancus, Italian: Francesco Bianchi) (1606-1643 was an early Albanian church figure and author History The concept of folklore developed as part of the 19th century ideology of Romantic nationalism, leading to the reshaping of oral traditions to serve modern ideological Pjetër Bogdani (ca 1630 - 1689 known in Italian as Pietro Bogdano, is the most original writer of early literature in Albania.

Health

Albania has free health care for all. Major hospitals are in Tirana and Durrës. Tirana (Tiranë or Tirana is the Capital and largest city of the Republic of Albania. The medical school, Faculty of Medicine at Tirana University, is in Tirana. Nursing schools are in many other cities.

Cuisine

Main article: Cuisine of Albania

The cuisine of Albania, as with most Mediterranean and Balkan nations, is strongly influenced by its long history. The cuisine of Albania, as with most Mediterranean and Balkan nations is strongly influenced by its long history At different times, the territory of Albania has been occupied by Greece, Italy and the Ottoman Turks, and each group has left its mark on Albanian cuisine. Greece (Ελλάδα transliterated: Elláda, historically, Ellás,) officially the Hellenic Republic (Ελληνική Δημοκρατία Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest The Ottoman Turks were the subdivision of the Ottoman Muslim Millet that dominated the ruling class of the Ottoman Empire. The main meal of the Albanians is lunch, and it is usually accompanied by a salad of fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, and olives with olive oil, vinegar and salt. } Albanians (Shqiptarët are an Ethnic group and a Nation, in the sense of sharing a common Albanian culture speaking the Albanian language Salad is a mixture of cold foods usually including vegetables and/or fruits often with a dressing occasionally nuts or Croutons, and sometimes with the addition of The term " vegetable " generally means the edible parts of Plants The definition of the word is traditional rather than Scientific, however The tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum, syn Lycopersicon lycopersicum) is a herbaceous usually sprawling plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family The cucumber ( Cucumis sativus) is a widely cultivated plant in the Gourd family Cucurbitaceae, which includes squash, and in the same "Green pepper" redirects here For green peppercorns see Black pepper. The Olive ( Olea europaea) is a Species of small Tree in the family Oleaceae, native to the coastal areas of the eastern Olive oil is a fruit oil obtained from the olive ( Olea europaea; family Oleaceae along with Lilacs Jasmine and ash trees Vinegar is an acidic liquid processed from the Fermentation of Ethanol in a process that yields its key ingredient Acetic acid (also called ethanoic acid Salt is a Dietary mineral composed primarily of Sodium chloride that is essential for Animal life but toxic to most land plants Lunch also includes a main dish of vegetables and meat. Seafood specialties are also common in the coastal areas of Durrës, Vlorë and Sarandë. Vlorë or Vlora ( Ancient Greek: Αυλών Aulón, meaning "Valley" or possibly from a Greek Sarandë or Saranda ( Albanian saɾanɖa Άγιοι Σαράντα Agioi Saranda) is the capital of the District of Sarandë

Gallery

Butrint, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Butrint ( Albanian: Butrint or Butrinti) is an Ancient Greek city and an archeological site in Sarandë, Albania United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established on November 16	Apollonia, Albania.	Remains of a chapel in Butrint, Albania. Butrint ( Albanian: Butrint or Butrinti) is an Ancient Greek city and an archeological site in Sarandë, Albania	Sarandë , Albania. Sarandë or Saranda ( Albanian saɾanɖa Άγιοι Σαράντα Agioi Saranda) is the capital of the District of Sarandë
Fishing in Albania.	Ali Pasha's Castle, Albania.	Azure Eye, one of the many fresh water springs in Sarandë, Albania, (known as the wedding city). Sarandë or Saranda ( Albanian saɾanɖa Άγιοι Σαράντα Agioi Saranda) is the capital of the District of Sarandë
Beach in Vlorë, Albania. Vlorë or Vlora ( Ancient Greek: Αυλών Aulón, meaning "Valley" or possibly from a Greek	Petrela Castle, Tirana, Albania. See also History of Albania Petrela is a town 15 km south of Tirana, in the central Albania. Tirana (Tiranë or Tirana is the Capital and largest city of the Republic of Albania.	The Mountain of Shpiragu in Berat area. Berat (also known in Albanian as Berati, Greek Bulcheriòpolis - Πουλχεριοπολις 130 km south of Tirana, Albania. Tirana (Tiranë or Tirana is the Capital and largest city of the Republic of Albania.	Morning sun near Tepelena. South Albania.
It is often described as a rude territory, but the Mallakastra Mountains inhabitants are famous for their hospitality.	The valley of river Vjosa in Këlcyra. Surrounded by mountains, the valley is of an extreme beauty.	Durrës seaside. 40 km from the capital Tirana. Tirana (Tiranë or Tirana is the Capital and largest city of the Republic of Albania.	Dhermi beach. Between Vlora and Saranda. Vlorë or Vlora ( Ancient Greek: Αυλών Aulón, meaning "Valley" or possibly from a Greek Sarandë or Saranda ( Albanian saɾanɖa Άγιοι Σαράντα Agioi Saranda) is the capital of the District of Sarandë
Sunset in Jala beach.	Drini river valley near Tepelena, Southern Albania.	Contryside in Berat, one of the oldest cities in Albania. Berat (also known in Albanian as Berati, Greek Bulcheriòpolis - Πουλχεριοπολις	Traditional male group singing in the Area of Skrapar, South-Est Albania.
A view across Elbasan valley.

Panoramic view of Tirana as seen from Dajti Mountain. Tirana (Tiranë or Tirana is the Capital and largest city of the Republic of Albania.

See also

Lists

• List of Albania-related articles
• List of Albanians
• List of Albanian writers
• List of Albanian-Americans
• International rankings of Albania

References

External links

• Wikimedia Atlas of Albania

Government

• Presidency of Albania
• The Albanian Parliament

Country Data

• Albanian Institute of Statistics
• Albania entry at The World Factbook

Other

• National Tourism Organization Albania's official website for travel & tourism information.
• Tourism, Krujë
• Albania travel guide from Wikitravel
• VIVAlbania, hospitality and ecotourism in Albania
• Treasure of the national library of Albania