87 Facts about Albania

From its Stunning Landscapes to its Rich Culture and History

Albania is a country located in Southeast Europe, on the Adriatic and Ionian Sea coast. It has a diverse landscape, including mountains, beaches, and lakes.

Geographic

1. Albania is a country located in Southeast Europe, on the Adriatic and Ionian Sea coast.
2. It is bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east, and Greece to the south and southeast.
3. The capital and largest city of Albania is Tirana.
4. The official language is Albanian.
5. The country has a population of approximately 2.9 million people.
6. The terrain of Albania is mostly mountainous, with the Albanian Alps in the north and the Shkoder Lake District in the northwest.
7. The country has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers.

National Symbols

8. The Flag of Albania: A red flag with a black, two-headed eagle in the center.
9. The Coat of Arms of Albania: A black, two-headed eagle on a red field with a golden border.
10. The National Anthem of Albania: “Himni i Flamurit” (The Hymn of the Flag)
11. The National Flower of Albania: The rose.
12. The National Tree of Albania: The oak.
13. The National Animal of Albania: The golden eagle.
14. The National Bird of Albania: The eagle.
15. The National Fish of Albania: The trout.
16. The National Instrument of Albania: The lahuta (a traditional one-stringed instrument)
17. The National Sport of Albania: Football (soccer)

Political

18. Albania is a parliamentary representative democratic republic.
19. The President of Albania is the head of state and the Prime Minister is the head of government.
20. The Parliament of Albania is unicameral and comprises 140 members.
21. The judiciary is independent and the country has a multi-tiered system of courts.
22. Albania has been a member of the United Nations since 1955.
23. Albania is a member of NATO since 2009
24. Albania is a member of the European Union since 2020
25. Albania is a member of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
26. Albania is a member of the Union for the Mediterranean since 2008

Cultural

27. Albania has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from the ancient Illyrians, Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans.
28. The Albanian language is unique and not closely related to any other language in the world.
29. Albania is a majority Muslim country, with a significant minority of Orthodox Christians and Catholics.
30. Albania is known for its traditional clothing, including the “fustanella” for men and the “xhubleta” for women.
31. Albania is known for its traditional cuisine, including dishes such as “byrek,” “qofte,” and “fergesë.”
32. Albania is known for its traditional crafts, such as silver filigree and hand-woven textiles.
33. Albania has a strong tradition of hospitality and guests are always welcomed with food and drink.

Economic

34. The country’s GDP per capita is relatively low compared to other European countries.
35. Agriculture is an important sector of the economy, with crops including olives, fruits, vegetables, and tobacco.
36. The country has significant reserves of oil, natural gas, and minerals such as chromium, copper, and iron ore.
37. The country has a growing tourism industry, with attractions including beaches, historical sites, and natural landscapes.
38. Albania has a relatively high unemployment rate.
39. Albania’s trade is largely dominated by exports to European countries.
40. Albania is member of the World Trade Organization since 2000
41. Albania is a member of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) since 2006

Art, Music, Poetry and Litrature

42. The Albanian epic poem “The Song of the Highland Lute” (Kënga e Maleve) is a significant cultural treasure that tells the story of the Albanian people and their history.
43. Traditional Albanian music is known for its unique blend of influences from the Ottoman Empire, Greece, and the Balkans.
44. The “çiftelia” and “shota” are traditional instruments used in Albanian music.
45. Albania has a long history of oral tradition and storytelling, with the “besa” (a code of honor and hospitality) playing a significant role in Albanian culture.
46. Albania has produced many notable poets and writers, including Ismail Kadare, who is considered one of the most important writers of the 20th century in the country.
47. Traditional Albanian literature is often rooted in folklore and oral tradition and is known for its rich imagery and symbolism.
48. Albania is home to several museums and galleries that showcase the country’s rich artistic heritage, including the National Historical Museum and the National Art Gallery.

Sports

49. Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Albania, with the national team and league teams having a dedicated fan base.
50. Albania has had some success in international football competitions, including qualifying for the 2016 European Championship.
51. Other popular sports in Albania include basketball, volleyball, weightlifting, and wrestling.
52. Albania has produced several notable athletes in these sports, including weightlifter Hysen Pulaku, who won the country’s first Olympic medal in 1996.
53. Albania has a long-standing rivalry with neighboring Serbia in sports, particularly in football.
54. Albania has a good tradition in wrestling and weightlifting, being known as the “Land of Eagles” for the wrestlers.
55. Albania has several sports clubs, the most popular are Tirana, Skënderbeu, Partizani and Dinamo Tirana.
56. Albania has several annual sports events such as the National Sports Festival, the Albanian Superliga and the Albanian Cup
57. Albania is becoming increasingly popular as a destination for outdoor sports such as hiking, skiing and climbing, as it is home to many beautiful landscapes and national parks.

Festivals and Celebrations

58. Albania has a rich tradition of festivals and celebrations, many of which are rooted in ancient customs and religious beliefs.
59. The most important national holiday in Albania is Independence Day, celebrated on November 28th, which marks the country’s independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912.
60. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are also widely celebrated in Albania, with traditional food and fireworks.
61. The Martyrs’ Day is celebrated on March 11th, in memory of the victims of the communist regime
62. The Summer Day is celebrated on March 14th, it is a day of Albanian culture, it is celebrated with traditional music, dance, and food.
63. The Nowruz is celebrated on the first day of spring, it is a traditional Persian festival that has been celebrated in Albania for centuries.
64. The Easter is celebrated with many traditional customs, such as the “xhenxhefili” (the traditional decorated eggs)
65. The Dita e Verës (Summer Day) is celebrated on March 14th, it is a day of Albanian culture, it is celebrated with traditional music, dance, and food.
66. The Dita e Flamurit (Flag Day) is celebrated on November 28th, it is a day to honor the Albanian flag and the country’s independence.
67. The Dita e Nënës (Mother’s Day) is celebrated on March 8th, it is a day to honor mothers and motherhood.

Famouse Personalities

68. Mother Teresa, Catholic nun and missionary who was born in Skopje, now in North Macedonia, but spent much of her life in Albania. She was canonized as a saint in 2016.
69. Ismail Kadare, a famous Albanian novelist, poet, and playwright who is considered one of the most important writers of the 20th century in the country.
70. Skanderbeg, a national hero of Albania, who led the resistance against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century.
71. Fan Noli, an Albanian bishop, writer, and politician who played a significant role in the country’s independence and cultural development in the 20th century.
72. Edi Rama, the current Prime Minister of Albania and a prominent contemporary artist and politician.
73. Elbasan Ismaili, is a retired professional footballer and coach, He is considered one of the best football players in Albania.
74. Taulant Xhaka, is a professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for his national team and the German club FC Augsburg.
75. Arta Marku, is a contemporary artist who is known for her sculptures and installations that explore themes of gender and identity.
76. Lefter Koka, is a former Albanian professional footballer who is considered one of the best players in the history of Albanian football.
77. Gjergj Fishta, was an Albanian Catholic priest, poet, and writer. He is considered one of the most important figures in Albanian literature.

Tourist Attractions

78. Tirana, the capital city of Albania, is a vibrant and modern destination with a rich history and culture. Visitors can explore the city’s museums, parks, and landmarks such as the Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum and the Et’hem Bey Mosque.
79. The Albanian Riviera, a stretch of coastline along the Ionian Sea, is a popular destination for its beaches, scenic villages and traditional culture.
80. The ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an archaeological treasure trove with a well-preserved Roman theater and other ruins.
81. The Valbona Valley National Park, in the northern mountains, is known for its beautiful landscapes, hiking trails and outdoor activities.
82. The city of Berat, also known as the “town of a thousand windows” is a well-preserved Ottoman-era town with a castle and numerous historic houses and monuments.
83. The city of Shkoder, is the largest city in northern Albania, known for its traditional culture, beautiful landscapes and the presence of the big lake of Shkoder.
84. The city of Gjirokastra, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture, including stone houses and a fortress.
85. The city of Saranda, is a seaside town with a lively atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and a historic castle.
86. The city of Kruja, the birthplace of Albania’s national hero Skanderbeg, is home to a well-preserved medieval castle and a historical museum.
87. The city of Durres, is an ancient city and one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in Europe with a well-preserved Roman amphitheater and an archaeological museum.