Albania's surface area of 28,748 km2 (11,100 square miles). It is situated in the Balkan Peninsula, in southeastern Europe, and shares borders with Greece, the Former Yugoslav Republics of Macedonia and Montenegro and Kosovo. It is separated from Italy by the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The division of these seas is marked by the Bay of Vlora, about 170 km from the southern border with Greece. The Straits of Otranto marks the narrowest point, where only 72 km of water separates Albania from Italy.
Albania has three primary topographical areas: a coastal plain, a mountainous region, and an interior plain. The interior of the country is mostly mountainous and approximately 36% is lushly forested. The plains are extensively planted with olives, citrus and vineyards. There are numerous lakes, the biggest of which is Lake Shkodra. Measuring 370 km2, it is the largest lake in the Balkans. Lake Ohrid, in the eastern portion of the country, is shared with Macedonia and at 294 m or 931ft, is exceptionally deep. The Ionian coast, particularly the "Riviera of Flowers," from Vlora to Saranda, is both rugged and beautiful, featuring some of the most picturesque scenery in the country.
The overall length of Albania's borders is 1094 km. Of this length, 657 km is made up of land borders with other countries, 316 km is provided by the seas, 48 km is marked by various rivers, and 73 km is provided by lakes. The highest point is Mount Llogara, measuring over 1,000 m high. Climate.Albania has a Mediterranean climate with each season offering distinct, yet pleasant weather. Some features of the climate vary by region: Coastal areas: Central Mediterranean, mild wet winter, hot and dry summer.
Alpine areas: Central Continental, cold, snowy winter, temperate summer.
Lowland rainfall ranges from 1,000mm to more than 1,500mm annually, with greater rainfall in the north. Nearly 95 percent of the rain falls in the winter, and rainfall in the upland mountain ranges is heavier.
The lowlands have mild winters, averaging about 7°C. Summer temperatures average 24°C.
On average, Albanians enjoy a great deal of sunshine-the country is second only to Spain in average annual sunny days. The overall climate is pleasant and favors outdoor activity.
Population
The population of Albania numbers 3,150,886, with a density of 113 people per square kilometer. Population is growing by 0.73% a year. A slight majority of the population, about 51%, lives in rural areas. The average life expectancy is 75 years for females and 69 for males. The vast majority of inhabitants are Albanian, with ethnic minorities representing only about 2% of the population.
The minority population is comprised primarily of Greeks and Macedonians.
Capital City. Tirana is the capital and largest city with 800,000 inhabitants. Other important cities with significant populations include Durrës, Elbasan, Shkodër, and Vlora.
Language
Albanian is the official language. It comprises a separate original branch in the family of the Indo-European languages, and can be linguistically traced to its Illyrian origins. In its lexicon one can see influences from Italian, old and new Greek, Latin, and Slavic languages. Despite these influences, Albanian has retained its original, distinct nature and structure.
The alphabet is comprised of 36 letters, each pronounced the same way, regardless of usage. This enables visitors to quickly and easily learn a few essential phrases to facilitate communication. Many Albanians, particularly in larger cities, speak English.
Political System
Albania is Parliamentary Republic with 140 deputies (political rapresantatives) elected from soverign once in four years with general elections.Main powers are legislative and esxecutiv.
Head of Parliament
Mrs. Jozefina Topalli, elected from the council is the prime Head of parliament (chairparliamentary) in all parliamentary history of the country and the six-th Head of Parliament (Council Chairwoman) in pluralist parliamentary history, since the year 1991. She took her duty in septembre 2005.
Republic President
Mr .Bamir Topi, elected from the parliament in 20 July 2007 for a five year period.
Head of the Council of Ministers
Mr. Sali Berisha (Democratic Party)
Gouverment: composed by the coalition of PD, PR, PDR, PBDNJ and PA.
Constitution
The new Constitution of the Republic of Albania is approved with Popular Referendium in 28 November 1998.
Flag :National flag of the Albania Republic is paraqitet me një shqiponjë të zezë me dy kokë dhe me krahë të hapura, të vendosur në qendër të një sfondi të kuq.
Economy
The development of the Albanian economy has, since the fall of Communism, been fueled primarily by the service and construction industries. Tourism, of late, has played an increasing role in the Albanian economy, and is growing rapidly. Many people are curious to explore a country whose borders were closed to travel for many years. Given the continued development of both summer and winter resorts, people all over the world have begun to think of Albania as a tourist destination.
