Albania | History, Geography, Customs, & Traditions

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data-icon="toc"></em> <a class="font-serif font-weight-bold text-black link-blue" href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Albania">Albania</a> </div> <button aria-label="Close" class="js-sections-close-button btn-link btn-sm btn d-lg-none position-absolute top-0 p-10 right-0" > <em class="material-icons font-26" data-icon="close"></em> </button> </div> <div class="section-content pl-10 pr-20 pl-sm-50 pr-sm-60 pl-lg-5 pr-lg-10 pt-10 pt-lg-0 bg-gray-50 clear-catfish-ad"> <div class="toc mb-20"> <div class="font-serif font-14 font-weight-bold mx-15 mb-15 mt-20"> Table of Contents </div> <ul class="list-unstyled my-0" data-level="h1"><li data-target="#ref1"><div class="pl-25"><a class="link-gray-900 w-100" href="/place/Albania">Introduction & Quick Facts</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"></div></li><li data-target="#ref42615"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><button class="h1-link-drawer-button btn btn-xs btn-circle d-flex rounded" type="button" aria-label="Toggle Heading"><em class="material-icons font-18" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></em></button><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Land">Land</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref42616"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Land#ref42616">Relief</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref42617"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Land#ref42617">Drainage</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref42618"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Climate">Climate</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref42619"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Climate#ref42619">Plant and animal life</a></li></ul></div></li><li data-target="#ref42621"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><button class="h1-link-drawer-button btn btn-xs btn-circle d-flex rounded" type="button" aria-label="Toggle Heading"><em class="material-icons font-18" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></em></button><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/People">People</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref276843"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/People#ref276843">Ethnic groups</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref42623"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Languages">Languages</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref42625"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Languages#ref42625">Religion</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref42620"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Languages#ref42620">Settlement patterns</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref42622"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Languages#ref42622">Demographic trends</a></li></ul></div></li><li data-target="#ref42626"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><button class="h1-link-drawer-button btn btn-xs btn-circle d-flex rounded" type="button" aria-label="Toggle Heading"><em class="material-icons font-18" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></em></button><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Economy">Economy</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref42629"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Economy#ref42629">Agriculture, forestry, and fishing</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref42627"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Economy#ref42627">Resources and power</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref42628"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Economy#ref42628">Manufacturing</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref276844"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Economy#ref276844">Finance</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref42630"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Economy#ref42630">Trade</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref276845"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Economy#ref276845">Services</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref276846"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Economy#ref276846">Labour and taxation</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref42631"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Economy#ref42631">Transportation and telecommunications</a></li></ul></div></li><li data-target="#ref42632"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><button class="h1-link-drawer-button btn btn-xs btn-circle d-flex rounded" type="button" aria-label="Toggle Heading"><em class="material-icons font-18" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></em></button><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Economy#ref42632">Government and society</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref42633"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Constitutional-framework">Constitutional framework</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref276847"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Constitutional-framework#ref276847">Local government</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref276848"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Constitutional-framework#ref276848">Justice and security</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref42634"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Constitutional-framework#ref42634">Political process</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref42636"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Constitutional-framework#ref42636">Health and welfare</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref42635"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Constitutional-framework#ref42635">Education</a></li></ul></div></li><li data-target="#ref42637"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><button class="h1-link-drawer-button btn btn-xs btn-circle d-flex rounded" type="button" aria-label="Toggle Heading"><em class="material-icons font-18" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></em></button><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Constitutional-framework#ref42637">Cultural life</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref276849"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Constitutional-framework#ref276849">Cultural milieu</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref276850"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Constitutional-framework#ref276850">Daily life and social customs</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref276851"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Constitutional-framework#ref276851">The arts</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref276852"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Cultural-institutions">Cultural institutions</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref276853"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Cultural-institutions#ref276853">Sports and recreation</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref276854"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Cultural-institutions#ref276854">Media and publishing</a></li></ul></div></li><li data-target="#ref129453"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><button class="h1-link-drawer-button btn btn-xs btn-circle d-flex rounded" type="button" aria-label="Toggle Heading"><em class="material-icons font-18" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></em></button><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Cultural-institutions#ref129453">History</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref42639"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Cultural-institutions#ref42639">Antiquity</a><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref42640"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Cultural-institutions#ref42640">The Illyrians</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref42641"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Cultural-institutions#ref42641">The Greeks</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref42642"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Cultural-institutions#ref42642">The Roman Empire</a></li></ul></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref42643"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Cultural-institutions#ref42643">The Byzantine Empire</a><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref42644"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Cultural-institutions#ref42644">From Illyria to Albania</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref42645"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Medieval-culture">Medieval culture</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref42646"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Medieval-culture#ref42646">The decline of Byzantium</a></li></ul></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref42647"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Medieval-culture#ref42647">The Ottoman Empire</a><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref42648"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Medieval-culture#ref42648">The nature of Turkish rule</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref42649"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Albanian-nationalism">Albanian nationalism</a></li></ul></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref42650"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Albanian-nationalism#ref42650">Independent Albania</a><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref42651"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Albanian-nationalism#ref42651">Creating the new state</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref42652"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Albanian-nationalism#ref42652">Bishop Noli and King Zog</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref42653"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Albanian-nationalism#ref42653">World War II</a></li></ul></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref42654"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Albanian-nationalism#ref42654">Socialist Albania</a><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref42655"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Albanian-nationalism#ref42655">The Stalinist state</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref42656"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Collapse-of-communism">Collapse of communism</a></li></ul></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref276855"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Albania/Collapse-of-communism#ref276855">Democratic Albania</a></li></ul></div></li></ul> <a class="toc-extra-link link-gray-900" href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Albania/additional-info">References & Edit History</a> <a class="toc-extra-link link-gray-900" href="/facts/Albania">Facts & Stats</a> </div> <div class="tlr-media-slider pb-10 mb-30"> <a class="section-header link-gray-900 font-serif font-14 font-weight-bold mb-10 mx-10" href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Albania/images-videos">Images</a> <div class="slider js-slider position-relative d-inline-flex align-items-center mw-100 "> <div class="slider-container js-slider-container overflow-hidden d-flex overflow-hidden text-nowrap ml-15"> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/00/6200-050-2E25CE97/Flag-Albania.jpg" data-href="/media/1/12472/62180" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/00/6200-004-42B7690E/Flag-Albania.jpg" alt="Albania" height="50" /> </a> <a href="" data-href="/media/1/12472/151353" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <em class="material-icons md-48" data-icon="volume_up"></em> </a> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/03/6203-050-E0C843BA/Albania-map-boundaries-cities-locator.jpg" data-href="/media/1/12472/62183" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/03/6203-004-B801F38C/Albania-map-boundaries-cities-locator.jpg" alt="Albania" height="50" /> </a> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/71/83871-050-F0CF0F02/fortress-Kruje-Alb.jpg" data-href="/media/1/12472/109893" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/71/83871-004-C1DA655F/fortress-Kruje-Alb.jpg" alt="The fortress at Krujë, Alb." height="50" /> </a> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/77/183577-050-F75FD822/World-Data-Locator-Map-Albania.jpg" data-href="/media/1/12472/208455" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img 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Prifti, Elez Biberaj" data-title="Albania" data-published-date="28 Nov. 2024" data-url="https://www.britannica.com/place/Albania" > <div class="citation-text"></div> </div> <button class="js-copy-citation-button mt-20 btn btn-xs btn-outline-blue border shadow-sm pr-10" > <em class="material-icons md-icon ml-n10 my-n5 mr-5" data-icon="file_copy"></em> <span class="js-citation-status-text">Copy Citation</span> </button> </div> </div> </div> <div> <button class="js-share-modal-button js-modal btn btn-sm btn-link gtm-topic-tool font-weight-bold btn-link" data-modal="[data-topic-id=12472] .md-share-modal"> <em class="material-icons mr-5 ml-n10 my-n5 md-icon" data-icon="share"></em> Share </button> <div class="md-share-modal size-lg d-none qa-share-modal"> <div class="md-modal-body"> <div class="h2 font-serif d-flex align-items-center pb-15 border-bottom"> <em class="material-icons text-blue mr-10" data-icon="share"></em> Share </div> <div class="label my-20">Share to social media</div> <div class="md-social-toolbar-circle d-flex align-items-start inverted" data-value="share" title="Albania" data-url="https://www.britannica.com/place/Albania" > <a class="social-icon facebook justify-content-center d-flex align-items-center align-self-center" data-provider="facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/BRITANNICA/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span>Facebook</span></a> <a class="social-icon x justify-content-center d-flex align-items-center align-self-center" data-provider="x" href="https://x.com/britannica" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span>X</span></a> </div> <div class="label pt-20 mt-20 mb-5 border-top">URL</div> <a class="font-serif text-truncate d-inline-block" href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Albania">https://www.britannica.com/place/Albania</a> </div> </div> </div> <div> <button class="js-feedback-modal-button js-modal btn btn-sm btn-link gtm-topic-tool font-weight-bold btn-link" data-modal=".md-feedback-modal"> <em class="material-icons mr-5 ml-n10 my-n5 md-icon" data-icon="message"></em> Feedback </button> </div> <div> <button class="qa-external-website-modal-button js-modal btn btn-sm btn-link gtm-topic-tool font-weight-bold btn-link" data-modal="[data-topic-id=12472] .md-websites-modal"> <em class="material-icons md-icon ml-n10 mr-5" data-icon="link"></em> External Websites </button> </div> </div> <div class="md-feedback-modal size-lg d-none"> <div class="md-modal-body"> <div class="h2 font-serif pb-15 border-bottom"> Feedback </div> <form method="post" action="/submission/feedback/12472"> <div class="my-20"> Corrections? 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Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). </div> <div class="type-menu"> <label for="feedback-type" class="label mb-10">Feedback Type</label> <select id="feedback-type" class="form-select mb-30" name="feedbackTypeId" required> <option value="" selected="selected">Select a type (Required)</option> <option value="1">Factual Correction</option> <option value="2">Spelling/Grammar Correction</option> <option value="3">Link Correction</option> <option value="4">Additional Information</option> <option value="5">Other</option> </select> </div> <label for="feedback" class="label mb-10">Your Feedback</label> <textarea id="feedback" class="form-control mb-30" name="feedback" maxlength="3000" rows="7" required></textarea> <button class="btn btn-blue" type="submit">Submit Feedback</button> </form> <div class="success-messaging d-none mt-30"> <div class="title">Thank you for your feedback</div> <p>Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="md-websites-modal size-lg d-none"> <div class="md-modal-body"> <div class="h2 font-serif pb-15 border-bottom font-weight-bold"> External Websites </div> <div class="pb-20"> <ul class="list-unstyled mt-20 lh-lg"> <li><a class="external" href="https://albania.al/" target="_blank" rel="noopener ">Official Tourism Site of Albania</a></li> <li><a class="external" href="https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/albania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Central Intelligence Agency - The World Factbook - Albania</a></li> <li><a class="external" href="https://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/al.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener ">CRW Flags - Flag of Albania</a></li> <li><a class="external" href="https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/albania-virtual-jewish-history-tour" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Jewish Virtual Library - Albania</a></li> <li><a class="external" href="https://www.who.int/countries/alb/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">World Health Organisation - Albania</a></li> <li><a class="external" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17679574" target="_blank" rel="noopener ">BBC News - Albania country profile</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="md-websites-ebk-title">Britannica Websites</div> <div class="md-websites-ebk-subtitle">Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.</div> <ul class="list-unstyled bps-topic-web-sites lh-lg"> <li><a class="external" href="https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Albania/345823" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Albania - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)</a></li> <li><a class="external" href="https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Albania/272776" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Albania - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="toc-header-marker"></div> <button class="ai-ask-button btn border-2 js-header-ai-ask-button d-none btn-sm btn-outline-red-400 border-red-400 mr-0 mr-lg-10 ml-5 ml-sm-10 ml-lg-0 p-10"> Ask the Chatbot a Question </button> <div class="caption alternate-titles">Also known as: Arbëri, People’s Republic of Albania, People’s Socialist Republic of Albania, Republic of Albania, Republika e Shqipërisë, Shqipëri, Shqipëria</div> <div class="md-byline module-spacing "> <div class="font-serif font-12"> <span class="written-by text-gray-700"> Written by </span> <div class="editor-popover popover p-0"> <a class="d-block p-20 gtm-byline font-12 byline-contributor" href="/contributor/Peter-R-Prifti/3750" > <div class="editor-title font-16 font-weight-bold">Peter R. Prifti</div> <div class="editor-description font-12 font-serif mt-5 clamp-description text-black">Independent scholar. Author of <em>Socialist Albania Since 1944</em>.</div> </a> <div data-popper-arrow></div> </div> <span class="btn btn-link editor-link p-0 qa-byline-link gtm-byline font-12 byline-contributor text-decoration-underline"> Peter R. Prifti</span>, <div class="editor-popover popover p-0"> <a class="d-block p-20 gtm-byline font-12 byline-contributor" href="/contributor/Elez-Biberaj/3669" > <div class="editor-title font-16 font-weight-bold">Elez Biberaj</div> <div class="editor-description font-12 font-serif mt-5 clamp-description text-black">Chief, Albanian Service, Voice of America, United States Information Agency, Washington, D.C. Author of <i>Albania: A Socialist Maverick </i>and others.</div> </a> <div data-popper-arrow></div> </div> <span class="btn btn-link editor-link p-0 qa-byline-link gtm-byline font-12 byline-contributor text-decoration-underline"> Elez Biberaj</span><span class="text-gray-700 mx-5">•</span><a class="see-all border-gray-700 gtm-byline" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Albania/additional-info#contributors">All</a> </div> <div class="font-serif font-12 text-gray-700"> <span class="qa-fact-checked-by">Fact-checked by</span> <div class="editor-popover popover p-0"> <a class="d-block p-20 font-12" href="/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419" > <div class="editor-title font-16 font-weight-bold">The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica</div> <div class="editor-description font-12 font-serif mt-5 text-black">Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.</div> </a> <div data-popper-arrow></div> </div> <span class="btn btn-link editor-link p-0 qa-byline-link font-12 "> The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica</span></div> <div class="last-updated font-12 font-serif"> <span class="text-gray-700"> Last Updated: <time datetime="2024-11-28T00:00:00CST" >Nov 28, 2024</time> •</span> <a class="byline-edit-history" href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Albania/additional-info#history" rel="nofollow">Article History</a> </div></div> </div> <button class="d-flex d-lg-none btn btn-outline-blue border rounded-sm shadow-sm mobile-toc-button gtm-mobile-toc-inline-button d-none d-sm-block js-sections-inline-button module-spacing btn d-lg-none"> <em class="material-icons mr-5 ml-n10 my-n5 md-icon" data-icon="toc"></em> Table of Contents </button> <div class="d-flex d-sm-none flex-row"> <button class="d-flex d-lg-none btn btn-outline-blue border rounded-sm shadow-sm mobile-toc-button gtm-mobile-toc-inline-button js-sections-inline-button module-spacing"> <em class="material-icons mr-5 ml-n10 my-n5 md-icon" data-icon="toc"></em> Table of Contents </button> <button class="ai-ask-button btn border-2 ai-ask-button btn border-2 module-spacing btn-sm js-inline-ai-ask-button btn-outline-red-400 border-red-400 p-10 ml-5"> Ask the Chatbot a Question </button> </div> <div class="bg-gray-50 p-15 rounded module-spacing recent-news d-flex flex-column float-false"> <div> <h2 class="font-weight-bold font-14 m-0 d-inline"> News <span class="text-gray-600">•</span> </h2> <div class="recent-news-item first-recent-news-item d-inline"> <a class="font-14 gtm-ap-news-link" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/albania-police-fire-tear-gas-water-cannon-anti-government-protesters-2024-11-26/" rel="nofollow">Albania police fire tear gas, water cannon at anti-government protesters</a> <span class="font-14 text-gray-600"> <span>•</span> Nov. 26, 2024, 8:52 AM ET (Reuters) <button class="btn btn-link d-inline p-0 font-12 js-toggle-recent-news"> <span class="text-gray-500">...</span><span>(Show more)</span> </button> </span> </div> </div> <div class="rest-of-recent-news-items"> <div class="recent-news-item mt-5"> <a class="font-14 gtm-ap-news-link" href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/nov/24/italian-police-and-social-workers-leave-albania-after-staffing-empty-migrant-centres" rel="nofollow">Italian police and social workers leave Albania after staffing empty migrant centres</a> <span class="font-14 text-gray-600"> <span>•</span> Nov. 24, 2024, 11:01 PM ET (The Guardian) </span> </div> <div class="recent-news-item mt-5"> <a class="font-14 gtm-ap-news-link" href="/news/12472/8a3cad24845a86f7ae5a11fc00ce4931" rel="nofollow">Italy's president sharply rebukes Elon Musk over comments on X about migration court rulings</a> <span class="font-14 text-gray-600"> <span>•</span> Nov. 13, 2024, 4:57 PM ET (AP) </span> </div> <div class="recent-news-item mt-5"> <a class="font-14 gtm-ap-news-link" href="/news/12472/73c1e21858443c6da9f6490f426184f2" rel="nofollow">A ship suspected of carrying toxic waste docks at a port in Albania to have its cargo inspected</a> <span class="font-14 text-gray-600"> <span>•</span> Nov. 8, 2024, 8:22 AM ET (AP) </span> </div> <div class="recent-news-item mt-5"> <a class="font-14 gtm-ap-news-link" href="/news/12472/de9379f062f00b96aac6837ea3283bfe" rel="nofollow">Italy sends another 8 migrants to Albania under processing centers deal</a> <span class="font-14 text-gray-600"> <span>•</span> Nov. 8, 2024, 7:38 AM ET (AP) </span> </div> <button class="js-toggle-recent-news d-flex btn btn-unstyled font-14 pr-10 rounded-sm mt-10" aria-label="Toggle additional news items"> Show less <em class="material-icons" data-icon="expand_less"></em> </button> </div> </div><span class="marker before-article"></span><section data-level="1" id="ref1"><span class="marker PREMOD1 mod-inline"></span><div class="assemblies multiple medialist slider js-slider position-relative d-inline-flex align-items-center mw-100" data-type="other"><div class="slider-container js-slider-container overflow-hidden d-flex"><div class="rw-track d-flex align-items-center"><div class="position-relative rw-slide col-100 px-20 "><figure class="md-assembly m-0 mb-md-0 card card-borderless print-false" data-assembly-id="109893" data-asm-type="image"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media " data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/71/83871-050-F0CF0F02/fortress-Kruje-Alb.jpg" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center media-overlay-link card-media" data-href="/media/1/12472/109893"><picture><source media="(min-width: 680px)" srcset="https://cdn.britannica.com/71/83871-050-F0CF0F02/fortress-Kruje-Alb.jpg?w=300"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/71/83871-050-F0CF0F02/fortress-Kruje-Alb.jpg?w=300" alt="The fortress at Krujë, Alb." data-width="1600" data-height="1064" loading="eager"></picture><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class="card-body"><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif line-clamp"><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/71/83871-050-F0CF0F02/fortress-Kruje-Alb.jpg" data-href="/media/1/12472/109893">The fortress at Krujë, Alb.</a><button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-white js-content" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"><span class="link-blue">(more)</span></button></span></div></figcaption></figure></div></div></div><button disabled="true" class="prev-button js-prev-button position-absolute btn btn-circle shadow btn-lg btn-blue-dark m-20"><span class="material-icons" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_left"></span></button><button disabled="true" class="next-button js-next-button position-absolute btn btn-circle shadow btn-lg btn-blue-dark m-20"><span class="material-icons" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></span></button></div><p class="topic-paragraph"><strong><span id="ref476122"></span>Albania</strong>, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/nation-state" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">country</a> in southern <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Europe" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Europe</a>, located in the western part of the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Balkans" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Balkan</a> Peninsula on the Strait of Otranto, the southern entrance to the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Adriatic-Sea" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Adriatic Sea</a>. The capital city is <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Tirana" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Tirana</a> (<span id="ref476123"></span><a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Tirana" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Tiranë</a>).</p><span class="marker MOD1 mod-inline"></span><span class="marker PREMOD2 mod-inline"></span><div class="assemblies"><div class="w-100"><figure class="md-assembly m-0 mb-md-0 card card-borderless print-false" data-assembly-id="208455" data-asm-type="image"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media " data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/77/183577-050-F75FD822/World-Data-Locator-Map-Albania.jpg" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center media-overlay-link card-media" data-href="/media/1/12472/208455"><picture><source media="(min-width: 680px)" srcset="https://cdn.britannica.com/77/183577-050-F75FD822/World-Data-Locator-Map-Albania.jpg"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/77/183577-050-F75FD822/World-Data-Locator-Map-Albania.jpg?w=300" alt="Albania" data-width="2000" data-height="1916" loading="eager"></picture><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class="card-body"><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif line-clamp"><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/77/183577-050-F75FD822/World-Data-Locator-Map-Albania.jpg" data-href="/media/1/12472/208455">Albania</a><button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-white js-content" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"><span class="link-blue">(more)</span></button></span></div></figcaption></figure></div></div><p class="topic-paragraph"><span id="ref476124"></span><a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Albanian-people" class="md-crosslink ">Albanians</a> refer to themselves as <em>shqiptarë</em>—often taken to mean “sons of eagles,” though it may well refer to “those associated with the <em>shqip</em> (i.e., <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Albanian-language" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Albanian</a>) language”—and to their country as Shqipëria. They generally consider themselves to be <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off eb" data-term="descendants" href="https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/descendants" data-type="EB">descendants</a> of the ancient <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Illyria" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Illyrians</a>, who lived in central Europe and migrated southward to the territory of Albania at the beginning of the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/event/Bronze-Age" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Bronze Age</a>, about 2000 <span class="text-smallcaps">bce</span>. They have lived in relative isolation and obscurity through most of their difficult history, in part because of the rugged terrain of their mountainous land but also because of a complex of historical, cultural, and social factors.</p><div class="js-qf-module qf-module px-40 px-sm-20 py-15 mx-auto module-spacing font-14 bg-gray-50 rounded"> <div class="qf-title font-weight-bold font-14 mb-10 text-center"> Quick Facts</div> <div class="m-n10 "> <div class="slider js-slider position-relative d-inline-flex align-items-center mw-100 media-slider card-snap-slider col-100"> <div class="slider-container js-slider-container overflow-hidden d-flex col-100"> <div class="rw-track w-100"> <div class="pt-10 d-inline-flex col-100"> <div class="w-100"> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/00/6200-050-2E25CE97/Flag-Albania.jpg" data-href="/media/1/12472/62180" class="media-overlay-link card-media d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center px-20" > <div class="position-relative"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/00/6200-050-2E25CE97/Flag-Albania.jpg" alt="Albania" class="cropped-false w-100 " /> <em class="material-icons qf-zoom" data-icon="zoom_in"></em> </div> </a> <div class="card-body text-center pt-5 pb-10 font-14"> <span>See article: <a href="/topic/flag-of-Albania">flag of Albania</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <button disabled class="prev-button js-prev-button position-absolute btn btn-circle shadow btn-lg btn-blue btn-blue-dark" aria-label="Previous"> <span class="material-icons md-24" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_left"></span> </button> <button disabled class="next-button js-next-button position-absolute btn btn-circle shadow btn-lg btn-blue btn-blue-dark" aria-label="Next"> <span class="material-icons md-24" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></span> </button> </div> </div> <audio src="https://cdn.britannica.com/41/145641-005-8AD21F7C/instrumental-national-anthem-Albania.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" controls=""></audio> <div class="text-center font-12 mt-5"> <span>Audio File:</span> National anthem of Albania</div> <div class="facts-list mt-10"> <div class=""> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Also Known As: </dt> <dd>People’s Socialist Republic of Albania</dd> <dd>People’s Republic of Albania</dd> <dd>Republika e Shqipërisë</dd> <dd>Arbëri</dd> <dd>Shqipëri</dd> <dd>Shqipëria</dd> <dd>Republic of Albania</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Head Of Government: </dt> <dd>Prime Minister: Edi Rama</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Capital: </dt> <dd><a href="/place/Tirana">Tirana</a> (Tiranë)</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Population: </dt> <dd>(2024 est.) 2,715,000</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Head Of State: </dt> <dd>President: Bajram Begaj</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Form Of Government: </dt> <dd>unitary multiparty republic with one legislative house (Kuvendi, or Parliament [140])</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Official Language: </dt> <dd>Albanian</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Official Religion: </dt> <dd>none</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Official Name: </dt> <dd>Republika e Shqipërisë (Republic of Albania)</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Total Area (Sq Km): </dt> <dd>28,703</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Total Area (Sq Mi): </dt> <dd>11,082</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Monetary Unit: </dt> <dd>lek (L)</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Population Rank: </dt> <dd>(2023) 142</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Population Projection 2030: </dt> <dd>2,780,000</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Density: Persons Per Sq Mi: </dt> <dd>(2024) 245</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Density: Persons Per Sq Km: </dt> <dd>(2024) 94.6</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Urban-Rural Population: </dt> <dd>Urban: (2024) 65.4%</dd> <dd>Rural: (2024) 34.6%</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Life Expectancy At Birth: </dt> <dd>Male: (2021) 74.4 years</dd> <dd>Female: (2021) 78.7 years</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Literacy: Percentage Of Population Age 15 And Over Literate: </dt> <dd>Male: (2021) 99%</dd> <dd>Female: (2021) 98%</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Gni (U.S.$ ’000,000): </dt> <dd>(2022) 18,801</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Gni Per Capita (U.S.$): </dt> <dd>(2022) 6,770</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> <div class="text-center"> <a class="btn btn-sm btn-link p-0" href="/facts/Albania"> See all related content </a> </div> </div> </div> <button class="facts-list-show-more-btn mt-15 p-0 mx-auto btn font-14 d-block font-weight-normal"> <span class="material-icons" data-icon="expand_more"></span> <span class="show-more-label">Show More</span> </button> </div><span class="marker MOD2 mod-inline"></span><span class="marker PREMOD3 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">Because of its location on the Adriatic and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Ionian-Sea" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Ionian</a> seas, Albania has long served as a bridgehead for various nations and empires seeking conquest abroad. In the 2nd century <span class="text-smallcaps">bce</span> the Illyrians were conquered by the Romans, and from the end of the 4th century <span class="text-smallcaps">ce</span> they were ruled by the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Byzantine-Empire" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Byzantine Empire</a>. After suffering centuries of invasion by <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Visigoth" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Visigoths</a>, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hun-people" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Huns</a>, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bulgar" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Bulgars</a>, and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Slav" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Slavs</a>, the Albanians were finally conquered by the Ottoman Turks in the 15th century. <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Ottoman-Empire" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Ottoman </a>rule cut off Albania from Western civilization for more than four centuries, but in the late 19th century the country began to remove itself from Ottoman influence and to rediscover old <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off mw" data-term="affinities" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/affinities" data-type="MW">affinities</a> and common interests with the West.</p><div class="one-good-fact-module"> </div><span class="marker MOD3 mod-inline"></span><span class="marker PREMOD4 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">Albania was declared independent in 1912, but the following year the demarcation of its boundaries by the great powers of Europe (<a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Austria-Hungary" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Austria-Hungary</a>, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/United-Kingdom" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Britain</a>, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/France" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">France</a>,<a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Germany" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true"> Germany</a>, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Italy" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Italy</a>, and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Russia" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Russia</a>) assigned about half its territory and people to neighbouring states. Ruled as a monarchy between the World Wars, Albania emerged from the violence of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/event/World-War-II" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">World War II </a>as a <span id="ref476125"></span><a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/communism" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">communist</a> state that fiercely protected its <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off mw" data-term="sovereignty" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sovereignty" data-type="MW">sovereignty</a> and in which almost all aspects of life were controlled by the ruling party. But with the collapse of other communist regimes beginning in 1989, new social forces and democratic political parties emerged in Albania. That shift reflected the country’s continuing orientation toward the West, and it accorded with the Albanian people’s long-standing appreciation of Western technology and cultural achievements—even while retaining their own ethnic identity, cultural heritage, and individuality.</p><span class="marker MOD4 mod-inline"></span></section> <span class="marker end-of-content"></span><span class="marker after-article"></span></div> <div id="chatbot-root"></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ai-dialog-placeholder"></div> </div> </div> <aside class="col-md-da-320"></aside> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> </div></div> </div> </main> <div id="md-footer"></div> <noscript><iframe src="//www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-5W6NC8" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript> <script type="text/javascript" id="_informizely_script_tag"> var IzWidget = IzWidget || {}; (function (d) { var scriptElement = d.createElement('script'); scriptElement.type = 'text/javascript'; scriptElement.async = true; scriptElement.src = "https://insitez.blob.core.windows.net/site/f780f33e-a610-4ac2-af81-3eb184037547.js"; var node = d.getElementById('_informizely_script_tag'); node.parentNode.insertBefore(scriptElement, node); } )(document); </script>  <script> window.ap3c = window.ap3c || {}; var ap3c = window.ap3c; ap3c.cmd = ap3c.cmd || []; ap3c.cmd.push(function() { ap3c.init('ZO4siT4cLwnykPnzZWJtd3Byb2Q', 'https://engage.email.britannica.com/'); ap3c.track({v: 0}); }); ap3c.activity = function(act) { ap3c.act = (ap3c.act || []); ap3c.act.push(act); }; var s, t; s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.src = "https://engage.email.britannica.com/app.js"; t = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; t.parentNode.insertBefore(s, t); </script> <script class="marketing-page-info" type="application/json"> {"pageType":"Topic","templateName":"DESKTOP","pageNumber":1,"pagesTotal":11,"pageId":12472,"pageLength":449,"initialLoad":true,"lastPageOfScroll":false} </script> <script class="marketing-content-info" type="application/json"> [] </script> <script src="https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-130/js/libs/jquery-3.5.0.min.js?v=3.130.14"></script> <script type="text/javascript" data-type="Init Mendel Code Splitting"> (function() { $.ajax({ dataType: 'script', cache: true, url: 'https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-130/dist/topic-page.js?v=3.130.14' }); })(); </script> <script class="analytics-metadata" type="application/json"> {"leg":"B","adLeg":"B","userType":"ANONYMOUS","pageType":"Topic","pageSubtype":null,"articleTemplateType":"COUNTRY_PAGINATED","gisted":false,"pageNumber":1,"hasSummarizeButton":false,"hasAskButton":false} </script> <script type="text/javascript"> EBStat={accountId:-1,hostnameOverride:'webstats.eb.com',domain:'www.britannica.com', json:''}; </script> <script type="text/javascript"> ( function() { $.ajax( { dataType: 'script', cache: true, url: '//www.britannica.com/webstats/mendelstats.js?v=1' } ) .done( function() { try {writeStat(null,EBStat);} catch(err){} } ); })(); </script> <div id="bc-fixed-dialogue"></div> </body> </html>

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Albania | History, Geography, Customs, & Traditions | Britannica