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Albania flag

Albania

Shqiperia

Capital:Tirana (Tirane)
Population:2.8M
Currency:leke (ALL)
Language:Albanian (official - Tosk is the official dialect), Greek
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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Albania.

Albania Factsheet

Customs and Culture

About the People

For Albanians, the family and ethnic heritage is of high value. Personal honor is also valued. Northern Albanians, particularly in the mountains, are known to be resourceful, courageous and hardy. They honor a tradition called the besa, (sworn truce). Continued social and economic turmoil has wearied the people.

Cultural Attributes

Northern Albanians are known to be resourceful. They honor a tradition called the "besa", (truce). For Albanians, the family and ethnic heritage are of high value. Personal honor is also valued. Social and economic turmoil has impacted the people over the past decades.

Kids of Peshkopi

Land of the Eagles and Mountain Honor

Get More Customs and Culture

5 more cultural topics for members

Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation

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Holidays

  • Independence Day

    8/19

    Independence Day

  • Christmas

    12/25

    Christmas

    Albania is a nation that is classified as mostly non-religious since there is no dominant religion that sets the culture of the celebrations for Christmas in the country. Hence, there is a freedom for Christians to celebrate with fervor and excitement the occasion of Christmas.

    About 40 percent of Albanians are Christian. Traditionally, Christmas is one of the biggest festivals that is celebrated by the local community in the area. A traditional Christmas greeting of the Albanians for the season is “Gezur Krislinjden,’ pronounced ‘geh-zhurcris-lin-den.’

    The country is situated in southeastern Europe. Thus, the name of Santa Claus is well known in the country. Saint Nicholas is a name they often call the long white bearded figure and symbol of Christmas that give gifts to little children from all over.

    Children in the country believe that if they do something good for others, they will be repaid when Saint Nicholas comes during Christmas Eve. Traditions are for the children to place their shoes outside their bedroom doors or stockings by their windows during Christmas Eve. In the morning when they wake up their shoes or stockings would be filled with sweets and candies and little toys.

    Christmas starts when the month of December begins. Tradition during this time is for the Albanians to decorate their homes with garlands, glitter and lights that sparkle and give an aura of joy and life. Christmas caroling is also a primary tradition during this time as concerts and sing-along choirs are singing in every corner.

    The season officially ends when the New Year celebrations are over. The Yuletide season ends with fireworks and dancing until the wee hours of the morning. In some areas, the season ends when the Feast of Epiphany is over.

    The traditional Midnight Mass is also available and most often is attended by the thousands of Christians in the country. The gift giving tradition is also observed during both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

    A traditional feast is part of the celebrations of every family in the country. Dishes like roast turkey, French pies, salads, meat dishes, and Bakllava are prepared.

    Christmas trees are most abundant in the shops and malls of the country. Christmas ribbons, ceramic ornaments and embroidered crocheted Christmas figures are widely used as decorations in the Christmas tree.

Dates of Interest

  • November 28th

    This festival takes place in Kruja, the birthplace of Albania's national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. It commemorates Skanderbeg's legacy through historical reenactments, traditional music, dance, medieval tournaments, and cultural exhibitions.

How do people greet each other in Albania?

Albanians greet with a handshake, while women greet with a kiss on each cheek. Titles are used except among friends.

Do

  • Shake hands when greeting
  • Use Zonja (Mrs), Zonjusje (Miss), or Zoteri (Mr) except with friends
  • Expect women to greet with a kiss on each cheek

What are dining customs like in Albania?

Lunch (around 1-2 pm) is the main meal, often starting with vegetables, rice soup with veal or chicken, and salad, followed by dishes like gjelle or stuffed eggplants and peppers. Raki is served before the meal and wine during or after.

Do

  • Eat with the fork in your left hand and the knife in your right
  • Join the first toast, made to everyone's health and friendship
  • Try traditional dishes like fasule, burek, and akullore (ice-cream)

Good to know

  • Breakfast typically includes bread, butter, milk, eggs, jam, cheese, and Turkish or espresso coffee
  • Local fruits include apples, pears, peaches, figs, and grapes
  • The Albanian diet is influenced by Greek, Turkish, and Italian cuisine

What should I know about visiting an Albanian home?

Albanians are known for warm hospitality and treat guests as a blessing, offering refreshments and going out of their way to make visitors comfortable.

Do

  • Remove your shoes upon entering the home
  • Bring a small gift such as flowers or chocolates, presented on arrival
  • Accept offered refreshments like Turkish coffee, tea, and snacks
  • Actively engage in conversation and follow the host's guidance

Don’t

  • Don't rush your goodbye — farewells are often prolonged with rounds of thanks and well wishes
  • Don't ignore elders; show deference to older family members

Good to know

  • Albanians take a relaxed approach to time, but respect the agreed meeting time
  • Express gratitude after the visit with a call, note, or small gift

How should I dress in Albania?

Albanians value modesty and neatness; young people wear Western-style clothing while traditional hand-made clothing is still worn in villages.

Do

  • Dress modestly and neatly, especially when visiting homes or meeting elders
  • Dress up for formal occasions

Don’t

  • Avoid overly casual or revealing attire

Good to know

  • Urban professional men wear suits and ties; women wear dresses and skirts more than pants
  • Cotton and wool are preferred fabrics

How do Albanians use gestures?

Albanians frequently use their hands and heads when interacting with others.

What is family life like in Albania?

Family and ethnic heritage are highly valued, men and women have equal social rights, and both parents usually work. Adult children often live with their parents and care for elderly relatives.

Good to know

  • Young people generally choose their own spouses, though families are sometimes involved
  • Respect for elders is an important part of the culture

What do people do for fun in Albania?

Soccer is the most popular sport, and swimming in the Adriatic Sea is a favorite summer activity along Albania's uncrowded, beautiful beaches.

Good to know

  • Sarande, the largest seaport, has the best beaches for water sports and boating
  • Lakes offer good fishing
  • In Tirana, families visit the National Park (Parku Kombetar), with an artificial lake and a zoo

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Albania

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Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Currency
121.9
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Climate
The plain of Albania, where the capital city Tirana is located, has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and generally mild winters with abundant rainfall. In the mountains, winters can be very severe with low temperatures and high snowfall. On average, temperatures range from -3°C in January to a maximum of 35°C in July. Parts of Albania are on a fault line and experience earthquakes and tremors.
Airports
11
Recommended Vaccinations
How important is it to do your research about vaccinations? It might just save your life! Make yourself aware of the different types of vaccinations and which ones you may need to travel to your destination. Schedule an appointment with your doctor at least four to six weeks before you travel to ensure you receive all important shots. Be sure that you and your family are up to date on your routine vaccinations. Which vaccinations you need will depend on a number of factors including your destination, whether you will be spending time in rural areas, the season of the year you are traveling, your age, health status, and previous immunizations.
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Baba Ghanoush

Appetizer

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History

Historical Eras

  1. Illyrian Antiquity

    1000 BCE – 9

    The Illyrians settled the western Balkans around 1000 BCE, forming tribal kingdoms that clashed repeatedly with Greeks, Macedonians, and Thracians. Philip II of Macedon defeated them in 358 BCE, and Rome steadily encroached from the 3rd century BCE, finally subjugating the region under Emperor Tiberius by 9 CE. Illyrian cultural and ethnic identity nonetheless endured, forming the likely ancestral foundation of the Albanian people.

  2. Roman & Byzantine Rule

    9 – 1385

    Incorporated into the Roman province of Illyricum, the region passed to the Byzantine Empire after Rome's division in 395 CE. Successive waves of Goths, Huns, Avars, Slavs, and Bulgars swept through the territory, yet the Albanian proto-population survived in mountainous refuges. Venice, the Normans, the Angevins of Naples, and Serbian rulers all contested control during the medieval period, fragmenting the region among competing feudal lords.

  3. Ottoman Conquest & Rule

    1385 – 1912

    Ottoman forces first entered Albanian lands in 1385, and despite the legendary resistance of Gjergj Kastrioti (Skanderbeg), who united Albanian lords against the sultan from 1443 until his death in 1468, the Ottomans consolidated full control by 1479. Over five centuries, roughly two-thirds of Albanians converted to Islam, and many rose to prominence within the empire as soldiers and administrators. Albanian national consciousness crystallized in the late 19th century, exemplified by the Prizren League of 1878, which demanded autonomy and cultural rights.

  4. Independence & Interwar

    1912 – 1939

    Albania declared independence on November 28, 1912, following the Ottoman defeat in the First Balkan War, and the Great Powers formally recognized its borders after the Second Balkan War in 1913. Political instability plagued the young state until Ahmet Zogu consolidated power, declaring himself King Zog I in 1928. Despite modernizing reforms, Zog grew increasingly dependent on Fascist Italy, which Mussolini ultimately exploited to justify the full military occupation and annexation of Albania in April 1939.

  5. Communist Albania

    1939 – 1991

    Italian and later German occupation during World War II ended with communist partisans under Enver Hoxha seizing power in 1944, establishing one of the most repressive Stalinist regimes in the world. Hoxha severed ties successively with Yugoslavia, the Soviet Union, and China, declaring Albania the world's first atheist state in 1967 and sealing the country in near-total isolation. His death in 1985 and the broader collapse of Eastern European communism by 1989–1991 brought the regime to an irreversible end.

  6. Democratic Transition

    1991 – present

    Albania abandoned communist rule between 1990 and 1992, establishing a multiparty democracy, though the transition proved turbulent—most dramatically during the 1997 collapse of fraudulent pyramid schemes that triggered a near-civil war. Successive governments have contended with high unemployment, widespread corruption, organized crime, and emigration, while gradually orienting the country toward European integration. Albania joined NATO in 2009 and has been an official EU candidate country, marking its clearest institutional commitments to the Western democratic order.

Overview

Skanderbeg, Albanian national hero of the fifteenth

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Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1000 BCE

    Illyrians settled in western part of the Balkan Peninsula.

    Illyrians, descendants of ancient Indo-European peoples, settled in western part of the Balkan Peninsula.

  2. 358 BCE

    Illyrians defeated by Philip II of Macedonia.

    Illyrians defeated by Philip II of Macedonia.

  3. 312 BCE

    King Glaucius of Illyria expels Greeks from Durrës.

    King Glaucius of Illyria expels Greeks from Durrës.

  4. 229 BCE

    Roman soldiers overrun Illyrian settlements in Neretva River valley.

    Roman soldiers overrun Illyrian settlements in Neretva River valley.

  5. 165 BCE

    Roman forces capture Illyria’s King Gentius at Shkodër.

    Roman forces capture Illyria’s King Gentius at Shkodër.

  6. 9

    Romans, under Emperor Tiberius, subjugate Illyrians and divide present-day Albania.

    Romans, under Emperor Tiberius, subjugate Illyrians and divide present-day Albania between Dalmatia, Epirus, and Macedonia.

  7. 301 – 800

    Goths, Huns, Avars, Serbs, Croats, and Bulgars successively invade Illyrian lands.

    Goths, Huns, Avars, Serbs, Croats, and Bulgars successively invade Illyrian lands in present-day Albania.

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Interesting Facts

  • The Albanian word for the country is Shqiperia, meaning The Land of the Eagles.

  • The word Albania comes from Albanoi, which was the name of an Illyrian tribe in the 2nd century B.C.

  • A rare fish called koran is found in only two places in the world. One is Russia, the other is Lake Ohrid near Shkodra. It is similar to trout or carp, with a delicate, delicious flavor

  • Butrint, near the town of Sarandë, is an ancient Roman city dating from the 2nd century B.C. It is recognized as a world archaeological treasure. UNESCO contributes funds for its preservation.

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Geography and Environment

strategic location along Strait of Otranto (links Adriatic Sea to Ionian Sea and Mediterranean Sea)
Terrain
mostly mountains and hills; small plains along coast
Climate
The plain of Albania, where the capital city Tirana is located, has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and generally mild winters with abundant rainfall. In the mountains winters can be very severe with low temperatures and high snowfall. On average, temperatures range from -3 C in January to a maximum of 35 C in July. Parts of Albania are on a fault line and experience earthquakes and tremors.
Natural Hazards
destructive earthquakes; tsunamis occur along southwestern coast; floods; drought
Current Environmental Issues
deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution from industrial and domestic effluents
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Albanian (official - Tosk is the official dialect), Greek

  • Albanian
  • Greek

Population

Population
2,793,592
Population: Male/Female
male: 1,531,063 female: 1,576,037
Population Distribution
a fairly even distribution, with somewhat higher concentrations of people in the western and central parts of the country
Urban Population
urban population: 64.6% of total population rate of urbanization: 1.29% annual rate of change
Population in Major Urban Areas
520,000 TIRANA (capital)
Nationality Noun
noun: Albanian(s) adjective: Albanian
Ethnic Groups
Albanian 82.6%, Greek 0.9%, other 1% (including Vlach, Romani, Macedonian, Montenegrin, and Egyptian), unspecified 15.5%
Language Note
Albanian 98.8% (official - derived from Tosk dialect), Greek 0.5%, other 0.6% (including Macedonian, Romani, Vlach, Turkish, Italian, and Serbo-Croatian), unspecified 0.1%

Demographic Profile

Albania has a population of approximately 2.8 million people, though this figure reflects significant demographic shifts resulting from decades of emigration. Since the fall of communism in the early 1990s, an estimated 1.4 to 1.7 million Albanians have left the country, making emigration one of the most defining demographic forces in the nation's modern history. Major destination countries include Italy, Greece, Germany, and the United States.

The population is relatively young, with a median age of around 36 years, though the country is aging as birth rates decline and younger generations continue to seek opportunities abroad. The total fertility rate has dropped to approximately 1.6 children per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1, contributing to gradual natural population decline.

Albanians constitute the vast majority of the population at roughly 82–83 percent. Greeks represent the largest recognized minority, concentrated primarily in the southern regions near the Greek border, and account for approximately 1 percent of the population. The Roma and Balkan Egyptians are also present, though their numbers are difficult to verify precisely due to historical undercounting. A small Macedonian minority exists in the southeast.

The official language is Albanian, which belongs to its own distinct branch of the Indo-European language family. Two main dialects are spoken: Gheg in the north and Tosk in the south, with Standard Albanian based largely on the Tosk dialect. Greek is spoken in the southern minority communities.

In terms of religious identity, Islam is the most widely practiced faith, followed by roughly 57 percent of the population, a legacy of Ottoman rule. Albanian Orthodox Christians account for about 10 percent, concentrated in the south, while Roman Catholics make up approximately 10 percent, primarily in the north. Albania has a strong secular tradition and is known historically for its interreligious tolerance.

Urban migration within the country has accelerated, with Tirana, the capital, growing substantially to house over 800,000 residents in its metropolitan area. Coastal cities such as Durrës and Vlorë have also expanded, while rural and mountainous interior regions have experienced population decline.

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
total population: 77.8 years male: 75.4 years female: 80.4 years
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 4.4 liters of pure alcohol beer: 1.75 liters of pure alcohol wine: 1.15 liters of pure alcohol spirits: 1.43 liters of pure alcohol other alcohols: 0.08 liters of pure alcohol
Tobacco Use
total: 22.4% male: 38.8% female: 6%
Child Marriage
women married by age 15: 1.4% women married by age 18: 11.8% men married by age 18: 1.2%
Infant Mortality Rate
total: 10.3 deaths/1,000 live births male: 11.3 deaths/1,000 live births female: 9.2 deaths/1,000 live births

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
total population: 77.8 years male: 75.4 years female: 80.4 years
Median Age
total: 36.3 years male: 34.8 years female: 37.8 years
Age Structure
0-14 years: 18% (male 292,296/female 267,052) 15-64 years: 66.9% (male 1,023,515/female 1,055,388) 65 years and over: 15.1% (male 215,252/female 253,597)
Infant Mortality Rate
total: 10.3 deaths/1,000 live births male: 11.3 deaths/1,000 live births female: 9.2 deaths/1,000 live births
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Albania
Full Country Name
Republic of Albania
Local - Long
Republika e Shqiperise
Local - Short
Shqiperia
Former Name
People's Socialist Republic of Albania

Government Structure

Government Type
emerging democracy
Legal System
has a civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; has accepted jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court for its citizens
Executive Branch
chief of state: President of the Republic Bajram BEGAJ (since 24 July 2022) head of government: Prime Minister Edi RAMA (since 10 September 2013) cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, nominated by the president, and approved by parliament elections: president elected by the Assembly of Albania for a five-year term; election last held on 4 June 2022 (next to be held in 2027); prime minister appointed by the president and approved by parliament election results: Bajram BEGAJ elected president; Assembly of Albania vote — total votes cast 104, for 78, against 4, abstentions 22
Legislative Branch
Unicameral Parliament or Kuvendi (140 seats; members elected by proportional representation vote for four-year terms) Elections: last held on 11 May 2025 (previous election held on 25 April 2021) Election results (2021): percent of vote by party - PS 48.7%, PD 39.4%, LSI 6.8%, other 5.1%; seats by party - PS 74, PD 59, LSI 4, other 3
Judicial Branch
onstitutional Court, Supreme Court (chairman is elected by the People's Assembly for a four-year term), and multiple appeals and district courts
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
a constitution was adopted by popular referendum on 28 November 1998
Independence
28 November 1912 (from Ottoman Empire)
National Holiday
Independence Day, 28 November (1912). The National Holiday of the Republic of Albania is Flag Day, November 28 as defined by Article 14 of the Albanian Constitution.

Capital City

Capital Name
Tirana (Tirane)
Capital - geographic coordinate
41 19 N, 19 49 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

the name Tirana first appears in a 1418 Venetian document; the origin of the name is unclear, but may derive from Tirkan Fortress, whose ruins survive on the slopes of Dajti mountain and which overlooks the city

Military

Branches: Land Forces Command, Navy Force Command, Air Forces Command

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy Tirana

Rruga Elbasanit 103

Tirana, Albania

Telephone: (355)(4) 224 7285

Facsimile: (355) (04) 237 4957

E-mail: ACSTirana@state.gov

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Economy

Albania has made significant progress in transitioning from a centrally planned economy to a more open, market-oriented one, though challenges remain by European standards. The government has pursued reforms to strengthen institutions, reduce informal economic activity, and attract foreign investment.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
leke (ALL)
GDP — official exchange rate
$8,657,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
4.1%
GDP by Sector
agriculture: 46.2% industry: 25.4% services: 28.4%
Gini Index
28.2
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News & Weather

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Climate Overview

The plain of Albania, where the capital city Tirana is located, has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and generally mild winters with abundant rainfall. In the mountains, winters can be very severe with low temperatures and high snowfall. On average, temperatures range from -3°C in January to a maximum of 35°C in July. Parts of Albania are on a fault line and experience earthquakes and tremors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Albania?
The population of Albania is approximately 2.8M.
How do people greet each other in Albania?
Albanians greet with a handshake, while women greet with a kiss on each cheek. Titles are used except among friends. Do: Shake hands when greeting Use Zonja (Mrs), Zonjusje (Miss), or Zoteri (Mr) except with friends Expect women to greet with a kiss on each cheek
What are dining customs like in Albania?
Lunch (around 1-2 pm) is the main meal, often starting with vegetables, rice soup with veal or chicken, and salad, followed by dishes like gjelle or stuffed eggplants and peppers. Raki is served before the meal and wine during or after. Do: Eat with the fork in your left hand and the knife in your right Join the first toast, made to everyone's health and friendship Try traditional dishes like fasule, burek, and akullore (ice-cream) Breakfast typically includes bread, butter, milk, eggs, jam, cheese, and Turkish or espresso coffee Local fruits include apples, pears, peaches, figs, and grapes The Albanian diet is influenced by Greek, Turkish, and Italian cuisine
What should I know about visiting an Albanian home?
Albanians are known for warm hospitality and treat guests as a blessing, offering refreshments and going out of their way to make visitors comfortable. Do: Remove your shoes upon entering the home Bring a small gift such as flowers or chocolates, presented on arrival Accept offered refreshments like Turkish coffee, tea, and snacks Actively engage in conversation and follow the host's guidance Don't: Don't rush your goodbye — farewells are often prolonged with rounds of thanks and well wishes Don't ignore elders; show deference to older family members Albanians take a relaxed approach to time, but respect the agreed meeting time Express gratitude after the visit with a call, note, or small gift
How should I dress in Albania?
Albanians value modesty and neatness; young people wear Western-style clothing while traditional hand-made clothing is still worn in villages. Do: Dress modestly and neatly, especially when visiting homes or meeting elders Dress up for formal occasions Don't: Avoid overly casual or revealing attire Urban professional men wear suits and ties; women wear dresses and skirts more than pants Cotton and wool are preferred fabrics
How do Albanians use gestures?
Albanians frequently use their hands and heads when interacting with others.
What is family life like in Albania?
Family and ethnic heritage are highly valued, men and women have equal social rights, and both parents usually work. Adult children often live with their parents and care for elderly relatives. Young people generally choose their own spouses, though families are sometimes involved Respect for elders is an important part of the culture
What do people do for fun in Albania?
Soccer is the most popular sport, and swimming in the Adriatic Sea is a favorite summer activity along Albania's uncrowded, beautiful beaches. Sarande, the largest seaport, has the best beaches for water sports and boating Lakes offer good fishing In Tirana, families visit the National Park (Parku Kombetar), with an artificial lake and a zoo
What is the capital of Albania?
Tirana (also spelled Tiranë) is the capital and largest city of Albania. Situated in a broad plain in central Albania and ringed by mountains, it serves as the country's political, economic, and cultural hub. Founded in the early 17th century, Tirana grew substantially under Communist rule and has undergone rapid transformation since the early 1990s as Albania transitioned to a parliamentary republic and market economy.
Where is Albania located?
Albania is located in Southeastern Europe, on the western side of the Balkan Peninsula. It sits along the eastern shore of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, placing it directly across from the heel of the Italian boot. The country occupies a strategically notable position at the crossroads of Mediterranean Europe and the broader Balkans, and its official name in Albanian, Shqipëria, means "Land of the Eagles."
What countries border Albania?
Albania shares land borders with four countries: Montenegro to the north, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east, and Greece to the south and southeast. Its western coastline runs along the Adriatic Sea to the northwest and the Ionian Sea to the southwest, making it one of the few Balkan nations with direct access to both bodies of water.
What is the predominant religion in Albania?
Islam is the largest religion in Albania, practiced by approximately 70% of the population, a legacy of nearly five centuries of Ottoman rule. Albanian Orthodox Christianity accounts for roughly 20% of the population, concentrated largely in the southern regions, while Roman Catholicism makes up about 10%, with its stronghold in the northern highlands. Despite these affiliations, religious practice has historically been moderate, shaped in part by decades of state-imposed atheism during the Communist era.
What is the currency of Albania?
The official currency of Albania is the lekë, with the ISO code ALL. The lekë has been the country's monetary unit since 1926, taking its name from Alexander the Great (Aleksandër in Albanian). It is issued by the Bank of Albania and is divided into 100 qindarka, though qindarka coins are no longer in practical circulation due to their negligible value.
What language is spoken in Albania?
Albanian is the official language of Albania, with Tosk, spoken in the southern half of the country, designated as the standard official dialect. Albanian is an independent branch of the Indo-European language family with no close relatives, and its roots trace back to the ancient Illyrian tribes — the word "Albania" itself derives from the Illyrian tribe called the Albanoi, recorded as early as the 2nd century B.C. Greek is also recognized as a minority language, particularly in the southern border regions.
What is Albania's geography and terrain like?
Albania is a predominantly mountainous country situated on the western Balkan Peninsula, with rugged highlands covering much of its interior and a fertile coastal lowland stretching along the Adriatic coast. The Albanian Alps dominate the north, while the central and eastern regions are characterized by parallel mountain ranges and deep river valleys. The country is home to significant water resources, including Lake Ohrid on the eastern border — one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes — which harbors rare endemic species, among them the koran, a prized trout-like fish found nowhere else in the world except a single location in Russia.
What is Albania known for?
Albania is known for its deeply rooted code of honor known as the besa, a sworn pledge of trust and hospitality observed particularly among northern highland communities, which remains a defining feature of Albanian cultural identity. The country is also noted for its well-preserved Ottoman-era bazaars, the ancient ruins of Butrint (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and its distinctive regional cuisine featuring lamb, wild herbs, and the slow-cooked dish called tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt). Albania's Illyrian heritage and its resilience through decades of isolationist Communist rule further shape its unique national character.

Last reviewed 2026

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