Nestled in Southeast Europe along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania boasts rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and a rich tapestry of history from Illyrian roots to Ottoman influences.
Once isolated under communism, it now thrives as a vibrant democracy with UNESCO sites like Butrint and Gjirokastër. Home to 2.8 million people, Tirana pulses as its colorful capital.
From ancient bunkers to thriving festivals, Albania offers affordable adventures, warm hospitality, and diverse landscapes—perfect for explorers seeking unspoiled beauty and cultural depth.
Albania Religion
Albania promotes religious harmony, with a secular constitution ensuring freedom of belief after decades of state atheism under communism.
- 🇦🇱 Islam is the majority faith, practiced by about 57% of the population 🕌
- ✝️ Christianity includes Orthodox (7%) and Catholic (10%) communities ⛪
- 🤝 Bektashi Order, a Sufi sect, has its world headquarters in Tirana 🕋
- 🕊️ Religious tolerance is a hallmark; interfaith marriages are common ❤️
- 📜 Atheism lingers from the 1967-1991 ban on religion 🚫
Albania FC
The Albania national football team, nicknamed Kuqezinjtë (Red and Blacks), competes in UEFA and has qualified for major tournaments like Euro 2016.
- ⚽ Nicknamed the “Eagles” for the double-headed bird on the flag 🦅
- 🏆 First major tournament: UEFA Euro 2016 in France 🇫🇷
- 🌟 Stars include Armando Broja and Kristjan Asllani playing in top leagues ⭐
- 🏟️ Home stadium: Air Albania Stadium in Tirana (22,500 capacity) 🎟️
- 🔥 Rivalries with Serbia and Greece fuel passionate matches ⚡
Albania Currency
The official currency is the Albanian Lek (ALL), subdivided into 100 qindarka, with notes featuring national heroes.
- 💰 Symbol: L; ISO code: ALL; introduced in 1926 💵
- 🪙 Coins: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 Lek; banknotes up to 10,000 🏦
- 💱 No euros officially, but accepted in tourist areas €
- 📈 Stable against major currencies; inflation low recently 📊
- 🛍️ Cash preferred in markets; ATMs widespread in cities 🏧
Albania Map
Albania’s compact map reveals diverse terrain from coastal plains to the Albanian Alps, bordering Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece.
- 🗺️ Total area: 28,748 km²; shape resembles a jagged eagle 🦅
- 🌊 362 km coastline on Adriatic and Ionian Seas 🏖️
- ⛰️ Highest point: Mount Korab at 2,764 m 🏔️
- 🏙️ Tirana centrally located; Durrës main port 🚢
- 🛣️ Major roads connect to neighbors via highways 🛤️
Albania Language
Albanian (Shqip) is an Indo-European language with two main dialects: Gheg (north) and Tosk (south), using a Latin-based alphabet.
- 🗣️ Official language: Albanian; 98% native speakers 👄
- 🔤 Alphabet: 36 letters, including ç, ë, and nj 📖
- 📚 Unique branch; not related to Slavic or Greek neighbors 🌍
- 🈂️ Italian and English common in tourism and business 🇮🇹🇺🇸
- 🎓 Preserved through literature like works of Ismail Kadare ✍️
Albania Woman
Albanian women blend tradition with modernity, achieving high education rates and prominent roles in politics, business, and arts.
- 👩💼 First female president: Atifete Jahjaga (Kosovo ties, but influential) 👑
- 📊 36% of parliament seats held by women in 2023 🗳️
- 🎨 Artists like Anila Rubiku gain international acclaim 🖼️
- 👗 Traditional xhubleta dress UNESCO intangible heritage 🧵
- 💪 Sworn virgins: rare custom of women living as men ⚔️
Albania Map Europe
On Europe’s Balkan Peninsula, Albania sits strategically between Western Europe and the East, part of Southeast Europe.
- 🌍 Coordinates: 41°N, 20°E; southeast continental Europe 🧭
- 🗺️ Borders four countries; no landlocked status 🌊
- ✈️ Proximity to Italy: 72 km across Strait of Otranto 🇮🇹
- 🏔️ Part of Dinaric Alps chain extending to Slovenia ⛰️
- 📍 EU candidate since 2014; NATO member since 2009 🤝
Albania Visa
Most visitors enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days, with straightforward policies promoting tourism growth.
- 🛂 Visa-free for US, EU, UK citizens (90 days/180) 🇺🇸🇪🇺
- 📄 E-visa available online for others; fee ~€50 💻
- ✈️ Entry via Tirana Airport or land borders 🛃
- 🏥 Proof of funds or accommodation sometimes required 📑
- 🚫 No visa on arrival; extensions rare ⏳
Albania Currency to PKR
Exchange rates fluctuate, but 1 ALL typically equals around 3 PKR; check live converters for accuracy.
- 💱 Current rate: ~1 ALL = 3.05 PKR (as of Nov 2025) 📈
- 🏦 Banks offer best rates; avoid airport exchanges ✈️
- 💳 Cards accepted in cities; carry cash for rural areas 🏕️
- 📱 Apps like XE for real-time conversions 📲
- ⚖️ Black market illegal; use official bureaus only ⚠️
Is Albania a Muslim Country
Albania is secular with a Muslim majority, but religion plays a minimal role in daily governance and society.
- ☪️ Yes, ~57% Muslim, but state is officially atheist/secular 🚫
- 🕌 Mosques coexist with churches; no sharia law 📜
- 🎉 Secular holidays dominate; Ramadan observed casually 🗓️
- 🤝 Known as “Europe’s most tolerant” for interfaith peace ✌️
- 📖 1967-1991: World’s first atheist state banned all religion ❌
Albania Capital
Tirana, founded in 1614, transformed from a small town into a bustling capital with Ottoman, Italian, and communist architectural layers.
- 🏛️ Population: ~900,000; colorful buildings by Mayor Erion Veliaj 🎨
- 🕌 Et’hem Bey Mosque and Blloku district highlights 🕍
- ☕ Vibrant cafes, street art, and Pyramid of Tirana 🏯
- 🚡 Cable car to Mount Dajti for panoramic views 🌄
- 🎭 Home to National History Museum and opera house 🎶
Albania Population
With about 2.84 million residents, Albania has a youthful demographic and significant diaspora abroad.
- 👨👩👧👦 Density: 99/km²; urbanizing rapidly 🏙️
- 📉 Declining due to emigration; birth rate 1.4 children/woman 👶
- 👴 Life expectancy: 79 years; median age 38 🧓
- 🌍 Diaspora: 1.5 million in Italy, Greece, US 🇮🇹🇬🇷🇺🇸
- 🏘️ Largest cities: Tirana, Durrës, Vlorë 🏢
Albania Travel
Albania’s Riviera, ancient sites, and hiking trails draw budget travelers seeking authentic experiences off the beaten path.
- 🏖️ Albanian Riviera: Ksamil beaches rival Greece’s 🌴
- 🏰 UNESCO: Berat “City of a Thousand Windows” 🏛️
- 🚶♂️ Theth National Park: Valbona hiking trail 🥾
- 🍴 Cuisine: Byrek, fresh seafood, raki spirit 🥘
- 💸 Affordable: Meals ~€5, hostels €10/night 🛏️
Albania People
Albanians are known for besa (code of honor), hospitality, and resilience shaped by a turbulent history.
- 🤗 Warm welcomes; guests treated like family 🏡
- 🎉 Festivals: Independence Day Nov 28 with dances 🇦🇱
- 👨👩👧 Strong family ties; multi-generational homes 🏠
- 💬 Direct communication; pride in Illyrian ancestry 🛡️
- 🌍 Global contributors: Mother Teresa, Dua Lipa ⭐
Is Albania Friendly to Americans?
Americans receive warm hospitality in Albania, with strong bilateral ties and no travel advisories beyond standard precautions.
- 🇺🇸 Yes, very friendly; many admire US culture 🎥
- 🤝 NATO allies since 2009; US aid post-communism 💪
- 🗽 Albanian-American community thrives in NYC 🗺️
- ☕ English spoken in tourist spots; no anti-US sentiment ✌️
- 🛂 Visa-free 90 days; safe for solo travelers 🚶♀️
What Country Did Albania Used to Be?
Albania was part of the Ottoman Empire for centuries, then briefly independent before communist rule as the People’s Socialist Republic.
- 🏰 Ottoman province 1479-1912; Illyrian origins anciently 🏛️
- 🇦🇱 Independent 1912; monarchy until 1939 👑
- 🚩 Italian/German occupation WWII; communist 1946-1991 ☭
- 🗳️ Multi-party democracy since 1991; EU aspirant 🤝
- 🔄 No longer Yugoslavia; separate from 1912 🌍
What Is the Ethnic Makeup of Albania?
Albanians form the vast majority, with small Greek and other minorities; unity emphasized over divisions.
- 🇦🇱 83% Albanian; homogeneous society 👥
- 🇬🇷 0.9% Greek in south; recognized minority 🏛️
- 🤝 Roma, Aromanians, Macedonians <1% each 🌍
- 🗺️ No major conflicts; inclusive citizenship 📜
- 👨👩👧👦 Diaspora maintains strong ethnic identity abroad ✈️
What Is Albania Most Known For?
Albania shines for its untouched nature, ancient history, bunker legacy, and emerging as Europe’s budget paradise.
- 🏰 750,000 communist-era bunkers nationwide 🛡️
- ⛪ Mother Teresa: Born in Skopje, ethnic Albanian saint ✝️
- 🎤 Singers Rita Ora, Dua Lipa, Ava Max global stars 🎶
- 🏖️ “Last secret of Europe” for pristine beaches 🏝️
- 🍇 Wine revival; ancient winemaking tradition 🍷
Conclusion
Albania captivates with its blend of history, nature, and welcoming spirit. From Tirana’s energy to the Riviera’s shores, it offers affordable, authentic travel. Embrace its resilience and beauty—visit soon for memories that endure.
Country information
ISO Code AL
Native Names Shqipëria
Alt Spellings AL, Shqipëri, Shqipëria, Shqipnia
Capital Tirana
Region Europe
Subregion Southeast Europe
Population 2837743
Area 28748
Currency ALL
Languages Albanian
Demonym Albanian
Timezones UTC+01:00
Calling Codes 355
TLDs .al
Independent TRUE
UN Member TRUE
Start of Week monday
Neighboring countries
Location on the map
About the country
Albania is located in Europe, subregion: Southeast Europe. The capital is Tirana. Population: 2837743. Currency: ALL. Languages: Albanian. Borders: MNE, GRC, MKD, UNK. Calling codes: +355.
Useful links
Wikipedia — Albania
Google Maps — Albania