Albania on the world map - all about the Balkan country. Tirana. The reborn capital of Albania What are the people of Albania called?

Studying geographical map world, it is possible to determine exactly where in the European south Albania is located. The Balkan Peninsula has always been of interest to conquerors. Those of the peoples who did not pass through this region did not stay long. The Balkans in this area were met with inaccessible rocks. Albania is an eagle country. These proud birds live in rocky places. There are so many rocks on Albanian territory that it seems as if they were taken from all over the world and poured onto this land.

In contact with

Democratic Republic

For almost 100 years, the Albanian people were under the yoke of the Ottoman Empire. The country gained independence only in 1912.

Albania is a democratic parliamentary republic headed by the President.. At the end of World War II, the state followed the communist path of development, but then relations with the Soviet Union and many states were interrupted. Prolonged international isolation had a negative impact on the country's economy. Albania is a poor agricultural country in Europe.

The Albanian language has two dialects:

• Northerners are characterized by Gheg;
• Toscan is common in the south.

The Tosk dialect is spoken by most of the inhabitants, which is why it has become the official language countries. Many Albanians speak Italian, Greek, and some Slavic languages.

The majority of the country's residents profess Islam (the only state in Europe), and there are also representatives of the Greek Orthodox Church, Catholic and other few denominations.

Along with the state currency (lek), euros and American dollars circulate freely on the territory of the state.

Medical care for the country's population is at a low level, and there is an invariable shortage of essential medicines.

Sea and land borders

The total area of ​​Albania is 28.7 km². Looking at the photo of a world map in Russian, it becomes clear what an insignificant territory this state occupies.

The Ionian and Adriatic seas wash the coast of Albania for more than 300 kilometers. The Adriatic Sea has a low coastline with rare shallow bays; there are no natural harbors in the country. On the coast of this sea, if you look at the European map, there are two large Albanian ports: Durres and Vlora.

It can be reached via the Strait of Otranto. This strait has small mountain ranges, the shores are indented with small bays.

The northern borders of Albania on the map of Europe are adjacent to Kosovo and Montenegro. In the east - with. The southeast of the country borders on Greece.

Land borders, as Wikipedia claims about Albania, were determined artificially (1912-1913). In London, the ambassadors of the great powers assigned the boundaries of the country on the map. Its territory in the First world war occupied by troops:

• Greece;
• Italy;
• Serbia;
• France.

After the end of the war in the early twenties, the victorious countries did not change the borders of Albania.

The boundaries were determined by the separation of Albanian settlements from other peoples:

• Greeks;
• Serbs;
• Montenegrins.

At the same time, they tried not to violate the interests of different parties. The lake region in western Macedonia was divided between 3 countries (Greece, Yugoslavia, Albania), each of them received part of the lowlands.

Minerals

Ore mining is carried out in Albania:

• iron;
• copper;
• nickel;
• chrome.

Coal is mined in the capital area, bitumen deposits are found near the city of Vlora, and the northeast is rich in phosphates.

Landscape and water resources

Looking at Albania on the world map, one can determine that most of the country is covered with mountains, the rest of the territory is plains. On the border area with Macedonia there is the Corabi mountain range, whose height reaches more than 2,700 meters - the highest point in the country. Among the mountains there are basins where large Albanian cities grew - Berat, Korca, Peshkopija.

Along the coast of the Adriatic Sea there is a fertile plain for almost 200 km. More than half the country's population is concentrated here. The plain near the coast is covered with swamps, in some places they have been drained (between Durres and Vlora). These lands are now occupied by agricultural land.

Almost all Albanian rivers flow into the Adriatic Sea. The largest river is Drin. There are several large lakes and reservoirs in the country.

There are no fertile soils in the mountains. Almost 40% of the Albanian territory is occupied by forests, part of the area is covered with bushes, and there are many meadows.

The country's mountain ranges are divided into several zones:

1. The lower zone (height up to 600 m) is brown subtropical soil, dominated by evergreen shrub vegetation (maquis, laurel, myrtle).
2. The middle zone (altitude up to 2000 m) – mountainous, brown soil, deciduous forests (beech, oak, chestnut).
3. At an altitude of more than 2000 m there is a belt of alpine grass meadows.

Climate and fauna

The western coastal plains are exposed to the warm masses of the washed seas, summers are long and hot, winters are wet and not cold. In mountainous areas, temperatures are lower and snow lasts for a long time. In the north, winters are colder with intense snowfall.

Most wild animals and reptiles are concentrated in sparsely populated mountainous areas where there are sufficient water resources. The warm climate of the coast is favorable for migratory birds. Mountain lakes and rivers are rich in rare fish species.

State capital

On the territory of the country, the first area inhabited by people was in the Tirana region. Mentions of it as a small village date back to the 15th century. The intersection of trade routes contributed to the rapid development of Tirana. In the 17th century, the city was famous for its bazaar, where merchants traded:

• jewelry;
• spices;
• silk fabrics;
• ceramic products.

In February 1920, Tirana was proclaimed the capital of Albania, the government settled in the city. From 1939 to September 1943 - occupation by Italy. In September 1943, German troops entered Tirana. The city was the center of the liberation struggle of the people of Albania. In November 1944, Tirana was liberated from Nazi troops by the National Liberation Army. January 1946 was marked by the proclamation of the People's Republic of Albania.

The population of the state capital, according to unofficial data, is about 1 million people.

Most of the country's industry is concentrated in Tirana. Industrial enterprises operate in the city:

• metalworking;
• shoe;
• food;
• glass-ceramic;
• tobacco;
• textile.

All industry of the capital is located in the western and southwestern regions. Not far from Tirana in 1951, with the help of the USSR, the first hydroelectric power station was built. From the mountain river Selita, water flows through tunnels to turbines, and then through a water supply system into city neighborhoods.

In the old areas of Tirana there are crooked and narrow streets with houses deep in the courtyards. The building in which parliament sits was built in 1924 as an officers' club. The construction of the administrative and cultural center took place in the 20-30s of the last century:

• Skanderbeg Square;
• university;
• Efem Bey Mosque;
• Opera theatre;
• bank.

Following a reconstruction plan adopted in the fifties, new residential areas were built in Tirana. Russian architect G.L. Lavrov designed the New Albania film studio.

Albanian cuisine and some traditions

Thanks to convenient geographical location, historical features, mild climate Albanian cuisine is famous for its richness and variety. The main place on the Albanian table is occupied by fish dishes and seafood. The ancient Greeks and Romans had a great influence on the gastronomic tastes of the country's inhabitants.

The indigenous people of Albania have an interesting habit - when they affirm something, they shake their heads (most Europeans understand this gesture as a denial). And, on the contrary, nodding their heads, they say “no.” Residents big cities people rarely act like this, and in the provinces such behavior is common. Travelers and residents of the Albanian hinterland sometimes do not understand each other.

Albania is a country with a difficult destiny and a strong character. Despite its occupation past, it was able to preserve its rich heritage, centuries-old culture and picturesque nature. Albania is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. And we will devote our material today to this beautiful country, we will find out where it is located, the most striking sights of Albania, and what you need to see if you are on holiday in this republic.

Where is

Located in the west of the Balkan Peninsula, Albania occupies its coastal territory, washed by Adriatic Sea. Its neighbors are Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Italy, separated from Albania by the Strait of Otranto. The Albanian Republic (this is the official name of the country) occupies an area of ​​28,000 km2, where about 3.4 million people live. The capital of Albania, Tirana, is the largest city in the entire republic.

Brief description of the country

For a long time, Albania was under the yoke of the Ottoman Empire, and only shortly before its fall was it able to achieve its independence in 1912. But, unfortunately, its occupation did not end there. From 1939 to 1944, Albania was subject to Italian invaders. Then, for almost half a century from 1944 to 1992, the republic was ruled by the Communist Albanian Party, which completely isolated the state from external influence.

Albania is practically a one-national state, the territory of which is inhabited mainly by Albanians. 80% of them preach Islam, being Sunnis, the rest of the population adheres to the Orthodox and Catholic churches.

Albania is particularly attractive for its natural beauty. There is everything here: a picturesque plain, and majestic mountains, and clean lakes, and large rivers. Lakes Ohrid, Shkoder and Prespa, the rivers Drin and Mati, as well as Mount Korabi (2764) are part of Albania's uniqueness. Mediterranean climate pleases with mild winters and hot, but not sultry summers.

The entire territory of Albania is rich in ancient Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman cultural monuments and attractions. Most of them are located in the largest cities of the republic: Tirana, Shkoder, Durres, Elbasan, Korça and Vlora.

Sights of Albania

In every locality Albania offers interesting sights. Rich story has awarded this region with a huge amount of cultural and historical monuments. Let's look at some of the attractions and what you can see in Aobanija.

Berat Castle

It can rightfully be considered a museum city. This citadel dates back to the 13th century, representing an example of ancient architecture and history. Berat is located 123 km from the capital of Albania and is one of the most popular places among tourists. The castle rises above the city, offering a stunning panorama of the surrounding areas. Inside the citadel there are buildings of ancient temples and exhibitions of historical artifacts.

Skadar Lake

It is the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula. It is simultaneously located on the territory of Albania and Montenegro. A very picturesque place that attracts tourists with its flora and fauna, virgin places protected by the state, and pure water. Water transport is well developed here, which makes it possible to enjoy boat trips. The reservoir gained particular fame thanks to its churches and tombs built on the islands of the lake.

Rozafa Fortress

The next attraction of Albania is the Rozafa Fortress - located in the vicinity of the city of Shkodra. This is very a nice place, which is a picturesque hill surrounded by two rivers - Drin and Bryan. The fortress dates back to the 3rd century BC. Since its construction, it was able to survive the occupation by the Romans, the capture by the Ottomans, and the confrontation with the Montenegrins.

Rozafa is especially popular among women and is considered a sacred place for those who dream of motherhood. Despite the fact that the fortress has been partially preserved, it is known far beyond the borders of Albania. Tourists are attracted here by the centuries-old history and the museum opened in one of the surviving buildings.

Archaeological Museum-Reserve of Butrint

Located in the southern part of Albania near the city of Saranada. Almost bordering Greece, this reserve is particularly famous for its excavations and medieval Venetian fortress. The remains of public and residential buildings and structures, the walls of the acropolis, baths decorated with mosaics and the sanctuary of Asclepius were discovered here. Butrint is also popular among tourists due to its proximity to the beaches, being located 2 kilometers from the coast.

Ksamil Resort

The most famous in Albania. Its peculiarity lies not only in its clear water, but also in its amazing beaches. Seemingly incredible at first glance White sand is actually stones crushed to tiny sizes. This resort attracts tourists not only with its blue water, but also with its uninhabited islands, which are easily accessible by swimming.

Ruin ancient city Apollonia

They are located 100 km south of the city of Durres. In 855 BC, this city was founded by the Greeks as one of the most important Mediterranean city-states. Monuments that have survived to this day include the Monastery of St. Mary, dating back to the 12th century AD, the Bouleuterion (administrative building of ancient times), dating back to the 3rd century AD, the Odeon (building for musical performances), built around the 2nd century AD, and the ancient Amphitheater etc. Not far from Apollonia there is the majestic monastery of Ardenika.

Customs and traditions

Those who visit Albania for the first time are usually struck by the differences in the same rituals and traditions in different regions countries. National costumes, wedding rituals and other customs can be very different in two nearby villages or cities. Perhaps this is why there is never a dull moment in Albania, and every new place brings unforgettable experience. In everyday life, the following customs can be distinguished, which are characteristic of Albanians.

When addressing local residents, Albanians use the polite form “zoti” (master) for men and “zonya” (madam) for women. In some provincial areas one can still find echoes of communism in addressing each other in the form of the greeting “shoku” - comrade.

A special topic for Albanians is receiving guests and visiting. If an Albanian has invited guests, it means that he must host the reception at the highest level and spend a lot of money to maintain his status. Guests, in turn, must also show respect to the hosts and bring gifts with them. The art of having a conversation over a cup of coffee is the main sign that you are a well-mannered and worthy person.

Social life in Albania mainly takes place in a form called "jiro". At its core, it is an evening walk along a square or boulevard in a city or village. During the Giro, locals exchange news and gossip. Appearance matters a lot here. As a rule, people wear the richest outfits for such a walk to show their wealth and status.

After being isolated for so long, Albania is only now beginning to reveal its uniqueness and beauty to all visitors and tourists. Stunning nature, architectural attractions, pristine beaches, hospitable locals and inexpensive living make this republic a potential leader among other European countries.

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LANGUAGE OF ALBANIA

Albanian has two main forms - Tosk and Ghegian dialects.

RELIGION OF ALBANIA

Sunni Muslims - 70%, Orthodox (Greek Orthodox Church) - 20%, Catholics - 10%. From 1967 to 1990, Albania was the only country in the world where, officially, state level, atheism was proclaimed, many churches were converted into theaters and cultural centers. It is now the only European country with a Muslim majority.

GEOGRAPHY OF ALBANIA

The country is located in southeastern Europe, in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula. In the north and north-west it borders with Serbia and Montenegro, in the east - with the Republic of Macedonia, in the south-east and south - with Greece. The western border is washed by the Adriatic, the southwestern - by the Ionian seas. Much of the country has mountainous and elevated terrain, with deep, fertile valleys. The country has several large lakes, stretching along the borders with Yugoslavia, Macedonia and Greece. One of them - Ohrid - is the deepest in the Balkans (294 m). Albania is one of the smallest countries in Europe - the total area of ​​the country is about 28.74 thousand square meters. km.

CLIMATE OF ALBANIA

Subtropical Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. average temperature July - from +24 C to +28 C, January - +4 C in the north and up to +7 C in the south, the temperature greatly depends on the altitude. Precipitation (600-800 mm per year) falls mainly in autumn and spring. In mountainous areas the climate is colder (frosts up to -20 C), annual precipitation increases from 900-1200 mm. in the east, up to 2000-2600 mm. and more on the windward western slopes of the mountains. At altitudes above 1000 meters in mountainous areas, snow cover lasts for several months. Best time to visit the country - September. The warm season lasts from May to September (July is the warmest month, up to +38 C), but even in April and October weather can be quite favorable.

POLITICAL STATE OF ALBANIA

State system - democratic republic. The head of state is the president. The head of government is the prime minister. The highest legislative body is parliament (unicameral People's Assembly). The political situation in the country is quite complicated, Albania is involved in the conflict in Kosovo, there is a fairly large number of independent armed formations on the country’s territory, and the economic situation is quite difficult.

CURRENCY OF ALBANIA

Lek. US dollars and the German mark are freely circulated along with the national currency. Currency can be exchanged at banks and exchange offices, and there is also a free market for convertible currency, which usually operates on the street in front of post offices or the State Bank. Transactions on the street are considered legally legal. Cash is preferable in all cases credit cards are not accepted, the use of traveler's checks is also extremely limited. Some large banks will convert US dollar travel checks into cash without commission, but this is likely to be an exception. Tipping is required almost everywhere, in restaurants - 10%.

ALBANIA TIME

It is 2 hours behind Moscow.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF ALBANIA

Albania has a number of spectacular natural sites that attract the attention of the traveler - craggy peaks and picturesque mountains overgrown with dense forest, beautiful beaches under the warm Mediterranean sun and the azure blue waters of the Adriatic. The country's coastlines are magnificent and could seriously compete with Croatia and Italy. In addition to the beaches of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania has a range of historical attractions to offer, the country's architecture is a frivolous mixture of religions, styles, cultures and landscapes, from monuments of the ancient Greek period to Muslim minarets, from idyllic mountain resorts, many of which were founded by the Romans, to monasteries of all faiths. Relics of one of Europe's longest dictatorships are surrounded by citrus orchards, olive groves and vineyards. Dilapidated factories stand next to breathtaking mosques, and ornate Greek Orthodox churches can be a stone's throw away from pompous Stalinist-style cultural palaces.

Tirana, the capital of Albania since 1920, is compact and pleasant to explore on foot. Most tours in Tirana start with a big open area Skanderberg in the city center, bounded to the east by the heights of Mount Dajiti (1612 m), the nearby market is also worth a detailed study - it is unlikely that anywhere else in Europe you will be able to visit a real oriental bazaar with all its attributes (including, attention! !, a large number of market pickpockets).

National Museum History is the biggest and good museum in Albania, you will find it next to the 15-story Tirana International Hotel- the most tall building in the country. A huge mosaic fresco covers the entire façade of the building. To the east of the hotel is the Palace of Culture, which has its own theater, restaurant, cafe and art galleries, and clearly stands out from the low-rise buildings of the capital with its “Soviet” architecture. On the south side of the building is the entrance to the National Library, and opposite it is the dome and minaret of the Etem Mei Mosque, built in 1793, one of the most expressive buildings in the city, and near the mosque is the Tirana Clock Tower, built in 1830.

Along the embankment of the Lana River, south of the capital, rise the white marble walls of the former Enver Hoxha Museum, which is sometimes used as a center for various exhibitions and in the future will turn into the largest discotheque in Europe. Further south, on Deshmoret e Kombit Boulevard, is the state-of-the-art Congress Palace and Archaeological Museum, which has a fantastic selection of exhibits from prehistoric times to the medieval period.

The attractions of Tirana also include the Museum National culture, Museum natural history and beautiful art gallery. The city of Shkoder (or Shkodra, and in Italian - Scutari) is one of the oldest cities in Europe and the traditional center of the cultural region of the "Ghegs". In 500 BC. e. the Illyrian fortress lying in its place already guarded the trade crossroads to the west of the city, where the Buna and Drina rivers merge. The city is graced by the imposing Sheikh Zamil Abdullah Al-Zamil Mosque, and next to it is the Muzoe Popullo ("Public Museum"), which has an impressive collection of historical photographs, including those showing the country's recent "socialist" past, and also has an impressive archaeological collection. located on the lower floors. Shkodra was previously also the most influential Catholic city in Albania, and the imposing Franciscan church on Rruga Ndre Mjeda is now again one of the country's main Christian places of worship. The legendary Rozafa Fortress is 2 km away. southwest of Shkodra, near the southern tip of Lake Skodar. Below the fortress lies the multi-domed Lead Mosque, the only mosque in the city that escaped destruction during the Cultural Revolution of the 60s.

Gjirokaster lies 120 km away. south of Tirana, this is a strikingly picturesque city-museum, spread out on the slopes of a mountain above the banks of the Drina River. The city was well known as a large shopping mall already by the 13th century, but the Turkish occupation, which began in 1417, led to its decline. However, by the 17th century the city flourished again, and was famous for its colorful bazaar, where they sold exquisite local embroidery, oriental silk and the famous Albanian white cheese. Above the Bazaar Mosque, located in the city center, stands the Memedhu Monument, erected in honor of the “renaissance” of Albanian education in the 20th century. The city is dominated by a gloomy 14th-century citadel, now a weapons museum. The buildings of the Ethnographic Museum and the old Turkish baths are located in the lower part of the city.

In Elbasan (54 km southeast of Tirana), the remains of Roman fortifications, a fortress of the 15th century AD, are still preserved. e., which now houses a museum.

In Durres (Duraccio in Italian), 38 km. west of Tirana, interesting ancient city, founded in 627 BC. e. by the Greeks. For many centuries it was the largest port on the Adriatic and the beginning of the famous Via Ignatia, going all the way to Constantinople; the ruins of the Byzantine and Venetian fortresses. Roman ruins and fortifications adorn this major industrial city and Trading port, the second largest city in Albania. Most excursions start from the Archaeological Museum, which overlooks the embankment near the port. Behind the museum are the walls of a 6th-century Byzantine city built after the Visigoth invasion in 481 AD. e., reinforced by round Venetian towers in the 14th century. Roman Amphitheater, built between the 1st and 2nd centuries BC. e., still looks quite impressive, and stands on a constantly sunlit hillside inside the fortress walls. Old Palace King Ahmet Zog is located to the west of the amphitheater, and in front of him stands a statue of the country's founder, Skanderberg, and, in a sharp dissonance, huge radar "dishes" installed by the Italian army. When you're in the city center, don't miss the Roman Baths behind the Alexandre Moisu Theater on central square.

Kukes, 100 km. northeast of Tirana, lies above the high bank of the picturesque mountain lake Fierza, just below the top of the almost bald Mount Galiki (2486 m.). Old city formerly stood at the confluence of two rivers, the White Drina and the Black Drina, flowing from Lake Ohrid, but in 1962 the city was moved to its modern location when the government built a hydroelectric dam and the river flooded its location. Now this is a very pleasant place to spend a few days enjoying the clean mountain air and the beautiful scenery of the reservoir, sandwiched by steep mountain slopes, and the local hotel "Turismi" is one of the most fashionable hotels, famous for one of the best restaurants in the country.

Berat, located 122 km. southeast of Tirana, it is Albania's second most important museum city after Gjirokastra, and is sometimes called the "city of a thousand windows" due to the many windows in its red-tiled buildings, as if specially oriented "to the sun" to the rays were reflected in the glass. By mountain range, passing above the city, over a rugged gorge, lies a 14th-century citadel that protected small Greek Orthodox churches such as the Cathedral of Our Lady, as well as the Church of the Holy Trinity and the Church of the Evangelists. On the slope below the citadel lies Mangalem, the old Muslim quarter, and a stone bridge in seven arched spans it leads to Gorika - the Christian quarter. The city has several fine mosques - the Lead Mosque, the Royal Mosque, the Bachelor's Mosque and the Alveti Tekke ("lesser shrine") where Islamic dervish sects were located. Korca, 179 km. southeast of Tirana, main city oriental style, located on a high (869 m.) plateau near the Greek border, south of Lake Ohrid. This is the largest carpet-making center in Albania, founded by the Greeks. Wonderful museums towns include Muzeu and Artet Mesjetar Shkiptar (Museum of Albanian Medieval Art), Muzeu Historik and Muzeu and Arsimit Kombetar (Museum of Education). Many of the old town's buildings were destroyed by earthquakes in 1931 and 1960, which toppled minarets and destroyed many ancient churches, but some of the colorful buildings of old Korca survived, including a 15th-century mosque in the bazaar area, west of the Ilirija Hotel.

The ancient ruins of Butrint lie almost on the country's southern border with Greece, 160 km away. south of Tirana, and are considered the pearl of the Adriatic coast. Virgil claimed that Butrint was built by the Trojans, but no evidence of this has yet been found, although the site has been studied in detail by archaeologists. Nevertheless, local residents proudly continue to consider themselves descendants of the glory of Troy. For centuries since the time of the ancient Greeks, Butrint has been a fortified trading city with its own acropolis, the ruins of which can still be visited, baths and rest houses for the nobility. Somewhat below the acropolis, in the thick of the forest, is a theater dating back to the 3rd century BC. e. Nearby are public baths with geometric mosaics, and a little deeper in the forest is a wall from the 6th century BC. e. with Greek inscriptions and a baptistery decorated with colorful mosaics of animals and birds. Nearby, a large area is occupied by a triangular fortress built by the military leader Ali Pasha Tepelena in the 19th century. The Ionian coast of the country, especially the "Riviera of Flowers" from Vlore to Saranda, has the most beautiful sea ​​shores in this country. Albania has six National Parks, 24 nature reserves and natural monuments, but the protection of all these areas is carried out mainly on paper.

ENTRY RULES OF ALBANIA

Citizens of the EU, Australia, USA, Canada and several other countries do not require a visa. A visa can be obtained either at the consular department of the embassy or when crossing the border by paying the price equivalent to the cost of a visa for Albanians to your country (or 30 - 75 US dollars depending on the length of stay in the country).

ALBANIA CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

The import and export of foreign currency is not legally limited; currency in amounts over 2,500 US dollars must be declared upon entry. The export of previously imported foreign currency is allowed for a year, national currency - no more than 3,000 lek. The import of weapons, pornographic materials and drugs is strictly prohibited, although violations of these rules are often turned a blind eye by customs authorities. The export of antiquities, including stones from archaeological excavations, is prohibited. Free export of copies of ancient works is allowed, which are sold everywhere.

Republic of Albania (Republic of Albania) is a small state located in the southeastern part of Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula, washed by the waters of the Ionian and Adriatic seas. Its neighbors in the northeast are Montenegro, Macedonia and Kosovo, in the southeast are Greece, and is separated from Italy in the west by the Strait of Otranto. The relief is mainly mountains and hills, which alternate with deep valleys. There are several lakes in the country. By area occupied Albania is in 139th place in the World. The country's independence was proclaimed on November 28, 1912. During the first half of the twentieth century Albania was constantly under occupation. The state became completely free after the end of World War II.

Republic of Albania

1. Capital

Most populated city country, the largest political and economic center. located at the foot of Mount Daiti, it leads here cable car and right there is one of the national parks Albania . Daiti is one of the most popular and favorite places

townspeople, where they spend weekends with the whole family. was founded by the Turks in 1613 and was called Tehran, and in 1920 it became capital of Albania . Population Tyrants is about 380 thousand people. The country was isolated for quite a long period, but now you can visit this place without any problems. wonderful city

and find out its history.

2. Flag

The flag of Albania depicts:

A red banner and a double-headed black eagle are in the center of the flag.

The meaning and a little history of the Albanian flag: was adopted on April 7, 1992, and the coat of arms was applied to it on May 22, 1993. The red color of the flag symbolizes the blood of Albanian patriots, which was shed in the fight against the Turkish invaders. According to one version, the double-headed eagle in the center of the flag is the origin of the Albanians as descendants of the eagle; according to another, the eagle was borrowed from the coat of arms of the Byzantine Empire. A double-headed black eagle on a red background was the banner of the fight against the Turks.

3. Coat of arms

Coat of arms of Albania is an image black double headed eagle, located on shield Red , above which is the helmet of Skanderbeg. Georgiy Skanderbeg, whose helmet is on coat of arms of Albania, is a national hero and right there is one of the national parks. Skanderbeg fought for unification and independence and right there is one of the national parks, and repelled the invasions of the Turks.

4. Anthem

listen to the Albanian anthem

watch and listen to the Albanian anthem

5. Currency

Currency of Albania. National currency of Albania is - Albanian Lek (currency sign - L, bank code: ALL) . Name Lek comes from the abbreviation of the name of Alexander the Great (Alb. Leka i Madh). The appearance of the banknotes is quite interesting and attractive. Banknotes in circulation are in denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 lek different designs (you can find banknotes from three different issues that differ in appearance), and coins in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 lek. Albanian lek consists of 100 kindarok.

Well Albanian Lek to the ruble or any other currency can be viewed on the currency converter:

Albanian Lek looks like this:

Coins of Albania

Banknotes of Albania

6. 10 Largest cities in Albania:

1. Tirana (capital)
2. Elbasan
3. Durres
4. Shkodra
5. Vlora
6. Korca
7. Fieri
8. Kuchova
9. Saranda
10. Berat

7. Geography

Area of ​​Albania: 28,748 km 2, one of the smallest countries in Europe.

Albania located in the west of the Balkan Peninsula. In the southeast and south it borders with Greece (length common border- 282 km), in the east - with Macedonia (151 km), in the north and northwest - with Kosovo (115 km) and Montenegro (172 km). It is washed by the waters of the Adriatic and Ionian seas (coastline - 362 km). The Strait of Otranto, 75 km wide, separates Albania from Italy.

Geography of Albania characterized by two large regions: a region dominated by mountains and highlands (north, east, and south), this region makes up 70% of the total territory of the country; and the western region, dominated by coastal lowlands and plains, these regions contain almost all of the country's agricultural land, and are the most populated part and right there is one of the national parks. More than a third of the territory and right there is one of the national parks covered with forests and swamps, the other third is occupied by meadows, and only one fifth is used for agricultural land.

8. How to get to Albania?

9. Things to see

The main attraction of Albania is its climate and natural conditions. Albania has collected many breathtaking natural sites that attract travelers - the country’s landscape is rich in rocky peaks and picturesque mountains, dense forest, beautiful beaches, washed by the azure blue waters of the Adriatic.

In addition to the beaches of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania has at its disposal many historical attractions. In the territory and right there is one of the national parks Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empire. And many artifacts of those distant times are very well preserved and can still be visited today.

And strange as it may seem, but Albania together with its attractions, it is practically not explored by foreign tourists.

Here's a small one list of attractions, which you should pay attention to when planning excursions around and right there is one of the national parks:

• Amphitheater of Durres
• Big park
• Great Mosque
• Byzantine Forum and Rotunda of Durres
• Resurrection Cathedral
• Mount Dite
• Ancient Apollonia
• Durres Castle and Venetian Tower
• Tirana Castle
• Historical Museum in Vlore
• Rozafa Fortress
• Gjirokastra Mosque
• Muradiye Mosque
• Mes Bridge
• Museum of Medieval Art
• Butrint Museum-Reserve
• National marine park"Karaburun-Sazan"
• Synagogue ruins
• Lead Mosque
• Citadel and Weapon Museum

10. What’s the weather like here?

Climate of Albania. Most of the territory and right there is one of the national parks located in the subtropical climate zone, the climate is Mediterranean, temperate. A characteristic feature climate of Albania The coastal zone has dry and hot summers and mild, warm winters. Average temperature in capital of Albania Tirana in mid-July - 25° C, in August it is hotter - from 17° C to 31° C. In winter, the temperature varies from +2° C to +25° C. The mountainous regions of the country have a continental climate. In the north, winters are very cold and snowy, and summers receive large amounts of rainfall. Holiday season in Albania lasts from May to September, sometimes it can last another month.

11. Population

Population of Albania. Albania- one of the most sparsely populated European countries. Population amounts to 2.89 million Human. Albanians make up 95% of the country's total population. In addition to them, the country is home to about 50 thousand Greeks (3%), 20 thousand Macedonians, 8 thousand Montenegrins, as well as representatives of other nations - Bulgarians, Serbs, Gypsies, etc.

What should you wear?

What kind clothes you need to take with you when going to Albania? When choosing clothes for trips to Albania, you should not at all be guided by the erroneous opinion that due to religious peculiarities, it is forbidden to wear certain types of clothing in the country. There is a similar trend, but it does not apply to tourists, so take clothes and shoes that are familiar to you and don’t worry about choosing an outfit. For walking tours It will be just right - comfortable shoes, warm clothes will not be superfluous on fresh evenings, a windbreaker and an umbrella will help from bad weather. A compact set of clothes for the season will allow you not to depend on the vagaries of the weather.

12. What about something to eat?

National cuisine of Albania. Due to its location and proximity to a large number of countries Albanian national cuisine I learned something truly varied and tasty. The Ottoman rule, which lasted almost 4 centuries, also had a significant influence on the cuisine. Great popularity in national cuisine of Albania They use seafood dishes, for example, sea bass with tomatoes, inherited from ancient Roman and Greek chefs. IN local restaurants you can taste brodetto from crabs or different kinds risotto.

For preparing a large number of dishes Albanian cuisine use boiled and canned corn. Corn flour is the base national dish. Restaurants serve a variety of dishes from both fresh and stewed vegetables. Sheep's milk is a popular dairy product. Sheep in the highlands and right there is one of the national parks been bred for a long time. Milk is used in many dishes; many types of cheese are made from it.

Popularity among drinks Albanian cuisine conquered " bozu" - a sweet drink based on sugar, water, corn and wheat flour, and a cold drink " tarator"based on kefir, cucumbers and olive oil.

13. Note to shopaholics

There are rumors that in Albania for shopping lovers it will be boring. However, this is not the case; the country has many brand stores and retail outlets where you can buy exclusive goods much cheaper than in the main fashion capitals. And all thanks to our “neighbor” – Italy. A large number of clothing factories and production facilities are located in cities and right there is one of the national parks, who mark their items with the “Made in Italy” mark.

Albania one of the few countries in which it is very profitable to make purchases. The country is also known for its wonderful craftsmen who handcraft stunning decorative items from various materials (wood, wool, bone, etc.). In any corner of the Republic you will find many souvenir shops with exclusive goods: figurines, silks, yarn or tableware.

14. Rules of exemplary behavior

Peculiarities of behavior in Albania. IN in public places Try to avoid outfits that contain shorts, revealing dresses or short skirts. And remember that in Albania a nod of the head indicates NO, and shaking the head from side to side - YES.

15. Holidays

National holidays and non-working days in Albania:

• January 1 - 2 - New Year
• January 7 - Orthodox Christmas
• January - February - Great Bayram
• January 11 - Republic Day of Albania
• one of the days in March - Kurban Bayram
• April - Good Friday and Easter
• May 1 - Labor Day (Labor Day)
• October 19 - Mother Teresa's Day
• November - Maly Bayram
• November 28 - Albanian Flag Day
• November 29 - Albanian Liberation Day
• December 25 - Christmas

16. Flora and Fauna

Nature of Albania– one of the most colorful and diverse in Europe. It is characterized by mountainous terrain covered with dense forest, high rocky peaks, picturesque coastlines washed by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, which can compete with the best European Mediterranean resorts.

Vegetable world. In mountainous areas and right there is one of the national parks geological conditions are unfavorable for the formation of fertile soils. Soil and soil masses carried down from the mountains create unfavorable conditions for agriculture. The low hills are covered mainly with thickets of xerophytic bushes - maquis. They are gradually replaced by deciduous forests, dominated by oaks in the middle tier of the mountains. Other common trees include birch, chestnut and pine.

Animal world. In Albania Many wild animals have survived, but they are concentrated in those places of the plateau and mountains where there are sufficient supplies of surface water. Predators such as brown bears, wolves, jackals, lynxes, forest cats, and artiodactyls such as wild boar, roe deer and deer, which were once found throughout the country, are now pushed into more inaccessible mountainous areas. The lowland areas are home to many wild birds such as pelicans and herons. Among the reptiles there are many snakes, grass snakes, vipers, lizards, and you can also come across geckos and turtles.

Albania has at its disposal 6 National Parks, 24 reserves and natural monuments.

17. Religion

• Sunni Muslims (70%)

• Christians:

• Greek Orthodox Church - 20%
• Catholics - 10%
• and representatives of other faiths.

Albania is the only European country that has a Muslim majority.

18. Medicine

Medicine of Albania. The level of medicine in the country is significantly inferior compared to its European “neighbors”. Healthcare is poorly developed, many parts of the country experience a constant shortage of medical supplies, the level of training of local doctors can be described as low, and existing medical equipment is very outdated or broken down.

Official medicine in Albania free for the entire population of the country. For guests and tourists arriving in the camp, only first medical aid is provided free of charge; a fee will be charged for all other services provided. Paid medicine in Albania is steadily gaining momentum, but Albania has set a course for a radical restructuring of healthcare.

19. "Danger to life"

Dangers that may be waiting for you in Albania:

Albania- enough calm country , and staying in it does not require special security measures. In crowded places and keep an eye on your bag and wallet. In general, Albanian society is quite conservative: respect the opinions of the older generation and try not to get into arguments about religion or politics. Running water is not hazardous to health, but we still recommend drinking bottled water.

So there are not many dangers in this country, but here are some of them:

• landslides
• rockfalls
• wild animals

20. Souvenirs

Here is a small list of the most common ones souvenirs which tourists usually bring from Albania:

• glasses with plates, magnets, crafts with the image of the coat of arms
• marble crafts or decorative plates
• silverware
• ashtray in the form of a bunker
• wooden kitchen utensils
• Albanian national clothes
• carpets
• lighters and red flags depicting the country's national emblem
• famous Korca beer
• cognac Skendenberg
• local vodka - rakia
• spices and olives

21. “Neither nail nor rod” or customs rules

Up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams are allowed to be imported duty-free into Albania. tobacco, up to 1 liter. strong alcoholic drinks and up to 2 liters. wine, up to 250 ml. eau de toilette and up to 50 ml. spirits Import and export of local currency is prohibited. Import of foreign currency is not limited, export is allowed within $5 thousand.

The import of firearms and ammunition, pornographic materials and drugs is strictly prohibited. A special permit is required for the export of precious metals, antiques, national costumes that have artistic value, historical books and works of art. The export of antiquities, including stones from archaeological sites, is prohibited.

22. Language

Albanian language in Albania is the official language.

What about sockets?

Voltage in the Albanian electrical network: 220 Volt, frequency 50 Hz. Socket Type: Type C, Type F

23. Albania telephone code:

Code of the country: +355
Geographic first level domain name: .al

Dear reader! If you have been to this country or have something interesting to tell about Albania . WRITE! After all, your lines can be useful and educational for visitors to our site "Across the planet step by step" and for all travel lovers.

Albania is a small southern European state located in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula. From the northwest, Albania is washed by the Adriatic Sea, and from the southwest by the waters of the Ionian Sea. The official name of the country is the Republic of Albania. Detailed map Albania demonstrates that despite the varied topography of the Balkan side of the Adriatic, the country has at its disposal only three uninhabited islands, the largest of which - Sazan Island - does not exceed 5 km 2 in area.

Albania on the world map: geography, nature and climate

Even for Europe, the size of the country is quite modest. Albania occupies only 28,748 km 2 on the world map. The total length of Albania's borders is 717 km, but it boasts four land neighbors. In the northwest the country borders with Montenegro, in the southeast with Greece and in the west with Macedonia. Albania also has a section of the border with Serbia in the northeast, but this territory of the Serbian state has recently been part of the partially recognized Republic of Kosovo.

In addition, the country borders Italy through the Strait of Otranto. Length coastline The state is 362 km.

The peculiarity of Albania's borders is that they are completely artificial. During the creation of the country, the borders were determined without taking into account the terrain, which is especially clearly visible along the southern borders of the state.

Geographical position

Despite its small size, Albania can demonstrate quite a varied topography. About 70% of the country is represented by hilly and mountainous regions. Along the northern border there are Prokletiye Mountains, which on the map of Albania in Russian may be called the Northern Albanian Alps. Their height reaches 2692 m, but the highest point of the country is located to the south, on the border with neighboring Macedonia. Height mountains Korab, part of the mountain range of the same name, is 2762 m above sea level.

Only the central and northwestern coastal regions of Albania are located on fertile plains. The country's valleys abound with rivers. The largest of them is Drin river. Its length is 148 km and, like almost all the country’s rivers, it originates in the eastern mountainous regions and flows into the Adriatic Sea. There are also many lakes on the lands of Albania, but the largest of them are Prespa, Shkodra And Ohrid Lake- located on the borders of the country.

Animal and plant life

The mountainous regions of Albania are infertile and are represented, for the most part, by forests. Beech, chestnut, birch, pine and spruce are found here. The country's lowlands are characterized by standard Mediterranean evergreen shrub vegetation and extensive agricultural regions.

The fauna of Albania is concentrated in mountainous uninhabited areas. Bears, wolves, lynxes, martens, deer and wild boars live here. The coast is home to large numbers of migratory birds: pelicans, swallows, storks and herons. Coastal waters are rich in commercial fish, and trout is often found in mountain rivers.

Climate

The phenomenon of altitudinal zonation is clearly represented in the country. The lowland and coastal regions are characterized by a Mediterranean subtropical climate. Summer temperatures here reach 25-27°C, and winter temperatures range between 8-9°C. Mountain regions are closer to a temperate continental climate and the temperature here is on average 5-7°C lower. Precipitation throughout the country is quite abundant, but unevenly distributed. Thus, in the Northern Albanian Alps this figure reaches 2500 mm per year. On the coast the precipitation level does not exceed 1300 mm, and in the eastern regions of Albania it drops to 750 mm.

Map of Albania with cities. Administrative division of the country

Albania is divided into 12 regions. They are quite comparable in area. The average population density of the country is about 100 per km2. A map of Albania with cities in Russian demonstrates that the largest cities in the country are located on flat coastal lands. 50% of the population lives in three western regions on the Adriatic coast.

Tirana

Tirana is the capital and The largest city Albania. Located close to the geographical center of the country. Up to 30 percent of the population lives here. It is natural that Tirana is an economic, industrial, scientific, educational and cultural center Albania.

Durres

30 km west of the capital on the Adriatic coast lies Durres, the second largest city in the state. In addition to the country's largest port, the city has the largest number of architectural monuments in Albania.

Vlora

In the southwestern part of the country, at the junction of two seas, is the city of Vlora. This is a big one tourist centre and the country's second most important port. Vlora is the base naval forces Albania.