Albania

{{about|the country in southern Europe}}
{{Infobox Country
|native_name = ''Republika e Shqipërisë''
|conventional_long_name = Republic of Albania
|common_name = Albania
|national_motto = <div style="line-height:125%;"> '' Ti Shqipëri më jep nder, më jep emrin shqipëtar '' (''You Albania give me honor, you give me the name ''Albanian''.)
|national_anthem = ''[[Himni i Flamurit|Rreth flamurit të përbashkuar]]'' ("United Around the Flag")
|national_anthem = ''[[Himni i Flamurit|Rreth flamurit të përbashkuar]]'' ("United Around the Flag")
|image_flag = Flag of Albania.svg
|image_coat = Albania state emblem.svg
|symbol_type = Emblem
|image_map = Europe location ALB.png
|map_caption = {{map_caption |region=[[Europe]] |legend=European location legend en.png}}
|official_languages = [[Albanian language|Albanian]]
|capital = [[Tirana]]
|latd=41 |latm=20 |latNS=N |longd=19 |longm=48 |longEW=E
|largest_city = [[Tirana]]
|government_type = [[Parliamentary republic]]
|leader_title1 = [[List of Presidents of Albania|President]]
|leader_title2 = [[List of Prime Ministers of Albania|Prime Minister]]
|leader_name1 = [[Bamir Topi]]
|leader_name2 = [[Sali Berisha]]
|area_rank = 139th
|area_magnitude = 1 E10
|area_km2 = 28748
|area_sq_mi = 11100 
|percent_water = 4.7
|population_estimate = 3,600,523 [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/al.html#Econ]
|population_estimate_year ={{CURRENTYEAR}}
|population_estimate_rank = 130th
|Population growth rate = 0.73% (2007 est.)[http://www.albanian.com/information/countries/albania/general/factbook.html]
|population_census =
|population_census_year =
|population_density_km2 = 134
|population_density_sq_mi = 318.6 
|population_density_rank = 63
|GDP_PPP_year = 2007
|GDP_PPP = $19.818 billion<ref>[http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2006/02/data/weorept.aspx?sy=2006&ey=2007&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&pr1.x=74&pr1.y=7&c=914&s=PPPWGT%2CPPPPC&grp=0&a= International Monetary Fund - Albania (GDP)]</ref>
|GDP_PPP_rank = 112th
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $6,259
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 100th
|Gini = 26.7
|Gini_year = 2005
|Gini_category = low
|HDI_year = 2007
|HDI = 0.801
|HDI_rank = 68th
|HDI_category = high
|sovereignty_type = [[Independence]]
|sovereignty_note = from the [[Ottoman Empire]]
|established_event1 = Date
|established_date1 = [[November 28]] [[1912]]
|currency = [[Albanian lek|Lek]]
|currency_code = ALL
|country_code = AL
|time_zone = [[Central European Time|CET]]
|utc_offset = +1
|time_zone_DST = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
|utc_offset_DST = +2
|demonym = Albanian
|cctld = [[.al]]
|calling_code = 355
}}

'''Albania''', officially the '''Republic of Albania''' ([[Albanian language|Albanian]] ''Republika e Shqipërisë'' {{pronounced|ɾɛˈpublika ɛ ʃcipəˈɾiːs}}, or simply ''Shqipëria'') is a country in [[Southern Europe]]. Albania borders [[Greece]] to the south-east, [[Montenegro]] to the north, the [[Serbia]]n province of [[Kosovo]] to the northeast, and the [[Republic of Macedonia]] to the east. It has a coast on the [[Adriatic Sea]] to the west, and on the [[Ionian Sea]] to the southwest.

Albania is a parliamentary democracy that is transforming its economy into a market-oriented system, a [[enlargement of the European Union|potential candidate]] for [[EU member states|membership]] in the [[European Union]] and [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization|NATO]].<ref>http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1076.html U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs</ref>

===Etymology===
{{main|Albania (toponym)}}
''Albania'' is the [[Medieval Latin]] name of the country, which is called ''Shqipëri'' by the inhabitants. In [[Medieval Greek]], the name is ''Albania'' besides variants ''Albaētia'', ''Arbanētia''.([[OED]]).
The ultimate origin of the ''Alb-'' element has been traced to an [[Illyrian language|Illyrian]] ''alb'' "hill" cognate to the ''[[Alpine pasture|alp]]'' "mountain pasture" found in the Alpine region.<ref>Johann Georg Von Hann. ''Albanische Studien''. Wien, 1853.</ref> In the 2nd century BC, in the ''History of the World'', written by [[Polybius]], there is mention of a city named ''Arbon'' in present-day central Albania. The people who lived there were called ''Arbanios'' and ''Arbanitai''.<ref>Edwin E. Jacques. ''The Albanians: an ethnic history from prehistoric times to the present''. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Co., 1995.</ref><ref>Constantine A. Chekrezi. ''Albania Past and Present''. New York: The Macmillan Company, 1919. p. 116.</ref>

Another suggestion is derivation from the [[Illyrian]] tribe of the [[Albanoi]] recorded by [[Ptolemy]] the geographer and astronomer from [[Alexandria]], who drafted a map of remarkable significance for the history of [[Illyria]]. This map shows the city of [[Albanopolis]] (located Northeast of Durrës).<ref>Edwin E Jacques. ''The Albanians: an ethnic history from prehistoric times to the present''. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Co., 1995. </ref><ref>Constantine A. Chekrezi. ''Albania Past and Present''. New York: The Macmillan Company 1919, p. 116.</ref>

In his ''History'' written in 1079-1080, [[Byzantine]] historian [[Michael Attaliates]] was the first to refer to ''Albanoi'' as having taken part in a revolt against [[Constantinople]] in 1043 and to the ''Arbanitai'' as subjects of the duke of [[Dyrrachium]].<ref>Robert Elsei. ''The Albanian lexion of Arnold von Harff, Earliest reference to the existance of the Albanian language'', p. 113-122.</ref> During the [[Middle Ages]], the Albanians called their country ''Arbër'' or ''Arbën'' and referred to themselves as [[Arbëresh]] or ''Arbnesh''.<ref>http://www.pinocacozza.it/ http://www.radio-arberesh.eu/</ref> As early as the 16th century, a new name for their home evolved among Albanian people: ''Shqipëria'', "Land of the Eagles", hence the two-headed bird on the national flag.<ref>Kristo Frasheri. ''History of Albania (A Brief Overview)''. Tirana, 1964.</ref> The name probably has its origins in the [[Skanderbeg]] family crest.<ref>Edwin E. Jacques. ''The Albanians: An Ethnic History from Prehistoric Times to the Present''. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Co., 1995.</ref>

[[Image:Bato-1.jpg|thumb|180px|left|Bato was one of the few leaders of the Illyrian uprising against the Romans in AD 6.]]

==History==
{{main|History of Albania}}

===Albania in Antiquity===
Albania, in the southern corner of Europe, has been populated since prehistoric times and was settled by the [[Illyrians]], possible ancestors of present-day Albanians.<ref>Dosti, R. "Albania's ancient history surfaces." ''The Times''. p. 1. September 3, 2006.</ref><ref>Constanine A. C., and Charles, D. ''Albania Past and Present''. Columbia University, p. 10. April, 1919.</ref> Situated as it was, surrounded by powerful, warring empires, Albania has experienced a considerable amount of violence throughout its history. [[Ancient Greece|Greeks]], [[Ancient Rome|Romans]], [[Byzantines]], [[Venetians]] and [[Ottomans]] swept through, leaving their cultural mark as well as their ruins. Archaeological research shows that the lands that are today inhabited by [[Albanians]] were first populated in the [[Paleolithic Age]] ([[Stone Age]]). The first areas settled were those with favourable climatic and geographic conditions. In Albania, the earliest settlements have been discovered in the Gajtan cavern ([[Shkodra]]), in [[Konispol]], at [[Mount Dajti]], and at [[Saranda]]. Fragments of [[Cyclopean]] structures, were discovered at Kretsunitsa, Arinishta, and other sites in the district of [[Gjirokastra]]. The walls, partly Cyclopean, of an ancient city (perhaps Byllis) are visible at Gradishti on the picturesque Viosa River. Few traces remain of the once celebrated Dyrrhachium (today [[Durrës]]). The rediscovered city of [[Butrint]] is probably more significant today than it was when [[Julius Caesar]] used it as a provisions depot for his troops during his campaigns in the 1st century BC. At that time, it was considered to be an unimportant outpost, overshadowed by the likes of [[Apollonia]] and [[Durrës]]. Albania's rich archaeological record has been explored for nearly two centuries. [[Ali Pasha]], the Ottoman viceroy who governed this region, encouraged early archaeological excavations at [[Nikopolis]] in Albania around [[1812]]. His excavations, ordered after his friend [[Peter Oluf Brøndsted]] pointed out a place where he thought a temple might be buried, was not academic in nature. Pasha simply wished to have any treasures that were found in the area. Eventually, excavated marble was transported to his palace. Pasha also pocketed one of the coins that was found. Formal investigation and recording of Albania's archaeological monuments began with [[Francois Pouqueville]] who was [[Napolean]]'s consul-general to Ali Pasha's court, and Martin Leake, who was the British agent there. A French mission, led by Len Rey, worked throughout Albania from [[1924]] to [[1938]] and published its results in ''Cahiers d'Archéologie, d'art et d'Histoire en Albanie et dans les Balkans'' (Notes of Archaeology, Art, and History in Albania and in the Balkans). Archaeologists today are finding remains from all periods, from the Stone Age to the early Christian era. Another project that produced prehistoric finds, though unexpectedly, was done in the valley of [[Kryegjata]], close to the present-day city of [[Fier]] and in the area of [[Apollonia]]. This excavation, a collaboration between the [[University of Cincinnati]] and archaeologists from the Institute of Archaeology in Albania, was originally a mission to learn about the colony of Apollonia. Instead, they found evidence of a settlement much older than that.<ref>Diane Michelle Fox. ''Under Albanian Soil - A brief history of archaeological activity, both past and present, in Albania.'' August 12, 2004.[http://www.archaeology.org/online/features/albania/]</ref> In 2000, the Albanian government established [[Butrint National Park]], which draws about 70,000 visitors annually and is Albania's second [[World Heritage site]]. In 2003, a synagogue dating from the 5th or 6th century AD was uncovered in [[Saranda]], a coastal town opposite [[Corfu]]. It was the first time remains of an early [[synagogue]] have been found in that area, and the history of its excavation is also noteworthy. The team found exceptional mosaics depicting items associated with Jewish holidays, including a menorah, ram's horn, and citron tree. Mosaics in the basilica of the synagogue show the facade of what resembles a Torah, animals, trees, and other biblical symbols. The structure measures 20 by 24 metres and was probably last used in the 6th century AD as a church.

===Kingdom of Illyria===
[[Image:ClassicalBalkans1849.jpg|200px|right|thumb|The map of Illyria, Classical Atlas to Illustrate Ancient Geography, Alexander G. Findlay, Harper and Bros. NY 1849]]
[[Image:IllyriaPreRome.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Illyrian tribes in antiquity]]

Most historians believe that the Albanian people are descended from a group of tribes known as [[Illyrians]]<ref>http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3235.htm Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs September 2007
</ref>,who, like other [[Balkan]] peoples, were subdivided into tribes and clans.<ref>[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9052237/Messapic-language Encyclopedia Britannica - Messapic language]</ref> Albanians (as one of innumerous Illyrian tribes) were named after their city state [[Albanopolis]] near a mountain called Alp 'mountain', Hittite alpa 'white'.However to propagate the connection, the Albanian government in the communist era adopted a policy of artificially naming people with "Illyrian"<ref>"Miranda Vickers, The Albanians,ISBN 960-210-279-9"</ref> names. The name Albania is derived from the name of an Illyrian tribe called the Arbër, or Arbëresh, and later Albanoi, that lived near Durrës. The kingdom of [[Illyria]] grew from the general area of modern-day Albania and eventually controlled much of the eastern Adriatic coastline. Scodra was its capital, just as the city is now the most important urban center of northern Albania. The earliest known king of Illyria was Hyllus ([[Albanian language|Albanian]]: Ylli, [[English language|English translation]]: "Star") who was recorded to have died in the year 1225 BC. The kingdom, however, reached the zenith of its expansion and development in the 4th century BC, when King [[Bardhyllus]] ([[Albanian language|Albanian]]: Bardhyli, [[English language|English translation]]: "White Star"), one of the most prominent of the Illyrian kings, united the kingdoms of Illyria, Molossia and a good part of [[Macedon]] under his control. Its decay began under the same ruler as a result of the attacks made by [[Philip II of Macedon]], father of [[Alexander the Great]].

The [[Illyrians]] created and developed their culture and language in the western part of the Balkans, where ancient writers mentioned them in their works. The regions that the Illyrians inhabited were expansive, encompassing the western Balkan peninsula, north to central Europe, and east around the Lyhind Lake ([[Ohrid Lake]]). Other Illyrian tribes also migrated and developed in Italy. Among them were the [[Messapii]] and [[Iapyges]]. The name ''Illyria'' is mentioned in works since the 5th century BC.

===Greek colonies - Hellenistic Era===
[[Image:Apolloniaalbania.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Architectural remains from the Greek colony of Apollonia first established in 588 BC.]]

From the 8th century to the 6th century BC, the [[Greeks]] founded a string of colonies on Illyrian soil, two of the most prominent of which were [[Epidamnus]] (modern Durrës) and [[Apollonia]] (near modern [[Fier]]).
[[Image:EpirusEduMap.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Greek colonies in Southern Illyria]]
The first and perhaps the most important of Greece's colonies in Albania was founded at Epidamnus in 627 B.C. by Greeks from [[Corcyra]] (present-day Corfu) and [[Corinth]]. Greek and Roman authors called it "the Admirable City" for its temple, statues, and other monuments. Fertile soil and a large seaport accounted for the colony's prosperity and success in commerce. Growth brought to the lower classes wealth and asubsequent desire to have more of a government voice, leading to a civil war between the small ruling class (oligarchs) and most of the population. The people requested Corinth's assistance in battle, while the oligarchs sought aid from Corcyra. Corinth was allied with [[Sparta]] and Corcyra, upon this request, applied for aid from [[Athens]]. Therefore, the intervention of Corinth on the side of the people and Corcyra on the side of the oligarchs led to the deeper conflict between Athens, Sparta, and their respective allies known as the [[Peloponnesian War]].

The early success of Epidamnus led to more Hellenic colonies in the region. [[Butrint]], situated on a hill in southern Albania, was founded by colonists from [[Corfu]] in the sixth century B.C. Its original name, Buthrotum, literally means "place with much cattle and grazing land." By the fourth century B.C., Butrint had expanded greatly and included a 5,000-seat theater. In the Aeneid, Vergil claims that the city was founded by Aeneas himself. Another significant colony, Apollonia, was named after the god Apollo. It was founded in 588 B.C., and it prospered because of its role as a link between Brundisium (now Brindisi) in Italy and southern Albania. Many smaller Greek settlements were established around Albania during this time, but Epidamnus, Butrint, and Apollonia were the most important. The colonies flourished into the Roman period, yet it was during the [[Hellenistic Age]] that they reached their peak. From the fourth to the second centuries B.C., the colonies (composed of both Greeks and Illyrians) became centers of art, intellectual development, music, and theater. Apollonia was particularly noted for its philosophy school.

Roughly parallel with the rise of Greek colonies, Illyrian tribes began to evolve politically from relatively small and simple entities into larger and more complex ones. At first they formed temporary alliances with one another for defensive or offensive purposes, then federations and, still later, kingdoms. In 355 BC, war broke out against [[Alexander of Macedonia]] to free the eastern territories and in the meantime [[Apollonia]] was freed from Macedonian rule. After Alexander's death in 323 BC, independent Illyrian kingdoms again arose. In 312 BC, King Glauka or Glaucius expelled the Greeks from Durrës. By the end of the third century, an Illyrian kingdom based near what is now the Albanian city of Shkodër controlled parts of northern Albania, Montenegro, and Herzegovina. Under the rule of King Glaukia, the Illyrian state strengthened rapidly.
Glaukia's successors (Monun and Mytyl) strengthened the Illyrian state economically and minted both bronze and silver coins. Soon after the mid-3rd century BC, under the reign of [[Pleurat]] and [[Agron]], the Illyrian state started to prosper again. In 231 BC, they entered into an alliance with [[Acarnania]] and became a prominent power in the [[Balkans]].

===Roman and Byzantine Era===
[[Image:Praetorian GuardSoldiers basrelief med.jpg|thumb|right|160px|Prætorian Guard.]]
The Romans militarily destroyed Illyrian autonomy in 165 BC. Roman Albania was traversed by the [[Via Egnatia]], the Roman road that linked east with west and Rome with the far eastern reaches of its empire. After being conquered by the [[Roman Empire]], [[Illyria]] was reorganized as a [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] province. [[Illyricum]] was later divided into the provinces of [[Dalmatia]] and [[Pannonia]], wherein modern-day Albania is comprised of parts of Dalmatia. Many Illyrians during Roman rule contributed significantly to the ranks of the [[Prætorian Guard]]. The [[Albanian language]] borrowed a great number of Latin words, mostly religious and liturgical terms. This was due to the fact that Albania was at first attached to the See of Rome, though the religion of Jesus was preached to the Albanians by [[Paul the Apostle|St. Paul]] himself during a visit he made to [[Durazzo]].

In the first decades under [[Byzantine]] rule (until 461), Illyria suffered the devastation of raids by [[Visigoths]], [[Huns]], and [[Ostrogoths]]. Not long after these barbarian invaders swept through the Balkans, the [[Slavs]] appeared. Between the 6th and 8th centuries they settled in Illyrian territories and proceeded to assimilate Illyrian tribes in much of what is now [[Slovenia]], [[Croatia]], [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], and [[Serbia]]. The tribes of southern Illyria, however, including modern Albania, averted assimilation and preserved their native tongue. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Albania was incorporated into the Byzantine Empire, administered from [[Constantinople]]. Albania was under Byzantine rule until the 14th century AD when the Ottoman Turks began to make incursions into the empire. The Ottomans captured Constantinople in 1453, and by 1460 almost all former Byzantine territories were in the hands of the Turks.

===Ottoman Era===
[[Image:Skenderbeu-michigan.jpg|thumb|160px|left|Statue of [[Skanderbeg|Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg]]. Skanderbeg is considered the national hero of Albania.]]
[[Image:Kruja.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Skanderbeg Museum.]]

The Ottoman Turks expanded their empire from Anatolia to the Balkans in the 14th century. By the 15th century, the Turks had brought under subjection nearly all of the Balkan peninsula except for a small coastal strip which is included in present-day Albania. Albanian resistance to the Turks in the mid-15th century won them acclaim all over Europe. Albania became a symbol of resistance to the Ottoman Turks but suffered an almost continuous state of warfare.<ref>[http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/altoc.html Library of Congress Country Study of Albania]</ref> One of the most successful resistance against the invading [[Ottomans]], was led by [[Skanderbeg|Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg]] from 1443 to 1468.In 1443 he rallied Albanian forces and drove the Turks from his homeland. For 25 years, against tremendous odds, Skanderbeg kept the Turks from retaking Albania, which, due to its proximity to Italy, could easily have served as a springboard to the rest of Europe. After the death of Skanderbeg, resistance continued until 1478, although with only moderate success. The loyalties and alliances created and nurtured by Skanderbeg faltered and fell apart, and the Ottomans conquered the territory of Albania shortly after the fall of [[Kruje]]'s castle. Albania then became part of the [[Ottoman Empire]]. They would remain a part of the Ottoman Empire as the provinces of [[Shkodër|İşkodra]], [[Bitola|Manastır]] and [[Jannina|Yanya]] until 1912.

===Effects of the Balkan Wars===
After the [[Balkan Wars|Second Balkan War]], the Ottomans were removed from Albania and there was a possibility of some of the lands being absorbed by [[Kingdom of Serbia|Serbia]] and the southern tip by [[Greece]]. This decision angered the [[Italy|Italians]], who did not want Serbia to have an extended coastline, and it also angered the [[Austria-Hungary|Austro-Hungarians]], who did not want a powerful Serbia on their southern border. Despite Serbian, [[Kingdom of Montenegro|Montenegrin]], and Greek occupation forces on the ground, and under immense pressure from Austria-Hungary, it was decided that the country should not be divided but instead consolidated into the [[Principality of Albania]]. However, the Austro-Italian project was not successful.

[[Image:Kingzog1.jpg|thumb|160px|left|[[Zog of Albania|King Zog I]] with his wife, the Hungarian noblewoman [[Geraldine Apponyi de Nagy-Apponyi]],Queen of the Albanians.]]

===Monarchy===
From 1925, the country was ruled by President Ahmet Zogu who, in 1928, declared himself [[Zog of Albania|King Zog I]], meaning "bird", the first Albanian monarch since Gjergj Kastriot Skënderbej and adopting the title of [[Scanderbeg]] II.
Afterwards he was also declared Field Marshal of the Royal Albanian Army on September 1, 1928. He proclaimed a constitutional monarchy similar to the contemporary regime in [[Italy]].

During his reign he is said to have survived over 55 assassination attempts. One of these occurred in 1931 while Zog was visiting a [[Vienna]] opera house for a performance of [[Pagliacci]]. The attackers struck whilst Zog was getting into his car, and he survived by drawing his own pistol (which he always carried) and firing back at his would-be assassins. This is the only occasion in modern history when a Head of State has returned fire with potential assassins.

Styling himself a European king, he married Hungarian noblewoman [[Geraldine Apponyi de Nagy-Apponyi]]. His reign ended when Italian fascists invaded Albania in [[April 7]], [[1939]]. The communists took power after the Second World War. After the fall of the communist government, his son [[Leka, Crown Prince of Albania]] and the royal family returned to Albania on [[June 28]], [[2002]].

===World War II===
[[Image:Shqiperi1944.jpg|thumb|200px|right|From left to right:Koçi Xoxe, Nako Spiru, [[Enver Hoxha]], Omer Nishani,Nick Kukich, John O’keefe.Odriçan,Albania 1944]]
Albania was one of the first countries occupied by the [[Axis Powers]] in World War II. [[Benito Mussolini|Mussolini]] 's imperial ambitions focused on Albania.[[Italy]]'s erratic army had been humiliated in [[1920]] by a few thousand disorganized but fiercely patriotic Albanians,which had driven Italy out of [[Vlorë]].If there was a single thread running through the fabric of Mussolini's imperial ambitions it was the need to restore Italy's honour.<ref>The Balkans by Misha Glenny page 418</ref>

[[Benito Mussolini|Mussolini]] [[Italian invasion of Albania|invaded]] and occupied Albania, while the world was focused on German military actions in [[Czechoslovakia]] and [[Poland]]. As [[Adolf Hitler|Hitler]] began his aggressions, the Italian dictator set his eyes on Albania across the Adriatic from Italy. Despite some strong resistance, especially at [[Durrës]], Italy invaded Albania on [[April 7]], [[1939]] and took control of the country. On April 12, the Albanian parliament voted to unite the country with Italy. [[Victor Emmanuel III of Italy|Victor Emmanuel III]] took the Albanian crown, and the Italians set up a [[Fascism|fascist]] government under [[Shefqet Verlaci]] and soon absorbed Albania's military and diplomatic institutions. Mussolini, in October 1940, used his Albanian base to launch an attack on Greece. During WWII, Albanian nationalist groups, including communist partisans, fought against the Italians and subsequently the Germans. By October [[1944]] they had thrown the Germans out, the only East European nation to do so without the assistance of Soviet troops. The partially French-educated [[Enver Hoxha]] became the leader of the country by virtue of his position as secretary general of the Party of Labor (the Albanian Communist Party). The [[Communist Party]] was created on [[November 8]], [[1941]] with the help of other [[Bolshevik]] [[Communist]] Parties.

=== Holocaust ===
Albania is unique in that it is the only European country occupied by the [[Nazism|Nazis]] that ended World War II with a larger [[Jewish]] population than before the War. The Albanian response to the [[The Holocaust|Holocaust]] is especially notable because it was Europe's only largely Muslim country. Even so only a Jewish family of six was deported and killed during the Nazi occupation of Albania.<ref>[http://www1.yadvashem.org/odot_pdf/Microsoft%20Word%20-%205725.pdf Shoah Research Center - Albania.]</ref> Not only did the Albanians protect their own Jews, but they provided refuge for Jews from neighboring countries. The Albanians refused to comply and hand over lists of Jews. Instead they provided the Jewish families with forged documents and helped them disperse in the Albanian population.<ref>[http://www1.yadvashem.org/odot_pdf/Microsoft%20Word%20-%205725.pdf Shoah Research Center - Albania.]</ref>

In February 1944, when the Nazis descended upon the mountain hiding place, not a single Jew fell into their hands.<ref>Sarner. ''Rescue in Albania: One Hundred Percent of Jews in Albania Rescued from the Holocaust'', 1997.</ref> During the Holocaust, Albania was the only country in Europe that protected and sheltered its entire Jewish population, both native and foreign.<ref>[http://www.adl.org/PresRele/HolNa_52/4963_52.htm Anti-Defamation League]</ref> There was no history of ideological [[anti-Semitism]] in Albania so it was unique in this regard.<ref>Escape Through the Balkans: the Autobiography of Irene Grunbaum (University of Nebraska Press, 1996)</ref> The small number of Jews in Albania also played a key role in the possibility to protect them all. During the Italian occupation, they were able to disperse and blend in with the general population. However, the role of the Albanian population as a whole in saving Jews is undeniable.

=== People's Republic ===
[[Image:EnverImageC.jpg|thumb|140px|[[Enver Hoxha]].]]

From 1944 to 1991, Albania became a [[People's Republic]] and was a one-party state in which [[Enver Hoxha]] ruled with an austere hand. In 1961, he broke with Albania’s closest ally, the [[Soviet Union]], because he believed [[Khrushchev]] had abandoned the teachings of [[Stalin]]. Subsequently, Albania’s closest ally was the [[People’s Republic of China]]. However, when the PRC established diplomatic relations with the United States in 1978, Hoxha denounced the Chinese as well and decided to pursue a policy of self-reliance. The result was not only extreme isolation but also absolute financial ruin for Albania. An example of this may be drawn from the construction between 1974 and 1986 of approximately 700,000 reinforced concrete bunkers to defend against an anticipated multi-front attack. Upon Hoxha’s death in 1985, [[Ramiz Alia]] succeeded him as both party and state leader. Alia was Hoxha’s protégé, but was less repressive than the former leader and began to allow some reforms. This process was accelerated by news of the changes in other communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe. There are statistics which show that during this period about 6000 Albanian citizens were executed for political reasons{{Fact|date=June 2007}}Despite this, the quality of life improved as both life expectancy and literacy showed large gains and economic growth continued until the mid 1970s.{{Fact|date=April 2007}}
[[Image:President Reagan presents Mother Teresa with the Medal of Freedom 1985.jpg|thumb|250px|right|President [[Ronald Reagan]] presents Mother Teresa, a proud Albanian saint, with the [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]] at a [[White House]] ceremony, 1985]]

===Return to capitalism===
The first massive anti-communist protests took place in July 1990. Shortly afterwards, the communist regime under Ramiz Alia carried out some cosmetic changes in the economy. At the end of 1990, after strong student protests and independent syndicated movements, the regime accepted a multiparty system. The first multiparty general elections were held on [[March 31]], [[1991]] and the Communist Party (PPSH) won the majority. Opposition parties accused the government of manipulation and called for new elections, which were held on [[March 22]], [[1992]] and resulted in a coalition (composed of the Democratic Party, the Social-Democrats, and the Republican Party) coming to power.

In the general elections of June 1996, the Democratic Party achieved an absolute majority,{{Fact|date=January 2007}} winning over 85% of parliamentary seats. In 1997, widespread riots erupted after the [[International Monetary Fund]] forced the state to liberalize banking practices. Many citizens, naive to the workings of a market economy, put their entire savings into [[pyramid schemes]]. In a short while, $2 billion (80% of the country's GDP) had been moved into the hands of just a few pyramid scheme owners, causing severe economic troubles and civic unrest. Police stations and military bases were looted of millions of [[AK-47|Kalashnikovs]] and other weapons. The insurrection temporarily prevailed,<ref>http://libcom.org/history/1997-the-albanian-insurrection 1997: The Albanian insurrection (libcom.org)]. libcom.org</ref> and militia and even less-organized armed citizens controlled many cities. The government of [[Aleksander Meksi]] resigned and a [[grand coalition|government of national unity]] was built following pressure from nearby national governments. In response to the situation,{{Fact|date=January 2007}} the Socialist Party won the early elections of 1997 and Berisha resigned the Presidency.

However, stability was far from being restored in the years after the [[1997 unrest in Albania|1997 riots]]. The power feuds raging inside the Socialist Party led to a series of short-lived Socialist governments. The country was flooded with refugees from neighboring Kosovo in 1998 and 1999 during the [[Kosovo War]].

In June 2002, a compromise candidate, [[Alfred Moisiu]], a former general, was elected to succeed President [[Rexhep Meidani]]. Parliamentary elections in July 2005 brought [[Sali Berisha]], as leader of the Democratic Party, back to power, mostly owing to Socialist infighting and a series of corruption scandals plaguing the government of [[Fatos Nano]].{{Fact|date=January 2007}} The Euro-Atlantic integration of Albania has been the ultimate goal of the post-communist governments. Albania's [[European Union|EU]] membership bid has been set as a priority by the European Commission. In 2006, Albania signed a [[Stabilization and Association Agreement]] with the EU, thus completing the first major step towards joining the bloc.{{Fact|date=January 2007}} Albania, along with Croatia and the Former Yugoslav [[Republic of Macedonia]], hopes to receive an invitation to join [[NATO]] in 2008.<ref>[http://www.birn.eu.com/en/22/10/1250/ Balkan Investigative Reporting Network - Albania Seeks Firm NATO Entry Date (February 22, 2006)]</ref>

The workforce of Albania has continued to migrate to Greece, Italy, Germany, other parts of Europe, and North America. However, the migration flux is slowly decreasing, as more and more opportunities are emerging in Albania itself as its economy steadily develops. Albanian emigrants have achieved great success in multiple geographies and disciplines abroad. In particular, there is now a significant Albanian community in the United Kingdom, in cities such as [[Birmingham]] and [[Manchester]]. The Albanian diaspora is most prevalent in [[Liverpool]], where Albanian cuisine has something of a cult following. Pulitzer prize winning journalist Caroline Thorpe, who is currently an emeritus professor at the [[University of Liverpool]], recently noted that 'Albanian food has become as synonymous with Liverpool as Bill Shankley or the Beatles!'.

==Administrative division==
[[Image:AlbaniaNumberedPrefectures.png|120px|thumb|Counties of Albania]]
{{main|Counties of Albania|Districts of Albania|Municipalities of Albania}}
Albania is divided into 12 counties ([[Albanian language|Albanian]]: official ''qark''/''qarku'', but often ''prefekturë''/''prefektura''), 36 districts and 351 municipalities.

{| class="wikitable"
! !! County
! Districts
! Capital
|-
| 1 || [[Berat County|Berat]]
| [[Berat District|Berat]], [[Kuçovë District|Kuçovë]], [[Skrapar District|Skrapar]]
| [[Berat]]
|-
| 2 || [[Dibër County|Dibër]]
| [[Bulqizë District|Bulqizë]], [[Dibër District|Dibër]], [[Mat District|Mat]]
| [[Peshkopi]]
|-
| 3 || [[Durrës County|Durrës]]
| [[Durrës District|Durrës]], [[Krujë District|Krujë]]
| [[Durrës]]
|-
| 4 || [[Elbasan County|Elbasan]]
| [[Elbasan District|Elbasan]], [[Gramsh District|Gramsh]], [[Librazhd District|Librazhd]], [[Peqin District|Peqin]]
| [[Elbasan]]
|-
| 5 || [[Fier County|Fier]]
| [[Fier District|Fier]], [[Lushnjë District|Lushnjë]], [[Mallakastër District|Mallakastër]]
| [[Fier]]
|-
| 6 || [[Gjirokastër County|Gjirokastër]]
| [[Gjirokastër District|Gjirokastër]], [[Përmet District|Përmet]], [[Tepelenë District|Tepelenë]]
| [[Gjirokastër]]
|-
| 7 || [[Korçë County|Korçë]]
| [[Devoll District|Devoll]], [[Kolonjë District|Kolonjë]], [[Korçë District|Korçë]], [[Pogradec District|Pogradec]]
| [[Korçë]]
|-
| 8 || [[Kukës County|Kukës]]
| [[Has District|Has]], [[Kukës District|Kukës]], [[Tropojë District|Tropojë]]
| [[Kukës]]
|-
| 9 || [[Lezhë County|Lezhë]]
| [[Kurbin District|Kurbin]], [[Lezhë District|Lezhë]], [[Mirditë District|Mirditë]]
| [[Lezhë]]
|-
| 10 || [[Shkodër County|Shkodër]]
| [[Malësi e Madhe District|Malësi e Madhe]], [[Pukë District|Pukë]], [[Shkodër District|Shkodër]]
| [[Shkodër]]
|-
| 11 || [[Tirana County|Tirana]]
| [[Kavajë District|Kavajë]], [[Tirana District|Tirana]]
| [[Tirana]]
|-
| 12 || [[Vlorë County|Vlorë]]
| [[Delvinë District|Delvinë]], [[Sarandë District|Sarandë]], [[Vlorë District|Vlorë]]
| [[Vlorë]]
|}

==Geography==
[[Image:South albania beach.jpg|thumb|right|200px|One of many beaches in Albania.]]
{{main|Geography of Albania}}

Albania has a total area of 28,750 square kilometers. Its coastline is 362 kilometres long and stretches on the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea. The lowlands of the west face the Adriatic Sea. The 70% of the country that is mountainous is rugged and often inaccessible. The highest mountain is [[Mount Korab|Korab]] situated in the district of Dibra, reaching up to 2,753 metres (9,032 ft). The country has a [[continental climate]] at its high altitude regions with cold winters and hot summers. Besides the capital city of [[Tirana]], which has 800,000 inhabitants, the principal cities are [[Durrës]], [[Elbasan]], [[Shkodër]], [[Gjirokastër]], [[Vlorë]], [[Korçë]] and [[Kukës]]. In Albanian grammar, a word can have indefinite and definite forms, and this also applies to city names: both Tiranë and Tirana, Shkodër and Shkodra are used.

[[image:Coastline in Albania.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Coastline in southern Albania]]

==Demographics==
{{main|Demographics of Albania}}

As of July 2007, Albania's population of 3,600,523 is growing by 0.73% per year.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/al.html CIA - The World Factbook - Albania]</ref> Albania is a largely ethnically homogeneous country with only small minorities. Majority of the total population is considered [[Albanians|Albanian]]. Minorities include [[Greeks]], [[Aromanians]], [[Torbesh]], [[Gorani (ethnic group)|Gorani]], [[Macedonians (ethnic group)|Macedonian Slavs]], [[Romani people|Roma]], [[Montenegrins]], [[Bulgarians]], [[Egyptians (Balkans)|Balkan Egyptians]] and [[Jew]]s. The dominant language is [[Albanian language|Albanian]], with two main dialects, [[Gheg]] and [[Tosk]]. Many Albanians are also fluent in [[English language|English]], [[Italian language|Italian]] and [[Greek language|Greek]].

==Religion==
{{main|Religion in Albania}}

Christianity manifested itself in Albania during Roman rule during the middle of the 1st century AD. At first, the new religion had to compete with Oriental cults such as those worshiping [[Mithra]], the [[Persian Empire|Persian]] god of light, which had entered the land in the wake of Albania's growing interaction with eastern regions of the Roman Empire. For a long time, it also had to compete with gods worshiped by Illyrian pagans. The steady growth of the Christian community in [[Dyrrhachium]] (the Roman name for Epidamnus) led to the creation there of a bishopric in 58 AD. Later, episcopal seats were established in Apollonia, Buthrotum (modern Butrint), and Scodra (modern Shkodra).

After the division of the [[Roman Empire]] in 395, Albania became politically a part of the [[Eastern Roman Empire]], but remained ecclesiastically dependent on Rome. When the final schism occurred in 1054 between the Western and Eastern churches, the Christians in southern Albania came under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarch in [[Constantinople]], and those in the north came under the purview of the Papacy in Rome. This arrangement prevailed until the [[Ottoman]] invasions of the 14th century, when the Islamic faith was introduced.

One of the major legacies of nearly five centuries of Ottoman rule was the conversion of up to 60 percent of the Albanian population to Islam. Therefore, the country emerged as a partly Muslim nation after its independence from Ottoman rule. In the mountainous north, the propagation of Islam was strongly opposed by Roman Catholics. Albania was preponderantly Roman Catholic, with eighteen episcopal Sees, some of which have an uninterrupted history from the dawn of Christendom until today. Albania was the last Roman Catholic bridgehead in the [[Balkans]] and the [[Popes]] were doing everything in their power to keep it and enlarge it. Gradually, however, backwardness, illiteracy, and the absence of an educated clergy and material inducements weakened the resistance.

'''The [[History of Communist Albania|Communist regime]], during its 45 years of absolute rule, religion was officially banned, and Albania was proclaimed as the first and only [[State atheism|atheist state]] in the world.''' Today, with the freedom of religion and worship, Albania contains numerous religions and denominations.<ref>[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71364.htm US Department of State - International Religious Freedom Report 2006]</ref>
Religious fanaticism has never been a problem,<ref>[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2004/35434.htm U.S. Department of State - Albania]</ref> <ref>Zuckerman, Phil. "Atheism: Contemporary Rates and Patterns", Chapter in The Cambridge Companion to Atheism, ed. by Michael Martin, Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, UK (2005) [http://www.adherents.com/Na/Na_472.html]</ref> with people from different religious groups living in peace.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/al.html CIA - The World Factbook - Albania]</ref> [[Interreligious marriage]] is very common, and an immensely strong sense of Albanian identity has tended to bind Albanians of all religious practices together.<ref>[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-42625 Encyclopedia Britannica - Albania (Religion)]</ref> The [[Roman Catholics]] are mostly located in the northern part of the country,<ref>Goring, Rosemary (ed). Larousse Dictionary of Beliefs & Religions (Larousse: 1994); pp. 581-584. Table: "Population Distribution of Major Beliefs" [http://www.adherents.com/Na/Na_472.html]</ref> particularly in the cities of Shkodër and [[Kruja]], while [[Orthodox Christians]] lived in the southern districts of Gjirokastër, Korçë, Berat, and Vlorë. The [[Muslims]] were spread throughout the land, although they particularly dominated the centre. Most of them were traditional [[Sunnites]], but about one-quarter were members of the liberal, panentheistic [[Bektashi]] sect, which for a time had its headquarters in Tirana.

For generations, religious pragmatism was a distinctive trait of the Albanians. Even after accepting Islam, many people privately remained practicing Christians. As late as 1912, in a large number of villages in the [[Elbasan]] area, most men had two names, a Muslim one for public use and a Christian one for private use.<ref> See Stavro Skendi, "Crypto-Christianity in the Balkan Area under the Ottomans" 'Slavic Review', Vol. 26, No. 2 (Jun., 1967), pp. 227-246</ref> Adherence to ancient pagan beliefs also continued well into the 20th century, particularly in the northern mountain villages, many of which were devoid of churches and mosques. A poet named [[Pashko Vasa]] (1825-1892), known as Vaso Pasha, made the trenchant remark, later co-opted by Enver Hoxha, that "the religion of the Albanians is Albanianism." It is estimated that only 30-40% of Albanians actively practice a religion.<ref>[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2005/51536.htm U.S. Department of State - Albania]</ref> Despite such a diverse religious background, Albania has been free of religious conflict, mainly because Albanians have traditionally displayed a high degree of religious tolerance.

==Economy==
{{main|Economy of Albania}}
Since the fall of communism in 1990, Albania has launched economic programmes towards a more open-market [[Economic system|economy]]{{Fact|date=January 2007}}. The democratically elected government that assumed office in April 1992 launched an ambitious economic reform programme to halt economic deterioration and put the country on the path towards a market economy. Key elements included price and exchange system liberalization, fiscal consolidation, monetary restraint, and a firm income policy{{Fact|date=January 2007}}. These were complemented by a comprehensive package of structural reforms, including privatization, enterprise, and financial sector reform, and creation of the legal framework for a market economy and private sector activity. Most prices were liberalized and are now approaching levels typical of the region{{Fact|date=January 2007}}. Most [[agriculture]], state housing, and small industry were privatized, along with transportation, services, and small and medium-sized enterprises{{Fact|date=January 2007}}. After severe economic contraction following 1989, the economy slowly rebounded, finally surpassing its 1989 levels by the end of the 1990s.<ref>[http://earthtrends.wri.org/text/economics-business/variable-638.html GDP per capita]</ref> Since prices have also risen, however, economic hardship has continued for much of the population. In 1995, Albania began privatizing large state enterprises. Since 2000, Albania has experienced a more rapid expansion of its economy.{{Fact|date=January 2007}}

Following the signing of the [[Stabilisation and Association Agreement]] in June/July 2006, EU ministers urged Albania to push ahead with reforms, focusing on freedom of press, property rights, institution building, respect for ethnic minorities and observing international standards in municipal elections. Albania has made an impressive recovery, building a modern and diversified economy. Recent administrations have also improved the country's infrastructure and opened competition in seaports, railroads, telecommunications, electricity generation, natural gas distribution and airports. [[Tourism in Albania]] is a large industry and is growing rapidly. The most notable tourist attractions are the ancient sites of [[Apollonia]], [[Butrinti]], and [[Krujë]]. Albania's coastline is becoming increasingly popular with tourists due to its relatively unspoiled nature and its beaches.

==Armed forces==
{{main|Military of Albania}}
The Albanian Armed Forces are overseen by the General Staff Headquarters, and consists of Land Forces Command (Army), Naval Forces Command (Navy), Air Defense Command, Doctrine and Training Command and Logistics Command. In 2002, Albania's armed forces have launched a 10-year reform program sponsored and supervised by the [[United States Department of Defense]] in order to trim down and thoroughly modernize its current standing force of more than 25,000 troops.<ref>http://www.mod.gov.al/</ref> Working towards [[NATO]] membership, the Adriatic Charter countries (Albania, [[Croatia]] and the [[Republic of Macedonia]]) are expected to join the alliance in 2008.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Membership_Action_Plan</ref> Currently, the Albanian army participates in peacekeeping missions in both [[Afghanistan]] and [[Iraq]].

==Gallery==
<center><gallery>
Image:IM002887.jpg | Albania.
Image:Butrint, Albania.jpg| [[Butrint]], [[UNESCO]] World Heritage Site.
Image:Tirana05.jpg| [[Tirana]], Albania.
Image:Apolloniaalbania.jpg| The Greek colony of Apollonia site in [[Fier]], Albania.
Image:Valljaeburrave8lo.png|Traditional Albanian dance.
Image:keshtjella.jpg|[[Skanderbeg]]'s castle in [[Krujë]], Albania.
Image:Tirana International Aeroport.jpg | Tirana International Aeroport [[Mother Theresa]].
Image:IM003151.jpg| A cliff overshadowing the coastal sea.
Image:Best view of Tirana.jpg|Best view of [[Tirana]], Albania.
Image:Butrint.jpg|Remains of a chapel in [[Butrint]], Albania.
Image:1505480436 2156d8d6da b.jpg|Hotel Adriatik [[Durrës]], Albania.
Image:South_albania_fish.jpg|Fishing in Albania.
Image:1504823948 9d1d4dae9f b.jpg| [[Tirana]], Albania.
Image:Ali_pasha_castle.jpg|Ali Pasha's Castle, Albania.
Image:Albania_blue_eye.jpg|Azure Eye, one of the many fresh water springs in [[Sarandë]], Albania, (known as the wedding city).
Image:Albania_petrela_castle.jpg|[[Petrela]] Castle, [[Tirana]], Albania.
Image:481221224 3f27cb6149 b.jpg | [[Durrës]], Albania.
Image:1505152647 e2e0c821d0 b.jpg| The fourteenth century Church of the Holy Trinity,Albania.
Image:IMG 7148.jpg | The theater at Butrint.
Image:1429967390 9c4765d94e o.jpg | Thethi,Albania
Image: |Mother Teresa.jpg

</gallery></center>

{{wide image|Tirana Albania pano 2004-07-14.jpg|1000px|Panoramic view of Tirana as seen from Dajti Mountain}}

==See also==
{{portal|Albania|Flag of Albania.svg}}
{{columns |width=21.7em
|col1 =
* [[History of Albania]]
* [[Culture of Albania]]
* [[Albanian literature]]
* [[Albanian Railways]]
|col2 =
* [[Communications in Albania]]
* [[Transport in Albania]]
* [[Education in Albania]]
* [[Public holidays in Albania]]
|col3 =
* [[Foreign relations of Albania]]
* [[Military of Albania]]
* [[Butrint National Park]]
* [[Edith Durham]]

}}

; Lists
* [[List of Albania-related articles]]
* [[List of Albanians]]
* [[List of Albanian writers]]
* [[List of Albanian-Americans]]
*[[International rankings of Albania]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{sisterlinks|Albania}}
{{wikiatlas|Albania}}
* [http://www.president.al Presidency of Albania]
* [http://www.parlament.al The Albanian Parliament]
* [http://www.instat.gov.al Albanian Institute of Statistics]
* {{CIA World Factbook link|al|Albania}}
* [http://www.albaniantourism.com/ National Tourism Organization] Albania's official website for travel & tourism information.
* [http://kruje.port5.com/ Tourism, Krujë]
* {{Wikitravel}}
* [http://www.vivalbania.net/ING/index.htm VIVAlbania, hospitality and ecotourism in Albania]
* [http://libraries.theeuropeanlibrary.org/Albania/treasures_en.xml Treasure of the national library of Albania]

{{Template group
|title = [[Image:Gnome-globe.svg|25lpx]] Geographic locale
|list =
{{Countries of Europe}}
{{Countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea}}
}}
{{Template group
|title = International membership
|list =
{{Council of Europe}}
{{EU countries and candidates}}
{{Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA)}}
{{Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC)}}
{{La Francophonie|state=collapsed}}
{{Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC)|state=collapsed}}
}}






[[Category:Albania| ]]

[[af:Albanië]]
[[als:Albanien]]
[[am:አልባኒያ]]
[[ang:Albania]]
[[ar:ألبانيا]]
[[an:Albania]]
[[arc:ܐܠܒܢܝܐ]]
[[roa-rup:Arbinishia]]
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[[zh-min-nan:Shqipëria]]
[[be:Албанія]]
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[[bar:Albànien]]
[[bo:ཨར་པ་ཉི་ཡ]]
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[[hi:अल्बानिया]]
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