Map
Source: CIA World Factbook
Summary Data
| summary data |
|
| Total Area (km2) |
28,748 |
| Land (km2) |
27,398 |
| Water (km2) |
1,350 |
| Population |
3,619,778 |
| Population Density (/km2) |
132 |
| Capital |
Tirana |
| Religion (%) |
Muslim 70%
Albanian Orthodox 20%
Roman Catholic 10% |
| Time |
GMT +1 |
| Climate |
Mild temperate; cool, cloudy,
wet winters; hot, clear, dry
summers; interior is cooler and
wetter. |
Source: CIA World Factbook
Geography
Albania borders Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia to the north
and Greece to the south. The country is 70% mountainous with vast
amounts of forests making some parts of the country unreachable.
The capital is Tirana is situated in the low lands on the western
coastal area; it is the biggest and most commercial city in
Albania. Albania is divided up into four geographical regions: the
Albanian Alps, the central highlands, the southern highlands and
the coastline lowlands.
The country contains some beautiful lakes and rivers in and around
the mountains.
Government
The government in Albania is an emerging democracy. President
Bamir Topi is the chief of state. Sali Berisha won the
parliamentary vote to become the new Prime Minister by pledging to
tackle corruption and crime.
Language
Albanian is the official language, said to have originated from
the Tosk dialect. A lot of Albanians also speak Italian, English
and Greek. some of the local people also speak Greek, Vlach, Romani
and Slavic dialects.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz
Passports/Visa
Valid passports are required by all nationals to enter
Albania.
Visas
A visa is not required by all nationals to enter Albania for a
maximum stay of thirty days. All nationals do however require a
return or ongoing ticket.
Passport/Visa Information
Albania Embassy
2nd floor
24 Buckingham Gate
London SW1E 6LB
Tel: (020) 7828 8897
Fax: (020) 7828 8869
Airports and Airlines
Tirana International Airport (TIA)
- Location: The airport is situated 25 km out
side Tirana.
- Time: Local time is GMT +1.
- Contacts: Tel: 00 355 4 381 600.
- Transfer between terminals: A free bus links
the two terminals.
- Transfer to the city: Taxi's are available
from the airport to all cities and urban areas. There is an hourly
bus service that operates from the airport to Tirana city
centre.
- Car rental: Car rental is available.
- Facilities: There are duty free shops, bars,
restaurants and cafes, general shops.
- Parking: Parking is available for long and
short term stays.
- Website: www.tirana-airport.com
Standard of Living
Albania is a very poor country compared to the rest of Europe
and the standard of living is very low. Nearly half the percentage
of Albanians are below the poverty line living in unsuitable
environments. Albania has low levels of education, a lack of
medical care and a weak government. The country also has a lot of
its citizens emigrating to other countries in search of a better
life, the government however is setting new aims to improve the
country's standard of living.
Principal commercial centres and towns
Tirana is the biggest commercial city and most populated in
Albania, with a population of 600,000.
| population by city/town 2007 |
|
| Tirana |
343,000 |
| Durrës |
99,600 |
| Elbasen |
87,800 |
| Shkodër |
83,600 |
| Vlorë |
77,700 |
| Fier |
56,300 |
| Korçë |
55,100 |
Source: Wikipedia
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