General information about Albania

Capital City: Tirana has been the states capital since 1920. The heart of the city is Scenderbei square. It has about half a million inhabitants and is considered the administrative and commercial centre of the country.

Main Cities:

Durres: The countrys main port and the second largest city with 100,000 inhabitants. The city was established as a colony of Corinth and Corfu from 627 BC, named Epidamnos. Its main attraction is the 15,000 seat roman amphitheatre, which was built in the 2^nd century CE and has an old Christian Crypt with rare mosaic.

Gjirokaster: One of the most important cities of southern Albania, Gjirokaster is considered the Museum City. It is built on the slope of a mountain and is known for its narrow stone-paved streets. The houses are in the style of medieval towers, constituting a building ensemble with characteristic architecture. Gjirokasters castle is visible from all over the city.

Shkoder: One of the oldest European cities with 84,000 inhabitants, Shkoder is traditionally the cultural centre of the Gheghis area. It is considered one of the most important northern cities and lies near the lake that bears the same name and along the route to Montenegro. It consists of traditional buildings with wooden carvings. It also has a very interesting historical museum, while the castle of Rozafa is very close to the city.

Vlore: A seaside town with 78,000 inhabitants Vlore, the countrys second most important port.  Historically, it is important because the Assembly that declared the independence of Albania was held in Vlore in 1912, and it was the seat of the National Government under Ismail Qemali. 

Other cities: Korce, Fieri, Berat, Elbassan

Brief History : Albania became an independent state in 1912, with the assistance of Italy and Austria and its first ruler was King Zong. During World War II, it became a communist state under Enver Honxa. After Honxas death and especially after the collapse of the communist regimes, the country started abandoning its isolationist policy and took steps towards democratic freedoms and market economy. In 1990 the ban on religious worship was lifted and opposition parties were legalised. Albania is now making considerable efforts to join Euro-Atlantic institutions (EU and NATO).

Political System : Constitutional Republic

President of the Republic, Alfred MOISIU (24.07.02)

Government composition since the elections of July 3^rd 2005 (cabinet formed 7.09.2005)

Prime Minister, Sali BERISHA   

Ministers
of Foreign Affairs,Besnik MUSTAFAJ
of Defence, Fatmir MEDIU
of Finance, Ridvan BODE

Economy: Like its eastern neighbours, Albania is in the midst of a difficult transition from command economy to market economy. Special efforts are being made to enhance economic and commercial activity. During the last two years the rate of growth has grown steadily, while inflation is no longer considered a major problem.

National Holiday : Independence Day, November 28^th

Albania-EU relations

The EU and Albania have had regular political and economic relations since the signing of the relevant Cooperation Agreement in 1992. Since 2001 an EU Action Plan has been in place, for assistance in reconstruction, development and stabilisation of the country (CARDS), and is due to be completed this year. The EU has also funded infrastructure projects and projects aiming at combating corruption, supporting democratic institutions and reconstructing the administrative sector. A Stabilisation and Association Agreement was initialised in 18.2.2006.

Visa passport: No visa is required, but there is a 10 fee for entering the country.

Language: Albanian

Religion: Muslim 70%, Orthodox Christian 20%, Catholic 10% (estimates)

TRANSPORTATION

By plane: There are regular direct flights from Greece to Tirana airport.

By car: If you choose to enter the country by car (through the border posts of Kakavia or Crystallopigi), remember that the quality of the road network varies. There are regular bus services connecting cities.

SIGHTS

    Clock Tower (Tirana)

     Gjirokastra Castle

     Museums (in every city)

     Berat

     Byzantine churches

      Vouthroto

       Apollonia

HEALTH CARE: Basic. Tap water is not drinkable, drink bottled water instead.

Ambulance phone number: 127

Tirana Hospital: (04) 362.627 - 363.644

Time difference with Greece: -1 hour.