Southeastern Europe’s Albania, formally the Republic of Albania, is a nation that shares land boundaries with Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east, and Greece to the south. It is situated on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas within the Mediterranean Sea. In its 28,748 km2 of land, the nation exhibits a variety of meteorological, geological, hydrological, and morphological circumstances. The terrain varies from the cold, snow-capped Alps of Albania through the Korab, Skanderbeg, Pindus, and Ceraunian Mountains to the warm, sunny Mediterranean beaches of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Its capital and largest city is Tirana, which is followed by Durrs, Vlor, and Shkodr.
Albania is a parliamentary, unitary republic with a constitution. It is a developing nation with an upper-middle income economy that is dominated by the services sector, followed by manufacturing. It currently holds the 67th spot on the Human Development Index. Following the fall of communism in 1990, Albania underwent a period of transition from a market-based economy to centralized planning. Albania offers its residents free elementary and secondary education as well as universal health care. Albania belongs to the OIC, NATO, World Bank, UNESCO, COE, WTO, and United Nations. Since 2014, it has been a recognized candidate for membership in the European Union. Along with the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation and the Union for the Mediterranean, it is one of the founding members of the Energy Community.
TRENDING FASHION IN ALBANIA
ACCESSORIES IN ALBANIA
TRIBES IN ALBANIA AND THEIR FASHION
The Gruda People
Along the mountainous border with Albania, east of Podgorica, is the old tribal area of Gruda. To the south and east, in Southern Montenegro and Northern Albania, respectively, it shares borders with the old tribal Hoti and Kelmendi territories; to the north, with Slavic regions.
The Malësia People
The historical and ethnographic region of Malësia e Madhe (“Great Highlands”), also known as Malësia, is located in northern Albania and eastern central Montenegro. Its highlands correspond to the physical divide of the Malësia e Madhe District in Albania and Tuzi Municipality in Montenegro. The town of Tuzi is the major settlement in the region.
TOURIST AND HISTORICAL PLACES IN ALBANIA
Vlore – The Albanian Independence Proclamation Building, where Albania declared independence a little over 100 years ago, is among the city of Vlore’s numerous significant historic sites.
Saranda – The beaches at Saranda are among the most memorable in all of Albania, and Butrint, a nearby Unesco World Heritage site, is also highly recommended.
Tirana – Many tourists who are interested in seeing Albania’s top locations will begin their explorations in the country’s capital city of Tirana. There aren’t many tourist hotspots in the city, but the Et’hem Bey mosque from the 18th century is definitely worth a trip.
Shkodra – while the historic citadel of Drisht is only a few kilometres from Shkodra, it features a lake that is simply breathtaking. Additionally, Shkodra is home to the renowned Migjeni theater and an excellent market. Perhaps Albania’s best Malazeze food is served in Shkodra.
Lake Koman – anyone should put a trip to Albania’s Lake Koman on their bucket list since it has the most stunning scenery in the entire Balkans. The journey takes tourists from the hydroelectric dam at Koman to the port of Fierza, and is frequently referred to as one of the greatest boat journeys in the world.
Apollonia – it is formerly among the world’s most significant cities, is a must-see for everyone traveling to Albania for the first time. Apollonia’s ruins are breathtaking, and the views from this area of Albania are outstanding as well. They are located in the center of Albania and are conveniently close to the city of Fier.
Berat – The town of Berat, which is in the center of Albania, is thought to be one of the oldest in the nation. Due to the combination of Ottoman and Albanian architecture, Berat is frequently referred to as the “City of a Thousand Windows.”
Gjirokastra – Gjirokastra, a Unesco city, is without a doubt one of Albania’s top tourist destinations. In Gjirokastra, which has an incredible castle that dominates the skyline and contains a military museum and an art gallery, you can see distinctive Ottoman period architecture, including dwellings built like tiny castles.
The Ksamil Islands – an isolated group of three tiny islands off the coast that can only be reached by boat from the little town of Ksamil, are arguably the highlight of the Albanian Riviera.
Kruja – although Kruja is the location of the national ethnographic museum, it is primarily known as the location of the Skanderbeg museum. The museum, which is housed in the Kruja castle, is one of Albania’s most significant and well-liked tourist destinations.
Pogradec – situated on the eastern beaches of Lake Ohrid, is one of Albania’s most exciting tourist destinations. The deepest lake in the Balkans is Lake Ohrid, which is bordered by Albania and Macedonia but is more well-known on its Macedonian side.
Llogara Pass – one of Albania’s most well-known locations is the Llogara Pass, which offers one of the most breathtaking drives in the entire globe. The route ascends to a height of more than 1,000 meters in the Llogara National Park, where the breathtaking panorama will leave you speechless.
Theth – The Grunas Waterfall and the Lock-in Tower in Theth National Park, possibly Albania’s most picturesque location, which is very well-liked tourist attractions.
The Albanian Riviera – this is arguably the most well-liked tourism destination in the nation. As a result of hosting numerous international music events, such as Turtle Fest and Soundwave Albania, the Riviera is gaining recognition as a significant music destination.
MUSIC IN ALBANIA
Albanian folk music comes in a variety of forms, including vocal, instrumental, choral, and monophonic and polyphonic music. Each place has its own distinctive musical heritage that reflects its history, language, and culture. In South Albania, singing and song forms are more common than in the North, where they are predominately monophonic. UNESCO has recognized Albanian iso-polyphony as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Traditional Albanian music is frequently performed during the Gjirokastër National Folklore Festival, which is held there every five years.
Some musicians in Albania:
Elvana Gjata
Noizy
Some artwork in Albania
MEALS IN ALBANIA
Paçe – it is a traditional stew created with the head of cow, sheep or pig.
Tave Peshku – this is a classic mediterranean dish that can be prepared in various ways and ingredients.
Tavë Kosi – it contains lamb and rice cooked with a roux made of yoghurt, eggs, wheat flour and butter.
Fish and vegetables – this meal is frequently served with wine or Rakia.
Jani Me Fasule – one of the most popular recipes during the Albanian famine since it was bulky and less expensive to prepare
Gullash – almost every locatcion in Albanian has its unique variant of Gullash.
Paçe
Tave Peshku
Tavë Kosi
Fish and vegetables
Jani Me Fasule
Gullash
Peshk Në Zgarë – this is a delicious meal made from sea food.
Dolma Japrak – this is stuffed vine leaves which are prevalent in Mediterranean and Albanian cuisine.
Byrek – it is made out of a thin flaky dough filled with meat, onions, cheese, spinach or potatoes.
Fërgesë Tirane – it is a baked vegetable and cheese delicacy from Tirana.
Qofte Fërguara – it is a very common meal that is well-loved in Albania.
Proshute – this meal is commonly served as an appetizer at breakfast or lunch.
Peshk Në Zgarë
Dolma Japrak
Byrek
Fërgesë Tirane
Qofte Fërguara
Proshute
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND HABITAT PROTECTION IN ALBANIA
The United Nations, Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that there are trees on 776,000 acres, or 28.3%, of Albania. The most biodiverse and carbon-dense type of forest, primary forest, makes up 11.0% of this total (85,000). The area of planted forest in Albania was 94,000 ha. 650 acres, or 0.08% of its forest cover, were lost in Albania between 1990 and 2010, on average. Around 13,000 acres, or 1.6%, of Albania’s forest cover, was lost between 1990 and 2010.
49 million metric tons of carbon are found in the living biomass of Albania’s woods. According to data from the World Conservation Monitoring Center, there are 429 known species of amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles in Albania, 3.7% of them are in danger, and 0.0% of them are endemic, meaning they only exist in their native nation. There are at least 3031 vascular plant species in Albania, 0.8% of which are indigenous. IUCN classifications I to V safeguard 2.0% of Albania.
EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN ALBANIA
Many nations are becoming more susceptible to damaging weather occurrences, such as floods, droughts, windstorms, or other factors. The vulnerability is partly caused by the extremes in recent climate variability, but it is also influenced by how sensitive a country is to occurrences that are influenced by historical practices, socioeconomic factors, or legacy problems. The ability of the nations to cope or adapt determines how much weather vulnerability impacts the economies of the nations.
One of the countries in the region most susceptible to rising global temperatures is Albania. Over the past 15 years, there have already been changes in weather patterns, including rising temperatures, less precipitation, and an increase in the frequency of catastrophic occurrences like floods and droughts. Ask any small-scale farmer or operator of a hydroelectric plant if snowfall is decreasing and if it is melting earlier and more quickly than in previous years. According to projections, summer rainfall will decrease by roughly 10% by 2020 and 20% by 2050. Energy and agriculture are two industries that are particularly impacted by these changes in the climate.
GENDER EQUALITY IN ALBANIA
Albania adopted the National Strategy for Gender Equality and Action Plan 2016-2020 in October 2016 in response to the Global Leaders’ Meeting with the intention of coordinating efforts by all institutions to advance the goal of gender equality.
Mirela Kumbaro – Albanian politician who is serving as the Minister of Tourism and Environment.
Mimi Kodhell – Albanian economist and politician who served as Minister of Defense in Albania.
Lindita Nikolla – A politician in Albanian who is serving as the Speaker of the Parliament.
Klajda Gjosha – Albanian politician who served as Minister of European Integration.
Mirela Kumbaro
Mimi Kodhell
Lindita Nikolla
Klajda Gjosha
Etilda Gjonaj – Albanian politician, lawyer and professor who served as Minister of Justice of Albania.
Milena Harito – Albanian politician and member of the Socialist Party of Albania.
Olta Xhaçka – Albanian politician and Socialist Party member of Parliament. She is also the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Ogerta Manastirliu – Albanian politician who was appointed Minister of Health.