Albania

Albania is a Balkan nation known for its stunning Adriatic and Ionian coastlines, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.

Flag
Country Code ISO2	AL
Country Code ISO3	ALB
Country Code Numeric	008
Capital	Tirana
Currency	Lek
Currency Code	ALL
Internet TLD	.al
Calling Code	+355
Time Zone	UTC +01:00 (Standard), UTC +02:00 (Summer)
Driving Side	Right
Area (sq. kms)	28,748
Demonym	Albanian
Official Language	Albanian
Largest City	Tirana
Date Format	DD/MM/YYYY

History

Albania’s history dates back to ancient times when it was inhabited by the Illyrians, a group of Indo-European tribes known for their distinct culture and resistance to external rule. In the 2nd century BCE, the region was incorporated into the Roman Empire, followed by the Byzantine Empire after the division of Rome. During the medieval period, Albania faced invasions and shifting control among regional powers. In the 15th century, national resistance was led by Skanderbeg, who successfully resisted the expansion of the Ottoman Empire for several decades, becoming a symbol of Albanian identity. Despite this, Albania eventually came under Ottoman rule for nearly 400 years, significantly influencing its culture and religion.

Albania declared independence in 1912, but political instability continued through the 20th century. After World War II, it became a communist state under Enver Hoxha, characterized by isolationist policies and strict governance. The fall of communism in the early 1990s marked a transition to democracy and a market economy. Since then, Albania has worked toward political stabilization and integration with European institutions, becoming a member of NATO and a candidate for membership in the European Union.