Albania

Albania stretches from the snow-capped Accursed Mountains in the north to warm beaches along the Ionian Sea in the south. The country borders Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece, and rivers such as the Drin, Vjosa, and Shkumbin run through green valleys before reaching the Adriatic. Tirana, the capital, sits in a plain filled with colorful buildings, tree-lined boulevards, and new tram lanes, while cities like Shkodër, Berat, and Gjirokastër hold stone castles and UNESCO-protected neighborhoods.

Albania is a parliamentary republic. Citizens elect a parliament called the Kuvendi, which chooses a president and supports a prime minister and cabinet. Municipalities manage schools, parks, and waste programs, and the government works to improve roads, water systems, and digital services. Albanian is the official language, and students also study English, Italian, or Greek because many families have relatives working abroad.

The country's history reaches back to Illyrian tribes, Roman rule, and medieval kingdoms. Ottoman influence lasted nearly five centuries, leaving mosques, bazaars, and bridges. Albania declared independence in 1912, faced occupation during World War II, and later experienced decades of isolation under a communist regime. Since the early 1990s the country has held multiparty elections, joined NATO, and opened talks to join the European Union.

Albania's modern economy mixes hydropower, agriculture, mining, textiles, and tourism. Mountain rivers feed dams that produce most of the nation's electricity, and the Vjosa River remains one of Europe's last wild waterways. Olive trees, citrus groves, and vineyards cover coastal hills, while shepherds graze goats in alpine pastures. Visitors hike in Valbonë National Park, swim near Ksamil's beaches, and explore ancient ruins at Butrint.

Culture blends traditional music with modern art. Folk songs called iso-polyphony echo across villages, and urban festivals celebrate film, design, and street food. Meals often include byrek pastries, grilled fish, yogurt-based tarator, and coffee shared with guests. Weddings feature circle dances called valle, and children learn both Muslim and Christian holidays because many families include both traditions. Museums in Tirana explain the communist period, while bunkers from that era now house art galleries and libraries.