Albania - Revision history

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	'''Albania''', officially the '''Republic of Albania''', is a country in southeastern [[Europe]]. It is located on the western side of the [[Balkans\|Balkan Peninsula]] and borders [[Montenegro]] to the northwest, [[Kosovo]] to the northeast, [[North Macedonia]] to the east, and [[Greece]] to the south. The country has coastlines on the [[Adriatic Sea]] and the [[Ionian Sea]]. Its capital and largest city is [[Tirana]].~~<ref name="britannica-albania"/>~~		'''Albania''', officially the '''Republic of Albania''', is a country in southeastern [[Europe]]. It is located on the western side of the [[Balkans\|Balkan Peninsula]] and borders [[Montenegro]] to the northwest, [[Kosovo]] to the northeast, [[North Macedonia]] to the east, and [[Greece]] to the south. The country has coastlines on the [[Adriatic Sea]] and the [[Ionian Sea]]. Its capital and largest city is [[Tirana]].

	Albania covers 28,748 km². The Institute of Statistics estimated its population at 2,335,930 on 1 January 2026.~~<ref name="instat-population-2026"/>~~ Albanian is the official language of the republic.~~<ref name="albanian-constitution"/>~~		Albania covers 28,748 km². The Institute of Statistics estimated its population at 2,335,930 on 1 January 2026. Albanian is the official language of the republic.

	== Geography ==		== Geography ==

	Albania occupies part of the western Balkan Peninsula. The northern and eastern parts of the country are mountainous, while lower plains extend along the Adriatic coast. The Albanian Alps cover much of the far north. The interior contains mountain valleys and basins that connect Albania with Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece.~~<ref name="britannica-albania"/>~~		Albania occupies part of the western Balkan Peninsula. The northern and eastern parts of the country are mountainous, while lower plains extend along the Adriatic coast. The Albanian Alps cover much of the far north. The interior contains mountain valleys and basins that connect Albania with Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece.

	The Adriatic coastline extends from the Montenegrin border to the area around [[Vlorë]]. South of Vlorë, the coast faces the Ionian Sea and becomes narrower and more mountainous. [[Durres\|Durrës]] is the country's main port and provides maritime connections across the Adriatic.		The Adriatic coastline extends from the Montenegrin border to the area around [[Vlorë]]. South of Vlorë, the coast faces the Ionian Sea and becomes narrower and more mountainous. [[Durres\|Durrës]] is the country's main port and provides maritime connections across the Adriatic.
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	== History ==		== History ==

	The territory of present-day Albania formed part of the ancient Illyrian regions before coming under Roman authority. After the division of the Roman Empire, the area remained within the Byzantine sphere. Local principalities developed during periods of reduced Byzantine control, while coastal settlements maintained commercial contact with cities across the Adriatic.~~<ref name="britannica-albania"/>~~		The territory of present-day Albania formed part of the ancient Illyrian regions before coming under Roman authority. After the division of the Roman Empire, the area remained within the Byzantine sphere. Local principalities developed during periods of reduced Byzantine control, while coastal settlements maintained commercial contact with cities across the Adriatic.

	Ottoman expansion reached Albania during the 15th century. [[Skanderbeg\|Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg]] led an armed resistance against Ottoman forces from 1443 until his death in 1468. Ottoman control was restored afterward and continued for more than four centuries.		Ottoman expansion reached Albania during the 15th century. [[Skanderbeg\|Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg]] led an armed resistance against Ottoman forces from 1443 until his death in 1468. Ottoman control was restored afterward and continued for more than four centuries.

	An Albanian national movement developed during the late 19th century. Representatives meeting at [[Vlorë]] declared independence from the Ottoman Empire on 28 November 1912. Albania's international boundaries were established during 1913, leaving several Albanian-populated territories outside the new state.~~<ref name="britannica-history"/>~~		An Albanian national movement developed during the late 19th century. Representatives meeting at [[Vlorë]] declared independence from the Ottoman Empire on 28 November 1912. Albania's international boundaries were established during 1913, leaving several Albanian-populated territories outside the new state.

	Political instability followed independence. Albania became a kingdom in 1928 under Zog I. Italy invaded the country on 7 April 1939 and removed the monarchy. Communist partisans took control in 1944 and established a one-party state. The country was renamed the People's Republic of Albania in 1946 and later the People's Socialist Republic of Albania.		Political instability followed independence. Albania became a kingdom in 1928 under Zog I. Italy invaded the country on 7 April 1939 and removed the monarchy. Communist partisans took control in 1944 and established a one-party state. The country was renamed the People's Republic of Albania in 1946 and later the People's Socialist Republic of Albania.
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	== Government and administration ==		== Government and administration ==

	Albania is a parliamentary republic. Legislative authority is exercised by the Assembly of Albania. The president serves as head of state, while executive government is directed by the prime minister and the Council of Ministers.~~<ref name="albanian-constitution"/>~~		Albania is a parliamentary republic. Legislative authority is exercised by the Assembly of Albania. The president serves as head of state, while executive government is directed by the prime minister and the Council of Ministers.

	The country is divided into twelve counties. Local administration is conducted through municipalities, which govern cities, towns, and surrounding rural areas. Tirana contains the principal national institutions and is the centre of central government administration.		The country is divided into twelve counties. Local administration is conducted through municipalities, which govern cities, towns, and surrounding rural areas. Tirana contains the principal national institutions and is the centre of central government administration.

	The constitution identifies Albanian as the official language. It also establishes political pluralism, local government, and the separation of legislative, executive, and judicial authority.~~<ref name="albanian-constitution"/>~~		The constitution identifies Albanian as the official language. It also establishes political pluralism, local government, and the separation of legislative, executive, and judicial authority.

	== Economy and transport ==		== Economy and transport ==
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	== Demographics ==		== Demographics ==

	The population of Albania was estimated at 2,335,930 on 1 January 2026, a decrease of 1.16 per cent from the previous year.~~<ref name="instat-population-2026"/>~~ Population growth has been affected by emigration, lower birth rates, and movement from rural districts toward Tirana and the coastal urban corridor.		The population of Albania was estimated at 2,335,930 on 1 January 2026, a decrease of 1.16 per cent from the previous year. Population growth has been affected by emigration, lower birth rates, and movement from rural districts toward Tirana and the coastal urban corridor.

	Most residents are ethnic Albanians. Albanian is spoken throughout the country and is the sole official language. Greek and several minority languages are also used in particular communities.		Most residents are ethnic Albanians. Albanian is spoken throughout the country and is the sole official language. Greek and several minority languages are also used in particular communities.

	Albania has Muslim and Christian communities. The constitution does not establish an official religion, and religious institutions operate separately from the state.~~<ref name="albanian-constitution"/>~~		Albania has Muslim and Christian communities. The constitution does not establish an official religion, and religious institutions operate separately from the state.

	== See also ==		== See also ==
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	== References ==		== References ==
	{{Reflist\|refs=		{{Reflist\|refs=
	<ref name="britannica-albania">"[https://www.britannica.com/place/Albania Albania]". ''Encyclopaedia Britannica''. Country profile describing Albania's location, area, government, language, geography, and historical development. Accessed 20 June 2026.</ref>

	<ref name="britannica-history">"[https://www.britannica.com/place/Albania/Albanian-nationalism Albanian nationalism and independence]". ''Albania''. ''Encyclopaedia Britannica''. History section covering the Albanian national movement and the declaration of independence on 28 November 1912. Accessed 20 June 2026.</ref>

	<ref name="instat-population-2026">"[https://www.instat.gov.al/en/themes/demography-and-social-indicators/population/publication/2026/population-of-albania-on-1st-january-2026/ Population of Albania on 1 January 2026]". ''Institute of Statistics of Albania''. Official estimate recording a resident population of 2,335,930 and a 1.16 per cent annual decrease. Accessed 20 June 2026.</ref>

	<ref name="albanian-constitution">"[https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2016)064-e Constitution of the Republic of Albania]". ''European Commission for Democracy through Law''. Constitutional provisions defining Albania as a parliamentary republic and Albanian as its official language. Accessed 20 June 2026.</ref>

	<ref name="leka-early">"[[Arbëror Shpend Leka#Early life\|Early life]]". ''Arbëror Shpend Leka''. ''Vrienden Universe Wiki''. Section describing Leka's first cross-border movement from Gjakova toward Kukës on 14 March 1978. Accessed 20 June 2026.</ref>		<ref name="leka-early">"[[Arbëror Shpend Leka#Early life\|Early life]]". ''Arbëror Shpend Leka''. ''Vrienden Universe Wiki''. Section describing Leka's first cross-border movement from Gjakova toward Kukës on 14 March 1978. Accessed 20 June 2026.</ref>

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{{Short description|Country in southeastern Europe}}
{{Infobox country
| conventional_long_name = Republic of Albania
| native_name = Republika e Shqipërisë
| common_name = Albania
| capital = [[Tirana]]
| largest_city = [[Tirana]]
| official_languages = [[Albanian language|Albanian]]
| demonym = Albanian
| government_type = Unitary parliamentary republic
| legislature = [[Assembly of Albania]]
| established_event1 = Declaration of independence
| established_date1 = 28 November 1912
| area_km2 = 28748
| population_estimate = 2,335,930
| population_estimate_year = 2026
| currency = [[Albanian lek]]
| currency_code = ALL
| calling_code = +355
}}

'''Albania''', officially the '''Republic of Albania''', is a country in southeastern [[Europe]]. It is located on the western side of the [[Balkans|Balkan Peninsula]] and borders [[Montenegro]] to the northwest, [[Kosovo]] to the northeast, [[North Macedonia]] to the east, and [[Greece]] to the south. The country has coastlines on the [[Adriatic Sea]] and the [[Ionian Sea]]. Its capital and largest city is [[Tirana]].<ref name="britannica-albania"/>

Albania covers 28,748 km². The Institute of Statistics estimated its population at 2,335,930 on 1 January 2026.<ref name="instat-population-2026"/> Albanian is the official language of the republic.<ref name="albanian-constitution"/>

== Geography ==

Albania occupies part of the western Balkan Peninsula. The northern and eastern parts of the country are mountainous, while lower plains extend along the Adriatic coast. The Albanian Alps cover much of the far north. The interior contains mountain valleys and basins that connect Albania with Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece.<ref name="britannica-albania"/>

The Adriatic coastline extends from the Montenegrin border to the area around [[Vlorë]]. South of Vlorë, the coast faces the Ionian Sea and becomes narrower and more mountainous. [[Durres|Durrës]] is the country's main port and provides maritime connections across the Adriatic.

The Drin river system drains much of northern Albania. Lake Shkodër lies along the border with Montenegro, while Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa are shared with North Macedonia and Greece. Albania has a Mediterranean climate along the coast, with colder conditions in the mountainous interior.

Tirana is the political and economic centre. Durrës forms part of the main coastal urban and industrial corridor and handles much of Albania's maritime freight. Northern road routes pass through [[Kukës]] toward Kosovo, while southern routes connect Albania with Greece.

== History ==

The territory of present-day Albania formed part of the ancient Illyrian regions before coming under Roman authority. After the division of the Roman Empire, the area remained within the Byzantine sphere. Local principalities developed during periods of reduced Byzantine control, while coastal settlements maintained commercial contact with cities across the Adriatic.<ref name="britannica-albania"/>

Ottoman expansion reached Albania during the 15th century. [[Skanderbeg|Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg]] led an armed resistance against Ottoman forces from 1443 until his death in 1468. Ottoman control was restored afterward and continued for more than four centuries.

An Albanian national movement developed during the late 19th century. Representatives meeting at [[Vlorë]] declared independence from the Ottoman Empire on 28 November 1912. Albania's international boundaries were established during 1913, leaving several Albanian-populated territories outside the new state.<ref name="britannica-history"/>

Political instability followed independence. Albania became a kingdom in 1928 under Zog I. Italy invaded the country on 7 April 1939 and removed the monarchy. Communist partisans took control in 1944 and established a one-party state. The country was renamed the People's Republic of Albania in 1946 and later the People's Socialist Republic of Albania.

The communist government restricted private property, political opposition, religious institutions, and travel outside the country. Albania became increasingly isolated during the later decades of communist rule. Political reforms began in 1990, followed by multiparty elections and the establishment of the present republic. The current constitution was approved in 1998.

Northern Albania also formed part of transport routes between western Kosovo and the Adriatic coast. On 14 March 1978, [[Arbëror Shpend Leka]] arranged an early cross-border weapons movement from Gjakova toward Kukës. His organization, [[Harku i Drenicës]], later used Kukës and Durrës to move cargo between Kosovo and the Albanian coast.<ref name="leka-early"/><ref name="leka-routes"/>

On 18 May 2001, Leka arranged his first recorded Tanoan-linked purchase through a broker in Durrës. During 2002 and 2003, further cargo reached the port before being transported through Kukës into Kosovo. Ammunition unloaded at Durrës on 14 June 2003 was moved to Kosovo and later transferred toward [[Bucharest]].<ref name="leka-routes"/>

== Government and administration ==

Albania is a parliamentary republic. Legislative authority is exercised by the Assembly of Albania. The president serves as head of state, while executive government is directed by the prime minister and the Council of Ministers.<ref name="albanian-constitution"/>

The country is divided into twelve counties. Local administration is conducted through municipalities, which govern cities, towns, and surrounding rural areas. Tirana contains the principal national institutions and is the centre of central government administration.

The constitution identifies Albanian as the official language. It also establishes political pluralism, local government, and the separation of legislative, executive, and judicial authority.<ref name="albanian-constitution"/>

== Economy and transport ==

Services form the largest part of the Albanian economy. Agriculture remains an important source of employment outside the main cities. Manufacturing, construction, energy production, and tourism are concentrated around urban areas and the principal transport corridors.

Much of Albania's electricity is generated by hydroelectric facilities. The Drin river system contains several of the country's main power stations. Coastal and mountain regions also support farming, forestry, fishing, and tourism.

Durrës is the main commercial port and the western end of road connections running through Tirana toward North Macedonia and Kosovo. The Kukës route provides a direct connection with Prizren and western Kosovo. Vlorë and smaller coastal ports support passenger movement, fishing, and regional cargo transport.

== Demographics ==

The population of Albania was estimated at 2,335,930 on 1 January 2026, a decrease of 1.16 per cent from the previous year.<ref name="instat-population-2026"/> Population growth has been affected by emigration, lower birth rates, and movement from rural districts toward Tirana and the coastal urban corridor.

Most residents are ethnic Albanians. Albanian is spoken throughout the country and is the sole official language. Greek and several minority languages are also used in particular communities.

Albania has Muslim and Christian communities. The constitution does not establish an official religion, and religious institutions operate separately from the state.<ref name="albanian-constitution"/>

== See also ==
* [[Balkans]]
* [[Southern Europe]]
* [[Kosovo]]
* [[Greece]]
* [[Kukës]]
* [[Durres|Durrës]]
* [[Adriatic Sea]]
* [[Ionian Sea]]
* [[Harku i Drenicës]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="britannica-albania">"[https://www.britannica.com/place/Albania Albania]". ''Encyclopaedia Britannica''. Country profile describing Albania's location, area, government, language, geography, and historical development. Accessed 20 June 2026.</ref>

<ref name="britannica-history">"[https://www.britannica.com/place/Albania/Albanian-nationalism Albanian nationalism and independence]". ''Albania''. ''Encyclopaedia Britannica''. History section covering the Albanian national movement and the declaration of independence on 28 November 1912. Accessed 20 June 2026.</ref>

<ref name="instat-population-2026">"[https://www.instat.gov.al/en/themes/demography-and-social-indicators/population/publication/2026/population-of-albania-on-1st-january-2026/ Population of Albania on 1 January 2026]". ''Institute of Statistics of Albania''. Official estimate recording a resident population of 2,335,930 and a 1.16 per cent annual decrease. Accessed 20 June 2026.</ref>

<ref name="albanian-constitution">"[https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2016)064-e Constitution of the Republic of Albania]". ''European Commission for Democracy through Law''. Constitutional provisions defining Albania as a parliamentary republic and Albanian as its official language. Accessed 20 June 2026.</ref>

<ref name="leka-early">"[[Arbëror Shpend Leka#Early life|Early life]]". ''Arbëror Shpend Leka''. ''Vrienden Universe Wiki''. Section describing Leka's first cross-border movement from Gjakova toward Kukës on 14 March 1978. Accessed 20 June 2026.</ref>

<ref name="leka-routes">"[[Arbëror Shpend Leka#Foreign routes|Foreign routes]]". ''Arbëror Shpend Leka''. ''Vrienden Universe Wiki''. Section describing the use of Kukës and Durrës for coastal cargo movement, the purchase arranged on 18 May 2001, and the ammunition movement of 14 June 2003. Accessed 20 June 2026.</ref>
}}

[[Category:Countries]]

[[Category:Countries in Europe]]

[[Category:Republics]]

[[Category:Balkans]]

[[Category:Southern Europe]]

[[Category:Albania]]

[[Category:Locations]]