Albania characteristic of the country. Albania. Flora and fauna

Albania, Republic of Albania, a state in Southern Europe, in the west of the Balkan Peninsula. In the past, this territory was inhabited by the Illyrians. Despite repeated invasions by the Romans, Slavs and Turks, the Albanians retained their ethnic identity. During the period of long Turkish domination, there was a massive conversion of the population from Christianity to Islam, which is currently the predominant religion.

Albania gained independence before the First World War. At first it was proclaimed a republic, then a monarchy. From November 1944 to June 1991 the Communists ruled the country. Initially, communist Albania was part of a bloc led by the USSR, in 1961–1977 it adjoined China.

The area of ​​Albania is 28.7 thousand square meters. km, the longest distance from north to south is approx. 350 km, and the width varies from 145 km in the south to 80–100 km in the north. The capital is the city of Tirana. Albania borders Yugoslavia to the north and east, Macedonia to the east, and Greece to the south and southeast; in the west it is washed by the Adriatic Sea. In the 2nd century AD On the territory of Albania lived tribes, which the Greeks called Albanians, from where the name of the country came from. The inhabitants of Albania themselves in the Middle Ages called themselves "shkiptars" (eagle people), this self-name is preserved today.

Nature

Surface structure. Albania - with the exception of marshy and alluvial coastal plains - is a mountainous country. The mountains stretch from northwest to southeast. Four physical-geographic regions are distinguished on its territory, three of them are confined to the mountains.

Along the coast there is a narrow plain stretching from the border with Yugoslavia to the city of Vlora. This plain is by no means distinguished by a flat relief; its surface, especially in the east, is dotted with remnant hills and ridges. After the winter rains, the rivers that cross the plain carry a large amount of sand and silt from the mountains into the Adriatic Sea. Thus, the coast grows towards the sea, it is bordered by swamps. After the Second World War, significant areas of the coastal plains were drained, and agricultural land and settlements arose in place of the swamps. The most developed was the strip between Vlora and Durres. However, the plain is still flooded during floods. There are no convenient natural harbors in the country, and the main port of Durres (in ancient times Epidamnus, then Dyrrachium) is located in a shallow open bay.

The North Albanian Alps, located in the far north, are the most rugged and inaccessible of the mountainous regions of the country. In Albania they are called "cursed mountains". The heavily eroded slopes of these mountains, composed of limestone, are distinguished by a wide development of karst and are often difficult to access. At first glance it seems that this is an uninhabited area. However, in the summer, cattle are driven there to the upper pastures. Further south, limestone outcrops have a more discontinuous distribution; where the surface is composed of crystalline rocks (in particular, serpentines), the mountains lower and acquire more smoothed forms, as, for example, on the Mirdita plateau. To the east, on the border with Yugoslavia, within the Korabi ridge, there is the highest point of the country, Mount Korabit (2764 m). This entire area is located in the Drin river basin.

To the south of the Mirdita plateau, the mountains go down and acquire a more smoothed plateau-like form. The surface is replete with hollows, which, like beads, are strung along the narrow valleys of large rivers. Agriculture is developed in each more or less significant basin. The largest of them is partly occupied by Lake Ohrid, in others there are large cities - Korca, Peshkopia and Berat.

To the south of Vlora, the mountains rise to the very shore of the sea. Here again limestone outcrops and dissected landforms predominate, the lands are used only as pastures for sheep and goats. In the extreme south, in the district of Saranda, a narrow coastal plain is developed.

Climate

Long, hot and dry summers and mild, rather wet winters, typical of the Mediterranean countries, are characteristic of the coastal plains of Albania. However, in the inland mountainous regions, conditions change, especially in the north, where winters are severe with heavy snowfalls, and summers, although mostly dry, often have destructive downpours. In the summer months, there is a lack of moisture supply.

Vegetation and soils

In the mountainous regions of Albania, geological conditions are unfavorable for the formation of fertile soils. On serpentines, thin and infertile soils are formed, and on limestones, the soil cover is often absent altogether. In addition, under the influence of heavy rains and powerful runoff, soil erosion is actively developing on steep slopes. Soil and ground masses carried down from the mountains are redeposited in valleys, basins and on the plains, where, due to increased waterlogging, conditions are unfavorable for agriculture.

Low hills bordering the coastal plain are covered mainly with thickets of xerophytic shrubs - maquis. They are gradually replaced by deciduous forests with a predominance of oak in the middle tier of the mountains. Intensive soil erosion and grazing (especially goats) adversely affect reforestation. The upper tier of the mountains is more forested, the composition of the forest stand largely depends on the nature of the rocks: coniferous species grow mainly on serpentine outcrops, and beech grows on limestone outcrops. On the tops of the mountains and on the thinnest soils, only a sparse cover of turf grasses is developed.

Fauna

Many wild animals have survived in Albania, but they are concentrated in those places of plateaus and mountains where there are sufficient supplies of surface water. The wolf, wild boar, and deer, once common throughout the country, have now been relegated to more remote areas.

Population

Unlike other Balkan countries, Albania has always been distinguished by ethnic homogeneity. The isolated position and poverty of the country, as well as the militancy of its population, frightened off foreigners, although the strong influence of Greek culture and some migration from Greece contributed to the formation of an Orthodox Greek-speaking national minority in the south of the country.

Ethnogenesis. The Albanians descended from the Illyrians, who at the dawn of written history inhabited the part of the country located north of the Shkumbini River. Southern Albania at that time was under Greek influence. Both areas fell under the rule of Roman, Slavic and Turkish conquerors for a long time, but there are still significant differences between the Ghegs living north of the Shkumbini River and the Tosks living south of it. These differences, which greatly hindered the unification and modernization of Albania, were an important factor that predetermined the formation of communist power, and they still influence the country's politics.

Tall, slender blondes predominate among the Ghegs. Their social organization, customs and priorities remained at the tribal level until the beginning of the modernization of Albania in the 1920s. A quasi-feudal tribal system, comparable to that of Scotland in the 17th century, was formed in the course of the struggle against poverty and a hostile environment in the isolated north of the country. All men carried weapons, and the houses were fortified stone towers. The ability to wield weapons was highly valued - in robbery attacks, in military service as mercenaries and in feudal skirmishes. Sedentary agriculture was considered a despised occupation and was the lot of women, men grazed cattle. In a patriarchal environment, the leadership belonged to noble families; jealously guarded personal, family and tribal honor. The behavior of people was regulated by a carefully developed system of unwritten traditional laws.

In contrast, the Tosks, who inhabited the wider and rather fertile southern valleys, led a less regimented and more relaxed lifestyle. In dialect and appearance, they differ significantly from the Ghegs. In the course of closer contacts with the Byzantine, Turkish and modern Greek civilizations, the Tosks regularly paid taxes and recognized state power. They practiced settled agriculture and lived in compact villages as smallholders, tenant farmers, or wage laborers on the estates of the Muslim nobility. The Tosks easily emigrated in search of a more prosperous life or went abroad for temporary work as construction workers. In the 1930s, some educated Tosks embraced communist ideology, which preached that Tosk peasants were being exploited by large landowners and corrupt officials.

In addition to the Greek communities in the districts of Gjirokastra and Sarana in the south of the country, there are also a number of ethnic minorities. Several thousand Montenegrin Serbs live near Shkodra in the north, Macedonians - on the coast of Lake. Prespa in the east; Vlachs (traders, carters and shepherds) are dispersed throughout the south of Albania. The Wallachians are classified as Romanians, although many of them adopted Greek culture.

Demography

Albania's population growth was held back in the past by disease, famine, wars, migrations, and feudal strife, but has accelerated dramatically since the 1920s. In 1945, 1115 thousand people lived in the country, in 1960 - 1626 thousand, and in 1995 - 3410 thousand. The natural increase in the period from 1975 to 1987 was 2.2% per year. This record high for the whole of Europe is the result of a decrease in mortality, especially among children, while the birth rate remained quite high. Life expectancy was estimated at 68 years for men and 74 years for women. According to 1995 data, the country's population reached 3,410,000 people.

Albanians also live in other countries. There are large Albanian communities in central Greece (including Athens), on the Peloponnese peninsula and the islands of the Aegean Sea. A large Albanian diaspora is located in Italy - in the south of the Apennine Peninsula and in western Sicily, and small communities - in the USA, Turkey, Egypt and Ukraine. Currently, these ethnic groups are heavily assimilated by the local population. However, several thousand Albanians (the so-called Chams) in northwestern Greece retained their language and culture. Until recently, a large group of Kosovar Albanians (up to 1.8 million people) lived compactly in the south-west of Yugoslavia - mainly in the former autonomous region of Kosovo (even earlier - the autonomous region of Kosovo and Metohija, abbreviated Kosmet). Kosovars became the object of ethnic discrimination in Yugoslavia, since in 1989 the nationalist government of Serbia abolished this autonomy. In the late 1990s, "ethnic cleansing" in Kosovo led to an open armed conflict, during which the flow of Albanian refugees poured abroad, mainly to Albania.

Migration and urbanization

The industrialization carried out by the communists was accompanied by the movement of the population from the mountain villages to the coastal plain and foothills. After 1945, industrialization largely stimulated the growth of cities that traditionally functioned as trading and administrative centers. In 1930, only 14.5% of the population lived in cities with more than 5,000 inhabitants. In 1950 this figure rose to 20%, and in 1985 to 34%. In the capital of the country, Tirana, in 1938 there were 25 thousand people, in 1950 - 80 thousand, in 1989 - 238 thousand, and in the mid-1990s - 244 thousand. In Durres, there were 83 thousand inhabitants, in Elbasan - 81 thousand ., Shkodra - 80 thousand and Vlora - 72 thousand.

Language. Albanian belongs to the Indo-European family of languages. It uses the Latin alphabet but is not related to any of the major European linguistic groups. The first examples of Albanian writing date back to the 15th century. The occupation of Albania by the Ottoman Empire reduced the importance of the Albanian language, since the main languages ​​in culture and politics were Greek and Turkish. At the end of the 19th century The Albanian language again began to play an important role in the life of the country. The differences between the Gheg and Tosk dialects, which were based on the ancient Illyrian language, were partially leveled out due to the introduction of a dual alphabet system in 1908. However, a single written norm has not been developed. The Tosk dialect is the basis of the official language of Albania.

Both dialects borrowed many words from the languages ​​of neighboring countries, including Greek, Serbian, Macedonian, Turkish and Italian. However, as Albanian nationalism grew, some foreign words have been eliminated, while others have been brought closer to the Albanian pronunciation.

Religion

Since information on religions was not published under the communist government, only rough estimates exist for the period after 1945. In 1945, 70% of the population professed Islam, Orthodoxy - 20% (mainly Tosks, who lived near the border with Greece, on the southern coast and in cities) and Catholicism - 10% (Ghegs, who lived in the Shkoder region). In 1967, 20 years after the beginning of the persecution of religion at the state level, the number of Catholics fell to 7% and amounted to approx. 130 thousand, but by 1994 it reached 485 thousand. Muslims were divided into conservative Sunnis, who adhered to traditional Islam, and more moderate Bektashi, prone to pantheistic views, of which there were approx. 120 thousand. The world center of the Bektash dervish order was in Albania, its influence was most felt in the areas around Berat and Elbasan, as well as in the south of the country. In 1967 the Albanian government closed all remaining mosques and churches, but in 1990 allowed some of them to reopen. Since the early 1990s, religious life in Albania has been actively revived.

Bibliography

Louis G. Albania. Physico-geographical review. M., 1948

Silaev E.D. Albania. Economic and geographical characteristics. M., 1953

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Abstract on

Geography

on the theme "Albania"

Flag and coat of arms

General information

Natural conditions and resources

Population characteristics

History of Albania

Economy

Relations with Russia

Culture and art of Albania

Latest news

Used Books

General information

Albania is the least developed country in Southeast Europe (only Moldova and Ukraine are poorer than it). Located in the southeast of Europe, in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula, the Strait of Otranto separates Albania from Italy. On land it borders with Yugoslavia, Macedonia and Greece. Area - 28 748 km2, . In the past, the territory was inhabited by the Illyrians, they were called Albanians, from where the name of the country came from. The inhabitants of Albania themselves in the Middle Ages called the country "Arber", and themselves "Arbers". Religion is mostly Sunni Muslim. The official language of the country - Albanian - is not similar to any of the European languages. The capital is the city of Tiran population: 3582 thousand people (2003).

Natural conditions and resources

The climate is subtropical, Mediterranean and temperate. Summers are hot and dry (the average temperature in July is from +24 C to +28 C, in January - +4 C in the north and up to +7 C in the south). Winter is cool and humid (from +14 C in the south to +6 C in the north). At the same time, the temperature regime strongly depends on the height of the place above sea level, therefore in some areas in winter the temperature drops to -12-20 C, and in summer it does not exceed +10 C.

Precipitation falls 600-800 mm. per year, with a maximum in autumn and spring. In mountainous areas, annual precipitation increases from 900-1200 mm. in the eastern, up to 2000-2600 mm. and more on the windward western slopes of the mountains.

The mountainous relief creates a wide variety of climatic conditions in the country. The extreme north of the country is occupied by the high North Albanian Alps with jagged ridges, steep, steep slopes and numerous gorges. Albania partially owns the three largest lakes: Ohrid, Shkoder (Skadar) and Prespa. Most major rivers Albania Drin and Mati. The interior of the country south of the Drina River is occupied by less high mountain ranges and ridges; it is crossed by many basins, gorges, river valleys.

The mountainous regions of Albania have unfavorable conditions for the formation of fertile soils. Thin and infertile soils are formed, and the soil cover is often completely absent on limestones.

Albania - with the exception of marshy - is a mountainous country. The mountains stretch from northwest to southeast. The North Albanian Alps are in the far north. In Albania they are called "cursed mountains". The highest point of the North Albanian Alps is Mount Jezertsa (2694 m). To the east, on the border with Yugoslavia, within the Korabi ridge, there is the highest point of the country, Mount Korabit (2764 m). This entire area is located in the Drin river basin.

The bowels of the country are rich in minerals. There are reserves of natural gas and oil (in the southwestern part of the country), deposits of iron ore, chromium, copper, nickel and phosphates (in the northeast). Large deposits of coal have been discovered in the region of Tirana. Near Vlora, natural bitumen is mined.

In Albania, many wild animals have been preserved where there are sufficient reserves of surface water. Predators such as brown bears, wolves, jackals, lynxes, forest cats, and artiodactyls such as wild boar, roe deer and deer, once found throughout the country, are now pushed back to more inaccessible mountainous regions. Many wild birds (pelicans, herons, etc.) live in low-lying areas. Among the reptiles there are many snakes, lizards, there are geckos and turtles.

Characteristics of the population:

In addition to Albanians, there are about 120,000 Roma (2.8%), 66,000 Greeks (1.7%), 30,000 Macedonians (0.9%), 20,000 Aromanians (0.6%) and 20 thousand Montenegrins (0.6%), as well as small groups of Egyptians and Bulgarians. The largest cities of the country include Tiran Durres, Vlore, Korca, Elbasan.

History of Albania:

Independence of Albania was proclaimed in 1912. At the end of 1924 King Ahmet Zogu received power in Albania. In April 1939 Albania was occupied by fascist Italy, on November 29, 1944 the country was liberated. On January 11, 1946, the monarchy was overthrown and a people's republic was proclaimed.

"People's Power" carried out the nationalization of enterprises, banks, means of transport and communications, introduced a monopoly of foreign trade. Since the beginning of the 60s, Albania's cooperation with the Soviet Union has been disrupted. Since 1946, the "People's Republic of Albania" has been a state of workers and the working peasantry. It was under the control of the communists. In the 1990s, the communist regime in Albania fell. In 1991, the first multi-party parliamentary elections were held. Political instability forced early elections to be held as early as 1992. Since 1998, relations with Yugoslavia have become more complicated.

Economy

In 1992-1997, the foundations of a transitional economy were laid. The denationalization of the economy has been carried out. In 1995-1996, economic growth was noted. The privatization of land, housing stock, transport, trade and construction has been completed. In 1997, there was a collapse of numerous financial pyramids. Depositors lost over $1.2 billion. The economy suffered a loss of 2 billion dollars. In 1997 Albania was the poorest country in Europe.

President of Albania Bamir Topi, monetary unit - "lek". Volume GDP in 2005 -- 6.9 billion Euro.

Agriculture is the most developed industry. It employs 56% of the working population. This is facilitated by the climate and good weather conditions conducive to the cultivation of many crops. The leading branch of agriculture is crop production. Main crops: wheat, corn, rice. Industrial crops: tobacco, sugar beet, cotton. Grapes, citrus fruits, olives, and potatoes are also grown. Livestock breeding is dominated by sheep and goat breeding. The collectivization of agriculture was accompanied by land reform aimed at the elimination of large private land ownership and the provision of land to those who cultivate it.

The main mode of transport is automobile. Length highways-- more than 7000 km, railway lines -- 720 km.

There are also developing industries, the first steps have been taken to create metallurgy, mechanical engineering, and chemistry. The mining industry is developing.

The main types of industry (industry) in Albania: food, light industry, woodworking, oil production, cement, chemical, metallurgy.

Over the past eight years, Albania has taken a course to improve trade relations, which is actively promoted by the government of the country.

There is no export tariff in Albania, the export of goods is not subject to duties. This is one of the stimulating factors for export development. The top level of import duties has been reduced to 18%. Main export items: bitumen, oil, iron-nickel and chromium ores, blister copper, cigarettes, fresh and canned fruits and vegetables.

International economic relations

China has been the main foreign economic partner (up to 45% of turnover) for many years. The new government declared priority cooperation with the United States and Western European countries.

Relations with Russia

In February 1949 of the year, Albania became a member Council for Mutual Economic Assistance-- organizations of the countries of the socialist bloc for economic cooperation. Soon after it, Tirana entered into trade agreements with Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania and Soviet Union. Technical advisers from the Soviet Union and countries of Eastern Europe arrived in Albania, the Soviet Union also sent military advisers to Albania and built a submarine base on Sazansky island. After the deterioration of relations between the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia, Albania and Bulgaria were the only countries that the Soviet Union could use to supply war materials Greek communists. After the development of nuclear weapons, the strategic importance that Albania represented for the Soviet Union was reduced to nothing. During Soviet-Chinese split Albania supported China, which alienated her from the Soviet Union.

Culture and art of Albania

In Albania, monuments of ancient Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman architecture, fragments of Byzantine fresco painting have been preserved.

Now Albanian science, culture and art are in decline. Many museums, archives, art galleries, etc. are closed due to insufficient funding.

Previously built stadiums and other sports facilities are falling into disrepair. Albanians hope that with the development of their market economy, everything will begin to recover. Recovery of something is already beginning, but not as fast as we would like.

Introduction

Europe is one of the most economically, politically and socially developed regions in the modern world.

Most of the European states occupy a leading position in the world in terms of socio-economic development. But I must say that one of the main problems of Europe is the difference in the development of individual regions. Thus, there are significant differences between the level of development of the states of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and Western European countries.

Among the CEE countries, one can especially single out the states located on the Balkan Peninsula (except for Greece). It is the Balkans in economic terms that represent the most underdeveloped European region.

The Balkan Peninsula is located at the junction of three continents. Its shores are washed by the Adriatic, Black, Aegean and Ionian seas. The geopolitical position of the Balkans throughout history has attracted the attention of world powers. The same situation is observed today, and the states are divided: most of the Balkan states are oriented towards the EU and NATO, while Serbia is oriented towards Russia.

In addition, the Balkans are a very ethnically complex region. In a relatively small area, there are 20 peoples who belong to 3 religious denominations (Muslims, Catholics and Orthodox). Here, conflicts on ethnic and religious grounds periodically flare up. That is why the Balkan region is sometimes called the "powder keg of Europe".

At the center of all the events taking place in the region is a small state located in the western part of the peninsula - Albania. Albania is one of the poorest countries in Europe; in addition, it belongs to the few Muslim states on the continent. For a long time, during the period of communist rule, the country was the most closed in Europe. All these circumstances cannot but affect modern development Republic of Albania, they determined a certain identity of the country.

This term paper is the consideration of social economic development Albania at the present stage, identification of the main problems and prospects for the development of the state.

Tasks set:

Reveal the features of the socio-economic situation of Albania

To study the specifics of the economic complex of the country

Track the dynamics of the main socio-economic indicators and draw appropriate conclusions

Consider the country's foreign economic relations and assess its prospects

Chapter 1. general characteristics Republic of Albania

1.1 Economic and geographical position of the country

Albania is a small state in southeastern Europe, located in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula. The Strait of Otranto, 75 km wide, separates Albania from Italy. In the north, the state borders on Serbia, in the northwest - on Montenegro, in the east - on the Republic of Macedonia, in the southeast and south - on Greece. The length of the borders is 720 km. The western border is washed by the Adriatic Sea, and the southwestern - by the Ionian. The length of the coastline is 362 km. 3600523 people live on the territory of the country in 28748 km2. The capital is Tirana. Albania, which has convenient sea harbors, is located on trade routes from the sea deep into the peninsula. Geographic location states along the Strait of Otranto (connecting the Adriatic Sea with the Ionian and Mediterranean Seas) creates favorable conditions for the development of foreign trade and the economy as a whole.

1.2 Political structure and demographic indicators of the Republic of Albania

In accordance with the Constitution, which entered into force in November 1998, Albania is a parliamentary republic. The head of state is the president, elected by the parliament for 5 years (currently Bamir Topi). The only legislative body is the unicameral parliament (Kuvend). The Assembly consists of 140 deputies elected by general elections for a term of 4 years (last election - July 2005). The highest executive and administrative body is the Council of Ministers. Chairman - S. Berisha (since September 10, 2005).

Administrative-territorial division: the territory of the Republic of Albania is divided into 12 districts and 36 prefectures.

The population of the country is 3600523 people (July 2007). The average population density is 122 people / km 2. The most densely populated coastal areas and mountain valleys. The mountainous regions in the east and north-east of the country are sparsely populated (see Appendix 1, Fig. 1).

Albania can be classified as one-national states: 95% of the population are Albanians, Greeks - about 3%, other nationalities (mainly Serbs, Bulgarians, Gypsies) - 2%. A large number of Albanians in the Middle Ages emigrated to Italy and Greece, later to Turkey, creating their own diasporas there. Now there are about 7 million Albanians in the world, and only 50% of them live in Albania itself. Albanians are divided into 2 ethno-cultural groups - Ghegs and Tosks. The Ghegs live north of the Shkumbini River (make up about 2/3 of all Albanians), and the Tosks live south of the Shkumbini River (1/3 total strength). The official language in the country is Albanian (Tosk dialect).

In 1967 all mosques and churches were closed and religious ceremonies were banned, but in 1990. religious activity was again allowed in the country. The majority of believers are Muslims (70%), adherents of the Orthodox Church make up 20%, the Roman Catholic - 10% (see Fig. 1).

Rice. one Religious affiliation of the population of Albania

Source:

Albania's population growth was held back in the past by disease, famine, wars, migrations, and feudal strife, but has accelerated dramatically since the 1920s. In 1945 1.115 million people lived in the country, in 1960. - 1.626 million, and in 1995. - 3.41 million, but at the beginning of the 20th century the population relatively stabilized (see Fig. 2).

Rice. 2 Population dynamics of Albania

Calculated from: , ,

The average annual natural increase in Albania ranged from 0.9% per year from 1990 to 1995 to 1.03% in 2003, and in 2004 was only 0.51%. In 2007, the natural population growth in Albania was 0.5 (see Fig. 3).

Rice. 3 Dynamics of natural increase in the population of Albania

Calculated from: , ,

Thus, it can be seen that although the natural increase in Albania remains positive, it tends to decrease, therefore, certain demographic problems are observed in the country. The birth rate in the country in 2007 was 15.16 per 1,000 people, and the death rate was 5.33 per 1,000 people.

The average life expectancy for the population as a whole is 77.6 years, while: men - 74.95 years, women - 80.53 years. Average age population - 29.2 years.

In the age structure of the population according to the data for 2007. children under 14 make up 24.1%, older people over 65 make up 9.3%, while the population aged 15-64 makes up 66.6% (see Fig. 4).

Rice. 4 Age structure of the Albanian population

Source:

It should be noted here that the proportion of older people in the European Union as a whole is 21.5% of the population. Comparing this figure with the same figure for Albania, we note that the situation in the country is still quite favorable. But it should also be noted that, compared with 2005 (similar data for Albania: children under 14 - 25.6%, after 65 - 8.6%, 15-64 - 65.8%), there is a decrease in the specific number children and, conversely, an increase in the proportion of the elderly population. Thus, the tendency of the aging of the nation is already outlined.

It should also be noted that in recent years there has been a positive trend in child mortality rates. So in 2003 this figure was 37.3 out of 1,000 births, in 2005 - 22.52 per 1,000 newborns, and already in 2007 there were 20.02 deaths per 1,000 newborns. This is due to the improvement in the quality of medical care and living conditions of the population.

The Republic of Albania has a negative balance of migration - -4.54 per 1000 people (2007) . The main reasons for emigration from the country are political and economic. In addition to external migrations, there are also significant internal migrations in Albania in the direction from the village to the city. Over the past decade, about 35% rural population left its habitat, rushing to large cities: Tirana, Shkodra, Korca, Vlora, Durres, Elbasan. Thus, the process of urbanization is observed in the country. It should be noted that in last years the population in the metropolitan area of ​​Tirana is growing at an enormous pace (see Fig. 5).

Rice. 5 Tirana population dynamics

Calculated by:

1.3 Natural resource potential Albania

The landscape of the country mostly consists of mountain ranges and plateaus. A flat strip extends only along the sea coast. There are many broad-leaved and oak-beech forests in the mountains. Forests occupy 2/5 of the territory, but commercial timber can be obtained from only ¼ of this area. It should be noted that the forest cover was severely damaged in the second half of the 20th century. due to intensive deforestation. The fauna of Albania has been severely exterminated.

In the mountainous regions of the country, geological conditions are unfavorable for the formation of fertile soils. Thin and infertile soils form on the serpentines, and the soil cover is often completely absent on the limestones of the North Albanian Alps.

The largest rivers in Albania are Drin, Mati, Shkumbini. Moreover, most of the country's rivers are mountainous. Rivers are not navigable, but are of great importance for irrigation. Most of the rivers that originate in the mountains in the east and flow into the Adriatic Sea have a high flow rate and have a huge hydroelectric potential. Along the borders are the largest lakes on the Balkan Peninsula - Skadar, Orchid and Prespa.

Significant reserves of chromite, iron-nickel and copper ores are known on the territory of Albania; bauxite deposits were discovered. Deposits of high quality chromite are found in different parts of the country. Chromite mines are located in Pogradec, Klösi, Letaje and near Kukes. The volume of production increased from 7 thousand tons in 1938 to 502.3 thousand in 1974 and 1.5 million tons in 1986. However, in the 90s. production of chromite ores has declined sharply. However, starting from 2001, the production of chromites began to grow again. Yes, in 2004. the volume of production amounted to 300 thousand tons (see Fig. 6).

Rice. 6 Chromite mining volume (thousand tons)

Calculated from: , ,

The mountains of the northeastern part of the country are richer in ore minerals, and the reserves of oil, gas, and natural bitumen are concentrated in the southwestern part. As of January 1, 2006 proven oil reserves in Albania - 198.1 million barrels, gas - 814.7 million m 3 . But at the beginning of 2008 The media reported that large deposits of oil and gas were discovered in the north of the country. According to Makfaks news agency, we are talking about reserves of 2.987 billion. barrels of oil and 3.014 trillion. m 3 natural gas. It is not difficult to assess the significance of this discovery for the country: if the data is confirmed, this will significantly strengthen Albania's position in the European market and in the Balkan region.

The country also conducts exploration and mining of ores containing gold and silver.

The climate in Albania is subtropical Mediterranean with mild and humid winters and dry hot summers. The territory of the country is one of the most abundant areas in Europe with precipitation (from 1000mm per year in the western plains to 2500mm in the eastern mountainous part). At the same time, there is a sharp seasonal unevenness in precipitation, in the summer only 1/10 of the annual norm falls. High daily temperatures throughout a significant part of the year are favorable for many crops, including subtropical fruit plantations. The long growing season allows two harvests per year in the flat areas.

Convenient access to the sea creates favorable conditions for the development of fishing and maritime transport. The sea along most of the coast of Albania is shallow.

Thus, it can be seen that Albania is rich in natural resources, which is an important prerequisite for the development of the country's economic complex. Climatic conditions generally contribute to the development of agriculture. Of great importance is the availability of fuel and energy resources, it is also worth noting that the country has such an alternative source of energy as stormy mountain rivers. It is also important that natural conditions: ecologically clean sea coast, mountain rivers and numerous lakes, combined with the Mediterranean climate, are favorable factors for the development of tourism.

1.4 Main economic indicators

Albania belongs to the group of countries with economies in transition. According to the Human Development Index, the state is in 68th place (0.801) according to 2007 data.

The country is now in the process of transitioning from a command-and-control system of government to a more open market economy. The privatization of land, retail trade, household services, transport, and construction has been completed; privatization of industrial facilities and the banking system is being carried out.

Albania is one of the poorest countries in Europe. GDP of the country in 2007 amounted to 19.76 billion US dollars, while the level of real GDP growth was 5%, and GDP per capita was 5,500 US dollars (see Fig. 8, 9). For comparison, similar figures in 2004. were: $17.46 billion, 5.6%, $4,900. But here it should be noted that GDP per capita in the EU is 32,900 US dollars. Comparing these indicators, it is not difficult to assess the situation of people in Albania. In general, 25% of the population is below the poverty line (2004).

The inflation rate in 2007 was 3%, while in 2002 it was 4.7% and in 2004 it was 3.2%. It is also worth noting that the official unemployment rate in the country in 2007 was 13%, although according to estimates real level can reach 30%. Official sources do not take into account the high level of underemployment in the Albanian labor market. The country's labor force as of September 2006 was estimated at 1.09 million people, with most of them (58%) employed in agriculture; 27% work in the service sector, and 15% in industry (see Figure 19).

Rice. 7 The structure of employment of the population by sectors of the economy

Source:

Rice. eight Albanian GDP dynamics (billion US dollars)

Rice. nine Dynamics of economic indicators (%)

Calculated from: , ,

Compared to the situation in the 90s. The presence of the state in the economy has sharply narrowed, and the private sector has taken a dominant position. The share of non-state enterprises in the production of GDP in Albania was 75%. Despite progress in privatization and the creation of a legal framework for economic activity, the Albanian economy continues to face numerous structural problems: the economy is supported by remittances back home from Albanians working abroad, amounting to US$600-800 million annually, mainly from Greece and Italy , as well as the country's economy depends on the construction industry, which is used to launder illegal proceeds. Lack of energy and underdeveloped infrastructure make it difficult to attract and retain foreign investment. Also, to ensure sustainable economic growth in the country, there is a need to modernize equipment and improve the condition of railways and highways.

According to estimates, the volume of investments in 2007 was equal to 23.4% of GDP.

Albania's main exports are mainly asphalt, metals and metal ores, crude oil, vegetables, olives, citrus fruits, and tobacco.

Table 1

The main export partners of the Republic of Albania

Source:

Albania imports machinery and equipment, chemicals, food products, including grain, textiles.

table 2

The main import partners of the Republic of Albania

Source:

Export of the country in 2007 amounted to 962 million US dollars, while imports amounted to 3.42 billion US dollars. Thus, we can conclude that the country imports much more than it exports, that is, there is a dependence on imports. In addition, it should be emphasized that over 90% of the total volume of foreign trade is accounted for by the EU countries.

It should be noted that Albania has a huge external debt. As of 2004 the country's external debt is 1.55 billion US dollars. Also to support the development of the country in 2005. 318.7 million US dollars were allocated. Basically, the country receives assistance from the EU.

In general, the public debt of Albania is 53.7% of GDP, which is an important problem for the country's economy.

Thus, we can conclude that in the past few years, a certain stability has been established in the economic development of Albania, but several important tasks still remain unresolved, among them: an imbalance in the foreign trade of the state (a significant predominance of imports over exports) and a large public debt.

Chapter 2. Characteristics of the economic complex of the Republic of Albania

2.1 Sectoral structure of the economic complex of Albania

Albania is an agro-industrial country. For a long time, agriculture accounted for 45-50% of GDP. For example, in 2002 the sectoral structure of the economy looked like this: agriculture and fishing - 49% of GDP, industry and construction - 27%, services - 24%. But gradually the proportions changed towards the development of the service sector. Already in 2004 The distribution of GDP by sectors of the Albanian economy looked like this: agriculture - 46.2%, industry - 25.4%, and the service sector - 28.4%. It should be noted that a significant shift has occurred over the past 3-4 years, because already in 2007. the service sector in the country was estimated to account for 58% of GDP, while the share of agriculture decreased to 21.7% (see Chart 10).

Rice. ten Sectoral structure of GDP

Calculated from: , ,

The main factor behind the jump was the development of the tourism business in Albania. But now, it should be noted, tourist activity in the country may decline due to the erupted political crisis in the Balkan Peninsula, associated with the problem of Kosovo's independence. It is predicted that the current political instability will adversely affect the development of both the tourism sector in particular and the entire Albanian economy in general.

As for the employment structure of the Albanian population by sectors of the economy, it has not changed much in recent times. So, as before, more than half of the country's population is employed in agriculture. But, it should be noted that in connection with the processes of denationalization and privatization in the country's economy in Albania, there is an increase in the number of people employed in the non-state sector.

2.2 Albanian industry

Albania, despite its small size, is rich in various minerals, which creates the basis for the development of industry (see Appendix 1, Fig. 2).

At present, the country's leading positions are occupied by the extractive industries. Chromites, iron-nickel, copper ore, brown coal, natural bitumen, oil and natural gas are mined.

In the structure of the manufacturing industry in Albania, the light industry occupies a leading position.

The most important industries are metallurgy, construction, woodworking, production of textiles, knitwear and footwear, industrial processing of agricultural products and animal husbandry. And at the heart of the entire industrial complex of the country is the energy industry.

Energy is one of the fundamental industries in the industry of each state. Nowadays, electricity is the basis of any production. The fuel and energy industry of Albania is developing mainly on the basis of the use of hydropower resources and oil. The oil-producing and oil-refining industries are of great importance in the country's industry. Albania has its own oil and gas fields, but it should be noted that there are certain problems associated with the incomplete and irrational use of natural resources, as well as insufficient technical equipment for power plants. For example, according to estimates for 2005. the country produced 7,006 barrels of oil per day, while 29,000 barrels per day were consumed. From the given data it is not difficult to estimate the volume of oil imports. Here it is worth mentioning the fact that one of the export items of Albania is crude oil, and it imports processed high-quality oil.

It should also be noted this feature of the Albanian energy sector: 97% of electricity is produced by hydroelectric power plants (HPPs). HPPs are located on the rivers Mati, Bistrica, Drina and others, and the capacity of HPPs on the Drin River is twice the total capacity of other operating HPPs. It can be concluded that the country's electric power industry is mainly based on the use of hydropower resources.

The use of mountain rivers to generate electricity is undoubtedly profitable and promising, but there are certain problems with the operation of hydroelectric power plants. Thus, one of the main disadvantages of hydroelectric power plants is their dependence on climatic conditions. For example, Albania experienced an acute energy crisis in 2005, caused by the worst drought in the last 20 years, which led to the shutdown of most hydroelectric power plants.

The electricity sector is given great attention in Albania and its development is going in two directions:

1. The leadership of the National Energy Corporation (NEC) is improving; correct calculation of electricity consumption; reduction of losses in the transmission of energy over a distance.

2. Construction of a new heating plant in the city of Vlore and a hydroelectric power station in the city of Shkodra.

It is also worth emphasizing that the government is interested in attracting foreign investors. It is known that Italian, Greek and Austrian companies are showing interest in building a cascade of 11 HPPs (on the Devola River) with a total capacity of 250 MW. Also, in connection with the inefficiency of the management of the Albanian energy system, the government is developing conditions for the transfer of KES to the management of foreign companies. Italian and German companies are showing interest in the project.

Also, steps have been taken in the country to create metallurgy, mechanical engineering and the chemical industry.

Another reason that Albania is now one of the economically backward European states is the fact that for a long time the mining and metallurgical complex occupied only a small part of industrial production, despite the fact that the country has unique deposits of non-ferrous metal ores. Non-metallic materials are also being developed, primarily dolomite. However, in the mid-2000s deposits of mainly chromite ores and, to a small extent, bauxites (which are now mined a little - 5 thousand tons per year - despite the fact that bauxite reserves are estimated at 12 million tons) were industrially developed.

The main chromite mining area is located to the northeast (Burkiza) and north of Tirana, there is also a ferrochromium plant in Burreli. A few decades ago, from the 1960s to the 1980s, Albania was one of the top three producers and exporters of chromite, second only to the raw material giants - South Africa and Soviet Union. At that time, the country produced more than 1 million tons of chromites per year, while in our time production is at the level of 0.3 million tons annually. Moreover, more than half of the volume is just sinter ore, and only 10 thousand tons is concentrate.

The development of iron-nickel ores in the mountains to the west of Lake Orchid is also promising. By the early 2000s, Albania was in tenth place in the world in terms of proven nickel reserves (1 million tons, or 2% of the world's total). Its production is concentrated at the metallurgical complex in Elbasan, however, the capacity of this production is small.

There is also significant copper production capacity (in the Mati and Drin basins), but these are currently largely unused. Although back in the 1980s. the production of copper ore reached 1 million tons per year, and a significant part of copper products (for example, wire produced at the Rubik plant) was exported. But already in 1998. became the first when copper products were not produced.

As for raw material support for metallurgy, Albania produces a small amount of coke, up to 60,000 tons. And to the south and southeast of the capital there are deposits of iron ore, which annually can provide the country's mining and metallurgical complex with supplies of more than 1 million tons of raw materials, but now they are little used. The country also has a multi-purpose plant in Elbasan for the production of ferrous metals.

The chemical industry of Albania is represented by the production of fertilizers - phosphate fertilizers in Lyachi and nitrogen fertilizers in Fier. In Vlora, an industrial complex for the production of caustic and soda ash, as well as plastics, was built on the basis of table salt extracted from sea water.

One of the priority sectors in Albania is the construction sector, responding to the increased demand for residential construction, the construction of business offices and the development and transformation of infrastructure (roads, sewerage, water supply). For 2004 the operating costs for the construction amounted to 875 million lek plus a foreign loan approved by Parliament in the amount of 17 million US dollars. The construction and repair of railways and highways, the construction of facilities important for Albania's integration into NATO and the EU are underway: the north-south corridor and the eighth west-east corridor. Ports are also expanding. The construction of new roads will improve transport within the country and, due to its geographical location in Europe, will give a large increase in budget revenues, raising the standard of living of the population of Albania. All this will lead, according to the government's calculations, to an increase in employment and an increase in the number of jobs.

Construction needs are served by cement plants in Vlora, Shkodra, Elbasan; in Selenica, natural bitumen is mined, which is used to make the highest grades of asphalt.

The woodworking industry is located mainly in two areas: in the north, along the Kukes-Shkoder highway, and in the center of the country, where the Elbasan plant, which produces plywood and furniture, stands out in particular.

On the basis of the local raw material base, cotton-cleaning enterprises operate in Rogozhin and Fier, textile enterprises, primarily in Isberish and Berat, as well as a cloth factory in Tirana.

Thus, the Albanian industry is developing at a low rate (3.1% in 2004, 2% in 2007), mainly due to depreciation of fixed assets and lack of investors. Having at its disposal quite rich deposits natural resources, the Albanian government has not yet properly established the production of goods. Efforts are being made, especially in the construction sector, to modernize and improve production, but little progress has been made. The share of high-tech products in the country's production is too small. The mining industry is developed, but the manufacturing industry functions inefficiently, and as a result, mainly raw materials are exported from the state, while finished products are purchased. It should be noted that the food and textile industries have been widely developed in Albania, where production is based on local agricultural raw materials.

2.3 Agriculture in Albania

The level of agricultural production in Albania is traditionally low, because. natural factors are very unfavorable for its development.

Firstly, Albania is a mountainous country, and, consequently, the area of ​​sown land here is small; Basically, such lands lie in the coastal and central parts of the country. According to estimates for 2005. the area of ​​arable land was 20.1% of the total territory of the country, the area of ​​sown land was only 4.21% (see Fig. 11).

Rice. eleven The structure of the land fund of Albania

Calculated by: ,

Secondly, the development of agriculture, in particular crop production, is hindered by the infertile soils of the country.

But still, until recently, it was agriculture that produced about half of Albania's GDP.

During the communist regime in Albania, as in all socialist countries, collectivization was carried out, accompanied by a land reform aimed at eliminating large private land ownership. Collective and state farms were planted throughout the country. And only in the early 90s. In the 20th century, after the collapse of the communist regime, the privatization of agricultural land began. In the course of radical reforms in the country, 97.7% of the cultivated areas owned by the state were divided. As a result, 413 thousand owners of arable land immediately appeared with an average allotment of 1.4 hectares per farmer.

Until the 1990s over 60% of cultivated land was irrigated. After the reform, there was a significant reduction in irrigation capacity. As a result, only 54% of previously irrigated land remained usable. As of 2003 the area of ​​irrigated land is 3530 km 2, or 12.3% of the territory of Albania.

Agriculture in Albania is specialized in crop production. They grow cereals, corn, sugar beets, sunflowers, potatoes, vegetables (legumes, onions, tomatoes, cabbage, eggplants).

Rice. 12 Dynamics of the average annual harvest of wheat and corn in Albania

Calculated by:

The country has made significant progress in the cultivation of fiber crops, especially cotton and tobacco. The cultivation of olives plays an important role. Developed fruit growing, viticulture. Among other crops grown in Albania, there are many different fruits - apricots, pears, quinces, pomegranates, peaches, apples, figs, watermelons, melons, and in the south - grapes and citrus fruits.

The increase in the areas of greenhouses, orchards and vineyards was an achievement of a market economy in agriculture, the implementation of a development program for this sector.

An important role is played by the tobacco industry (its main centers are Shkoder and Durres). Along with the development of the oil and tobacco industries traditional for Albania, sugar (in the Korca basin), wine-making (mainly in the south and in Tirana) and canning are functioning. Olive oil production is carried out close to the raw material base: from Saranda in the south to Kruja in the north. Fruit and tobacco products occupy a significant place in Albania's exports.

In animal husbandry, the main direction is pasture sheep breeding. There are 1.4 million sheep and 900 thousand goats. Cattle, poultry, horses, donkeys are also bred. Meat and dairy animal husbandry prevails in the south of the country, in the north and east - mountain pasture animal husbandry with farming centers in the valleys (see Appendix 1, Fig. 3). The famous white Albanian cheese is produced here.

Fishing in Albania is poorly developed. Although the state has extensive access to the sea, so far fishing remains a promising industry. For example, the catch of fish in 2001. amounted to only 3.596 tons.

Thus, it should be emphasized that Albania is still an agro-industrial country. More than half of the labor force is employed in agriculture. Although natural conditions are not particularly conducive to the development of agriculture, agricultural products occupy an important place in the structure of the country's exports.

2.4 Service industry in Albania

Of the service sector in Albania, tourism is currently developing most actively. It should be noted that despite the presence of extensive access to the sea (coastline - 362 km), tourism began to develop in the country recently. This is due to the fact that for a long period Albania was a closed state, and only after the collapse of the communist system it became possible to visit the country. Thanks to the closed regime for a long time, namely for 50 years, the nature of the country has so far remained untouched in most of its parts, which attracts tourists here. It is worth noting that for the successful functioning of the tourism sector, a developed infrastructure is needed, which the country cannot boast of. But now the modernization of transport routes, airports, resort facilities is underway. For example, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will finance a project to expand the terminal of the Albanian airport named after Mother Teresa (28 million euros). At the beginning of 2007, thanks to an investment of about 50 million euros by the German-American consortium that currently operates the airport, the opening of the new airport terminal took place. And, according to official data, in 2007 this international airport received over 1 million passengers. passengers, and the volume of freight traffic has set a new record, which means 65% more than in 2006. The number of passengers as a percentage increased by 22%. The tourist boom in the country began only a few years ago. More recently, such airlines as British Airways, Germanwings, Belle Air and My Air have entered the Albanian market. For the first time they began to operate their flights to Tirana airport only in 2006.

Albanian ports are also being modernized. Thus, the main port of the country in the city of Durres is being expanded, for which 17 million euros have been spent. About 3 million rubles were spent on the reconstruction of the port in Vlore and other coastal cities. euro . The construction of roads within the country continues, which improves both the standard of living of the Albanian population and contributes to the development of the tourism business.

It is also worth noting that in order to make Albanian tourism competitive, international experts recommend that the country choose a different model for tourism development in the southern regions, which will not be similar to the Croatian and Montenegrin models.

As for the healthcare system in Albania, there are also certain problems. Officially, medical care is free for the entire population, but the level of medical care remains low. The healthcare system suffers from shortages of doctors, medicines and outdated equipment. In connection with these circumstances, paid and traditional medicine is developing.

According to official statistics, in the post-communist period, it was possible to significantly reduce the level of mortality and morbidity. Largely due to the legalization of abortion between 1990 and 1993, deaths during pregnancy were halved. Pregnant women were released from work in difficult and harmful conditions. Infant mortality in 2003 was 22.3 per 1,000 newborns, then this figure continues to decline: in 2007, infant mortality was 20 per 1,000 newborns. Positive trends in the healthcare system reflect the fact that the standard of living of the population in the country is gradually improving.

The education system of the country functions quite effectively. Thus, there are over 250 students and schoolchildren per 1,000 people in Albania. Compulsory education - eight years comprehensive school. The country's higher education system includes 5 universities, 2 agricultural institutes, the Institute of Physical Education, Arts and Pedagogical Institutes. The level of education is growing. For example, if in 2000 coverage of the population with primary education has decreased to 81%. This was due not only to the inefficiency of the education system, but also partly to the fact that in the 1990s up to 1/3 of the country's intellectual potential emigrated. “Brain drain” has damaged both development higher education and research area. It must be said that by this time the situation in the field of education in Albania had stabilized; in 2007 the literacy rate of the population as a whole was 98.7% (see Fig. 13).

Rice. thirteen The dynamics of literacy of the population of Albania

Calculated from: , ,

An interesting situation has developed in Albania in the field of trade. Currently, the most priority areas in trade have not yet been identified, so many entrepreneurs are engaged in several types of activities at once. In the state, there are such promising areas as construction or tourism, but still there is no specific specialization. It should also be noted that in the country in the sphere of trade an important place is occupied by the development of the private sector.

In the field of telecommunications, Albania also has its own problems, the main of which are the outdated cable system and the low density of telephone lines per capita. Despite investments in the construction of telephone lines, their density is only 10 lines per 100 inhabitants. However, mobile communication is quite widespread, the services of which became available to the population in 1996.

Let us note another trend of the population of Albania in the field of information services - this is a sharp jump in the number of Internet users. So in 2003 in the country there were only 30,000 users, and already in 2006. their number in the country increased to 471,200 people. Thus, we see that the number of Internet users has increased by more than 15 times over the past 3 years, and the number of television broadcasting stations has also increased over the past few years. All this suggests that, despite the socio-economic backwardness in relation to most European countries, Albania has entered the era of computers and information technology. Although, on the other hand, the number of Internet users per 100 people is still low in the country.

All types of transport are represented in the transport system of Albania: rail, road, sea and river, air and pipeline.

Railway transport is of great importance in passenger and freight traffic. The length of railways is 447 km. The main highway runs from north to south from Shkoder through Durres to Vlora, there are branches to Tirana and Pogradets (on the shores of Lake Ohrid). Basically, through rail transport, cargo transportation is carried out within the country from the areas of mining to the areas of their processing. Railways Albania is part of the European railway system.

Road transport is also essential for domestic transport, although the fleet of private vehicles is small and the roads are in poor condition. The first Tirana-Durres highway was completed in 2000. The total length of roads is 18,000 km, of which 7,020 km are paved (2002). Bicycles are widespread. In the remote mountainous area, mules and donkeys are used as vehicles.

Maritime shipping options are limited. The merchant marine has 22 vessels at its disposal. The main foreign trade port - Durres - has an advantageous position in the central part of the coast of the country and is connected by a network of roads with the hinterland. There is a ferry service between Albanian ports and Italian and Greek ports.

The length of inland waterways is 43 km, including the Albanian section of the lakes Shkoder, Ohrid and Prespa. The only navigable river is the Buna, located in the northwest of the country. There is also a regular ferry service on Lake Ohrid linking the Albanian town of Pogradec with the Macedonian town of Ohrid.

In connection with the development of tourism, air transport is also developing. The country's largest airport is Mother Teresa International Airport in Rinas, 25 km from Tirana. Currently, 14 airlines operate in Albania and connect Tirana with almost all other European capitals with direct flights. Among them is the national airline - Albanian Airlines.

Under communist rule and earlier under the pre-war monarchy, Albania's armed forces were the weakest in the Balkans and were used mainly to suppress insurgencies within the country.

In 1996 the armed forces reached the number of 72.5 thousand people, and if other paramilitary organizations are taken into account, the total number of military personnel reached 113.5 thousand people. However, at the beginning of the 11th century, the foreign policy orientation towards the entry of Albania into the Euro-Atlantic structures determined the development armed forces countries. approved by Parliament in January 2000. The strategy of the country's defense policy, which officially fixed the long-term goal - Albania's full membership in NATO no later than 2010, established the strength of the armed forces: 31 thousand military personnel in peacetime and 120 thousand - in military. In fact, the size of the armed forces has decreased from 47 thousand people in 2000 to up to 22 thousand people in 2002 At the moment, the draft age in Albania is 19 years, the duration of service in the armed forces is 15 months. In 2005 the country's military spending amounted to 1.49% of GDP, which, compared with other Balkan countries (Macedonia - 6%, Bosnia and Herzegovina - 4.5%, Greece - 4.3% of GDP) is too little to modernize and maintain troops, and, thus, the speedy accession of the country to NATO. Although, on the other hand, the prospects for joining the alliance largely depend on the United States, especially after the crisis that erupted in the Balkans around Kosovo's independence. It is worth noting that part of the financing of the country's armed forces is carried out from outside.

Thus, we can say that the service sector is rapidly developing in Albania, especially in the direction of international tourism. But at the same time, there are many problems in the country related to the lack of developed infrastructure, outdated equipment, lack of funding for certain areas, as well as the problems of attracting investors to the unstable domestic market of the country. It should be noted that the latter problem has become even more aggravated due to the crisis around Kosovo. the future of the entire Balkan region is in jeopardy and foreign policy instability discourages entrepreneurs from investing their money. Moreover, the investment problem has become acute not only in the service sector, but in the entire economy of the country as a whole.

Chapter 3. Foreign economic relations of the Republic of Albania

3.1 Albania in international organizations

Since the beginning of the 90s. The twentieth century, after the fall of the communist regime in the country, Albania pursues a course of integration into the sphere of international economic and political cooperation. July 30, 1990 A protocol was signed on the normalization of relations between the USSR and Albania and the resumption of the activities of embassies. In 1991 relations with the United States and Great Britain were restored.

In June 1941 The country joined the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The OSCE is the largest regional security organization, which includes 56 states of Europe, Central Asia and North America. The organization aims to prevent conflicts in the region, resolve crisis situations, and eliminate the consequences of conflicts.

Since 1955 The Republic of Albania is a member of the United Nations (UN). Albania is also a member of UNESCO, the UN Industrial Development Organization, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the International Labor Organization (ILO).

In December 1992 The Republic of Albania became a member of the Islamic Development Bank and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). The OIC is the largest and most influential official governmental Muslim international organization. It currently unites 55 countries. The goals of the creation of the OIC: cooperation between Muslim states, joint participation in activities in the international arena, the achievement of stable development of the participating countries.

In June 1992 Albania became a co-founder of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Zone (BSEC), is a member of the Central European Initiative (CEI).

From July 1995 Albania is a member of the Council of Europe. The country also participates in inter-Balkan cooperation, has established diplomatic relations with all major countries of the world, received observer status in the North Atlantic Assembly, and was admitted to the North Atlantic Cooperation Council (NACC).

The Republic of Albania has joined the World Trade Organization (WTO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Interpol.

The priority direction of Albania's foreign policy is accession to NATO and the European Union (EU). Back in May 1992. signed an agreement on trade and economic cooperation with the EU for a period of 10 years. And in December 1992. Albania applied to NATO with a request to join. The development of relations with the US and the EU was facilitated by significant assistance from Western countries in a difficult period for the state. In 1996 The United States provided Albania with loans worth $200 million, Italy over $400 million and Germany over $100 million. In addition, the EU has donated over $650 million in humanitarian aid. In 2005 Albania, among other Balkan states, signed the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU, taking the first step towards joining the union. But a state can be recognized as an official candidate for EU membership only after it fully satisfies the requirements set by the European Union.

From January 1, 2008 visa facilitation agreement of September 18, 2007 came into force. between Albania and the European Union, according to which certain categories of people can receive a Schengen visa under a simplified system. The Albanian government, only two months after the entry into force of the first agreement, is ready to fulfill all the necessary requirements so that Albanian citizens can move freely within the European Union. According to the estimates of some European experts on the visa regime, if the government implements all the necessary reforms, then Albania could become part of the Schengen zone in two years.

April 3, 2008 At the NATO summit in Bucharest, the Republic of Albania received an official invitation to the alliance. So, we can talk about the implementation by the state of one of the main foreign policy tasks.

Thus, Albania is a member of many international organizations, which includes it in the system of world economic relations and increases the importance of the state in the system of international economic relations. Albania will soon become a full member of NATO, while joining the EU remains only a dream for the country for the time being due to the backwardness of its main economic indicators.

3.2 Characteristics of the most important forms of international economic relations

Main characteristic country is the population and it is with this characteristic that it is necessary to begin the analysis of the country in the international division of labor (MRI). So Albania has a small population, which determines its insignificant role in the international division of labor. In 2007 Albania was ranked 129th in terms of population out of 154 countries. According to the UN forecast for 2025, the republic will rise only by 5 positions and take 124th place. This shows that its share in MRI will practically not change and will remain at a low level.

Moreover, in terms of labor productivity, Albania falls into the group of the most backward countries in the world and ranks 115th. In the international division of labor, Albania acts as a supplier of mining, woodworking, food industry products, as well as a supplier of agricultural products such as tobacco, olives, citrus fruits. Well, the state consumes mainly finished industrial products.

The next indicator that determines the place of any country on the economic map of the world is GDP. Total GDP measures the economic strength of a country, while GDP per capita measures its level of economic development. In terms of GDP, the country ranks 113th in the world. Albania's GDP in 2007 amounted to 19.76 million US dollars (for comparison: France - 2.067 trillion dollars, Germany - 2.833 trillion dollars, USA - 13.86 trillion dollars). share of the country in the creation of world GDP.

Labor migration is also an important form of international economic relations. This figure is high in Albania. The country has a negative balance of migration - -4.54 per 1000 people (2007) . It is worth noting that the migration process in Albania is characterized by such a phenomenon as “brain drain”. Migrate mainly people who have received higher or secondary specialized education. Some estimates indicate that more than 50% of the educated population who graduated from universities left the country. The majority of the population leaves Albania for neighboring Italy and Greece, and illegally, and this causes disagreement between the governments of these states and the Albanian leadership. Only in the 1990s. 600 thousand Albanians were forced to emigrate, with 83% of the emigrants being young people aged 20-35 years. Thus, according to 2004 data, 25% of the country's population was below the poverty line. The average salary in the public sector is $118.

It is natural that, on the one hand, these labor migrations undermine the country's economy, but, on the other hand, remittances from other countries help to improve the living standards of the population. For example, Albania receives between 10 and 20% of its national income from migrant workers abroad.

Analyzing the Albanian migration process, it must be said that forced migration for political reasons has a certain significance here. So, ethnic conflict in Kosovo in 1999. caused a large influx of Albanian refugees from there, who settled in the north-eastern regions of the country, which aggravated internal problems, since the state was not able to provide an adequate standard of living for those who emigrated.

It should also be noted the features of the policy of the Albanian government in the field of attracting foreign capital and foreign trade.

The country has a problem of attracting foreign investors to the economy. Due to the existing political instability and a number of other reasons, foreign investors are in no hurry to invest in the Albanian economy. The problem of long-term investments is particularly acute. In this country, foreign investors prefer to invest primarily in those industries where profit is quickly achieved. Therefore, the volume of long-term investments is still relatively small.

To solve this problem, the government is taking measures to create and adjust the country's legislative framework. Fundamental for the development of investment activity are two laws adopted by the Albanian Parliament: "On Commercial Companies" and "On Foreign Investments".

Today, the country's legislation provides for the protection of foreign capital and other interests of foreign partners. The procedure for registering companies with foreign capital has been simplified. Profits of foreign investors transferred abroad are not subject to taxes. Goods intended for use in production purposes and joint venture activities, exemption from income taxes for the first 4-5 years is allowed, depending on the industry where production is carried out.

The country's foreign trade has also been liberalized: 45% of imported products are not taxed, existing customs tariffs are low, and there is no import licensing. The main trading partners are Italy, Greece, Germany, Macedonia, Austria, Turkey, Bulgaria.

3.3 Albanian participation in regional integration processes

The Balkan Peninsula has been and remains a problematic region in Europe. Here, side by side, peoples belonging to various religious denominations live: Orthodox, Catholics and Muslims. Moreover, a specific situation lies in the fact that the political borders of many Balkan states do not coincide with the ethnic ones.

The situation in the Balkans is also complicated by the fact that there is a constant political struggle between NATO and the EU, on the one hand, and Russia, on the other, for influence in this region. All these circumstances eventually led to political and economic crises and erupted civil wars at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries.

However, the economy of the Balkan states, and the economy of Albania as its component, is constantly developing. Currently, the world, in general, and Europe, in particular, are undergoing continuous integration processes, which means the strengthening of the interdependence of countries and regions. Similar processes are taking place on the Balkan Peninsula.

In the 90s. In the 20th century, a number of bilateral treaties on friendship, good neighborliness, cooperation and security were signed between the Balkan countries. But it should be noted that all the countries of this region were characterized by a selective approach to the development of relations with their neighbors: Greece and Romania maintained closer relations with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY), Albania with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia and Turkey, Bulgaria with Croatia , Slovenia and Macedonia, from which it follows that in their policy the parties adhered to civilizational and confessional principles.

The issue of national minorities has always been rather acute in the relations between the Balkan states (see Table 3).

Table 3

National minorities in the Balkan Peninsula

POPULATION: About 3.3 million people. Albanians (Ghegs in the north and Tosks in the south) - 96%. In addition to them, about 50 thousand Greeks (3%), 20 thousand Macedonians, 8 thousand Montenegrins and a certain number of representatives of other nations - Serbs, Bulgarians, gypsies, etc. live in the country.

LANGUAGE: Albanian, has two main forms - Tosk and Gegian dialects.

RELIGION: Sunni Muslim - 70%, Orthodox (Greek Orthodox Church) - 20%, Catholic - 10%. From 1967 to 1990, Albania was the only country in the world where officially, at the state level, atheism was proclaimed, many churches were converted into theaters and houses of culture. It is now the only European country with a Muslim majority.

GEOGRAPHY: The country is located in the south-east of Europe, in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula. In the north and northwest it borders with Serbia and Montenegro, in the east - with the Republic of Macedonia, in the southeast and south - with Greece. The western border is washed by the Adriatic, the southwestern - by the Ionian Seas. Most of the country is mountainous and elevated, with deep, fertile valleys. There are several large lakes on the territory of the country, stretching along the borders with Yugoslavia, Macedonia and Greece. One of them - Ohrid - is the deepest in the Balkans (294 m.). Albania is one of the smallest countries in Europe - the total area of ​​the country is about 28.74 thousand square meters. km.

CLIMATE: Subtropical Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The average temperature in July is from +24 C to +28 C, in January - +4 C in the north and up to +7 C in the south, the temperature strongly depends on the height above sea level. Precipitation (600-800 mm per year) falls mainly in autumn and spring. In mountainous areas the climate is colder (frosts down to -20 C), annual precipitation increases from 900-1200 mm. in the eastern, up to 2000-2600 mm. and more on the windward western slopes of the mountains. At altitudes of more than 1000 meters in mountainous areas, the snow cover lasts for several months. The best time to visit the country is September. The warm season lasts from May to September (July is the warmest month, up to +38 C), but even in April and October the weather conditions can be quite favorable.

POLITICAL STATUS: The state system is a democratic republic. The head of state is the president. The head of government is the prime minister. The highest legislative body is the parliament (unicameral People's Assembly). The political situation in the country is quite complicated, Albania is involved in the conflict in Kosovo, there are a fairly large number of independent armed formations on the territory of the country and a rather difficult economic situation.

CURRENCY: Lek. US dollars and the German mark are free to circulate along with the national currency. Currency can be exchanged at banks and exchange offices, there is also a free convertible currency market, which usually operates on the street in front of post offices or the State Bank. Transactions on the street are considered legal. Cash is preferred in all cases, credit cards are not accepted, and the use of traveler's checks is also extremely limited. Some major banks exchange American dollar traveler's checks for cash without a fee, but this is rather the exception. Tipping is obligatory almost everywhere, in restaurants - 10%.

TIME: 2 hours behind Moscow time.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS: Albania has a number of breathtaking natural features that attract the attention of the traveler - rocky peaks and picturesque mountains overgrown with dense forests, beautiful beaches under the warm Mediterranean sun and azure blue waters of the Adriatic. The shores of the country are magnificent and could seriously compete with Croatia and Italy. Besides the beaches of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania has a range of historical attractions to offer, the country's architecture is a frivolous mixture of religions, styles, cultures and landscapes, from ancient Greek period monuments to Muslim minarets, from idyllic mountain resorts, many of which were founded by the Romans, to monasteries of all denominations. The relics of one of the longest dictatorships in Europe are surrounded by citrus orchards, olive groves and vineyards. Dilapidated factories stand next to breathtaking mosques, ornate Greek Orthodox churches can be a stone's throw from pompous Stalinist-style palaces of culture. Tirana, the capital of Albania since 1920, is compact enough and pleasant to explore on foot. Most excursions in Tirana start from the large open square of Skanderberg in the city center, bounded on the east by the heights of Mount Dajiti (1612 m.), The nearby market is also worth a detailed study - it is unlikely that anywhere else in Europe you will be able to visit a real oriental bazaar with everyone its attributes (including, attention!, a large number of market pickpockets). The National Museum of History is the biggest and nicest museum in Albania, you will find it next to the 15-storey Tirana International Hotel, the tallest building in the country. A huge mosaic fresco covers the entire façade of the building. To the east of the hotel is the Palace of Culture, which has its own theatre, restaurant, cafe and art galleries, and clearly stands out against the background of the low buildings of the capital with its "Soviet" architecture. On the south side of the building is the entrance to the National Library, and opposite it is the dome and minaret of the Etem Mey Mosque, built in 1793 - one of the most expressive buildings in the city, and near the mosque - the clock tower of Tirana, built in 1830. Along the banks of the Lana River, south of the capital, rise the white marble walls of the former Enver Hoxha Museum, which is sometimes used as a center for various exhibitions and in the future will turn into the largest disco in Europe. Further south, on Deshmoret e Combit Boulevard, is the ultra-modern Congress Palace and Archaeological Museum, which has a fantastic selection of exhibits from prehistoric times to the medieval period. The attractions of Tirana also include the Museum of National Culture, the Museum of Natural History and an excellent art gallery. The city of Shkodra (or Shkodra, and in Italian - Scutari) is one of the oldest cities in Europe and the traditional center of the Ghegs cultural region. In 500 B.C. e. the Illyrian fortress that lay in its place already guarded the trade crossroads west of the city, where the rivers Buna and Drina merge. The city is adorned with the imposing Sheikh Zamil Abdullah Al-Zamil Mosque, and next to it is the Muzoe Popullo ("Public Museum"), which has an impressive collection of historical photographs, including those showing the country's recent "socialist" past, and also has an impressive archaeological collection, located on the lower floors. Shkodra was also the most influential Catholic city in Albania, and the imposing Franciscan church on Rruga Ndre Mjeda is now once again one of the country's main Christian churches. The legendary Rozafa Fortress is 2 km away. southwest of Shkodra, near the southern tip of Lake Skodar. Below the fortress lies the multi-domed Leaden Mosque, the only mosque in the city that escaped destruction during the Cultural Revolution of the 60s. Gjirokastra lies 120 km. south of Tirana, this is a strikingly picturesque museum city, spreading along the slopes of the mountain above the banks of the Drina River. The city was well known as a major trading center by the 13th century, but the Turkish occupation that began in 1417 brought it into decline. However, by the 17th century, the city flourished again, and was famous for its multi-colored bazaar, where they traded in exquisite local embroidery, oriental silk and the famous Albanian white cheese. Above the Bazaar Mosque, located in the city center, rises the monument to Memedhu, erected in honor of the "renaissance" of Albanian education in the 20th century. The city is dominated by a gloomy 14th-century citadel, now a weapons museum. The buildings of the Ethnographic Museum and the old Turkish baths are located in the lower part of the city. In Elbasan (54 km southeast of Tirana), the remains of Roman fortifications are still preserved, a fortress of the 15th century AD. which now houses a museum. In Durres (Duraccio in Italian), 38 km. west of Tirana, an interesting ancient city, founded in 627 BC. e. Greeks. For many centuries it was the largest port on the Adriatic and the beginning of the famous Via Ignatia, going all the way to Constantinople, the ruins of the Byzantine and Venetian fortresses are still preserved here. Roman ruins and fortifications adorn this main industrial city and commercial port, the second largest city in Albania. Most excursions start from the Archaeological Museum, which overlooks the embankment near the port. Behind the museum are the walls of a 6th-century Byzantine city built after the Visigoth invasion in 481 AD. e., reinforced by round Venetian towers in the 14th century. Roman Amphitheater, built between the 1st and 2nd centuries BC. e., still looks quite impressive, and stands on a constantly sun-drenched hillside inside the fortress walls. The old palace of King Ahmet Zog is located to the west of the amphitheater, and in front of it rises a statue of the country's founder - Skanderberg and, in sharp dissonance, huge radar "dishes" installed by the Italian army. When you are in the city center, don't miss the Roman Baths behind the Alexandra Moisou Theater in the central square. Kukes, 100 km. northeast of Tirana, lies above the high shore of the picturesque mountain lake Fierca, just below the top of the almost bald mountain Galiki (2486 m.). The old city formerly stood at the confluence of two rivers - the White Drina and the Black Drina, flowing from Lake Ohrid, but in 1962 the city was moved to its present site when the government built a hydroelectric dam and the river flooded its location. Now it is a very pleasant place to spend a few days enjoying the clean mountain air and the beautiful scenery of the reservoir, sandwiched by steep mountain slopes, and the local hotel "Tourismi" is one of the most luxurious hotels famous for one of the best restaurants in the country. Berat, lying 122 km. southeast of Tirana, it is the second most important museum city in Albania after Gjirokastra, and is sometimes called the "city of a thousand windows" because of the many windows in its red-tiled buildings, as if specially turned "to the sun" to the rays were reflected in the glasses. Along the ridge above the city, over a rugged gorge, lies a 14th-century citadel that protected small Greek Orthodox churches such as the Cathedral of Our Lady, as well as the Church of the Holy Trinity and the Church of the Evangelists. On the slope below the citadel lies Mangalem - the old Muslim quarter, and a stone bridge with seven arched spans leads to Gorik - the Christian quarter. The city has several fine mosques - the Lead Mosque, the Royal Mosque, the Bachelor's (Bachelor's) Mosque and the Alveti Tekke ("lesser shrine") where Islamic dervish sects were located. Korca, 179 km. southeast of Tirana, main city oriental style, located on a high (869 m.) plateau near the Greek border, south of Lake Ohrid. This is the largest carpet weaving center in Albania, founded by the Greeks. Fine museums in the city include Muzeu and Artet Mesjetar Shqiptar (Museum of Albanian Medieval Art), Museum Historik and Muzeu and Arsimit Kombetar (Museum of Education). Many buildings of the old city were destroyed by earthquakes in 1931 and 1960, which knocked down minarets and destroyed many ancient churches, but some of the colorful buildings of old Korch survived, including a 15th-century mosque in the bazaar area, west of the Iliriy hotel. The ancient ruins of Butrint lie almost on the southern border of the country with Greece, 160 km. south of Tirana, and are considered the pearl of the Adriatic coast. Virgil claimed that Trojans built Butrint, but no evidence of this has yet been found, although the site has been studied in detail by archaeologists. Nevertheless, the locals proudly continue to consider themselves descendants of the glory of Troy. For many centuries since the time of the ancient Greeks, Butrint was a fortified trading city with its own acropolis, the ruins of which can still be visited, baths and rest houses of the nobility. A little lower than the acropolis, in the thick of the forest, there is a theater dating back to the 3rd century BC. e. Nearby are public baths with geometric mosaics, and a little deeper in the forest is a wall of the 6th century BC. e. with Greek inscriptions and a baptistery decorated with colorful mosaics of animals and birds. Nearby, a large area is occupied by a triangular fortress built by the military leader Ali Pasha Tepelena in the 19th century. The Ionian coast of the country, especially the "Riviera of Flowers" from Vlora to Saranda, has the most beautiful sea coasts in this country. Albania has six National parks, 24 reserves and natural monuments, but the protection of all these areas is carried out mainly on paper.

ENTRY RULES: Citizens of the EU, Australia, USA, Canada and several other countries do not require a visa. A visa can be obtained both at the consular section of the embassy, ​​and at the border crossing by paying the price equivalent of the cost of a visa for Albanians to your country (or 30 - 75 US dollars, depending on the length of stay in the country).

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: The import and export of foreign currency is not legally restricted, currency in excess of 2500 US dollars must be declared upon entry. It is allowed to export previously imported foreign currency during the year, national - no more than 3000 leks. The importation of weapons, pornographic materials and drugs is strictly prohibited, although the customs authorities often turn a blind eye to violations of these rules. The export of antiquities, including stones from archaeological sites, is prohibited. Allowed free export of copies of antique works, which are sold everywhere.

In recent years, more and more tourists have come to Albania. This is connected, of course, with the political and economic stability of this country. However, for most of us, Albania is still a little-studied and mysterious Balkan country, where, according to rumors, there are stunningly beautiful beaches and unique old architecture. So what is Albania really like?

Geography

Albania is one of the countries of southeastern Europe, which is located in the Balkans. The total area of ​​this ancient country is 28,748 km2. sq. The Republic of Albania borders Montenegro in the north, Kosovo in the northeast, Macedonia in the east, and Greece in the south and southeast. The total length of the Albanian border is 1094 km. In the west, Albania is washed by the warm and clear waters of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. The highest peak in Albania is Mount Korabi (2764 m).

Capital of Albania

The capital of Albania is Tirana, which was founded by the Turks in 1614. In 1920, the All-Albanian National Congress proclaimed Tirana the capital of an independent Albania. Now the population of Tirana is more than 400 thousand people.

Official language

The official language of Albania is Albanian, which is a branch of the Indo-European languages ​​and also the heir of the Illyrian language. Modern Albanian has many borrowings from Greek, Italian, Latin, Turkish, and Slavic.

Religion

About 70% of the population of Albania are Muslims, practicing its Sunni branch. Another 20% of Albanians are Christians belonging to the Greek Catholic Church. The remaining 10% of Albanians are Catholics.

State structure

Albania is a parliamentary republic. The modern constitution of the country was adopted on October 21, 1998, after many years of struggle for independence. The Parliament of Albania is a unicameral Assembly (People's Assembly), in which elections of deputies take place every 4 years (a total of 140 deputies).

The main political parties are the Democratic Party of Albania, the Socialist Party of Albania, the Democratic Alliance, the Republican Party of Albania, and the Unity Party for Human Rights.

On April 1, 2009, Albania became a member of NATO. Now Albania is striving to join the European Union. In April 2009, Albania officially applied for EU membership.

Climate and weather

The average air temperature in Albania is +15.9 C. In the coastal regions of Albania, the climate is subtropical Mediterranean, temperate. Summers are hot and dry (from +24 C to +28 C), while winters are mild and humid (from +4 C to +14 C). In the Alpine regions of Albania, the climate is continental, with humid summers (up to +10 C) and cold winters (up to -12-20 C).

Sea in Albania

Albania is washed by the waters of the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The total coastline is 362 km. On the Adriatic coast of Albania, near the ancient city of Lezha, founded in the 4th century BC, there is a beautiful Drina Bay.

Albania owns several small islands, but they are all uninhabited. The largest of them is the island of Sazani, which is located at the entrance to the Gulf of Vlore. Its area is 5 km. sq.

The coast of Albania and Italy is connected by the Strait of Otranto, which is 75 km wide. This strait separates the Adriatic and Ionian seas.

Rivers and lakes

Despite the fact that Albania is a small mountainous country, a large number of rivers flow through its territory. The largest of them are the Drin River (285 km) in the north of the country and the Seman River (281 km) in the south. The rivers Vyosa (272 km), Mat (115 km), Shkumbin (181 km), and Bystrica should also be distinguished.

On the territory of Albania there are several large lakes - Ohrid, Skadar, Bolshaya Prespa and Malaya Prespa.

The area of ​​Lake Ohrid is 358 km. sq. Its average depth is 155 m, and the maximum depth is 288 m. Now Lake Ohrid is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Even 2 species of trout live in this lake.

Skadar Lake is located not only in Albania, but also in Montenegro. Its average area is 475 km. sq. In 2005, a state reserve was established in Albania on the territory of Lake Skadar.

Lakes Bolshaya Prespa and Malaya Prespa are located at an altitude of 853 meters above sea level.

Story

The ancestors of modern Albanians are the Illyrian tribes who settled in the Western Balkans in the 2nd millennium BC. In the 7th century BC. on the territory of modern Albania, the ancient Greeks founded several city-states (Durres, Apollonia and Butrintia). At different times, these Greek colonies were part of Ancient Macedonia and the Roman Empire. By the way, these lands fell under the control of Rome in 167 BC, after a long and bloody war.

In 285 AD Roman emperor Diocletian divided Illyria (i.e. the territory of modern Albania) into four provinces. The capital of one of them was in Durres.

In 395 AD Illyria, after the collapse of the Roman Empire, became part of Byzantium. In the 9th century, the neighboring Bulgarian kingdom became very strong and powerful. As a result, the territory of modern Albania became part of this kingdom.

In the Middle Ages, several feudal principalities were formed on the territory of modern Albania. So, in 1190, a feudal principality was formed in Kruja. At the end of the XIV century, the Ottoman Empire began to claim the territory of Albania. After many years of wars (the uprising of Skanderbeg), in 1479, Albania became part of Ottoman Empire. Despite the constant uprisings against the Turkish yoke, Albania was able to gain independence only in 1912. During World War I, Albania was occupied by Italy, Serbia and Austria-Hungary. After the end of the First World War, Albania regained its independence, and in 1920 the Albanian National Congress proclaimed Tirana the capital of the country.

During World War II, the Albanian National Army, led by Enver Hoxha, put up stubborn resistance to Italian and German troops. In January 1946, the People's Socialist Republic of Albania was proclaimed. The communist Enver Hoxha became the leader of the country.

In December 1990, a multi-party system was introduced in Albania, and after that, the importance of the Communist Party in this country became very small. In October 1998, a new Albanian constitution was adopted.

culture

Naturally, Albania, which has ancient history, has a unique culture, which was greatly influenced by the ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Slavs (primarily Serbs). In the Middle Ages, the culture of Albania was under strong Turkish influence. But this is understandable, because then this territory was part of the Ottoman Empire.

In addition, the Italians had a noticeable influence on Albanian culture in the Middle Ages (in particular, Venice claimed the rights to some Albanian cities), who for a long time considered the territory of modern Albania to be their “patrimony”.

First of all, it should be noted the unique Albanian architecture, which developed under the influence of the Serbs, Italians and Turks. However, unfortunately, in the years 1944-1990, during the rule of the Communist Party, many architectural monuments were destroyed. To a greater extent, this applies to ancient mosques and Catholic churches.

However, during the rule of the communist party in Albania, the cities of Gjirokastra and Berat were declared museum cities. Today, Gjirokastra and Berat, thanks to the preserved architecture of the Ottoman Empire, have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Albanian literature began to develop only from the second half of XIX century, when a movement for national awakening appeared - Rilindja Kombëtare, which sought independence from the Ottoman Empire. This movement belongs to romantic nationalism, and thanks to it one can understand the mentality of modern Albanians.

The national Albanian elite appeared only at the beginning of the 20th century, thanks to the graduates of the Catholic educational institutions created by the Jesuits and Franciscans in the city of Shkoder.

During World War II, most writers were forced to leave Albania, and only in the 1960s did the Albanian literary renaissance begin, associated primarily with the name of Ismail Kadare. Even modern Albanian writers take a lot from the work of the poet and prose writer Kadare.

As far as cinema is concerned, the first film studio in Albania (Albafilm) was established in 1952, and the first Albanian feature film appeared in 1958 (this was Tana).

Albanian Cuisine

Albanian cuisine was formed under strong Turkish influence. A traditional meal in Albania starts with a starter known as "meze" (sour milk, meat, cucumbers, garlic, olive oil, spices). A tourist may mistake "meze" for a main course, but in fact it is just a local snack. The traditional "meze" is served in Albania with chicken liver. As for the traditional Albanian aperitif, it is rakia or a glass of red wine.

The most popular salads in Albania are potato salad, bean salad, and fresh vegetable salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers and onions). The most popular Albanian soups are "Jahni soup" (its taste differs across Albanian regions) and lemon soup.

Tourists should remember that Albania is a Muslim country where they do not eat pork. But in this country, especially in coastal areas, fish dishes are very popular. Almost all types of fish are served baked in olive oil with garlic and various spices. Lamb dishes are also popular in Albania.

But always please leave room for the Albanian dessert which is just great. Baklava, Turkish delight, kadaiff, which have Turkish roots, are made in Albania in a variety of, sometimes very unusual, versions. We also advise you to try the local pudding made from sheep's milk and figs in Albania.

Sights of Albania

There are so many attractions in Albania that we, perhaps, will highlight only 5 of them:

Cities and resorts of Albania

The largest Albanian cities are Tirana, Durres, Vlora, Shkoder, Berat, Korca, Gjirokastra, and Elbasan. The main port of Albania is the city of Durres, which was founded long ago by the ancient Greeks.

Almost every coastal Albanian city is a wonderful resort. Holidays on the Albanian Riviera (this is the territory along the Ionian Sea in the south of Albania) is cheaper than, for example, in Croatia. In addition, there are not very many people on the Albanian Riviera, which is also an advantage.

Souvenirs/Shopping

We advise tourists to go to the small town of Kruja, north of Tirana. In this ancient city (now its population is only 20 thousand people) you can buy the best Albanian souvenirs, jewelry and antiques. We recommend buying dolls, ashtrays, toys, olive oil, honey, tea, herbs, spices, alcoholic beverages, mugs, plates, t-shirts, Albanian flags, as well as Albanian folk music CDs in Albania.

Office Hours

In Albania, most shops are open from 9.00 to 18.00, and banks - from 08.00 to 16.00. Some shops are open on Saturdays and Sundays.

Visa

A visa is required to enter Albania. However, a valid Schengen visa is sufficient grounds for entry. Visa-free entry to Albania is provided for the period from June 1 to October 31 (if you have a passport).

Currency of Albania

Lek is the official currency of Albania. One lek (international designation: AL) is equal to 100 kindarks. In Albania, banknotes of the following denominations are used: 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 5000 leks.

In addition, there are coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 lek.

Albanians do not mind when tourists pay them with dollars or euros.

Never change the currency “by hand”, no matter how attractive the exchange rate is. Otherwise, you risk becoming a victim of scammers.

Customs restrictions

You cannot bring local currency (lek) into Albania. Foreign currency can be brought into Albania without any restrictions. You can take out up to 5 thousand dollars from Albania, or as much money as the tourist declared when entering this country.

It is allowed to export from Albania 2 liters of wine, 1 liter of strong alcoholic beverages, up to 200 cigarettes, etc. per person.

Useful phone numbers and addresses

Embassy of Albania in Ukraine (part-time with Poland):
Address: 02-386 Warsaw, Altova st., 1
Phone: (810 4822) 824-14-27
Fax: (0-22) 824-14-26
Reception days: Monday-Friday from 8-00 to 16-00

The interests of Ukraine in Albania are represented by the Embassy of Ukraine in Greece:
Address: Greece, Athens 152 37, Filothei, Stefanou Delta St. 20-4
Phone: (8 10 30210) 68 00 230
Fax: (8 10 30210) 68 54 154
Email: , This email address is being protected from spambots. You must have JavaScript enabled to view.

Emergency Phones ambulance (17)
fire department (18)
police (19)
road administration (42 23600)
traffic police (42 34874).

Time in Albania

All Albania's territory belongs to the same time zone. The difference with Kyiv time is 1 hour. Those. if in Tirana, for example, 9:00 am, then in Kyiv - 10:00 am.

Tips

Most of the waiters in Albanian restaurants understand English and Italian. Tipping for services in Albania is 10% of the bill.

The medicine

The emergency number in Albania is 17.

Security

After the turbulent events of the 1990s (the war in Kosovo), the Albanians still have a lot of weapons in their hands. In general, Albanians are a “hot” nation, so tourists need to be very careful. So, we do not advise tourists to look into the eyes of Albanians for a long time, and also to express feelings for Albanian women. Cars, of course, are best left in guarded parking lots.