Where Is Albania and What
Is It Known For?

A mosque in Shkodër, Albania.

Albania, officially known as the Republic of Albania, lies in the western Balkan Mountains in southeastern Europe. It is bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, the Republic of Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south and southeast. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea to the west, and on the Ionian Sea to the southwest. Albania is mountainous, with coastal plains where half the population lives.

Albania is a varied destination offering many pleasures. Albania has a beautiful coast with clear blue seas. According to WorldTravelGuide.net hikers will love the Albanian Alps or the Tomorri massif, whilst cyclists will find a network of ancient tracks criss-crossing the country. Archaeology buffs can spend hours in the complex sites of Butrint and Byllis, history-lovers have plenty of ancient castles, Ottoman fortresses and the museum cities of Berati and Gjirokastra to explore, and art connoisseurs should visit the little-known medieval churches, with their beautiful frescoes, and the icon collections in Tirana, Korça and Berati. In bigger cities theaters, music performances and cinemas offer entertainment.

Albania has a Mediterranean climate, but there are climatic differences from region to region — especially between the north and the south of the country. Temperatures generally range from 5C in winter to 24C in summer. Inland towns can experience temperatures of up to 40C while coastal regions are cooler with temperatures of around 30C. Temperatures drop lower in the mountainous regions.

The economy is based on agriculture and mining. Albania is one of the poorest countries in Europe and relies heavily on foreign aid.