27 Facts About Albania

Geography & Population

1. Albania is a country in Southeast Europe, bordered by Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece, with a coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.

2. Its total land area is approximately 28,748 square kilometers.

3. More Albanians live abroad than in Albania—about 1.7 million reside outside the country, making up over 30% of the total population.

4. Significant Albanian communities are found in Italy, Greece, Turkey, Germany, Switzerland, the USA, and beyond.

Language & Identity

1. Albanians call their country Shqipëri (Albanian for "Land of the Eagles").

2. The double-headed eagle is a longstanding national and ethnic symbol, visible in ancient carvings and the current flag design.

3. Albania’s flag features a black double-headed eagle on a red background.

Infrastructure & Transport

1. The country’s rail network is largely. The current operational railway lines span about 424 km, with much of the system inactive or under rehabilitation.

2. Major roadways total around 3,581 km, significantly less than previously stated.

3. There is one main international airport (Tirana International Airport). A second, Vlora International Airport, opened in 2025.

Education & Economy

1. Education is free at all levels in public schools.

2. Albania is categorized as a middle-income economy, with services dominating, followed by industry and agriculture.

3. Its natural resources include petroleum, natural gas, coal, bauxite, chromite, copper, iron ore, nickel, salt, timber, and hydropower potential.

4. Approximately 43.8% of Albania’s land is arable and under cultivation.

Culture & Traditions

1. During communism, private car ownership was heavily restricted—there were few cars prior to 1991.

2. Bunkers: Albania built approximately 700,000 bunkers during the communist era; around 173,000 remain today.

3. In 1967, Albania declared itself the world's first officially atheist state.

4. Prior to 1991, Albania was relatively isolated—opening up afterward led to rapid social and economic change.

5. Albania has never had a McDonald’s branch.

Education & Historiography

1. The literacy rate is high—about 97.6%.

2. Albania celebrates its Independence Day on November 28, 1912, which is also known as Flag Day.

Diaspora & Migration

1. The Albanian diaspora is extensive and contributes significantly to cultural and economic ties worldwide.