Albania

This Balkan country has had a troubled history, but since the 1990s it has become an emerging democracy. Located in southeast Europe it has a coast on the Adriatic Sea in the west and a coast on the Ionian Sea in the southwest. Albania neighbours Montenegro is to the northwest, Kosova to the north, the Republic of Macedonia to the east, and Greece to the south.

The terrain is primarily hilly and mountainous. The highest point is Korab at 9,032 feet. The climate is continental, cold in the winter and hot in the summer. The capital city Tirana is located near the centre of the country with a population of over 800,000. Other major cities include Durrës, Elbasan, Shkodër, Gjirokastër, Vlorë, Korçë and Kukës.

Despite being one of the poorest European States, Albania is committed to joining the European Union. Road and rail transportation links are internally and to its neighbouring countries are poor.

Popular with tourists is the coastline on the Ionian Sea, especially near the Greek tourist island of Corfu. Here you can locate well-preserved nature and beaches. The tourist industry is small but growing quickly.