[13] The largest coastal city Sarand is located in the southern part of the region, while smaller villages include Borsh, Dhermi, Himara, Qeparo, Piqeras, and Lukov. Almost 60% of all workers are employed in the agricultural sector, although the construction and service industries have been expanding recently, the latter boosted significantly by ethnic Albanian tourists from throughout the Balkans. U.S. imports, during the same time period, totaled $3.44 million, making the U.S. the 17th overall trade partner of Albania. Both elections were an indication of lack of political will to cooperate and of the imminent need for a comprehensive electoral reform of the present Albanian electoral system. In early 1997, several of these pyramid schemes collapsed, leaving thousands of people bankrupt, disillusioned, and angry. These were complemented by a comprehensive package of structural reforms, including privatization, enterprise and financial sector reform, and creation of the legal framework for a market economy and private sector activity. Since FY 1991, the U.S. has provided Albania with more than $616 million in assistance, not counting U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food aid. The focusis on key sectors such as energy, industrial development, agriculture, public health, and biodiversity. While previously relations between the government and opposition SP party were characterized as antagonistic, both sides have at times shown willingness to work together to achieve major policy objectives, such as the constitutional reforms of early 2008. In 2005, the Democratic Party and its allies returned to power, pledging to fight crime and corruption, decrease the size and scope of government, and promote economic growth. A nonpartisan figure, he was elected as a consensus candidate of the ruling and opposition parties. The "truce" between party leaders began to fray in summer 2003 and progress on economic and political reforms suffered noticeably due to political infighting. GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONSThe unicameral People's Assembly (Kuvendi Popullor) consists of 140 seats, 100 of which are determined by direct popular vote. The program targets two critical stumbling blocks to development--corruption and rule of law. The Albanian Ionian Sea Coast stretches from the Peninsula of Karaburun in the north, through the Albanian Riviera, to the Straits of Corfu in the south. While in the interior of the country the climate is continental. Albania's public debt reached 54.1% of GDP in 2007, and the growing trade deficit was estimated at 22% of GDP in 2007.

This page presents high-level information for Albania's climate zones and its seasonal cycle for mean temperature and precipitation for the latest climatology, 1991-2020. [8] These include two strict nature reserves, 14 national parks, one marine park, eight archaeological parks, 750 natural monuments, 22 habitat/species management areas, five protected landscapes, 4 protected landscapes, four managed resources areas and four ramsar wetlands. Albania has also arrested and prosecuted several ethnic-Albanian extremists on charges of inciting interethnic hatred in Macedonia and Kosovo. Although recent steps have been taken to improve the transportation infrastructure, Albania has a limited railway system and just one international airport. The peaceful transfer of power from President Meidani to President Moisiu was the result of an agreement between the parties to engage each other within established parliamentary structures. (slightly larger than Maryland). While the Adriatic coast is relatively low, the Ionian coast is, with few exceptions, rugged and mountainous. They are deeply fragmented and often inaccessible. [46] Between the valleys of Shkumbin and Devoll rise the mountains that constitute to the Valamara Mountains, while farther north stretches the connected mountain massifs of Shebenik and Jabllanic.[47]. Ilqs 733 metres (2,405ft), Maja e Flamurit 826 metres (2,710ft) and Maja adri 839 metres (2,753ft). [33] They are substantial because they provide shelter for a vast array of rare and endangered species of animals, among others the brown bear, Balkan lynx, grey wolf, golden jackal, Egyptian vulture and golden eagle. Fiscal and monetary discipline has kept inflation relatively low, averaging roughly 2.5% per year between 2004-2006. Armed revolts broke out across the country, leading to the near-total collapse of government authority.

Albania adhered to a strict Stalinist philosophy, eventually withdrawing from the Warsaw Pact in 1968 and alienating its final remaining ally, China, in 1978. In 1992, after the sweeping electoral victory of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha became the first democratically elected President of Albania. [6] This great diversity derives from Albania's geographic location on the Mediterranean Sea, with typical climatic conditions, varied topography, as well as the wealth of terrestrial and marine ecosystems providing a variety of habitats, each with its own typical flora and fauna. Available on the Internet at http://www.state.gov, the Department of State web site provides timely, global access to official U.S. foreign policy information, including Background Notes and daily press briefings along with the directory of key officers of Foreign Service posts and more. Albanian, Macedonian, and Italian law enforcement agencies are cooperating with increasing efficiency to crack down on the trafficking of arms, drugs, contraband, and human beings across their borders. The country has a long coastline along the Adriatic Sea which forms the majority of its western border. [5] The longest river in the country, measured from its mouth to its source, is the Drin that starts at the confluence of its two headwaters, the Black and White Drin, though also notable is the Vjos, one of the last intact large river systems in Europe. The highlands experiences an Oceanic climate. NATO Protocols. Emergency information concerning Americans traveling abroad may be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada or the regular toll line 1-202-501-4444 for callers outside the U.S. and Canada. Following the split of the Roman Empire in 395, the Byzantine Empire established control over present-day Albania. Albania's trade imbalance is severe. Albania has been a steadfast supporter of U.S. policy in Iraq, and was one of only four nations to contribute troops to the combat phase of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. imports, during the same time period, totaled $3.44 million, making the U.S. the 17th overall trade partner of Albania. Working towards NATO membership, the U.S. and Albania signed a Supplementary Agreement to the Partnership for Peace. Religions: Muslim (Sunni and Bektashi) 70%, Albanian Orthodox 20%, and Roman Catholic 10%. This "truce" ushered in a new period of political stability in Albania, making possible significant progress in democratic and economic reforms, rule of law initiatives, and the development of Albania's relations with its neighbors and the U.S. Albania received an invitation to become a NATO member at the April 2008 NATO Summit in Bucharest. The President is also commander in chief of the armed forces, and chairs the National Security Commission. During this time, much of the population converted to the Islamic faith, and Albanians also emigrated to Italy, Greece, Egypt and Turkey. The U.S. Embassy is located at 103 Tirana Rruga Elbasanit, Tirana; telephone: [355] (4) 224-7285; facsimile: [355] (4) 223-2222. On July 24, 2002, Alfred Moisiu was sworn in as President of the Republic. In 2006, U.S. exports to Albania totaled $46.6 million. Main political parties: Democratic Party of Albania (PD); Albanian Socialist Party (PS); Socialist Movement for Integration (LSI); Albanian Republican Party (PR); Demo-Christian Party (PDK); Union for Human Rights Party (PBDNJ); New Democracy Party (PDR); Social Democratic Party (PSD); Social Democracy Party (PDS). ), Shkoder (81,000, 2005 est. The capital, Tirana, and the main port of Durres, generally receive electricity most of the day, but frequent power outages plague every other major city, small town, and rural village. In 2007, inflation increased to 3%, still within the target range set by the Bank of Albania. Albania has been a steadfast supporter of U.S. policy in Iraq, and was one of only four nations to contribute troops to the combat phase of Operation Enduring Freedom. Armed revolts broke out across the country, leading to the near-total collapse of government authority. The total length of the coastline is approximately 274 kilometres (170mi), mostly of which are taken up by sandy beaches, wetlands and alluvial deposits, occurred by quaternary sediments of the main rivers of the country. During this time, Albania's already inadequate and antiquated infrastructure suffered tremendous damage, as people looted public works for building materials. The CDC publication "Health Information for International Travel" can be found at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentYellowBook.aspx. These were complemented by a comprehensive package of structural reforms, including privatization, enterprise and financial sector reform, and creation of the legal framework for a market economy and private sector activity. Berisha began a more deliberate program of economic and democratic reform but progress on these issues stalled in the mid-1990s, due to political gridlock.

): 0.529%. The remaining courts are divided into three jurisdictions: criminal, civil, and military. The fragility of the Albanian electoral system was tested again during the parliamentary by-election in zone 26 (Shijak) on March 11, 2007. A hotline at 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) and a web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx give the most recent health advisories, immunization recommendations or requirements, and advice on food and drinking water safety for regions and countries. As such, the Government of Albania has embarked on a broad-based reform program focused on macroeconomic and fiscal sustainability, financial sector stabilization, energy concerns, pensions, and territorial administration. In June 2006, Albania and the EU signed a Stabilization and Association Agreement, the first step to EU membership, which will focus on implementing essential rule of law reforms and curbing corruption and organized crime.

Results of Albania's efforts were initially encouraging. Albania was among the first countries selected to participate in the Threshold Program under the Millennium Challenge Account, winning a grant of $13.8 million and a Second Threshold grant of $16 million in 2008. FOREIGN RELATIONSAlbania is currently pursuing a path of greater Euro-Atlantic integration. Topi, 50, a former agriculture minister, now succeeds President Alfred Moisiu for a five-year mandate. The biodiversity of Albania is conserved in its protected areas, which provide protection to hundreds of threatened and endangered species.[8][35][10][11]. The climate of Lord Howe island: when to go to Lord Howe, The climate of Italy: when to go to Italy, The climate of Anguilla: when to go to Anguilla, The climate of Quito: when to go to Quito, The climate of Bora Bora: when to go to Bora Bora, The climate of Madagascar: when to go to Madagascar, The climate of the Canary Islands: when to go to the Canary, The climate of Bogot: when to go to Bogot, The climate of Moorea: when to go to Moorea, The climate of Angola: when to go to Angola, How to get to French Polynesia: Flights to French Polynesia, The climate of Jamaica: when to go to Jamaica, The climate of Patagonia: when to go to Patagonia, Climate of the Comoros Islands: when to go to the Comoros, Namaqualand: the blooming desert of South Africa. After falling under Roman authority in 165 BC, Albania was controlled nearly continuously by a succession of foreign powers until the mid-20th century, with only brief periods of self-rule. Terrain: Situated in the southwestern region of the Balkan Peninsula, Albania is predominantly mountainous but flat along its coastline with the Adriatic Sea. That of the northern edge of the country has an affinity for those of Continental Europe, while those of the southern edge refer to the affinity with that of the Mediterranean Basin. The mountains are characterized by housing Black pines, Bulgarian firs, Bosnian pines and Ash trees. In 2005, the Democratic Party and its allies returned to power, pledging to fight crime and corruption, decrease the size and scope of government, and promote economic growth. The current President's term expires on July 23, 2012. Of particular importance is the presence of numerous lagoons and ponds, representing one of the wealthiest scenery of the country, in terms of biology. For additional information on international travel, see http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Travel/International.shtml. Berisha began a more deliberate program of economic and democratic reform but progress on these issues stalled in the mid-1990s, due to political gridlock.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONSThe unicameral People's Assembly (Kuvendi Popullor) consists of 140 seats, 100 of which are determined by direct popular vote. During the initial transition period, the Albanian Government sought closer ties with the West in order to improve economic conditions and introduced basic democratic reforms, including a multi-party system. The speed and vigor of private entrepreneurial response to Albania's opening and liberalizing was better than expected. In June 2006, Albania and the EU signed a Stabilization and Association Agreement, the first step to EU membership, which will focus on implementing essential rule of law reforms and curbing corruption and organized crime. GovernmentType: Parliamentary democracy. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President and approved by a simple majority of all members of the Assembly. Constitution: Adopted by popular referendum November 28, 1998.

A major positive step forward was the performance of the police force. Emergency information concerning Americans traveling abroad may be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada or the regular toll line 1-202-501-4444 for callers outside the U.S. and Canada.

The longest river is the Drin, which flows for 285 kilometres (177mi) within the country. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President and approved by a simple majority of all members of the Assembly. Main political parties: Democratic Party of Albania (PD); Albanian Socialist Party (PS); Socialist Movement for Integration (LSI); Albanian Republican Party (PR); Demo-Christian Party (PDK); Union for Human Rights Party (PBDNJ); New Democracy Party (PDR); Social Democratic Party (PSD); Social Democracy Party (PDS). The Albanian Adriatic Sea Coast stretches from the mouth of the River of Buna nearby the Lake of Shkodr in the north, across the Gulf of Drin, to the Bay of Vlor in the south. The climate of Estonia: when to go to Estonia, The climate of the Dominican Republic: when to go, The climate of Tasmania: when to go to Tasmania, The climate of Sicily: when to go to Sicily, The climate of Durban: when to go to Durban, The climate of Armenia: when to go to Armenia, Samoa tourist attractions: what to see in Samoa, The climate of Antigua and Barbuda: when to go to Antigua, Cape Agulhas: the southernmost point of the Africa, Armenia tourist attractions: what to see in Armenia, Colombia: a country with multiple and diverse landscapes, The climate of Socotra: when to go to Socotra, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. However, the right of citizens to vote prevailed and the process continued thanks to the technical arrangements of the CEC. Albania is a small country in Southern, Southeastern Europe and Western Balkans strategically positioned on the Adriatic and Ionian Sea inside the Mediterranean Sea, with a coastline of about 476km (296mi). Principal Government OfficialsPresident--Bamir Topi Prime Minister--Sali BerishaDeputy Prime Minister--Genc Pollo Minister of Defense --Gazmend OketaMinister of Foreign Affairs--Lulzim Basha The region experiences mild and short winters, with low rainfalls, and long hot and dry summers. The Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) provides security information and regional news that impact U.S. companies working abroad through its website http://www.osac.gov. The site includes current and historical trade-related releases, international market research, trade opportunities, and country analysis and provides access to the National Trade Data Bank. The collapse of the infamous pyramid schemes of the 1990s and the instability that followed were a tremendous setback, from which Albania's economy continues to recover. Status of Forces Agreement, an important step in strengthening bilateral cooperation and enhancing security, peace, and stability in the region. In 2004 President Bush authorized the use of the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction program funds for projects in Albania, marking the first time such funds are used outside the former Soviet Union. The country has a dense network of rivers and streams characterized by a high flow rate. Further, Albania started from a comparatively disadvantaged position, due to Hoxha's catastrophic economic policies. The League of Prizren (1878) promoted the idea of an Albanian nation-state and established the modern Albanian alphabet, updating a language that survived the hundreds of years of Ottoman rule despite being outlawed. (Albania)", "Management Plan Llogora-Rreza e Kanalit-Dukat -Orikum-TragjasRadhime-Karaburun Complex Site", "Llogora-Rreza e Kanalit-Dukat -Orikum-TragjasRadhime-Karaburun Complex Site", Dako, Alba, Mirela Lika and Hysen Mankolli , https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Geography_of_Albania&oldid=1099361774, Pages using multiple image with auto scaled images, Articles with unsourced statements from January 2021, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Floqi, Tania, Daut Vezi and Ilirian Malollari , This page was last edited on 20 July 2022, at 10:43. Export.gov provides a portal to all export-related assistance and market information offered by the federal government and provides trade leads, free export counseling, help with the export process, and more.

The aid has served to facilitate Albania's transition from the most isolated and repressive communist state in Europe to a modern democracy with a market-oriented economy, and to support long-term development. The terrain of the central mountain range is predominantly mountainous and extremely fragmented carved into its present shape by the glaciers of the last ice age. The program targets two critical stumbling blocks to development--corruption and rule of law. Terrain: Situated in the southwestern region of the Balkan Peninsula, Albania is predominantly mountainous but flat along its coastline with the Adriatic Sea. The Albanian Government faces the daunting task of rationalizing and uniformly applying business laws, improving transparency in business procedures, restructuring the tax systems (including tax collection), reducing corruption in the bureaucracy, and resolving property ownership disputes. The municipal elections of 2003 and national elections of 2005 were an improvement over past years, adding to the consolidation of democracy despite the continued presence of administrative errors and inaccuracies in voter lists. Plains and plateaus extend in the west along the Albanian Adriatic and Ionian Sea Coast. Examples of typical landforms include Gjipe Canyon, Gjiri i Arushs, Gjiri i Dafins, Gjiri i Grams and so on. However, combined trade with all these countries constitutes a small percentage of Albania's trade, while trade with EU member states (mainly Greece and Italy) accounts for nearly 68%.