Albania
Between 1990 and 1992 Albania ended 46 years of xenophobic Communist rule and established a multiparty democracy. The transition has proven challenging as successive governments have tried to deal with high unemployment, widespread corruption, a dilapidated physical infrastructure, powerful organized crime networks, and combative political opponents. Albania has made progress in its democratic development since first holding multiparty elections in 1991, but deficiencies remain. International observers judged elections to be largely free and fair since the restoration of political stability following the collapse of pyramid schemes in 1997. In the 2005 general elections, the Democratic Party and its allies won a decisive victory on pledges of reducing crime and corruption, promoting economic growth, and decreasing the size of government. The election, and particularly the orderly transition of power, was considered an important step forward. Although Albania's economy continues to grow, the country is still one of the poorest in Europe, hampered by a large informal economy and an inadequate energy and transportation infrastructure. Albania has played a largely helpful role in managing inter-ethnic tensions in southeastern Europe, and is continuing to work toward joining NATO and the EU. Albania, with troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, has been a strong supporter of the global war on terrorism.
Languages & Population
Approximate Population: 3,600,523 (July 2007 est.)
Nationality (Noun): Albanian(s)
Nationality (Adjective): Albanian
Official Language(s): Albanian
Major Languages Spoken: Greek

Country Facts
Country Name (long form): Republic of Albania
Country Name (short form): Albania
Country Name (local long form): Republika e Shqiperise
Country Name (local short form): Shqiperia
Name of Capital: Tirana (Tirane)
UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Countries Near by, and Bordering Albania: Macedonia, Serbia, Greece, Montenegro
Land Area: 27398 sq km
Water Area: 1350 sq km
Comparative Area: slightly smaller than Maryland
Total Land Boundry: 720 km
Coastline: 362 km
National Holiday: Independence Day, 28 November (1912)
International Phone Code: 355
Currency Code: lek (ALL)
Internet Country Code: .al
US Embassy Location: Rruga e Elbasanit, Labinoti #103, Tirana
US Embassy Mailing Address: US Department of State, 9510 Tirana Place, Dulles, VA 20189-9510

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