Capital: Tirana
Location:
Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea, between Greece and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia ( slightlysmaller than Maryland )
Registration Embassy and Consulate:
U.S. citizens visiting or remaining in
Albania are strongly encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy and obtain updated information on travel and security within
Albania. Americans are asked to inform the Embassy should they depart Albania. The U.S. Embassy in Tirana is located at Rruga E Elbasanit 103, tel. (355)(42) 32875, fax (355)(42) 74957.
Background:
In 1990
Albania ended 44 years of xenophobic communist rule and established a multiparty democracy. The transition has proven difficult as corrupt governments have tried to deal with high unemployment, a dilapidated infrastructure, widespread gangsterism, and disruptive political opponents. International observers judged local elections in 2000 to be acceptable and a step toward democratic development, but serious deficiencies remain to be corrected before the the 2001 parliamentary elections.
Ethnic Groups:
Albanian 95%, Greeks 3%, other 2% (Vlachs, Gypsies, Serbs, and Bulgarians) (1989 est.)
note: in 1989, other estimates of the Greek population ranged from 1% (official Albanian statistics) to 12% (from a Greek organization)
Language:
Albanian (Tosk is the official dialect), Greek
Currency:
ALL
lek (ALL)
leke per US dollar - 95.04 (March 2007), 146.08 (December 2000),143.71 (2000) 137.69 (1999), 150.63 (1998), 148.93 (1997), 104.50 (1996); note - leke is the plural of lek
Climate:
Mild temperate; cool, cloudy, wet winters; hot, clear, dry summers; interior is cooler and wetter
Population:
3,510,484 (July 2001 est.)
Religion:
Muslim 70%, Albanian Orthodox 20%, Roman Catholic 10%
note: all mosques and churches were closed in 1967 and religious observances prohibited; in November 1990, Albania began allowing private religious practice
Medical:
Beyond rudimentary first aid treatment, medical facilities and capabilities are limited. Emergency and major medical care requiring surgery and hospital care is inadequate due to lack of specialists, diagnostic aids, medical supplies, and prescription drugs. Travelers with previously diagnosed medical conditions may wish to consult their physician before travel. As prescription drugs may be unavailable locally, travelers may also wish to bring extra supplies of required medications.
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties.
Please check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation, and for adequacy of coverage. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
Safety:
Organized criminal gangs are endemic to all regions; gangland-style assassinations and street fights can erupt without warning. It is not unusual to hear sporadic gunfire in Tirana and other Albanian cities. Travel at night outside the main urban areas is particularly dangerous and should be avoided given the possibility of encountering armed robbers in isolated rural areas and deplorable road conditions. The U.S. Government maintains security procedures regarding the travel of U.S. Government employees outside Tirana, with such travel restricted to secure vehicles with escort. In most cases, traditional police assistance and protection is minimal. A high level of security awareness should be maintained at all times.
Traffic Safety:
While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Albania is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation:
Poor
Urban Road Condition/Maintenance:
Poor
Rural Road Condition/Maintenance:
Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance:
None
Major roads in Albania are passable, but often in very poor repair. During the winter months, travelers may encounter dangerous snow and ice conditions on the roads through the mountains in Northern Albania. Buses travel between most major cities almost exclusively during the day, but may be unreliable and uncomfortable. Many travelers looking for public transport prefer to use privately owned vans, which function as an alternate system of bus routes and operate almost wholly without schedules or set fares. There are no commercial domestic flights and few rail connections.
