Being a gal who is not a world traveler (yet!), I spent some hours researching helpful and interesting facts about the countries that are on my Squad’s Route (July 2014 – Route 2). For this blog, let’s check out what I’ve learned about Albania!
Albania
*History/Government:
-Relatively new to democratic government after hosting its first multi-party elections in 1991.
-The Constitution was not approved and adopted until 1998.
-Previously communist.
-A member of NATO since 2009.
-Only spend 1.49% of the country’s GDP on military operations yearly.
-19 years old is the legal minimum age to enlist for voluntary military service
*Location:
-Found in Eastern Europe.
-North of Greece.
-Mountains, hills, and coastline
-Capital city is Tirana (419,000 population).
-Landmass is little smaller than the state of Maryland.
*Economy:
-One of poorest European countries because of volatile political past.
-Child labor is about 12% (72,818 children aged 5-14 at work).
-Labor force is 1.088 million people.
-13.3% unemployment rate
-Inflation is low and stable.
-Global financial crisis hit the country hard because of the close ties to Greece and Italy.
-Lacks sufficient foreign investment for economic growth.
-Export partners: Italy, Spain, China, Greece, and Turkey.
-Import partners: Italy, Greece, China, Turkey, and Germany.
-Currency is the leke (or also written as lek).
*Religion:
-Religious observations were prohibited in 1967, but private religious practice was allowed again in 1990
-Has never had a country-wide unity or national religion to unify the people.
-Those who do identify to a religion lack zeal and often do so only out of tradition.
-70% Muslim, 20% Albanian Orthodox, and 10% Roman Catholic (estimated).
*Health:
-Poor healthcare due to a severe lack of resources.
-The water at Durres has been known to cause skin infections (so don’t swim there).
-21.3% is the adult obesity rate.
-Life expectancy is 77-78 years old.
*Miscellaneous:
-Population is 3.01 million.
-Has 4 airports.
-Roadways are dangerous for pedestrians, drivers, and passengers.
-Weddings are a big deal here, often more so than holidays in America.
-Are a very hospitable people, despite their poverty.
-Two major people groups: Ghegs (north) and Tosks (south).
*Current issues:
-Human trafficking and sexual exploitation is rampant.
-Government does not meet the standards for eliminating trafficking with the country.
+Due to decreased investigations, inconsistent procedures, and limited funding.
+Due to high law enforcement turnover rates.
+Due to prosecuting the victims for the crimes rather than the traffickers.
-Narcotic trafficking is under expansion despite efforts to cut down on it.
+Increased opium and cannabis production.
+Shipping point for both SW Asian heroin and S. American cocaine heading to Western Europe.
*Culture:
-Handshakes are acceptable first time greetings.
-Like to uphold the best reputation, so will often hide away things they are ashamed of.
-Personal space is less than an arm’s length
-Will grab hands or hug friends or relatives to greet.
-When visiting someone, it is more polite to be 5 minutes late than early.
-When single men and women are seen together, it is assumed they are engaged.
-Gender roles are very much expected and enforced.
-Tradition dictates men and women be engaged before spending time together (even before dating).
-Shaking your head means “yes” and nodding your head means “no.”
-Very expressive people, using their hands a lot when talking.
Note: This information was provided by: (www.cia.gov), (www.lonelyplanet.com), (www.culturecrossing.net), and (www.everyculture.com).
