Albania

Albania is a country in the Balkans region of Europe. It sits across the sea from Italy. The country has tall mountains, sandy beaches, and green valleys. About 2.8 million people live there, and the capital city is Tirana.

Land and Nature

Albania has lots of mountains that cover most of the country. The Albanian Alps in the north are very tall and rocky. Along the west coast, there are pretty beaches on the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The country is also home to brown bears, wolves, and golden eagles. In fact, Albanians call their country 'Shqiperia,' which means 'Land of the Eagles.'

People and Culture

People in Albania speak the Albanian language. They enjoy dancing, singing, and eating yummy foods like stuffed peppers and grilled meats. Families are very important in Albanian culture. Many homes have a tradition of welcoming guests with food and drinks. Albanians are known for being friendly and kind to visitors.

Fun Facts

• The flag of Albania is red with a black two-headed eagle in the middle.
• Mother Teresa, a famous helper of the poor, had Albanian parents.
• Albania has more than 170,000 old bunkers built into the ground.

Did You Know?

When Albanians shake their head side to side, it actually means 'yes' instead of 'no' like in many other countries.