In 2002, Albania was a country in transition. Following the end of the communist rule in 1991, the country embarked on a path towards democracy and free market economy. However, the transition was slow and challenging due to several factors such as corruption, lack of infrastructure and economic development. Poverty levels remained high with nearly 40% of the population living below the poverty line. In addition, Albania faced significant political instability due to its weak government institutions, which were unable to address pressing issues such as crime and corruption. This led to social unrest which further hindered economic growth and development of the country. Despite these challenges, there were some positive developments in 2002 with NATO forces helping to maintain stability in many parts of Albania while international aid organizations provided support for those in need. According to computerannals, there was also an increase in foreign investment which helped spur economic growth and create jobs for Albanians. This provided a glimmer of hope for a better future for the people of Albania.

Yearbook 2002

Albania. Despite attempts to reach a consensus, the year was turbulent in Albania, which repeatedly changed the head of government.

In January, Socialist Prime Minister Ilir Meta resigned because of conflicts with his party leader, Fatos Nano. The opposition, which had boycotted Parliament following allegations of electoral fraud, welcomed Meta’s decision and took its seats in the Assembly. Meta’s representative and party mate Pandeli Majko formed a new government in February.

Before the June presidential election, the government and opposition agreed on a single candidate, General Alfred Moisiu. Nano wanted to have the post himself but met resistance from his arch rival, the president Sali Berisha. Both were urged by Western powers to unite and not jeopardize stability, especially given the country’s desire to become a candidate country for the EU.

When Moisiu took office at the end of July, Majko resigned and the president appointed Nano a new prime minister, a post he previously held. As part of a promised fight against corruption, Nano dismissed the country’s police, customs and tax chiefs after taking office.

According to Countryaah website, national day of Albania is every November 28. Leka Zog returned to Albania after an amnesty was issued. The son of King Zog, who was ousted by the Communists in 1946, had returned in 1997 but was soon forced to flee again after a failed attempt to restore the monarchy.

The Albanians consider themselves descendants of the Illyrians. A people who in ancient times lived in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula. However, this is a view that many scholars outside Albania do not share, and the origin of the Albanians cannot be considered clear. The Albanian language is completely isolated within the Indo-European language family. Based on, among other things, linguistic and anthropological criteria, the Albanians are divided into two groups: Ghegers and Tusks. Ghegars (67%) are located in Northern Albania and in the Kosovo region of Yugoslavia (about ½ million). The Tusks live south of the river Shkumbi, and also live approx. 100,000 in Greece and approx. 100,000 in Italy (Sicily, Calabria). Ghegian and Tuscan are two separate dialects. But the main difference between the Ghegians and the fools lies in their traditional occupation and social organization. The Ghegans live scattered in inaccessible mountain areas and have traditionally been feeding on cattle farming. For centuries, they have lived in isolation from the outside world and received little influence from outside. Nor did the Turks ever get full control of this area. The Ghegians have up to this point maintained a primitive patriarchal tribal system. The chiefs of each tribe settled disputes, arranged marriages and punished. Characteristic of the Ghegians was the blood-vengeance, which is not yet completely eradicated. Even in the 1920’s, 20% of deaths among the male population were due to blood revenge. The Tusks, on the other hand, have more similarities to the other peoples of the Balkans. They live in compact villages, and have traditionally nourished themselves by farming. Until 1945, this part of the country was dominated by Ottoman feudalism, where the landlords were most often Muslims and the rural workers were predominantly Christian. The Tusks have always been more accessible to outside influences, and new ideas and ideas have most often penetrated Albania through this region. Also, in religious terms, Albanians have been divided into several groups. The overwhelming majority were Muslims (70%) who were divided into two groups. The Ghegans in the north were Orthodox Sunni Muslims, while the fools in the south were predominantly professors. The Christians constituted 30%, 20% of them were Grecian Orthodox Tusks, and 10% were Catholic heretics around the city of Shkodër.

Albania Country Overview

Visa
Finnish citizens do not need a visa when traveling to Albania.

Climate
Albania is mountainous and, as a result, has many different climates. The coast has a Mediterranean climate while the mountains have a cooler continental climate. Winters stay mild, but the mountains are clearly cooler. Summer temperatures in the lowlands rise to just over 20 degrees on average.

• According to ABBREVIATIONFINDER.ORG, ALB stands for Albania.

Insurance
Everyone participating in the trip must have a valid travel insurance that covers medical expenses in the event of illness or other similar need. Please check the validity of your own insurance and the terms and conditions of the insurance cancellation cover.

Please pay attention to the special nature of your trip and check the coverage of the insurance in that respect as well. In many locations, the insurance must also be valid when moving at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters, in which case it also covers mountain sickness.

Many hiking or diving trips require more extensive insurance, which covers, for example, diving or moving on a glacier. Please check the contents of your insurance with your insurance company.

Vaccinations
Only basic vaccinations are required in Albania, but please always check the vaccination requirements at your health center or the vaccination advice of the tourist clinic

The currency of Albania is Lek. The reserve money can be taken in euros, which are accepted in many places as a means of payment. Currency can be obtained from Finland by booking in advance.

Time difference to Finland
-1 hour time difference to Finland.

Electricity
In Albania, electricity is generally 220 V, no adapter is needed.

Mobile phones
In general, mobile phones work well, please check the coverage of your subscription with your operator. The country code is +355

Security
The security situation in the country is generally good. However, any demonstrations or gatherings should be avoided. Tourism is quite new in the country and the beach destinations as well as the most visited cities inland are quiet. As a rule, tourists are treated positively.