Albania travel information
Between
1990 and 1992 Albania ended 46 years of xenophobic Communist rule and established a multiparty democracy. The transition has
proven difficult as successive governments have tried to deal with high unemployment, widespread corruption, a dilapidated
infrastructure, powerful organized crime networks with links to government officials, and disruptive political opponents.
Albania has made incremental progress in its democratic development since first holding multiiparty elections in 1991, but
deficiencies remain - particularly in regard to the rule of law. Despite some lingering problems, international observers have
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. 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.
Source: The World FactbookMore...
Local currency is the Albanian Lek
Albanian Lek =