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> Independence Day Of Albania |
The Illyrians, who are believed to have evolved
directly from the Stone Age, occupied the western area of the Balkans, from
modern Slovenia to approximately half of the way through modern Greece. Shkodra,
now the most important city of northern Albania, was the capital. The Illyrians
were sociable and hospitable people, much like Albanians today. They were also
daring fighters and known for their bravery in war. Around eight to six century
B.C., the neighboring Greeks began to create a string of colonies along the
Albanian borders. Closer now to the more advanced Greeks, the Illyrians were
greatly influenced and began to evolve politically and economically.
Albania was attacked by more foreign powers. The Bulgarians, Norman crusaders,
Serbs and Venetians all wreaked havoc on the Albanians until the conquest by the
Ottoman Turks in 1388. In 1443, an Albanian military genius, Gjergj
Kastrioti(Skanderberg), rallied the Albanians together and drove out the Turks.
Although Kastrioti's death meant the eventual return of the Turks in 1468, the
25 years of resilience gained two accomplishments for the Albanians.
The drive for independence was still strong within the Albanians. Throughout the
19th Century, resisting the Turks attempts at assimilation, leaders led their
country with the rallying cry,"The religion of Albanians is Albanianism!" The
leaders formed the Albanian League in 1878 to unite the country and develop the
native language, literature, education and to adopt a new alphabet. In 1908, the
Albanians fought again, and by 1912, they succeeded in making the Turks agree to
their demands for autonomy. |
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Official Name(s)
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Republika e Shqiperise [Republic of Albania ] |
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Located
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Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea
and Ionian Sea, between Greece and Serbia and Montenegro |
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Capital
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Tirana |
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Government Type: |
Emerging Democracy |
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Area
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28,748 sq km |
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Languages
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Albanian (official - Tosk is the official
dialect), Greek |
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Currency
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lek (ALL) |
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Independence: |
28 November 1912 (from Ottoman Empire) |
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Religions: |
Muslim 70%, Albanian Orthodox 20%, Roman Catholic
10%
note: percentages are estimates; there are no available current statistics on
religious affiliation; all mosques and churches were closed in 1967 and
religious observances prohibited; in November 1990, Albania began allowing
private religious practice |
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Embassy: |
2100 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 223-4942
FAX: [1] (202) 628-7342 |
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Flag: |
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Map: |
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Send Greetings |
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