ALBANIA (Shqiperia), Republic of Albania (Republika e Shqiperise).
General information
a state in the south-east of Europe, in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula. Stretched from north to south along the coast of the Adriatic and Ionian seas for 340 km. The Strait of Otranto separates Albania from Italy. The area is 28.7 thousand km 2. The population is 3074.6 thousand people (2004). The capital is Tirana. The official language is Albanian. The monetary unit is lek. Administrative divisions: 36 districts (reti).
Albania is a member of the UN (1955), OSCE (1991), IBRD (1991), IMF (1991), Council of Europe (1996), WTO (2000).
S. A. Tarkhov.
Political system
Albania is a unitary state. The Constitution of Albania was adopted on October 21, 1998. The form of government is a parliamentary republic.
The head of state is the president; he can be a citizen of Albania by birth, at least 40 years old and living in the country for at least 10 recent years. The president is elected by parliament on the proposal of at least 20 deputies for a term of 5 years (with the right to only one re-election). To be elected, a qualified majority of votes is required - at least 3/5 of the members of parliament. The President is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, appoints members of the government, decides on issues of citizenship and others.
The highest legislative body is the unicameral parliament - the Assembly (Assembly). It consists of 140 deputies elected for 4 years (100 deputies - according to the majority system in single-mandate constituencies, 40 - according to party lists based on a proportional electoral system).
The highest executive body is the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister. The competence of the government is defined in the very general view: it performs any government function that is not assigned to other government agencies or local authorities.
Albania has a multi-party system; the main parties are the Socialist Party of Albania and the Democratic Party of Albania.
B. A. Strashun.
Nature
Relief... A slightly hilly lowland (15-40 km wide) stretches along the coast of the Adriatic Sea, framed from the north, east and south by mountain ranges and massifs (see map). In the extreme north of Albania - the North Albanian Alps, dissected by deep canyon-like valleys. In the eastern and central parts, there are more smoothed mountain ranges with a predominantly meridional strike: Korabi (height up to 2753 m - the highest in the country), Deshati, Skanderbeg, Yablanitsa, Tomori and others; in the south, there are low (600-2000 m) ridges (Dembeli, Nemerchka, Lungeria, etc.) and intermontane basins (Korchinskaya, Kolonya, Gjirokastra, etc.).
Geological structure and minerals... The territory of Albania belongs to the South European branch of the Alpine-Himalayan mobile belt; is located at the junction of the Dinarid and Helinid fold systems (the so-called Albanids), separated by a large transverse strike-slip. The cover-zonal structure is characteristic. There are external and internal zones of northwest strike. The outer zones of Durmitor, the High Karst in the north and the Adriatic-Ionian in the south are fragments of the cover of the passive margin of the continental block of Adria (located to the west) torn off at different stages of alpine tectogenesis. They are mainly composed of sedimentary strata of the Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Paleogene. These zones are superimposed on the Neogene-Quaternary Periadriatic Molasse Trough. The inner zones (Korabi, Mirdita in the east of Albania) are formed by ophiolite covers, melange - fragments of the crust of the Neotethis oceanic basin (see the article Tethys). The Budva-Tsukali (transitional) zone is composed of volcanics, flysch, and deep-sea deposits of the Mesozoic - Neogene.
The main minerals are chromites, copper, nickel and cobalt-containing iron ores, bauxite; in the zone of the foothill trough - oil, combustible gas, bitumen.
Climate... In the coastal lowlands, the climate is subtropical Mediterranean, with warm, humid winters and hot summers. The average January temperature is from 4 ° С in the north to 7 ° С in the south, in July, respectively, 25 and 28 ° С. Precipitation (1000-1800 mm per year) falls mainly in autumn and winter. In the southwestern part of Albania, droughts are frequent in summer. It is cooler in the mountains (up to -20 ° C in winter) and humid (precipitation up to 2500 mm per year).
Rivers and lakes... Rivers flow mainly in a latitudinal direction from the mountainous regions of Albania to the Adriatic Sea; the largest of them are Drin (with tributaries White and Black Drin), Mati, Erzeni, Shkumbini, Semani (with tributaries Devoli and Osumi), Viosa (with tributaries Drino and Shushitsa). In the mountainous part of the river there are rapids, with deep valleys, gorges, high flow rates and significant reserves of hydropower. A system of irrigation canals has been built between the Shkumbini and Seman rivers. Lake Shkoder (Skadar) is located in the north-west of Albania, and the lakes Ohridskoye, Prespa and Mikra-Prespa in the east. Along the sea coast there are swampy lagoons and small lakes.
Soils, flora and fauna... The subtropical brown soils of dry forests and shrubs predominate on the sea coast and in the lower parts of the slopes. On the coastal lowlands and in the mountains, there are brown forest soils, which are replaced with height by brown podzolized forest and mountain meadow soils. Up to a height of 1000 m - oak and hornbeam, higher - beech and coniferous forests; at an altitude of more than 1700 m - alpine meadows. Evergreen shrubs such as maquis, boxwood, shibliak and other formations of summer green plants prevail on the coastal lowland.
Wild animals in the developed part of the country are practically exterminated. Wild boars, wolves, deer, jackals are found in sparsely populated mountainous regions; there are many waterfowl in the seaside part. In coastal waters - sardines, mullet.
In Albania - 29 protected natural areas total area of \u200b\u200b94 thousand hectares, including the national parks of Divyaka, Daiti, Lura, Tomori.
Lit .: Luk G. Albania (Physical and geographical survey). M., 1948; Valev E. B. Albania. M., 1972.
S. A. Tarkhov; A. A. Zarshchikov (geological structure and minerals).
Population
Most of the population (92%) is Albanian (2000 estimate); the few groups are Greeks, Gypsies, Aromanians, Serbs, Macedonians and others. Albania is a country with Muslim demographic traditions. Until the early 1990s, the population grew rapidly due to high birth rates (1.1 million in 1945; 1.6 million in 1960; 3 million in 1986; 3.3 million in 1990) , but during 1990-2003 it decreased by 1.7%, mainly due to a decrease in the birth rate and mass emigration. The birth rate (18.2 per 1000 inhabitants) is the highest in Europe (constantly decreasing; in 1960 - about 5 children per woman, in 2001 - 2.1), the death rate - 6.5 per 1000 inhabitants (2003 year). Age structure (2003): up to 14 years old - 28.1%, 15-64 years old - 64.6%, 65 years and older - 7.3%. Average age - 30.7 years (2003; 27.4 in 1990); more than 60% of the population is under 34 years of age. Average life expectancy for population of Albania is 74.4 years for men and 80 years for women. The infant mortality rate is 22.3 per 1000 newborns.
The policy of assimilation of the Greeks, which has been carried out since 1975, led to a decrease in their number and mass repatriation in 1990-1991. In the 1990s, over 300,000 Albanians left the country. In 1999, about 450,000 Albanian refugees arrived from Kosovo to Albania. The average population density is 107 people / km 2 (2004). The most densely populated are the western coastal regions (up to 33% of the country's population; density up to 400 people / km 2 in the Durres region) and the Korchinskaya depression (82 people / km 2); mountainous areas are poorly populated (20-40 people / km 2), settlements are small (for 10-12 families). Urban population - 44% (2003; 20% in 1950; 33% in 1995), cities are mostly small.
The largest cities (thousand people, 2002): Tirana (354), Durres (114.1), Elbasan (97), Shkoder (86), Vlora (85), Korca (59), Fier (55). Economically active population - 1,350 thousand people (2003; excluding 352 thousand foreign workers), of which 57% are employed in agriculture, 20% in industry, and 23% in infrastructure and services. The unemployment rate is 16% (according to official estimates; in fact, over 30%).
S. A. Tarkhov; PI Puchkov (ethnic composition).
Religion
About 70% of the population of Albania is Muslim, about 30% are Christians (including about 20% of Orthodox Christians and 10% of Catholics).
Christian communities appeared in Albania in the 1st century. At the end of the 15th century, the territory of modern Albania was occupied by the Ottoman Turks, but until the 2nd half of the 16th century, the majority of the population remained Christian. As a result of active Islamization in the 17th century, Albania became a predominantly Muslim country, inhabited by both Sunni Muslims and Shiite Muslims, as well as adherents of the Bektashiyya Sufi order, in 1925-67 Albania was the world center of this order. In 1922, the Albanian Orthodox Autocephalous Church was established (autocephaly recognized in 1937). In 1967, the Albanian government closed all mosques and churches. In 1991, following the first free elections and the adoption of constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion, both Islam and Christianity began to revive in Albania.
Historical sketch
Albania from antiquity to the early 16th century.
The earliest finds related to human activities in Albania date back to the Middle Paleolithic (Dzare). The Upper Paleolithic and Mesolithic are represented by a number of sites, including stratified cave sites (Konispoli). Painted pottery from the Neolithic era is close to finds from Thessaly (in northern Greece). Monuments of the Bronze Age and Hallstatt belong to the circle of cultures of the North-Western Balkans associated with the Illyrians. From the end of the 7th to the beginning of the 6th centuries BC, the Greek colonies of Epidamnos (modern Durres), Apollonia Illyrian and others appeared on the coast of Albania. In the early Iron Age, settlements with stone walls appeared in hard-to-reach places (near the city of Shkoder, etc.).
For the 4th-3rd centuries, a number of political associations of local tribes headed by kings are known: enkelei, taulants, ardians and others. After several wars in 168, the Illyrian tribes obey Rome, the territory of Albania entered the province of Illyricum (formed in 27 BC), from the 1st century AD new cities arose here (Scampa, Clodiana, etc.); strategically and economically important road Egnatia linked the coast of Albania with Thessalonica on the Aegean Sea.
Already from the 1st century there are data on Christian communities. After the division of the Roman Empire in 395, Albania, as part of the provinces of New Epirus, Old Epirus, Prevalitana, moved to its eastern part. In the 5th century, the Goths repeatedly passed through Albania. Since the 6-7 centuries, Albania has been in the zone of Slavic colonization (to the west of Lake Ohrid, the Berzit tribe is localized). Conan culture was formed in Albania and Western Macedonia on the basis of local and introduced traditions under Byzantine influence by the 7th century. In coastal Albania, Byzantine rule is preserved (from the 9th century as part of the Dyrrachium femma). In 989, Albania was conquered by the Bulgarian king Samuel, after the defeat of the First Bulgarian Kingdom in 1018, Byzantine rule was restored. Under the Byzantine and Bulgarian influence, Orthodoxy spreads throughout Albania (the Metropolis of Dyrrach of the Patriarchate of Constantinople). In 1081, attacks by the Normans began, briefly capturing part of the coast of Albania. In 1096, the crusaders marched through the territory of Albania. After the defeat of Byzantium during the 4th Crusade (1204), Dyrrachium on the coast of Albania captured Venice, the influence of the Roman Catholic Church increased, at the end of the 13th - 1st half of the 14th centuries, coastal Albania became part of the Kingdom of Naples.
At the end of the 12th - 1st half of the 13th centuries, the Arberian Principate existed in the north of Albania - the first own political formation of the Albanians. Most of Albania in the 2nd half of the 13th century is part of the Epirus despotate. Since the end of the 12th century, part of Albania belongs to Serbia, and in the middle of the 14th century it is almost completely included in the Serbian-Greek kingdom of Stefan Dusan. After its disintegration, independent principalities existed on the territory of Albania, headed by the feudal families of Topia, Balsha, Muzak and others. Their internecine struggle facilitated the expansion of the Ottoman Turks, who, after the Battle of Kosovo (1389), undertook regular campaigns in Albania. By the beginning of the 15th century, the Turks, who intervened in the conflict between Balshi and Topia on the side of the latter, managed to conquer a significant part of Albania. At the same time, some princely families were vassals of the Ottoman Empire only nominally and even supported Venice in its struggle against the Turks. In 1443, the anti-Ottoman struggle was led by Skanderbeg from the princely family of Kastrioti, who established himself in Kruja (Northern Albania). In 1444, he founded the so-called Lega League of Albanian Princes, which contributed to the temporary cessation of fragmentation and rallying of the Arberians. An army of 12-15 thousand people was formed. After his death (1468) the league of princes disintegrated, and the Turks managed to complete the conquest of Albania: Kruja fell in 1478, Shkoder in 1479, and Durres in 1501, which had been under the rule of Venice since the end of the 14th century.
Albania as part of the Ottoman Empire... The Ottoman conquest dealt a heavy blow to the economy and culture of Albania, slowing down its social and political development. The Ottoman military-fief system was introduced in the country. The population was charged with heavy taxes and duties. There was an emigration of Albanians to other areas of the Ottoman Empire, Southern Italy and others. Unlike other Balkan countries, in Albania the class of military fiefs turned out to be largely Albanian in origin: it included Albanian feudal surnames that converted to Islam.
The territory of Albania was included in the Rumeli Eyalet, which was divided into 6 Sanjaks: Shkodrinsky, Dukagini, Elbasan, Ohrid, Vlora, Delvin. However, in some mountain areas (Himara, Great Malsia, Dukagini, Mirdita), the Turks did not succeed in establishing themselves completely, liberation actions continued here, against which punitive expeditions were directed (1537, 1610, 1612, 1686, 1716). Since the end of the 17th century, anti-Ottoman protests have declined. This was facilitated by the process of Islamization of the population, accompanied by economic and legal pressure on it from the authorities (by the beginning of the 19th century, at least half of the Albanians had become Muslims). Since the 17th century, in a situation of decomposition of the military-fief system and the spread of hereditary possessions - chiefliks, the economy revived. The power of the large Albanian feudal lords increased, who, in the context of the crisis of the Ottoman Empire, which intensified in the second half of the 18th century, strove for political independence. In the north of Albania, a semi-state formation was formed - Shkodrinsky Pashalyk, which was ruled by the surname Bushati since 1756. He achieved the greatest independence under Kara Mahmud Pasha (1778-96), who twice (1787, 1793) defeated the sultan's armies. The territories in the south of modern Albania and the north-west of Greece were included in the Yaninsky Pashalyk, which was ruled by Ali Pasha Tepelensky in 1787-1822. Turkish troops eliminated Yaninsky Pashalyk in 1822, and Shkodrinsky in 1831. The spread of tanzimat reforms to the territory of Albania, aimed at modernizing the Ottoman Empire and preventing its collapse, was accompanied by a deterioration in the situation of the masses, which caused anti-Turkish uprisings in 1833-1835 and in 1847.
In the 1840s, the ideology of the Albanian national revival began to form. In 1844, the Albanian educator Naum Vekilharji published the first Albanian primer. The first Albanian national liberation organization was the Prizren League, founded in 1878 in Kosovo, where there was a significant Albanian population. Breaking with the Turkish government, the league launched a program of autonomy for Albania. In some areas of Albania, power passed to the committees of the league, and its national committee in January 1881 was transformed into a provisional government. In 1881 the league was defeated; the leadership of the national liberation movement passed to the national societies created by Albanian emigrants in Istanbul, Bucharest, Sofia and others. In 1910-12, uprisings of the Albanians took place in the north of modern Albania and Kosovo.
The preservation of traditional relations in agriculture and the tyranny of the Turkish administration hampered the development of capitalist relations. Since the beginning of the 20th century, Albania has been subject to economic exploitation by Austria-Hungary and Italy. During the 1st Balkan War in 1912, most of the territory of Albania was occupied by the troops of Montenegro, Serbia, Greece. 11/28/1912 All-Albanian Congress in the city of Vlora proclaimed the independence of Albania and created a provisional government headed by Ismail Kemali.
Albania in 1912-39... The independence of Albania was recognized by the London Peace Treaty of 1913 and the Conference of Ambassadors of the Great Powers (29/07/1913), which defined its borders. By decision of the powers, the administration of Albania was transferred to Prince Wilhelm Wid (William I; March - September 1914), who was unable to extend his power to the entire country. During the 1st World War, military operations took place on the territory of Albania. The London Treaty of 1915 provided for the elimination of the independence of Albania and its division between Italy, Greece, Serbia and Montenegro. However, after the end of the war, the leaders of some powers (in particular, US President W. Wilson) refused to support this plan. In the wake of the liberation movement, the national congress in Lushna (January 1920) formed a provisional government in Tirana, which became the capital of Albania. The uprising in Vlora (June - August 1920) liberated the south of Albania from the Italian occupation. The development of the democratic movement led to the June 1924 revolution. The government headed by F. Noli came out with a program of bourgeois-democratic transformations. In December 1924, a counter-revolutionary coup was carried out.
01/21/1925 Albania was proclaimed a republic, A. Zogu, who led the coup, was elected president. On 1 September 1928, the Constituent Assembly proclaimed Zogu the "king of the Albanians" under the name Zogu I, and on December 1, adopted a monarchical constitution. The country fell into the economic (Italian companies took key positions in oil production and a number of other sectors of the Albanian economy) and political dependence on Italy, enshrined in Albanian-Italian treaties and agreements.
On 7.4.1939 Italy annexed Albania, which was annexed to Italy (12.4.1939) in accordance with the "personal union" (the Italian king Victor Emmanuel III was proclaimed king of Albania). The Italians abolished the Albanian constitution, although they left the Albanian government and parliament practically deprived of powers. The Albanian army became part of the Italian one. In Albania, a local fascist party was formed.
Albania from 1939 to mid-1980s. In September 1942, the patriotic forces united in the National Liberation Front. The Communist Party of Albania (CPA, founded in 1941) played an important role in organizing the national liberation struggle. Since April 1942, partisan detachments have emerged, of which the National Liberation Army (PLA) was formed in the summer of 1943; since May 1944, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Armenia E. Khoja became its commander-in-chief. PLA, the number of which reached 70 thousand people, in battles with the Italians, and after the surrender of Italy (September 1943) with German troops, liberated the territory of Albania until the complete liberation of the country on 11/29/1944.
In October 1944, the Anti-Fascist National Liberation Committee, the central body of the government bodies, national liberation councils, formed in the liberated regions, was transformed into the Provisional Democratic Government. On December 2, 1945, in the elections to the Constituent Assembly, more than 90% of the votes were received by the Democratic Front of Albania, which was under the complete control of the communists. 01/11/1946 The People's Republic of Albania (NRA) was proclaimed by the Constituent (Constitutional) Assembly. On March 14, 1946, a constitution was adopted that guaranteed the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens. The first government of the NRA was headed by E. Hoxha (in 1954-81, M. Shehu was its head). In 1945-46, the authorities of Albania restored the economy, carried out reforms in a bourgeois-democratic spirit. In the course of the agrarian reform, the lands of large owners were alienated and transferred free of charge to landless and land-poor peasants.
Since 1946, the leadership of the CPA (since 1948, the Albanian Party of Labor, APT) began to carry out socialist transformations according to the Soviet model, during which successes were achieved in the development of industry, culture and education. In 1949, Albania became a member of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (CMEA), in 1955 - the Warsaw Pact Organization.
However, the leadership of the APT refused to support the new line of the Soviet leadership, proclaimed at the 20th Congress of the CPSU, and took the emerging Soviet-Yugoslav rapprochement especially painfully. The emerging ideological differences between the APT and the CPSU led to the aggravation of Soviet-Albanian relations and their rupture (December 1961). Economic ties with the USSR ceased completely, and with Eastern European countries were significantly reduced. The principle of "self-reliance" was proclaimed. At the same time, Albanian-Chinese ties were strengthened. Since the late 1950s, the PRC has stepped up economic assistance to Albania, having received political support from it in an ideological conflict with the Soviet leadership. Especially intensive was the assistance of Albania from China in 1963-78 (terminated as a result of ideological disagreements between the APT and the CP of China).
According to the 1976 constitution, Albania became known as the People's Socialist Republic of Albania (NSRA) and was declared a state of the dictatorship of the proletariat. In fact, in Albania there was a regime of E. Hoxha's dictatorship. Massive violations of civil rights, rigid centralization of government hampered the economic and social development of Albania. The shortage of many products and consumer goods led to the introduction of a partial rationing system. M. Shehu's attempts to improve relations between Albania and other countries came across a tough position of the dictator. In the face of inevitable disgrace, M. Shehu committed suicide in December 1981 (according to the official version), and the persons associated with him were severely repressed.
Albania since mid-1980s... After the death of E. Khoja (1985) R. Alia became the 1st secretary of the APT Central Committee, who took steps to reform the economic and political life. A number of decrees provided for the use of economic incentive measures. In early 1991, Albanian-Soviet and Albanian-American relations were restored. 31.3 and 7.4.1991 for the first time there were free parliamentary elections on a multi-party basis, in which all Albanians over 18 years of age were eligible to participate. The victory was won by the APT, which in June 1991 began to be called the Albanian Socialist Party (ASP). The reformed party was headed by F. Nano, a supporter of a market economy, who adhered to social democratic views. The country began to be called the Republic of Albania, R. Alia was elected its first president. According to the 1991 draft constitution, on the basis of which state-building was carried out, the president became the commander-in-chief and did not belong to any political party.
Difficulties of market reforms provoked a drop in production (by 50% in 1991), mass unemployment and other crisis phenomena, and the emigration of a significant part of the population. The early parliamentary elections in March 1992 were won by the Democratic Party of Albania (DPA), whose leader S. Berisha became President of Albania. His rule was marked by authoritarianism, persecution of political opponents, corruption during the privatization of state property, a deficit in foreign trade balance, an increase in foreign debt, massive violations of the electoral law during the 1996 parliamentary elections, which resulted in the victory of the DPA. In early January 1997, the collapse of pyramid-based investment funds ruined thousands of people. In March 1997, an acute political crisis erupted. Anti-government demonstrations grew into popular uprisings, "salvation committees" were formed, relying on armed detachments. In the south of the country, power actually passed to them.
The early elections in June 1997, which were won by the TSA, helped to overcome the chaos. Its program provided for the restoration of public order, completion of privatization reforms, integration into the structures of the EEC and NATO. R. Meidani was elected President. In 1998, a new constitution was adopted. In 1999, Albania supported NATO's actions in Kosovo and Yugoslavia, which led to the severance of Albanian-Yugoslav relations. During the hostilities in Kosovo, about half a million refugees from Kosovo found temporary refuge in Albania. The July 2001 elections were won by the bloc of leftist parties, Union for the State, led by the ASP. In July 2002 A. Moisiu was elected president. In January 2003, the Albanian government began negotiations on the admission of Albania to the EEC as an associate member.
Lit .: Selishchev A. M. Slavic population in Albania. Sofia, 1931; Senkevich I. G. Liberation movement of the Albanian people in 1905-1912 M., 1959; she is. Albania during the Eastern Crisis (1875-1881). M., 1965; Arsh G. L. Albania and Epirus in the late 18th - early 19th centuries M., 1963; Skendi S. The Albanian national awakening. 1878-1912. Princeton, 1967; Ivanova Yu.V. Northern Albania in the 19th - early 20th centuries Public life. M., 1973; Histoire de l'Albanie, des origines a nos jours / Sous la dir. De S. Polio et A. Puto. Roanne, 1974; Kondis B. Greece and Albania. 1908-1914. Thessaloniki, 1976; A Brief History of Albania: From Ancient Times to the Present. M., 1992; Milo P. Shqiperia dhe Jugoslavia, 1918-1927. Tirane 1992; Bartl P. Albanien. Regensburg, 1995; Historia e popullit shqiptar. Tirane, 2002. Vol. 1-2; Smirnova N.D. History of Albania in the XX century. M., 2003.
Farm
Albania is one of the poorest countries in Europe (about 30% of the population lives below the poverty line); per capita income $ 4,500 in 2002 ($ 400 in 1994; $ 1,650 in 1999). The economy is in a state of transition to a market economy and is developing mainly thanks to the transfer of money by emigrants to their relatives (in the late 1990s they accounted for about 1/3 of GDP), as well as financial assistance from Italy and Greece (400-600 million dollars a year). In the mid-1990s, a course was taken to denationalize the economy; by the beginning of the 2000s, the privatization of land, retail trade and services, transport and construction was completed; the privatization of large industrial facilities and the banking system is being carried out (2004). As a result of the reforms, about 70% of GDP is produced in the private sector. Political instability in the late 1990s and the general economic crisis led to an increase in unemployment, high inflation, and the creation of a negative investment climate. Agriculture remains the leading branch of the economy (47.6% of GDP, 2003). The shortage of electricity in the 1990s and the competition of foreign goods led to a significant reduction in industrial production (24.6% of GDP). In the 1990s, international tourism began to develop, which, along with services, accounts for 27.8% of GDP.
Industry... In the structure of industrial production, the main place is occupied by the extractive industries (the main mineral resources of Albania are oil, gas, chrome ores) and the processing industries. Gas (about 30 million cubic meters in 2001) and oil (0.5 million tons) are produced in the south-west of the country, in the Semani River basin (the main centers are Balshi, Patosi, Marineza, Kuchova). The main area for mining (about 250 thousand tons per year) and enrichment of chrome ore is the Bulkiz mines to the north-east of Tirana. Copper (Rubiku, Kurbneshi), nickel (Pogradets), iron ores (in the area of \u200b\u200bLake Ohrid), lignite (in the Tirana region and in the Korchinskaya depression), natural bitumen (near Selenitsa) are also mined. Mineral extraction declined sharply in the 1990s (with the exception of chrome ore). Most of the forests were cut down in the second half of the 20th century; since the 1990s, logging has been carried out only for domestic consumption (timber from the North Albanian Alps and the eastern regions of the country is supplied to sawmills in Elbasan and towns along the Drin River). Electricity production 5.3 billion kWh (2002), including 97% is generated at small hydroelectric power plants in mountainous areas (on the rivers Drin, Mati, Bistritsa, etc.). Thermal power plants operating on lignite and fuel oil operate in Tirana, Elbasan, Fier, Vlora, Korcha, Kuchov.
The manufacturing industry developed in the 1960s and 1980s; in the 1990s, production volumes dropped sharply due to the economic crisis and competition with imported goods. Oil refineries (production of petroleum products 360 thousand tons in 1997) operate in Fier (the largest oil refinery in the country), Balshi, Kuchov, Cerrik; petrochemical and chemical - in Vlora, Fier, Lyachi. Enterprises of nonferrous (copper smelting plant in Rubiku) and ferrous metallurgy (combine in Elbasan), metalworking and mechanical engineering (Tirana, Durres, Shkoder, Vlora), cement, woodworking, furniture, textile, tobacco (Shkoder), food (production of olive oil, sugar , canned fish and fruit, etc.) industry.
Agriculture inefficient and does not meet domestic food needs (Albania imports grain and food). Agriculture suffers from drought (in the coastal areas in the 1950s and 70s, irrigation canals were built; about 1/2 of the arable land is irrigated), a lack of agricultural implements, fragmentation of land (in the early 1990s, there were 120 state farms and 420 collective farms, which in the early 2000s were dissolved, and the land and equipment were privatized). Cultivated land occupies 21% of the country's territory (of which about 1/2 is under grain crops); pastures - 15%.
The main agricultural crops are wheat and corn (in the coastal zone and the Korchinskaya depression). They also grow barley, sugar beets (in the Korchinskaya depression), sunflowers, potatoes, melons, vegetables (legumes, onions, tomatoes, cabbage, eggplants), tobacco (along the southern coast), fruits (including citrus fruits in the south, peaches), grapes (winemaking in the Tirana region and in the south of the country), olives (along the sea coast). The main traditional branch of animal husbandry is pasture sheep breeding (more than 1.4 million heads in 2002; in the 1990s, the livestock decreased by almost 3 times). Goats (900 thousand heads), cattle (800 thousand heads), poultry (4.1 million heads), horses, donkeys are bred. In the south, meat and dairy farming prevails, in the north and east - mountain-pasture animal husbandry, with agricultural centers in the valleys. Oxen and donkeys are used as draft force. Handicraft production of white Albanian cheese. Fishing in the coastal waters of the Adriatic Sea (extraction of sardines, mullet).
Transport... The main mode of transport is automobile. Roads (about 18 thousand km long, including 30% paved) have not been repaired since the end of the 1980s (the main highway Tirana - Durres is being reconstructed, 2004). Most of the car fleet is old cars. In rural areas, horse-drawn transport prevails. There is a private bus service from Tirana to all cities in the country, as well as to Sofia (Bulgaria), Skopje (Macedonia), Pristina (Kosovo), Ioannina and Florina (Greece). The length of the railways is 720 km. Highways and railways are concentrated in the western low-lying part of the country, only a few highways cross the mountain ranges in the east of the country and reach the shores of Lake Ohridskoe and Prespa. The merchant marine fleet includes 24 vessels (including 7 with a displacement of over 1000 tons). The main foreign trade ports are Durres (about 90% of all cargo turnover) and Vlore. Navigation along the Buna river (to Lake Shkoder), lakes Shkoder, Prespa, Ohridskoe. Length of gas pipelines 339 km, oil pipelines 207 km (2004). International airport (25 km from Tirana); an international airport in Vlore is under construction (2004).
Foreign economic relations... Imports of goods ($ 1.5 billion in 2002) significantly exceed exports ($ 340 million). Albania imports food, consumer goods, machinery and equipment, used cars, fertilizers and more. The main export items are chrome ore (about 18% of the value), copper, nickel, bitumen, tobacco, and wine. The main trade partners are Italy, Greece, Turkey, Germany.
Foreign tourism... The flow of tourists is insignificant (60-80 thousand people per year). The main centers are Saranda resort in the extreme south-west of Albania, the so-called Coast of Flowers (along the Adriatic Sea from Vlora to Saranda, with good beaches and subtropical vegetation), beaches in the Durres area, medieval castles and fortresses in the cities of Gjirokastra, Kruja, Berat , as well as in the North Albanian Alps, on the shores of the Ohridskoe and Prespa lakes.
Lit .: Valev E.B. Albania. M., 1972; A Brief History of Albania: From Ancient Times to the Present. M., 1992; Hall D. Albania and the Albanians. L .; N. Y. 1994; Albania // Countries of the world. A short political and economic reference book. M., 1997; Albania // Eastern Europe: A Guide. Tver, 1997.
S. A. Tarkhov.
Military establishment
The total strength of the Armed Forces (AF) is about 30 thousand people (2004); consist of ground forces (land forces), air force and navy, two commands (operational and combat training, logistic support), as well as formations and units of central subordination. In wartime, paramilitary units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (about 17 thousand people) are transferred to the operational subordination of the chief of the general staff (GS).
The supreme commander in chief is the president. In peacetime, the general leadership of the Armed Forces is carried out by the Minister of Defense (a civilian), operational management is by the Chief of the General Staff. According to the operational designation, the Albanian Armed Forces are divided into rapid reaction forces (manned and equipped with weapons and equipment by 100%), main defense forces (50% manned and 100% equipped) and territorial defense forces. The recruitment of the army is carried out according to a mixed principle: by means of conscription for military service in accordance with the Law on Compulsory Military Service, recruitment by contract and regular military personnel.
The ground forces (about 17.5 thousand people) have 11 brigades (infantry - 7, tank - 1, special purposes - 1, artillery - 2), 10 artillery regiments, other units and subunits. Armed with about 400 tanks, more than 350 field artillery guns, mortars and MLRS, armored combat vehicles.
The Air Force includes: an air wing (fighter-bomber, fighter, training, combat training squadrons and a transport link); anti-aircraft missile brigade; helicopter regiment; transport squadron. The Air Force is armed with about 30 combat aircraft (mainly MiG-19, MiG-21), more than 10 auxiliary aircraft, about 10 helicopters and more than 20 PUZUR.
The navy includes a navy and a coastal artillery regiment. The fleet consists of 5 warships and more than 30 combat boats.
G.A.Naletov.
Health care... Healthcare expenditure was 3% of GDP (2000). The number of beds is 320 per 100 thousand inhabitants. Physicians are trained at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Tirana. At the beginning of the 21st century, there were about 4,500 doctors (1 doctor per 700 inhabitants); accounted for (according to various sources) from 370 to 400 nurses per 100 thousand inhabitants. The main causes of death are cardiovascular diseases, malignant neoplasms, injuries and accidents.
Resorts: Durres, Pogradets and others.
A.N. Prokinova.
Sport... Before World War II, there were about 1000 athletes in Albania. In 1945, a sports federation was created, in 1947 - the Committee for Physical Culture and Sports. Since 1951, the complex "Ready for Labor and Defense of Albania" has been actively introduced. In the early 1950s, under Tirana state university the faculty of physical education was opened; Several large stadiums have been built in the country, including Kemal Stafa (25,000 seats) and Dynamo (20,000) in Tirana. The most developed were about 20 kinds of sports, including games - football, basketball, volleyball, as well as track and field athletics, shooting, swimming, gymnastics, wrestling.
In 1959, the National Olympic Committee of Albania was recognized by the IOC. Since 1972, Albanian athletes have taken part in the Olympic Games. Albanian hockey player T. Domi is best known in the international arena - the first NHL legionnaire in the history of the country, defender of the Toronto Maple Leaves club.
Education. Institutions of science and culture... The general management of educational institutions is carried out by the Ministry of Education and Science. The main governing documents are the Higher Education Law (1999), the Education System Law (1995), the Private Education Law (1995) and the Albanian Public Schools Regulation (1995). The educational system of Albania includes preschool institutions, general education schools (primary, secondary and upper secondary), vocational schools, and universities. Children 3-5 years old are brought up in kindergartens (in 2002, there were 3400 kindergartens, which were attended by 59% of preschool children; over 2.5 thousand children attended private kindergartens). Secondary school (8 years of study) is compulsory for children from 6 to 13-14 years old. Full secondary school (4 years of study) is designed for 14-18 year old students. There were 1,500 primary schools, 1,700 secondary schools, about 500 complete secondary schools. Vocational education is provided by lower (1-2 years of study) and secondary (3-4 years of study) schools, as well as technical schools on the basis of incomplete secondary schools (in 2000 there were 500 such educational institutions). There are 9 vocational education centers operating under the Ministry of Labor (over 7 thousand students). There are also private educational institutions of various types (over 4.7 thousand students).
The largest scientific institution in Albania is the Academy of Sciences (established in 1972). In 2004, there were 8 universities in Albania; the largest - Tirana University (founded in 1957), Agricultural (1971), Polytechnic (1991) universities - both in Tirana; universities in Shkodra (1957), Korca (1971), Gjirokastra (1971), Elbasan (1991), Vlore (1994). About 41 thousand students studied in the universities of Albania.
Largest libraries: National (founded in 1922) and Tirana University. The main museum centers of Albania are concentrated in Tirana (museums: archaeological, 1948; national culture, 1979; national history, 1981; natural history and others), Gjirokastra (ethnographic, arms and others), Berat [Onufriy Museum (named for icon painter of the 16th century), folk art, 1827; ethnographic, historical, archaeological, 1988, etc.], Korche (Albanian medieval art, historical, national education). Of great value are the Independence Museum in Vlore and the History Museum in Durres, as well as the archaeological museums in Butrint (1950), Durres (1951) and Apolonia (1958).
Lit .: Albania // Educational systems of Balkan countries: issues and trends / Ed. N. Terzis. Athens, 2000.
Mass media... 92 newspapers, 71 magazines are published (2004). There are 35 radio and 55 television stations, 4 cable channels. The most important daily newspapers: Zeri i Popullit, Gazeta Sqiptare, Koha Jone, Rilindja Demokratike, "Sporti Shkiptar". National radio stations - "Radio Tirana" ("Radio Tirana"), "Top Albania Radio" ("Tor Albania Radio"); TV stations - TVSH, TV klan, TV Arberia. The Albanian Telegraph Agency (ATA) is functioning.
G.V. Pruttskov.
Literature... The literature of Albania was formed on the territory of modern Albania and beyond. The first surviving written monument in the Albanian language is "The Baptism Formula" (1462), the first book is "Meshari" ("The Service Book", translation of religious texts by G. Buzuku, 1555). In Albanian literature of the 18th century, the genre of beiteji - impromptu quatrains of satirical, moral and everyday content (N. Fracula, S. Naibi, H.Z. Kamberi), which has developed under the influence of Middle Eastern culture, flourishes. In the second half of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries, romantic tendencies developed in the art of the Arberes - Albanians living since the 16th century in southern Italy (poems by I. De Rada, poems by Z. Seremba, drama by F. A. Santori, etc.); the brothers Naim and Sami Frasheri are fighting for the unity and self-consciousness of the nation in poetry and journalism; the main theme of literature during this period is the "great time" of the liberation of the Albanians from the Ottoman yoke.
At the beginning of the 20th century, new genres appeared in the literature of Albania: in poetry - ballad, elegy, sonnet, lyric-epic poem; in prose - storytelling, epic drama, everyday comedy (A.Z. Chayupi, N. Mieda, G. Fishta, M. Grameno, Asdreni, H. Moya, R. Silichi). The foundations of a new realistic literature were laid in the first half of the 20th century by FS Noli, Z. Harapi, F. Konitsa, H. Stermila, E. Kolichi, M. Kuteli, L. Poradetsi; social motives prevailed in prose. After the fascist occupation (1939-44), under the conditions of a totalitarian regime, Russian and Soviet literature had a significant impact, many of whose works were translated into Albanian. Despite the harsh party censorship, prose (J. Dzodzy, N. Prifti, D. Shaplo, Dr. Agola, I. Kadare, F. Arapi, D. Juvani) devoted to the life of pre-war Albania and the Albanian resistance, along with the novel chronicles appeared novels that gravitated towards a symbolic and mythological interpretation of history. The fall of the totalitarian regime gave a powerful impetus to publicism, small prose (K. Bluesy, N. Lera) and poetry, which in a confessional-philosophical monologue turned to eternal themes (B. Lendo).
Lit .: Historia e letersise shqipe. Prishtina, 1971. Vol. 1-2; Desnitskaya A.V. Albanian literature and the Albanian language. L., 1987.
V.S.Modestov.
Architecture and fine arts... The oldest architectural structures in Albania are the remains of Illyrian fortresses (from the 7th century BC). The centers of the spread of ancient culture were the Greek colonies - Apollonia of Illyrian, Butrot (Butroton; modern Butrinti), Epidamn (modern Durres) and others; from the 1st century BC - Roman settlements and fortresses (Scampa - Greek Neocaster; now Elbasan). However, in areas remote from the ancient colonies, the autochthonous culture continued to develop (traditional construction, metal processing, ceramics). In the 13-14 centuries, Byzantine type ecclesiastical art developed (the Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Mesopotam, paintings in the Church of the Holy Trinity in Lavdari, the Church of the Blachernae Mother of God in Berat, etc.). In the north of Albania, where Catholicism spread, the architecture bore Romanesque features (the cathedral in Shasy, the Church of the Virgin in Vau-i-Deyes, the Church of Sergius and Bacchus in Oboti - all 13 centuries). The early illuminated codes date back to this time. The medieval art of Albania in its late period was marked by significant local originality (the paintings of Onuphrius from Neokastra and his son Nicholas in Berat and other places, mid-16th century). The very geography of the country, divided by mountain ranges, contributed to the emergence of many local centers of culture; these differences have survived to this day in applied art (type of ornament, carpet weaving, especially folk costume).
During the period of the Ottoman domination (from the 15th century) Muslim traditions took root in Albania, the construction of mosques, palaces of the nobility (sheds), covered markets (bezisteni), baths began; the ornamentation of residential and religious buildings has become more complicated. However, "underground Christianity" preserved the local cultural tradition. In the 17th and 18th centuries, many churches were built in the cities of Voskopoya (printing center) and Vitkuki. The type of urban development has finally taken shape: houses with covered balconies and external staircases decorated with geometric or floral wall paintings; interiors with wood carved ceilings, fireplaces and the like. The ornament of carpets retained a predominantly geometric character, but could include stylized images of birds and more. Renaissance-baroque tendencies manifested themselves in the 18th century in the church paintings of David from Selenitsa, brothers Kostandin and Atanas from Korcha, Kostandin Shpataraku and others. Since the 3rd quarter of the 19th century, during the so-called national revival, secular genres of portrait and landscape appeared. Applied arts reached great prosperity, first of all - metal processing, production of various jewelry and weapons.
In the first half of the 20th century, national-romantic tendencies with elements of impressionism and modernity dominated (paintings and graphics by A. Buza, S. Dzegi, sisters S. and A. Zengo, K. Idromeni, S.O. Katseli, N. Martini , V. T. Mio and others; sculpture by L. A. Nizzola, J. Pacho, O. P. Pascali, M. Toptani and others).
After World War II, a strict socialist realist program prevailed, where heroic-historical scenes and images of the “leaders” were of paramount importance. After the collapse of totalitarianism, artistic life became pluralistic. The works of painters S. Shiyaku, M. Fushekati and N. Bakali are marked by monumentalism; poetic expression - the works of F. Khadznin and P. Mele. Among the traditional crafts, carpet weaving, embroidery, silver processing (casting and filigree), ceramics, as well as wood carving are preserved.
Lit .: Yutkevich S.I.Art of folk Albania. M., 1958; Folk art in Albania. Tirana, 1959; Dhamo D. La peinture murale du Moyen-Age en Albanie. Tirape, 1974; Meksi A. Arkitektura mesjetare nё Shqiperi (shek VII-XV). Tirane, 1983; Blido L. Shenime pikturen dhe skulpturen. Tirane, 1987; Albanien. Schatze aus dem Land der Skipetaren. Mainz, 1988.
L. I. Tananaeva.
Music... The professional musical culture in Albania began to develop after World War II. The first performing collective is the Artistic Ensemble of the People's Army (1944). Music schools were opened, in Tirana - the Art Lyceum with music classes (1947), the State Philharmonic Society (1950), the State Opera and Ballet Theater (1956), the State Ensemble of Folk Songs and Dances (1957), the State Conservatory (1962) ). The first opera performances were staged with the help of Soviet musicians. In the 1950s, works of large forms appeared (composers Ch. Zadey, T. Daya, P. Yakov, K. Kono); opera performances were directed by conductors M. Krantia and R. Tetia.
The further development of the music of Albania took place under ideological pressure, however, even at this time, interesting instrumental works by N. Zorachi, Ch. Zadey, operas and other stage works by K. Kono, P. P. Yakov, T. Harapi, A. Muli, T Daiyi, Ch. Zadei, F. Ibrahimi. Instrumental music was written by Ibrahimi, T. Gachi, A. Pechi, Sh. Kushta, Z. Leka, K. Gyini. With the fall of the totalitarian regime, restrictions on the performance of foreign classics were lifted. Since 1968, the annual Festival of National Folklore has been held in Gjirokastra, since 1998 in Tirana - the annual International Competition for Vocalists named after M. Krai, since 2000 in Butrint - the International Competition of Music Performers. For musical folklore see the article Albanians.
Ballet... The first experiments in stage dance date back to the 1940s. The Artistic Ensemble of the People's Army, created in 1944, became the first professional group. In 1946, a children's amateur choreographic studio was organized in Tirana, which later became the basis of the professional dance group of the State Philharmonic. In 1957, the State Folk Song and Dance Ensemble was created. The first classical ballets in Albania were staged by G.V. Perkun - "The Fountain of Bakhchisarai" by B.V. Asafiev (1951), "Esmeralda" by Ch. Punya (1953). Other Soviet choreographers, such as KD Karpinskaya, VI Tsaplin, and MM Gaziev, also rendered significant assistance in mastering the world classics.
In 1956, the State Opera and Ballet Theater and a ballet school were opened in Tirana. The core of the troupe of the theater was made up of dancers A. Aliay, Z. Hajo, G. Vendresha, P. Kanachi, J. Simigiu, P. Vorpsi. Along with the classics ("Don Quixote" by L. F. Minkus, 1990; "Romeo and Juliet" by S. Prokofiev, 1995, staged by Aliaya, etc.), national ballets were staged: "Khalil and Khairiya" by T. Daiy (1963, choreographer Kanachi), Fearless Eagle by Ch. Zadei (1972, choreographer M. Papa), Tenth Wound of Gyorgy-Elez Alia by F. Ibrahimi (1986, choreographer Aliay) and others.
Lit .: Gurakuqi L. 45 vjet TOV. Tirane, 1999.
Theater... From the beginning of the 19th century, amateur troupes existed in Shkoder, Korcha, Tirana, Elbasan, Durres, Gjirokastra. Modern theatrical art originated during the years of the anti-fascist struggle in partisan detachments (short plays, sketches around the fire). In 1944, the Central Theater of the Partisan Army was created in the city of Permeti, in 1945 in Tirana - the drama school and the State Theater (later the People's Theater). Among the first productions: "The Marriage" by N. V. Gogol, "Mother" after M. Gorky, "The Epic of Balli Kombetar" based on the poem by Sh. Musaray, "Prefect" by B. Levoni. The play based on the historical drama Khalil and Khairiya by K. Yakov (1949) became a milestone. In 1950, the Central Puppet Theater was established in Tirana. Theaters also appeared in Shkoder (Theater named after Micheni, 1949), Korcha (Theater named after A.Z. Chayupi, 1950), Durres (Theater named after A. Moissi, 1953), Elbasan (Theater "Skampa", 1962) , Vlore (1962), Gjirokastre (1968), Fier (1972), Berate and Peshkopii (1984).
In 1959 opened graduate School theatrical art named after A. Moissi. Plays by Albanian playwrights (S. Chokor, L. Papa, R. Pulyakh) occupy the main place in the repertoire of the National Theater. A significant contribution to the theatrical art of Albania was made by directors P. Mani, A. Chiryachi, S. Mio, K. Spahivogli, actors N. Frasheri, B. Imami, T. Kurti, M. Popi, M. Logoretsi, L. Kovachi, V. Manushi, S. Ask, K. Roshi, artists H. Devola, A. Zaimi, K. Dilo and others. Festivals of professional and amateur theaters are held irregularly in various cities of Albania (often on some memorable dates). From 1961 to the mid-1990s, the Teatri magazine was published.
Lit .: Slatina F. Prirje te sotme te teatrit: panorama mbi teatrin shqiptar 1991-2001. Tirane 2001; Merkaj B. Personalitete te artit shqiptar. Tirane, 2002.
Cinema... Albanian cinematography emerged after World War II (until the end of the 1940s, only newsreels were produced). The first film show took place in Shkoder (1912), the first newsreel was filmed in Vlore (1920), the first National cinema was opened in Tirana (1926). In the 1950s, documentary films developed. With the help of the USSR, a film studio "New Albania" was built (1952) and the first feature film was shot - "The Great Warrior of Albania Skanderbeg" (1954, screenplay by M. G. Papava, director S. I. Yutkevich, cameraman E. N. Andrikanis; Prize of the Cannes International Film Festival). The first independent full-length feature film - "Tana" (1958, director K. Damo).
Since 1976, a national film festival has been held (once every 2 years). Until the early 1990s, the main themes of Albanian cinema were heroic-patriotic and military. Significant films were shot by directors of the older generation, graduates of universities of the USSR and other socialist countries - P. Milkani, V. Giki, D. Anagnosti (Poppies on the Walls, 1976; Prize of the International Film Festival in Belgrade). The films of K. Chashku, S. Petsani, V. Prifti, B. Byssi ("Mother's Heart", 1993; Prize of the Salerno International Film Festival), I. Gyata ("Colonel, nicknamed Bunker" are addressed to moral problems, intimate feelings of the heroes) 1996; Prize of the Saint-Etienne International Film Festival) and others. A special place is occupied by film adaptations of literary works: "General of the Dead Army" Prift (1975, based on the novel by I. Kadare), "A Tale from the Past" by Anagnosti (1987, based on the comedy by A.Z. Chayupi) and others.
In 2000, for the first time in many years, the Albanian-Russian film "Eve's Gate" was released (directed by A. Minga, joint production of the Russian studio "12 A" and Albanian Radio Television with the participation of the State Film Agency of Russia and the National Cinema Center of Albania). Animated cinema is developing (the first hand-drawn film "Zana and Miri" was released in 1975, the first puppet film "Little Bird - White Fluff" - in 1983). Since 1976, Tirana has hosted the Albanian Film Festival.
Development of Albania's natural resources - oil, natural gas, coal and hydropower.
Oil production in Albania was first carried out by Italian companies before World War II. The volume of production increased from 13 thousand tons in 1935 to 134 thousand in 1938, of which 105 thousand tons were exported to Italy. After the end of the war, the development of this industry proceeded at a rapid pace. Oil production in 1987 reached about 3 million tons, while its reserves were estimated at 20 million tons. The main oil fields are located in the Kuchov and Patosi regions. Albanian oil, which is distinguished by its high density, requires special processing. Before the war, almost all oil was sent by pipeline to Vlora, and from there - by ships to an oil refinery in the Italian city of Bari. During the war, the Germans built two small oil refineries in Albania. Pipelines from the fields in Kuchova and Patosi were laid to a large oil refinery with an annual capacity of 150 thousand tons built after the war in Cerrik near Elbasan. In 1987, Albania produced 2.6 million tons of petroleum products. In the early 1970s, a large oil refinery was put into operation in Fier with a capacity of 450 thousand tons per year. In the early 1990s, the production of petroleum products in Albania was maintained at 600 thousand tons per year, but then decreased to 360 thousand tons (1997).
Many deposits, including those in Patosi and Marinza, are unpromising. Crude oil production in 2001 reached 2.17 million barrels, while its reserves were estimated at 185.5 million barrels.
Natural gas production, which began in 1938, declined significantly during the war. However, in the 1950s, it increased significantly and reached 40 million cubic meters. m in 1959. In the early 1960s, new gas fields were discovered. In 1985 420 million cubic meters were produced. m, but in the 1990s there was a sharp decline in this industry: gas production fell to 102 million cubic meters. m in 1992 and 18 million cubic meters. m - in 1997. In 2001, the volume of natural gas production increased to 30 million cubic meters. The explored reserves are estimated at 3.316 billion cubic meters. m (2002).
The coal mining industry is poorly developed due to the limited reserves of coal. The country is dominated by deposits of brown coal with a low calorific value. The main centers of the coal mining industry are: Krraba, Valiasi (near Tirana), Memaliai (north of Tepelena), Mborya and Drenova (near Korca). The development of coal deposits began in 1938, when production was only 3.7 thousand tons.During World War II, it increased to 132 thousand tons per year, and in 1987 it reached 2.3 million tons, then in the 1990s this branch of the economy began to decline. In 1992, 366 thousand tons of coal were mined, and in 1997 - only 40 thousand tons.
During the years of the communist regime, special attention was paid to the development of hydropower. Among the most important projects of that time was the construction of hydroelectric power plants on the river. Mati, near Tirana, and especially a series of hydroelectric power plants on the river. Drin in Northern Albania. Electricity generation rose from 3 million kWh in 1938 to 9.2 million in 1948 and 150 million in 1958. In 1970, about 900 million kWh of electricity were produced, and the government announced the completion of rural electrification. In 1988, electricity production reached almost 4 billion kW / h, of which 80% was the share of hydroelectric power plants. Electricity production declined in the 1990s and power outages became common, but by 1995 it was restored. Projects have been developed for the construction of power lines from Elbasan to Podgorica (Montenegro), from Burrel to Vrutok (Macedonia), from Vlora to Igoumenitsa (Greece). Electricity production in 2001 reached 5.3 billion kWh, of which 97.07% was produced by hydroelectric power plants.
Industry.Albania is rich in minerals, especially chromium and copper ores. In the late 1980s, mining products accounted for about 5% of the value of industrial products and 35% of the value of exports.
Deposits of high quality chromite are found in different parts of the country. Chromite mines are located in Pogradec, Klesi, Letaje and near Kukes. The volume of production increased from 7 thousand tons in 1938 to 502.3 thousand tons in 1974 and 1.5 million tons in 1986. Deposits of copper ores are located mainly in northern Albania, in the Puka and Kukes districts. The ore mined in 1986 contained 15 thousand tons of copper. Exploration and production of ores containing gold, silver, bauxite, nickel, manganese and others is under way. In 1958, iron-nickel ore deposits were commissioned. The ore mined in 1987 contained 9 thousand tons of nickel. The extraction of iron ore was established at deposits in the valley of the river. Shkumbini between Elbasan and Perparimi. Due to falling prices on the world market in the 1990s, the production of all these ores fell sharply. In 1997, only 157 thousand tons of chromite and 25 thousand tons of copper were mined in the state sector.
Until 1925, there was almost no industry in Albania. It began to develop slowly only in the early 1930s, this process accelerated in 1939-1943 during the Italian occupation. At the end of World War II, several sawmills and factories for the production of olive oil and tobacco products, a large brewery, several enterprises for the production of soap, furniture, cardboard, etc. operated in the country. After the introduction of a planned economy (since 1951), the development of heavy industry accelerated. During the communist regime, a metallurgical plant in Elbasan, a cement plant, factories for the production of tannins and canned fish in Vlora, textile factories in Tirana and Berat, a factory for the production of rubber boots in Durres, cotton ginning factories in Rogozhin and Fieri, factories for the production of vegetable and canned fruit in Elbasan, Shkodra and Berat, a sugar factory in Korcha and several other small enterprises in different parts of the country.
In the late 1980s, industrial products accounted for about half of the gross value of goods and services in Albania. The most important industries were associated with the extraction and processing of chrome and copper ores, oil distillation, the production of electricity, machinery, etc. At the end of the 1980s, the share of food and textile products accounted for only about a third of all industrial production in the country. In the 1990s, the manufacturing industry experienced a deep crisis. By 1992, its production had declined by more than 50%, and in 1996 it was only 12% of GDP.
Craft productionplay an important role in the economy of Albania. They supply building materials (bricks and tiles), agricultural implements (plows, harrows), electrical appliances and a wide range of consumer products (including furniture, carpets, fabrics, silverware, etc.). Most of the handicraftsmen are united in cooperatives. In 1990, the government allowed many handicraftsmen to work individually, and subsequently a complete privatization of handicraft production was carried out.
Agriculture.The level of agricultural production in Albania is traditionally low, because natural factors are very unfavorable for its development. Arable land resources are small. In 1943, only 356 thousand hectares were cultivated. In 1964, cultivated land occupied 521 thousand hectares, which accounted for only 17% of the total area of \u200b\u200bthe country. Most of the arable land is concentrated in the coastal and central regions of Albania. In 1987 there were 714 thousand hectares of arable land and 397 thousand hectares of pastures.
The collectivization of agriculture was accompanied by land reform aimed at eliminating large-scale private land ownership and providing land to "those who cultivate it." This reform, promulgated by the government in 1945 and approved by the People's Assembly on June 1, 1946, was soon implemented. Its fundamental provisions were as follows:
1) gardens, vineyards and olive plantations were subject to confiscation;
2) 10 hectares of land were allocated to religious organizations;
3) a peasant family of six people received an allotment of 5 hectares and an additional 2 hectares for each person, if the family was larger. Following the reform, collective and state farms began to be planted throughout the country. The collectivization process accelerated since the mid-1950s, when a course was adopted for the complete cooperation of agriculture and the involvement of peasants in collective and state associations. In 1967, these farms owned 97% of the arable land. It was only in the 1990s that a privatization campaign in agriculture was launched, and by 1995 most of the farms were privately owned.
The main crops in Albania are corn and wheat. The area under grain crops increased from 140 thousand hectares in the pre-war years to 350 thousand hectares in 1988. The average annual harvest of corn increased from 134 thousand tons in the mid-1930s to 108 thousand in 1950 and 315 thousand tons at the end 1980s, and the average annual wheat harvest - from 40 thousand tons in the mid-1930s to 200 thousand in 1973 and 589 thousand in 1988; in 1994, the corn harvest amounted to 180 thousand tons, and wheat - 470 thousand tons.The main grain crops (in 2003): wheat (280 thousand tons), corn (200 thousand tons), sugar beet (40 thousand tons) and potatoes (170 thousand tons).
The country has made significant progress in the cultivation of fiber crops, especially cotton and tobacco. The cultivation of olives plays an important role. Other crops grown in Albania include rye, barley, oats, rice; from fruits - apricots, pears, quince, pomegranate, peaches, apples, figs, watermelons, melons, and in the south - grapes and citrus fruits. In the 1990s, there was an increase in gross agricultural output, and now it amounted to more than 50% of GDP.
Forestry. An important natural resource of Albania is forests, which provide wood, including for fuel.
Livestock raising.Despite some growth in livestock numbers, livestock productivity in Albania is low. The development of this industry is impeded by imperfect methods of its management, a lack of feed, insufficient areas of premises for keeping livestock and some other factors. In 1996 in Albania there were 806 thousand heads of cattle, 98 thousand pigs, 1410 thousand sheep, 895 thousand goats and 4108 thousand heads of poultry. Many of these figures declined in 1997-1998, when farmers slaughtered more than usual. The size of the livestock population in 2003 was 700 thousand cattle, 1.8 million sheep and 110 thousand pigs.
Fishing. Despite the fact that Albania is located along the coast of the Adriatic Sea, fishing remains a poorly developed industry. The annual fish catch in the Mediterranean and inland waters in 2001 is 3,596 tonnes.
Transport and communication.Rail transport plays an important role in passenger and freight transport. All railways were built after World War II (the first line was opened in 1947). The length of railways in 1990 was only 720 km. The main highway runs from north to south from Shkoder through Durres to Vlora, there are branches to Tirana and Pogradec (on the shore of Lake Ohrid). The last line connected the regions of iron-nickel and chromite ore mining with the metallurgical plant in Elbasan and the port of Durres. Albania's railways are connected to the city of Titograd (Yugoslavia) and are part of the European rail system. The construction of railway lines to Kosovo and Greece is planned.
For domestic transport, road transport is essential, although the private car fleet is small and the roads are in poor condition. The first high-speed highway Tirana-Durres was completed in 2000. The construction of the East-West transport corridor continues. The total length of roads is 18 thousand km, of which 5.4 thousand km are paved (2001). Bicycles are widespread. In remote mountainous areas, mules and donkeys are used as vehicles.
Maritime options are limited. The merchant marine fleet has 13 vessels with a carrying capacity of 34.4 thousand dwt. In the 20th century. Durres became the main foreign trade port, which has an advantageous position in the central part of the country's coast and is connected by a network of roads with the hinterland. Other ports include Vlora and Saranda. There is a ferry service from Durres and Vlora with the Italian ports of Brindisi, Bari, Ancona and Trieste, as well as Saranda with the Greek island of Kerkyra (Corfu). The length of inland waterways is 43 km, including the Albanian section of the Shkoder, Ohrid and Prespa lakes. The only navigable river is the Buna, in the northwest. There is also a regular ferry service on Lake Ohrid, connecting the Albanian city of Pogradec with the Macedonian city of Ohrid.
The largest airport in the country is the International Airport. Mother Teresa in Rinas, 25 km from Tirana - has regular connections with major cities in Europe. The number of air passengers increased from 30 thousand in 1990 to 200 thousand in 1994. Thanks to the growth of tourism, the possibility of building two more international airports in Northern and Southern Albania is being discussed. The national airline is Albanian Airlines.
Trade.Wholesale trade was completely nationalized under the communist regime. Retail trade was predominantly state and cooperative. Foreign trade was also monopolized by the state.
It is known that in the 1960s, import costs regularly exceeded export earnings. To compensate for this deficit, the country took foreign loans: until 1948 in Yugoslavia, in 1949-1961 in the USSR and other socialist countries, in 1961-1978 in the PRC. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the government decided to equalize the foreign trade balance by concluding barter agreements with Albania's partners. The country at that time provided itself with grain and fuel, which made it possible to keep imports under control. However, the developing industry needed to expand the export of finished and semi-finished products. In 1982, the value of Albania's foreign trade turnover was estimated at about $ 1 billion.
The main export item is chrome ore. Albania is one of the leading suppliers of this ore to the world market. Other export items are iron-nickel ore, copper, oil products, fruits and vegetables, tobacco and cigarettes. Important imports are machinery, industrial equipment, chemical products and some consumer goods. In 1948-1978, foreign trade mainly depended on the political course of the country. Until 1961, the main partner was the USSR, which accounted for about half of Albania's foreign trade turnover, in 1961-1978 this place was occupied by China. After severing ties with China in 1978, Albania began to expand the circle of trade partners. In the late 1960s, Albania resumed trade relations with some countries of Western Europe - Italy, France, Germany, Greece. For much of the 1980s, Yugoslavia was its largest partner. However, in the late 1980s, Yugoslavia moved down to sixth place among Albania's trading partners, while relations with the countries of Eastern Europe expanded. Trade with Greece dropped sharply, but ties with other EU countries gradually improved. In 1988 the share of none of the trading partners was more than 10% of the total foreign trade turnover of Albania. The situation changed in the 1990s. In 1996, almost 90% of exports and 80% of imports were associated with the industrialized countries of Western Europe, mainly with Italy and Greece. Italy accounted for 58% of Albanian exports and 42% of imports, while Greece accounted for 13% and 21%, respectively. In the same 1996, the foreign trade balance of Albania was reduced with a deficit of $ 245 million, and its external debt amounted to $ 732 million.
In the early 2000s, the country's trade increased. Foreign trade is characterized by a large trade deficit (in 2003 - 1446 billion dollars), which some experts consider a sign of the country's economic recovery after the recession of the early 1990s.
The volume of exports in 2003 amounted to 425 million US dollars, which is 243 million more than in 1997. The main export items are still products of the fuel and mining industries, including petroleum products, iron-nickel and chrome ore, copper, as well as agricultural products: vegetables and fruits, six, tobacco and wine. About 70% of all export products are made in the private sector. The main trading partners of Albania (2003) are Italy (73.2%), Germany (5%), Greece (4.3%), Turkey, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary.
Albanian imports in 2003 are estimated at $ 1.76 billion, which is $ 1.163 billion more than in 1997. Imports are dominated by automobiles and electronics, industrial and high-precision equipment, metal products and building materials, chemical products, fuels and lubricants. materials, consumer goods and food. Most of the imports (2003) came from Italy (37.9%), Greece (21.3%), Turkey (5.9%), Germany (5.4%), Macedonia, Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria.
Tourism.Due to the isolationist policies of the communists, there was no tourism industry in Albania. Today, the development of tourism is hampered by the lack of appropriate infrastructure, political instability and the inability to ensure security in remote areas of the country. An estimated 34,000 tourists visited Albania in 2001. Most of the tourists are Albanian expats, as well as Greeks, Italians and Germans. The main tourist routes are Tirana, Berat, Butrint (included in the UNESCO World Heritage List), Durres, Gjirokaster, Saranda, Vlore.
Monetary system and banks.The monetary unit of Albania is lek \u003d 100 kindarkam. Leks are issued by the Albanian State Bank, which was established in 1945. All banking and lending institutions are state-owned, although plans are being discussed to transfer the main commercial banks - the National Commercial Bank, the Rural Commercial Bank and the Savings Bank - to the private sector. The banking system changed in 1996 with the establishment of a number of private banks, including foreign, primarily Italian.
The state budgetAlbania in 1989 amounted to 9.55 million leks by income and 9.50 million leks - by items of expenditure, and in 1996 - 51.34 million and 72.49 million leks, respectively. Under communist rule, personal income tax was not levied; under the new regime, it was introduced along with taxes on value added, real estate, corporate profits and business activities.
In 1992-1996, the EU provided Albania with humanitarian aid in the amount of about $ 560 million.
Society
For four centuries of Ottoman rule, tribal and feudal traditions were preserved in Albanian society: strong kinship ties, tribal ties, the power of local leaders and landowners. However, since the 1920s and especially after 1944, there have been dramatic changes in public life. Both King Zogu and the communists made attempts to modernize, industrialize and urbanize Albania, simultaneously eradicating obsolete social values \u200b\u200band lifestyles. The communists, using tougher methods and relying on more pretentious doctrines, have achieved greater successes than King Zogu, but it is difficult to say how much their ideas about efficiency, discipline, labor productivity and national unity were rooted in the new managerial and intellectual elite that moved from the migrants to towns of peasants.
Labor resources.The contingent of industrial workers, once represented by a small number of low-paid miners and artisan handicraftsmen, expanded significantly after 1945. Workers organized trade unions to help maintain discipline and improve productivity. An eight-hour working day was established by law, and the labor of children under 14 was prohibited. The majority of workers belong to two trade union centers - the Union of Independent Trade Unions of Albania, affiliated with the Democratic Party of Albania, and the Confederation of Trade Unions of Albania, created in 1991 on the basis of the former Central Council of Albanian Trade Unions, which until 1990 was associated with the Albanian Labor Party.
In 1988, 1.5 million people were employed in all sectors of the economy, in 1992 - 1.2 million, in 2002 - 1.59 million.Approximately 57% of the economically active population is employed in agriculture, 22% in industry and 21% in the service sector. The number of unemployed, exceeding 400,000 in 1992, rose sharply towards the end of the 1990s. The official unemployment rate for 2003 is 15.8%, but according to some estimates the number of unemployed may reach 30%.
Social Security.The state social insurance system covers all working citizens. The state guarantees all workers and their families free medical care, unemployment benefits, paid leave, pension benefits and other social services. Women are entitled to 360 days of maternity leave and during this period receive 80% of their earnings.
Men retire at the age of 55 to 65, women from 50 to 60. The size of the pension is equal to 70% of the average monthly salary.
Healthcare.Officially, medical care is free for the entire population. However, the level of medical care remains low. The health care system suffers from a shortage of doctors, medicines and outdated equipment. Paid and traditional medicine is developing.
According to official statistics, in the post-war period it was possible to significantly reduce the mortality and morbidity rate. Largely due to the legalization of abortion, pregnancy deaths were halved between 1990 and 1993. Pregnant women were released from work in difficult and harmful conditions. The infant mortality rate in 2003 was 22.3 per 1000 newborns. The main causes of morbidity and mortality among children are respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. After 1990, the number of cases of viral hepatitis A increased, the main source of the spread of which was poor-quality drinking water. In 1994, a number of cases of cholera were noted.
In 1987 there were 577 inhabitants per doctor (for comparison, in 1950 - 8154 inhabitants), per one hospital bed - 168 inhabitants (in 1950 - 229 inhabitants). Further improvement of healthcare is hampered by unsanitary conditions and unfavorable economic conditions.
Relation to religion.The constitutions of 1914 and 1928 proclaimed freedom of religion. The state sought to enlist the support of religious communities. Devout Muslims (Sunnis) reorganized their community in 1929, entrusting its leadership to a general council, which included representatives from each prefecture and four major geographic areas. At the same time, the Bektashi Muslims separated from the Sunnis and since then have ruled their own order themselves. After lengthy and difficult negotiations with the Patriarchate of Constantinople, the Orthodox Church of Albania declared its administrative independence in 1922, with which the Patriarchate was forced to agree in 1937. The organization and politics of the Catholic Church were under the control of the Vatican.
With the coming to power of the communists, serious changes took place in religious life. The communists strongly opposed religion, especially the Catholic one. In May 1945, a new charter of Bektashi Muslims was proclaimed, completely independent of the Sunni. The government put Sunni opponents at the head of both streams, introduced its people to religious communities, strengthened ties with the USSR, and organized support for international communist campaigns such as the peace movement. The same policy was pursued in relation to the Orthodox Church. The Catholic religion came under more severe attacks, which was reflected in the text of the constitution adopted in August 1951. The softening of the policy towards Catholicism began in the late 1950s, when Albania tried to establish contacts with Western countries, especially Italy and France. However, the growing Chinese influence in 1966-1967 stimulated a new wave of anti-Catholic measures, and on June 4, 1967, the last Catholic church in the country was closed. Nevertheless, religious life in Albania did not stop, and in May 1990, under public pressure, the authorities announced the legalization of all religions.
Culture
The influence of Turkish, Greek and Italian cultures hampered the development of the national culture. The rise of national consciousness since 1878 contributed to the formation of journalism and lyric poetry in the Albanian language. However, such cultural agents as schools, bookstores, magazines and newspapers began to appear only in the 1920s and 1930s. After World War II, Albanian culture was influenced first by Soviet and then Chinese culture. The communist government stimulated the development of culture, paying attention to the translations of books by writers from the countries of the communist bloc and especially the USSR. Cultural ties with the West began to revive in 1961, after the break in relations with the USSR.
In 1945 the first professional theater was opened in Tirana. This was followed by the creation of theaters in Shkoder in 1949 and in Korca in 1950. In the early 1950s, a film industry was created with the help of the USSR. She released patriotic films imbued with a national idea. In the late 1980s, there were about 100 cinemas in Albania. About 900 book titles were published annually. At present, about 100 newspapers and magazines are published.
Architecture.The oldest architectural monuments of the Illyrian culture in Albania date back to the 2nd and 1st millennia BC. Numerous architectural monuments (up to the 4th-5th centuries AD), created by the Greeks and Romans (the remains of fortifications, aqueducts and bridges, public baths and residential buildings), have survived since ancient times. In the Middle Ages, Christian religious architecture was formed on the territory of Albania: in the north - of the Catholic type, in the southern regions - of the Greek Orthodox. During the period of Ottoman rule, the Turkish architectural style appeared in the cities in the south of the country (palaces, fortresses, mosques and madrassas, bridges, fountains, public baths, markets, etc.).
Until the middle of the 20th century. most Albanian cities were dominated by two-story stone dwellings covered with tiles. Wooden houses were built in rural areas; in the coastal areas, adobe, adobe, or reed dwellings with clay coating dominated. In the past, northern Albania was characterized by fortress-type tower houses (kuls) made of gray and white stone. In modern cities, mass standard building with multi-storey buildings prevails, in rural areas - with two-storey brick houses; traditional architecture has been preserved in a number of historic city centers, as well as in some rural and mountainous areas.
Art.Medieval painting developed under strong Byzantine influence. In the period of the early Renaissance, Italian influence increased in the work of painters. The most famous painter of this period is Onufry Kiprioti. In painting of the 18th century. dominated by realistic elements of the Baroque style (David from Selyanitsa, Konstandini Shpataraku). In the middle of the 18th century. the leading role in the visual arts is acquired by icon painting. The artistic style created during this period dominated until the early 20th century. During the period of national revival (mid-19th century) easel painting first appeared. The leading place among painters of the 1st half of the 20th century. occupied by representatives of the school of Western Impressionism (V. Mio, A. Zeng and others). Such directions as romanticism and realism were also presented. The sculpture, which arose in the 1920s, was dominated by portraitism and monumentalism.
Population
State structure and politics
Economy
Society
Culture
Caucasian Albania
Population
Formation of Caucasian Albania
Culture
State of the art
Literature
Albania
ALBANIA, Republic of Albania, a state in South-Eastern Europe, in the west of the Balkan Peninsula. Bordered by Serbia and Montenegro to the north and east, Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south and southeast; in the west it is washed by the Adriatic Sea, in the southwest - by the Ionian Sea. In the south, the strait of Otranto, 75 km wide , separates Albania from Italy. Area - 28,748 sq. Km. The greatest extent from north to south is about 345 km. The width varies from 145 km in the south to 80-100 km in the north. The length of the coastline is 472 km. The capital is Tirana.
In the past, the territory was inhabited by Illyrians, whom the Greeks (in the 2nd century AD) called Albanians, hence the name of the country. The inhabitants of Albania themselves in the Middle Ages called the country "Arber", and themselves "Arbers". At the end of the 18th century. the ethnonym "Albanians" was replaced by a new one - "Shkiptars" ("those who speak clearly, understandably"). This self-designation remains today. Despite repeated invasions by Romans, Slavs and Turks, the Albanians have retained their ethnic identity. During the long period of Turkish rule, there was a massive transition of the population from Christianity to Islam, which is currently the predominant religion. Albania gained independence before World War I. At first it was proclaimed a republic, then a monarchy. From November 1944 to June 1991, the country was ruled by the communists. Initially, communist Albania was part of the bloc headed by the USSR, in 1961-1977 it ideologically adjoined China.
Albania. Capital: Tirana. Population: 3582 thousand people (2003). Density: 120 people per sq. Km. Ratio of urban to rural population: 36% and 64%. Area: 28.7 thousand sq. Km. Highest point: Mount Korabit (2754 m above sea level). Official language: Albanian. Prevailing religion: Islam. Administrative divisions: 12 prefectures and 37 districts. Monetary unit: lek \u003d 100 kintaram. National holiday: Flag Day (Independence Day) - November 28. National Anthem: "Unite under our flag."
Albania flag
Nature
Terrain relief. Albania, with the exception of marshy and alluvial coastal plains, is a mountainous country. The mountains stretch from northwest to southeast. Four physical-geographical regions are distinguished on its territory, three of them are confined to the mountains.
A narrow plain stretches along the coast, stretching from the border with Yugoslavia to the city of Vlora. This plain is not at all distinguished by a flat relief; its surface, especially in the east, is dotted with remnant hills and ridges. After the winter rains, rivers crossing the plain carry a large amount of sand and silt from the mountains into the Adriatic Sea. Thus, the coast is growing towards the sea, it is bordered by swamps. After World War II, significant areas of the coastal plains were drained, and agricultural land and settlements arose in the place of marshes. The most developed was the strip between Vlora and Durres. However, the plain is still flooded during floods. There are no convenient natural harbors in the country, and the main port of Durres (in ancient times Epidamnes, then - Dyrrhachium) is located in a shallow open bay.
The North Albanian Alps, located in the far north, are the most rugged and inaccessible of the mountainous regions of the country. In Albania they are called "cursed mountains". The heavily eroded slopes of these limestone mountains are characterized by extensive karst development and are often difficult to access. The highest point of the North Albanian Alps is Mount Jezertsa (2694 m). At first glance it seems that this is an uninhabited area. However, in summer, cattle are driven there to the upper pastures. Further to the south, limestone outcrops are more discontinuous; in the same place where the surface is composed of crystalline rocks (in particular, serpentines), the mountains decrease and acquire smoother forms, as, for example, on the Mirdita plateau. To the east, on the border with Yugoslavia, within the Korabi ridge there is the highest point of the country, Mount Korabit (2764 m). This entire area is located in the river basin. Drin.
To the south of the Mirdita plateau, the mountains decrease and acquire a smoother plateau-like shape. The surface is replete with hollows, which, like beads, are strung along narrow valleys of large rivers. Agriculture is developed in each basin, more or less significant in size. The largest of them is partly occupied by Lake Ohrid, others are big cities - Korcha, Peshkopia and Berat.
To the south of Vlora, the mountains rise to the very shore of the sea. Here again, limestone outcrops and rugged landforms prevail, the land is used only as pasture for sheep and goats. In the extreme south, in the Saranda district, there is a narrow coastal plain.
Water resources. Most of the rivers originating in the mountains in the east and flowing into the Adriatic Sea have a high flow rate. Cutting through deep gorges that impede irrigation, mountain rivers have a huge hydropower potential. In the lower reaches, irrigation is difficult due to the large amount of sand and silt brought in from the mountains. The maximum river runoff occurs in the spring-winter period; rivers become very shallow in summer and autumn. The longest river in Albania is the Drin (282 km), which flows through the whole of Northern Albania. In the lower reaches and on the plains, the largest rivers (Drin, Semani, Vjosa) form wide valleys. Other rivers: Mati, Shkumbini.
In the border regions of Albania, there are three large tectonic lakes: Shkoder (360 sq. Km, depth from 7 to 13 m), Ohrid (311 sq. Km, 695 m above sea level, up to 294 m deep) and Prespa (altitude sea \u200b\u200b853 m, depth up to 54 m). Shkoder Lake lies on the border with Montenegro, Ohrid Lake - with Macedonia. Lake Prespa is located in the southeast, at the junction of the borders of Albania, Republic of Macedonia and Greece. Other large lakes are Belsh (45 sq. Km) and Allaman (22 sq. Km). Reservoirs have been created on the rivers Mati, Semani and others.
Climate
Most of the country is subtropical Mediterranean. The coastal plains are characterized by long, hot and dry summers, typical of Mediterranean countries, and mild, rather humid winters. The average July temperature in Tirana is 25 ° C, in August it ranges from 17 ° to 31 ° C. January temperatures are from 2 ° to 12 ° C. The inland mountainous regions are dominated by a continental climate with seasonal temperature extremes, especially in the north, where winters harsh, with heavy snowfalls, and in summer, although the weather is mostly dry, there are often destructive downpours. Precipitation on the coast is about 1000-1350 mm per year; in the mountains in the north up to 2500 mm. In the summer period, there is a lack of moisture supply (the average monthly rate in July-August is 32 mm).
Minerals. The bowels of the country are rich in minerals. There are reserves of natural gas and oil (in the southwestern part of the country), deposits of iron ore, chromium, copper, nickel and phosphates (in the northeast). Large coal deposits have been discovered in the Tirana area. Natural bitumen is mined near Vlora (in Selenice).
Vegetable world. In the mountainous regions of Albania, geological conditions are unfavorable for the formation of fertile soils. On serpentines, thin and poorly fertile soils are formed, and on limestones, the soil cover is often completely absent. In addition, under the influence of heavy rainfall and powerful runoff, soil erosion is actively developing on steep slopes. Soil and ground masses, carried from the mountains, are redeposited in valleys, depressions and plains, where, due to increased swampiness, conditions are not favorable for agriculture.
The low hills bordering the coastal plain are mostly covered with thickets of xerophytic shrubs - maquis. They are gradually replaced by deciduous forests with a predominance of oak in the middle layer of the mountains. Other trees include birch, chestnut and pine. Intensive soil erosion and grazing of livestock (especially goats) adversely affect reforestation. Deforestation, which was previously used on an industrial scale, is also a problem. The upper layer of the mountains is more forested, the composition of the stand largely depends on the nature of the rocks: conifers grow mainly on the outcrops of serpentines, and beech - on the outcrops of limestones. On the mountain tops and on the thinnest soils, only a thin cover of turf grasses is developed. Currently, forests occupy about 36.2% (2000) of the country's area.
Animal world. Many wild animals have survived in Albania, but they are concentrated in those places of the plateaus and mountains where there are sufficient reserves of surface water. Predators such as brown bears, wolves, jackals, lynxes, forest cats, and artiodactyls like wild boar, roe deer and deer, once found throughout the country, are now pushed into more inaccessible mountain areas. Researchers estimate that there are only 800 bears left in the country. In low-lying areas, there are many wild birds (pelicans, herons, etc.). Among reptiles, there are many snakes (snakes, vipers), lizards, spindle-shaped, geckos and turtles.
Albania has six national parks, 24 reserves and natural monuments with an area of \u200b\u200b76 thousand hectares (1997), or about 1% of the country's territory.
Population
In contrast to other Balkan countries, Albania has always been ethnically homogeneous. The isolated position and poverty of the country, as well as the militancy of its population, frightened off foreigners, although the strong influence of Greek culture and some migration from Greece contributed to the formation of an Orthodox Greek-speaking national minority in the south of the country.
Albania
Albania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912, but was conquered by Italy in 1939.
Albania was politically oriented directly, first with the USSR (until 1960), and then with China (by 1978).
In the early 1990s, Albania established a multi-party democracy.
The transition proved beneficial as it dealt with high unemployment, widespread corruption, dilapidated physical infrastructure, organized crime gangs, and militant political opponents.
Albania has made progress in its democratic development since the first multi-party elections in 1991, but shortcomings remain. International observers noted that elections have been largely free and fair since the restoration of political stability following the collapse of the financial pyramids in 1997; however, there have been cases of electoral fraud in each of Albania's post-communist elections.
In the 2005 general election, the Democratic Party and its allies won a decisive victory with promises and goals to reduce crime and corruption and promote economic growth. The elections, and especially the gradual change of government, were considered an important step forward.
Albania joined NATO in April 2009 and is a potential candidate for EU membership. Although Albania's economy continues to grow, the country is still one of the weakest in Europe, hindered by a large shadow economy and inadequate infrastructure.
Geography of Albania
Location: Southeast Europe, access to the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea, between Greece in the south and Montenegro and Kosovo in the north.
Geographical coordinates:
41 00 N, 20 00 E
Territory:
total area: 28,748 sq. km
Country comparison to the world: 144
Land: 27 398 sq. km
... water: 1 350 sq. km
Land boundaries:
Total: 717 km
Border countries: Greece 282 km, Macedonia 151 km, Montenegro 172 km, Kosovo 112 km
Coastline:
Climate:
moderate cool, cloudy, humid winters; hot, clear, dry summers;
Landscape:
mostly mountains and hills; small plains along the coast
Peaks and lowlands:
Lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m
... highest point: Mount Korabi 2,764 m
Natural resources:
petroleum, natural gas, coal, alumina, chromite, copper, iron ore, nickel, salt, timber, hydropower
Land use:
Arable land: 20.1%
... permanent crops: 4.21%
... other: 75.69% (2005)
Irrigated land:
3,530 sq. km (2003)
Fresh renewable water resources:
41.7 km cub. (2001)
Freshwater (domestic / industrial / agricultural) consumption:
total quantity: 1.71 cbm km
per capita: 546 cubic meters m / (2000)
Possible natural disasters:
devastating earthquakes; tsunamis occur along the southwest coast; floods; drought
Environment - negative factors:
deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution from industrial and domestic wastewater
Demographics of Albania
Population:
3,639,453 (July 2009 est.)
Country comparison to the world: 129
Age composition:
0-14 years: 23.1% (male 440,528 / female 400,816)
... 15-64 years: 67.1% (male 1,251,001 / female 1,190,841)
... 65 years and over: 9.8% (male 165,557 / female 190,710) (2009 est.)
Average age:
Total: 29.9 years
... male: 29.3 years
... female: 30.6 years (2009 est.)
Population growth rate:
546% (2009 est.)
Country comparison to the world: 153
Fertility rate:
15.29 births / 1,000 (2009 est.)
Country comparison to the world: 138
Mortality rate:
5.55 deaths / 1,000 population (July 2009 est.)
Country comparison to the world: 174
Population migration:
4.28 migrant (s) / 1,000 population (2009 est.)
Country comparison to the world: 158
Urbanization:
Urban population: 47% of total population (2008)
... rate of urbanization: 1.9% annual rate of change (2005)
Sex ratio:
At birth: 1.1 male / female
... less than 15 years: 1.1 male / female
... 15-64 years: 1.05 male / female
... 65 and: 0.87 male / female
... total: 1.04 male / female (2009 est.)
Child mortality rate:
total: 18.62 deaths / 1,000 live births
Country comparison to the world: 107
Male: 19.05 deaths / 1,000 live births
... female: 18.15 deaths / 1,000 live births (2009 est.)
Country landscape for the most part consists of mountain ranges and plateaus. Only along the sea coast there is a flat strip. There are many deciduous and oak-beech forests in the mountains. Forests cover 2/5 of the territory, but commercial timber can be obtained only from ¼ of this area. It should be noted that the forest cover suffered greatly in the second half of the 20th century. due to intensive deforestation. The fauna of Albania has been greatly exterminated.
In the mountainous regions of the country, geological conditions are unfavorable for the formation of fertile soils. On serpentines, thin and poorly fertile soils are formed, and on the limestones of the North Albanian Alps, the soil cover is often completely absent.
The largest rivers in Albania are Drin, Mati, Shkumbini. Moreover, most of the country's rivers are mountainous. The rivers are not navigable, but they are of great importance for irrigation. Most of the rivers, which originate in the mountains in the east and flow into the Adriatic Sea, have a high flow rate and have a huge hydropower potential. The largest lakes on the Balkan Peninsula are located along the borders - Skadar, Orchid and Prespa.
Significant reserves of chromite, iron-nickel and copper ores are known on the territory of Albania; bauxite deposits were discovered. Deposits of high quality chromite are found in different parts of the country. Chromite mines are located in Pogradec, Klesi, Letaje and near Kukes. The volume of production increased from 7 thousand tons in 1938 to 502.3 thousand in 1974 and 1.5 million tons in 1986. However, in the 90s. the volume of extraction of chromite ores has sharply decreased. However, since 2001, the production of chromite began to grow again. So, in 2004. production volume amounted to 300 thousand tons (see Fig. 6).
Figure: 6 Volume of chromite mining (thousand tons)
Calculated by:,,
The mountains of the northeastern part of the country are richer in ore minerals; reserves of oil, gas, and natural bitumen are concentrated in the southwestern part. As of January 1, 2006 proven oil reserves in Albania - 198.1 million barrels, gas - 814.7 million m3. But at the beginning of 2008. The media reported that large oil and gas fields were discovered in the north of the country. According to the Makfaks news agency, we are talking about reserves of 2.987bn. barrels of oil and 3.014 trillion. m3 of natural gas. It is not difficult to assess the significance of this finding for the country: if the data are confirmed, it will significantly strengthen Albania's position in the European market and in the Balkan region.
The country also conducts exploration and production of ores containing gold and silver.
The climate in Albania is subtropical Mediterranean with mild and humid winters and dry hot summers. The territory of the country is one of the most abundant rainfall areas in Europe (from 1000mm per year in the western lowland part to 2500mm in the eastern mountainous part). At the same time, there is a sharp seasonal unevenness in precipitation; only 1/10 of the annual rate falls on summer. High daily temperatures throughout much of the year are favorable for many crops, including subtropical fruit plantations. The long growing season allows for two harvests per year in the lowland areas.
Convenient access to the sea creates favorable prerequisites for the development of fishing and sea transport. The sea along most of the coast of Albania is shallow.
Thus, it can be noted that Albania is rich in natural resources, which is an important prerequisite for the development of the country's economic complex. Climatic conditions generally contribute to the development of agriculture. Great importance has the availability of fuel and energy resources, it is also worth noting that the country has such an alternative source of energy as turbulent mountain rivers. It is also important that natural conditions: ecologically clean sea coast, mountain rivers and numerous lakes, combined with the Mediterranean climate, are favorable factors for the development of tourism.