Albania

At a Glance

Albania is a compact Balkan country with a rugged mountain interior, a sun-drenched Adriatic coastline, and centuries of layered history from Illyrian roots through Ottoman rule to communist-era bunkers. It suits travellers who enjoy discovering places before the crowds arrive, and the hospitality is genuine. Those who need polished infrastructure may find it rough around the edges.

• Spent 45 years as the world's only officially atheist state (1967–1992).
• More than 30% of the population emigrated after 1990 — among Europe's highest exodus rates.
• One of Europe's fastest-growing tech outsourcing industries, largely unknown abroad.
• Albanian Alps have dramatic vertical limestone cliffs — visually unique to the region.