General information on Albania
[wds id=”26″]Country name: Republic of Albania
Data code: AL
Location: Southeastern Europe, Western part of Balkan Peninsula
Geographical coordinates: 41 00 N, 20 00 E
Map references: Europe
Population : 3.5 million
Capital: Tirana (the administrative, economical, cultural, academic center of the country with a population at least 800.000 inhabitants
Area:
Total: 28,750 sq km
Land: 27,400 sq km
Water: 1,350 sq km
Land boundaries: 720 km
Coastline: 450 km
Official language: Albanian language & Latin alphabet (Indo – European Family of Languages)
Political system : Parliamentary Democracy
The currency: The Albanian lek / 1 lek = 100 qindarka
International telephone code for Albania : 355
Important telephone numbers:
– Police 129
– Fire Brigade 128
– Ambulance 127
– Emergency road assistance 126
– General Information 04 22 68 01 / 2 / 3
Public holidays:
– New Year’s Day, January 1
– Antifascism Day May 5
– Independence Day, November 28
– Liberation Day, November 29
– Christmas, December 25 , 26
Climate: A typical Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers & wet winters. One of the sunniest & warmest coasts in Europe. The inland part is cooler & wetter
Travel documents: A passport is needed, depending on international agreement between the countries. All foreign citizens of Albanian nationality can enter in Albania without visa. During summer season daily tourist can enter Albania without visas
Visa: Please check with the nearest Albanian Embassy or Consulate
Pets: Are allowed if they have a vaccination record & veterinary certificate but must be not older than 6 months
Custom formalities: Firearms, ammunition without permissions, narcotics & drugs are not allowed. Expensive professional & technical equipments should be declared at border crossing
Currency: Foreign currency can be exchanged in banks , exchange offices & tourist agencies. All major credit cards are accepted in main hotels
Drivers: must be in possession of valid documents for themselves & their vehicles as well as the Green Insurance Card
Medical service: Medical care is provided at hospitals & clinics in all major cities of Albania
Car rental service: in Tirana
Postal service: Post office is distributed to all cities & tourist resorts. Opened from Monday to Saturday from 07.00 a.m. to 09.00 p.m. Pone cards & stamps are sold at post offices & kiosks. All main mail carriers are available in the main cities
Cellular phones range: Communication by cellular phone is possible throughout Albania
Shopping: All shops are opened every day from 07.00 a.m. to 09.00 p.m. In main cities & tourist resorts stay open till midnight, but You have to make use of Albanian currency (lek)