Albania: Map & History
Albania, officially the Republic of Albania, is a country in Southeastern Europe.
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Albania, officially the Republic of Albania, is a country in Southeastern Europe. It is located in the Balkans, on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas within the Mediterranean Sea, and shares land borders with Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south. With an area of 28,748 km2 (11,100 sq mi), it has a varied range of climatic, geological, hydrological and morphological conditions. Landscapes range from rugged snow-capped mountains in the Albanian Alps and the Korab, Skanderbeg, Pindus and Ceraunian Mountains, to fertile lowland plains extending from the Adriatic and Ionian sea coasts. Tirana is the capital and largest city, followed by Durrës, Vlorë, and Shkodër.
Modern Countries Once Part of Albania
At its mapped extent, Albania covered territory in 1 present-day country. The period shown is when the mapped borders include that country, and the note says how much of it.
Largest Present-Day Cities in Its Territory
Each opens on the live map inside Albania's borders of that time.
Derived by testing mapped cities against this polity's dated territorial polygons, so the list is indicative and follows the borders in the source dataset.
Albania in Depth
History
Mesolithic habitation in Albania has been evidenced in several open-air sites which were close to the Adriatic coastline and in caves. Mesolithic objects found in a cave near Xarrë include flint and jasper objects along with fossilised animal bones, while discoveries at Mount Dajti comprise bone and stone tools similar to those of the Aurignacian culture. The Neolithic era began around 7000 BC and is evidenced in finds which indicate domestication of sheep and goats and small-scale agriculture. A part of the Neolithic population may have been the same as the Mesolithic population of the southern Balkans, like in the Konispol cave, where the Mesolithic stratum co-exists with Pre-Pottery Neolithic finds.
Government and politics
Since declaring independence in 1912, Albania has experienced a significant political transformation, traversing through distinct periods that included a monarchical rule, a communist regime and the eventual establishment of a democratic order. In 1998, Albania transitioned into a sovereign parliamentary constitutional republic, marking a fundamental milestone in its political evolution. Its governance structure operates under a constitution that serves as the principal document of the country.
Economy
Transitioning from a socialist planned to a capitalist mixed economy, Albania is classified as a developing open market with an upper-middle income status. The Albanian economy is characterised by a substantial service sector, comprising 48.6% of GDP, with key contributions from wholesale and retail trade, tourism, real estate, and logistics. Following this, the industrial sector accounts for 20.2%, particularly influenced by construction, while the agricultural sector, including forestry, and fisheries, represents 18.5%, and the manufacturing sector contributes a modest 6.3% to the economy. As of 2025, nominal gross domestic product (GDP) is $26.911 billion with a GDP per capita of $9,474.
Culture
The red and black national colours are displayed on the flag of Albania that is adorned with a double-headed eagle as the foremost recognised national symbol of Albania. With the black eagle portraying bravery and strength, the red field symbolises the fortitude and sacrifices of the Albanian people. The eagle is linked with the legacy of the national hero Skanderbeg. Rooted in the Middle Ages, it emerged as a heraldic symbol in the Principality of Arbër and among notable Albanian dynasties such as the Dukagjini, Kastrioti, Muzaka and Thopia clans. Amid the Albanian Renaissance, marking the resurgence of Albanian national identity and aspirations for independence, the Albanian eagle regained its prominence.
Sections adapted from Wikipedia: Albania (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Albania: Key Facts
| Capital | Tirana |
|---|---|
| Official language | Albanian |
| Form of government | parliamentary system |
| Currency | Albanian lek |
| Founded | 28 November 1912 |
Preceded by
Facts from Wikidata Q222 (CC0).
Interactive map
Albania on the World War II map →
See Albania’s territory change day by day from 29 November 1944, with every battle it fought.
Albania Map Over Time
Dated world maps on which Albania appears, with the other states of the time.
Albania Timeline
Key historical inflections from foundation to peak territorial expansion
Expansion to peak recorded area of 27,820 km² in 1937 CE.
Albania: Frequently Asked Questions
When did Albania exist?
Albania is dated to 1912 CE – 1945 CE, in the Industrial era.
What was the capital of Albania?
The capital of Albania was Tirana.
How large was Albania at its peak?
At its peak in 1937 Albania covered about 27,820 km².
How did the map of Albania change over time?
Albania appears on 2 dated world maps in the atlas, from 1914 CE to 1945 CE. Each shows its borders in that year next to the other states of the time.
Other Sovereign Realms
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Industrial Era • Capital: London
Early Modern & Age of Discovery • Capital: Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Lahore, Delhi
Early Modern & Age of Discovery • Capital: Raigad