Geography and Environment
Where is Albania located?
Albania is located in Southeastern Europe and is surrounded by Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece.
What sea washes the western coast of Albania?
The Adriatic Sea
What is the name of the mountain range that runs almost the entire length of Albania?
The Accursed Mountains (Bjeshkët e Damjurave)
Which is the largest lake in Albania?
Lake Ohrid (shared with North Macedonia)
What is the national drink of Albania?
Raki, a grape-based brandy
What type of climate does Albania typically have?
Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters
History and Culture
What was the ancient name for Albania?
Illyria
Which Ottoman sultan officially declared Albania an independent state in 1912?
Mehmed V
What is the symbol featured on the Albanian flag?
A black double-headed eagle
What is the traditional headwear worn by Albanian men?
The plis, a felt cap topped with a tassel
Who is the national hero of Albania, known for his resistance against the Ottoman Empire?
Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg
Cities and Architecture
What is the capital and largest city of Albania?
Tirana
Which ancient city in Albania features UNESCO World Heritage status for its Ottoman-era houses?
Gjirokastër
What is the name of the ancient Roman amphitheater located in Durrës?
The Durrës Amphitheatre
Where in Albania can you find the Blue Eye, a natural spring known for its mesmerizing turquoise color?
Near Saranda, in the southern part of the country
What type of architectural style defines Berat, known as the "City of a Thousand Windows"?
Ottoman and Byzantine styles, with characteristic whitewashed houses and large windows
People and Customs
What is the official language of Albania?
Albanian, a unique Indo-European language
What is the traditional dance of Albania?
The Tsa'm, a circle dance accompanied by drums and singing
What is a common greeting in Albanian?
"Tungjatjeta!" (Hello!)
What is the traditional currency of Albania?
The Albanian Lek (ALL)
What is the main religion practiced in Albania?
Islam, followed by Christianity (mostly Orthodox) and irreligion
Food and Traditions
What is the national dish of Albania?
Tavë Kosi (baked lamb or goat with yoghurt and rice)
What is a popular street food in Albania?
Byrek, a savory pastry filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables
What is a traditional Albanian musical instrument?
The lahuta, a one-stringed fiddle
What is a unique custom practiced in some parts of Albania?
Kanun, a traditional code of conduct that emphasizes hospitality and blood feuds
What is a common Albanian superstition?
Fear of the evil eye (syri i keq)
Fun Facts
Albania has the fourth youngest population in the world.
Mother Teresa, the Nobel Peace Prize winner, was born in Skopje, North Macedonia, to Albanian parents.