Last updated on August 18th, 2023 by Editorial Staff
By | Updated on August 18, 2023
Reviewed by Rittika
Albania, or “Shqiperi” in the Albanian language, is a country located on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeastern Europe with a coastline at the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea in the west. The official name of the country is The Republic of Albania. The capital of the country is Tirana, which is also the largest city in Albania.
Albania’s flag and national emblem have the national color red as the background symbolizing bravery, strength, and a double-headed black eagle in the center representing the sovereign state of Albania. The folk is known for their strong national identity, which can be noticed in the national motto, Ti Shqipëri, më jep nder, më jep emrin Shqipëtar -You, Albania, give me honor, give me the name Albanian.” Albania’s diverse ethnicity consists of Albanians, Greeks, Aromanians, Ashkali and Balkan Egyptians, Arbëreshë, while the official national language is Albanian. The country also represents a mosaic in religious terms, including Sunni Islam, Bektashi Islam, Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and some minorities belonging to other religions.
Albania uses the “Lek” as the official monetary unit, as they are a candidate for the European Union. The country code is “+355”, while the official domain is “.al.”
The founder of the country is Charles of Anjou, the first king of the “Kingdom of Albania” in the 13th century. The national hero is George Kastrioti, or “Skanderbeg,” who was the leader of the rebellion against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. He became a myth, a national symbol in the late 19th century during the Albanian National Awakening, the Albanian renaissance, which gave the Albanians political and cultural strength to be independent. The Albanian Declaration of Independence was signed on the day of 28th of November 1912, which is still celebrated as the “National Flag Day” in Albania and Kosovo.
One of Albania’s national symbols is the national monument “Mother Albania, “a giant statue in Tirana. The monument symbolizes Albania as a mother, guarding the country, and honoring the people who gave their lives for her. The national mausoleum is “Kodra E Gështenjave,” “The Mausoleum of the Albanian Royal Family,” which holds King Zog and his family’s remains.
The eagle is the country’s national symbol, animal, and national bird. Red Poppy is the national flower, while the national tree is the Olive Olea. Cherry is the national fruit. The national drink of the country is Raki. The national dish is “Tave Kosi, a rice and lamb dish cooked with a mixture of yogurt and eggs.
Albania’s national dance is called “Dibra’s Double Dance,” a dance for two males with unique footwork. “Cifteli” is a two-stringed long lute described as Albania’s national instrument. Like many other Balkan countries, the national dress is a “Fustanella,” a skirt-like garment worn by men. Albania’s national poet is Naim Frashëri, whose most famous work is the history of national symbol and hero Skanderbeg. Like many other Mediterranean and Balkan countries, Albanians are very passionate about their national sport, Football. Albania also has a national airline called “Air Albania.”
The National animal of Albania is The Golden Eagle
The National flower of Albania is Red Poppy. Botanical name is Papaver rhoeas.
The National bird of Albania is Eagle
The sun at home warms better than the sun elsewhere. If you fear God, you won't fear humans. He who hesitates, regrets. Don't put gold buttons on a torn coat. Patience is the key to paradise.