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Albania is nevertheless a rich blend of religions, cultures and landscapes - and its political landscape has been equally varied.
After World War II, Albania became a Stalinist state under Enver Hoxha, and remained staunchly isolationist until its transition to democracy after 1990.
One result was the end of a ban on religious worship. Now Muslims, Orthodox and Roman Catholics co-exist alongside Albania's atheists. The 1992 elections ended 47 years of communist rule, but the latter half of the decade saw a quick turnover of presidents and prime ministers.
Many Albanians left the country in search of work; the money they send home remains an important source of revenue.
Early in 1997 the collapse of pyramid investment schemes sparked anti-government riots and brought down the government.
During the Nato bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999, nearly 500,000 ethnic Albanian refugees from Kosovo spilled over the border, imposing a huge burden on Albania's already fragile economy.
Criminal gangs have a lucrative trade smuggling immigrants from Albania across the sea to Italy, a business that has escalated following the fall of communism.
There have been signs of economic progress as inflation has been brought under tighter control and the economy has seen some growth.
Nevertheless, economic problems remain daunting. Poverty is widespread and unemployment high, the infrastructure is crumbling and corruption is a deterrent to foreign investment. Agriculture, an important sector, relies on antiquated equipment and old-fashioned methods.
Talks with the EU on a Stabilisation and Association agreement were launched in 2003 and Albania hopes to sign an association accord as soon as possible. It was advised in 2004 that there will have to be greater progress on political and economic reforms before that can happen.
- Population: 3.2 million (UN, 2005)
- Capital: Tirana
- Major language: Albanian
- Major religion: Islam
- Life expectancy: 71 years (men), 77 years (women) (UN)
- Monetary unit: 1 lek = 100 qindars
- Main exports: Chromium and chrome products, processed foodstuffs
- GNI per capita: US $2,080 (World Bank, 2005)
- Internet domain: .al
- International dialling code: +355
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