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Full country name: Republic of Albania
Area: 27,748 sq km (10,822 sq mi)
Population: 3.5 million
Capital city: Tirana (pop: 400,000)
People: Albanians, with Greek, Vlach, Macedonian and Gypsy minorities
Religion: Sunni Muslim (70%), Albanian Orthodox (20%), Roman Catholic (10%)
Government: Republic
Head of State: President Rexhep Meidani

GDP: US$5 billion
GDP per head: US$1490
Inflation: 40%
Major industries: Cement, chemicals, food processing, hydropower, mining, oil, textiles and clothing, timber
Major trading partners: Italy, Greece, Germany, Belgium, USA., Bulgaria, Turkey, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Member of EU: no

Events

Public holidays include New Year's Day (1 January), Easter Monday (March/April), Independence and Liberation Day (28 November) and Christmas Day (25 December). Ramadan and Bajra, two important Muslim holidays, are also celebrated.

Traveling Guidelines

Visas: Citizens of the EU, Australia, the USA, Canada and several other countries don't need a visa. Those who do can get them at the border, for a price equivalent to what an Albanian would pay for a visa for their countries.
Health risks: Diarrhoea; service at state run hospitals is not great
Time: GMT/UTC + 1 hour
Electricity: 220 volts, 50 Hz
Weights & measures: Metric

Ideal Time to Visit

The best month to visit is September, when it's still warm, the days are long and the fruit and vegetables are in good supply. The sun shines longest from May to September, and July is the warmest month, but even April and October can be pleasant.