Wikijunior:Europe/Albania
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Albania is a small country in southeastern Europe in the Balkan peninsula. It shares borders with Greece, Montenegro, Serbia, and Macedonia. The capital is Tirana. The currency of Albania is the Lek. Other large cities are Durrës and Elbasan.
[edit] Albania's History
During the fifteenth century Albania enjoyed a brief period of independence under the legendary hero, Skanderbeg. Aside from this exception, the country did not enjoy independence until the twentieth century. After five hundred years of Ottoman rule, an independent Albania was proclaimed in 1912. The country adopted a republican form of government in 1920. In 1939 the Italians invaded the country. Because of this event Albania was one of the first countries occupied by the Axis Powers in World War II.
[edit] Albania's Geography
Albania has a total area of 28,750 square kilometers. Albania has coastline on the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea. Albania has a continental climate with hot summers and fairly cold temperatures. 70% of the country is mountainous with the highest mountain being Korab at 2,753 metres.
Albania is around 28,000 square kilometres and has a coastline of 362 kilometres. Albania has a continental climate with hot summers and fairly cold temperatures for the rest of the year.
[edit] Albania's People
Albania has been populated since prehistoric times and in recent history the country has been home to large numbers of Catholic Christians and Jews but in the past few hundred years people have either converted to Islam or moved elsewhere.
Between 1945 and 1992 Albania was a communist country but currently the country is hoping to join organizations like the European Union. The national language is Albanian. Many Albanians also speak English, Italian and Greek. A large number of Albanians also live in Macedonia, Greece, Italy and the Serbian region of Kosovo.
The literacy rate for the total population, age 9 or older, is about 94%. Elementary education is required for grades 1-9, but most students continue at least until a secondary education (grades 10-12). Students must successfully pass graduation exams at the end of the 9th grade and at the end of the 12th grade in order to continue their education. The school year begins in September and finishes in late May or early June.
The most popular sport in Albania is soccer and the most followed sports event is the World Cup. Other played sports include basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics.
