Albania

Albania is a country in southern Europe, situated on the western part of the Balkan Peninsula. It lies along the Strait of Otranto, which serves as the southern entrance to the Adriatic Sea. The capital city of Albania is Tirana (Tiranë) The Albanians refer to themselves as shqiptarë, which is often interpreted as “sons of eagles,” though it may also relate to those associated with the Albanian language. They consider themselves descendants of the ancient Illyrians, who migrated to the territory of Albania around 2000 BCE. Despite a complex history marked by invasions and isolation, Albania has rediscovered its affinities with the West and declared independence in 1912.