13facts you may not know about Albania
1. Albania is one of the few places in Europe where endangered species such as the Balkan lynx, roaming freely in its mountainous regions, can still be observed. This rare cat is a national symbol of the country's wildlife conservation efforts.
2. The people of Albania are direct descendants of the ancient Illyrian stock, a group of Indo-European tribes that inhabited the western Balkans since the 2nd millennium BC. This deep history is evident in Albania's many archaeological sites and cultural practices.
3. Albanian, one of the oldest languages in Europe, forms its own unique branch within the Indo-European language family.
4. Albania is known for its religious tolerance, with a mix of Islam, Orthodox Christianity, and Roman Catholicism among its population.
5. Gurgej Kastrioti, known as Skanderbeg, is a national hero famous for his resistance to the Ottoman Turks during the 15th century.
6. Albania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire on November 28, 1912. This day is celebrated annually as Flag Day.
7 - Despite its small size, Albania has great biodiversity with a variety of ecosystems and species, including lynxes, wolves, bears and large numbers of birds.
8. The unique form of traditional music called polyphony is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, showcasing the country's rich folk traditions.
9. During the communist era under Enver Hoxha, more than 173,000 concrete bunkers were built across the country as defensive structures. Many still dot the landscape today.
10. The Albanian Riviera is famous for its stunning coastline and beautiful beaches, such as Dhermi and Saranda, making it a popular tourist destination.
11. Albania is home to several important archaeological sites, including Butrint, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which displays layers of archaeological remains from the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian eras.
12. Traditional Albanian clothing is rich in embroidery and varies greatly from region to region, reflecting the country's diverse cultural heritage.
13. Coffee culture is strong in Albania; It is common to see people staying for coffee for hours
Source: websites