GeoFroggy

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Background

In 1990 Albania ended 44 years of xenophobic communist rule and established a multiparty democracy. The transition has proven difficult as corrupt governments have tried to deal with high unemployment, a dilapidated infrastructure, widespread gangsterism, and disruptive political opponents. International observers judged local elections in 2000 to be acceptable and a step toward democratic development, but serious deficiencies remain to be corrected before the the 2001 parliamentary elections.

Location

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea, between Greece and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

Area Comparative

Slightly smaller than Maryland

Maritime Claims

Continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate

Mild temperate; cool, cloudy, wet winters; hot, clear, dry summers; interior is cooler and wetter

Natural Hazards

Destructive earthquakes; tsunamis occur along southwestern coast; drought

Environment Current Issues

Deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution from industrial and domestic effluents

Environment International Agreements

Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements

Geography Note

Strategic location along Strait of Otranto (links Adriatic Sea to Ionian Sea and Mediterranean Sea)

Year	2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Map Reference

Europe

Irrigated Land 1993

3,410 sq km

Area 2001

Total

28,748 sq km
Land

27,398 sq km
Water

1,350 sq km

Coastline

362 km

Geographical Coordinates

41 00 N, 20 00 E

Land use 2001

Arable Land
21%
Permanent Crops
5%
Permanent Pastures
15%
Forests And Woodland
38%
Other
21%

Terrain

Mostly mountains and hills; small plains along coast

Elevation

Lowest Point: Adriatic Sea 0 m
Highest Point: Maja e Korabit (Golem Korab) 2,753 m

Land Boundaries

Total
720 km
Greece
282 km
The Former Yugoslav Republic Of Macedonia
151 km
Yugoslavia
287 km

Natural Resources

Petroleum
Natural gas
Coal
Chromium

Copper
Timber
Nickel
Hydropower

Albania