Albania After Communism: From 1990 Protests to NATO and Kosovo
Student protests in December 1990 ended one-party rule in Albania. Here is how the country survived the 1997 crisis, joined NATO and watched Kosovo become independent.
Albania: history, life and travel
Albania's history from the Illyrians to the present day, plus practical information for travellers and newcomers: money, transport, cities, daily life.
Communist Albania: Enver Hoxha, Isolation and the Bunker Legacy
From 1944 to 1990, the Communist Party ruled Albania under Enver Hoxha, abolishing private property and opposition while breaking with Yugoslavia, the USSR and China.
Albania in World War 2: Occupation, Resistance, Liberation
Italy seized Albania on 7 April 1939, and Germany took over in 1943. Resistance split into rival camps, and by November 1944 the country was liberated under communist rule.
Albania 1912–1939: From Independence to King Zog's Fall
Albania's first 27 years of independence were a fight for survival: Great Power rule, wartime occupation, the Congress of Lushnjë, the republic and King Zog's kingdom.
Albanian Independence: From the National Awakening to 1912
The Albanian National Awakening turned a cultural movement for language and schools into a state. Follow its path from the League of Prizren to independence in Vlorë in 1912.
Skanderbeg and Ottoman Albania: The League of Lezhë, Wars and Pashaliks
Ottoman forces reached Albania in the late 14th century and had conquered almost all of it by 1479. In between came 25 years of war under Skanderbeg, followed by centuries of Ottoman rule.
Medieval Albania: From Arbanon to the 14th-Century Principalities
Medieval Albania spans a thousand years of Byzantine, Bulgarian, Norman, Angevin and Serbian rule. Out of it came Arbanon, the first Albanian state, and powerful 14th-century principalities.
Illyrians and Ancient Albania: Kingdoms, Rome and King Pyrrhus
The Illyrians built three kingdoms in what is now Albania before Rome conquered the region in 168–167 BC. Meet their tribes, Queen Teuta, King Pyrrhus and the Dardanians.
History of Albania: A Short Overview from the Illyrians to NATO
From Illyrian tribes and Skanderbeg to independence in 1912, communism and NATO membership, here are the main periods and dates in Albania's nearly 3,000-year story.
Albanian Currency: The Lek, Exchange Rates and Paying in Albania
Albania's currency is the Albanian lek (ALL). Here's how it compares with the euro and dollar, what the notes look like, and how to pay for things on your trip.
Learn Albanian for free
A course from zero to B2: short lessons with native audio, spaced repetition, practice drills and conversation with an AI tutor.
Start learning →