Countries and Their Cultures, Research Paper Example

Located in the Balkan Peninsula on the Europena continant, Albania enjoys relatively modest weather. The country is prone to dry summers and cool, wet winters. Although Albania’s climate is moderate, its geographic terrain is rather diverse. Over 75% of Albania’s surface is mountainous or hilly. It does have some more flat areas mostly near the coasts. The coasts of the surrounding seas provide the ideal location for tourist resorts. Many luxury resorts perch on the coasts of Albania; adding to its economy. Tourists can enjoy the varied historic attractions in Albania, such as its mosques, museums, and natural wonders. The sprawling hills and grasslands assist in Albania’s farming and livestock commerce, which is one of its key economic industries (factbook). The Albanian Alps, and the Korab and Pindus Mountains are some of Albania’s most notable mountain ranges. With borders touching the Adriatic and Ionin Seas, Albania’s flatter coasts are popular tourist locations. Albania also contains a few rivers and lakes, which add to its water commerce and provide the locale for more tourist resorts. Albania is also known for its Mediterranean villages, which add to the rich culture (world atlas). Although Albania’s mountains and hilly regions are the country’s most memorable terrain qualities, the country has a variety of land types that provide tourist opportunities (“Albania Geography”).

There is a strong Greek presence in Albania, as many Native Greeks immigrated to Albania. However, Greeks in Albania have experienced some ostracization, as the percentage of Greek speakers in the country is well under two percent. Around 98% of Albanians speak Albanian (“Albania”). Currently, the majority of Greeks in Albania reside in the southern part of the country. There are also a minimal number of Serbs residing in the country. These minority populations add diversity to Albania’s culture. Being that Albania has a history of occupation and international trade, there are many foreign influences on the country and its cultural history. Farming and the rearing of livestock remains the largest cultural norm in Albania. The slight majority of Albanian families are farming peasants. Due to food shortages, this cultural aspect of farming also means that many Albanians live in poverty, or are only able to produce enough food to sustain their individual families. Islam is the most prominent religion in Albania, as around 56% of Albanians are Muslims. The second most notable religion in the country is Roman Catholic, with roughly 10% of the population being Catholic. Being that Albania has never been a truly independently sustained country, there are foreign influences on its culture and history intermixed with Albania’s traditional agricultural tradition (“Albania”).

Albania’s rich, diverse culture stems partially from its varied history. For nearly five centuries Albania was controlled by the Ottoman Empire. As a result, Ottoman aspects can be found in Albanian art and traditions. Albania gained its independence in 1912. In 1922, the United States forged a diplomatic relationship with Albania, and has since assisted the country in developing its new, more democratic system of government. The relationship between the two countries persists today. In 1939, however, Albania was conquered by Italy. This occupation was short-lived, however, as Communist Partisans gained control in 1944 (“Albania”). Albania joined NATO in 2009 and continues to rely on international trade for sustainability. Although Albania is currently politically independent, the country has a history of foreign occupation and still requires international assistance; resulting in a meshing of cultures and traditions within the country.

Due to switches in government, Albania has experienced much political transition and transformation. When ruled by a communist government, Albania existed under a caste system, in which most of the country’s inhabitants were in the lower castes and suffered from financial hardship. In 1998, the country converted to a parliamentary republic with a democratic constitution. The communist history of the country is an essential aspect of Albania’s history, and the move from constant occupation to independence has been rocky (“Albania”). Political instability and threats of terrorism have plagued Albania in recent years. Although the new system of government in Albania is relatively new, the country has, with the help of the United States, established a democratic election system; holding elections every four years and maintaining the democratic ideals of political equality (“U.S. Relations With Albania”).

As a small country in comparison to most of the other European countries, Albania’s economy has had a history of struggle. For most of its existence, Albania had a socialist economy with a heavy focus on agriculture. In 1990 this system changed to a free market economy, which caused further economic instability. Food-production is still the most essential component of Albania’s economy. While roughly 60% of Albania’s population is farming peasantry; the country has experienced a history of food shortages and has yet to gain agricultural independence (“Albania”). Food importation remains integral for Albania’s survival. Trading relationships with Greece, Germany, and Italy sustain Albania. Chrome production was another main aspect of the country’s economy. However, many of Albania’s mines were unable to live up to steep international competition and have since closed. Currently, Albania is one of the poorest countries in Europe (“Albania”).

Although Albania has experienced slight economic and political stability improvement in recent years, the country still faces challenges that could jeopardize its steadiness and independence. The most pressing issue in the country currently is its dependence on foreign sources for food. The presence of poverty and threat of starvation is by far Albania’s greatest adversary currently. This problem has resulted in Albania’s second issue, which is its dependence on foreign entities. Albania has not been able to achieve agricultural dependence; should any of the country’s trade relations fail the country would face starvation. This stops the country from being truly independent, which adds to the country’s general instability. The third issue faced by Albania is its rocky political history. Albania’s parliamentary republic only emerged at the turn of the century; being that their government is so young, Albania faces political discent and rebellion, including threats of terrorism. Poverty, foreign dependence, and political disagreement plague Albania. Even so, Albania has come a long way since its Ottoman Empire occupation. The country will continue to move towards agricultural and economic independence in the years to come. Being that the new system of government continues to mature, political stability may be on the horizon for Albania. With its rich history of international influence and diverse terrain, Albania is a varied, culturally rich country that is appreciated by tourists.

Works Cited

“Albania.” Countries and Their Cultures. Advameg, Inc., 2015. Web. <http://www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Albania.html>.

“Albania Geography.” World Atlas. N.p., 12 Aug. 2015. Web. <http://www.worldatlas.com/geography/albaniageography.htm>.

“U.S. Relations With Albania.” U.S. Department of State. N.p., 11 Mar. 2015. Web. <http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3235.htm>.

“The World Factbook: Albania.” Central Intelligence Agency. N.p., 2015. Web. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/al.html>.