Geographical position: Albania is in southeast Europe on the Balkan peninsula. Washed by the waters of the Adriatic and Ionian, it is picturesque. It is bounded in the south by Greece, to the east by the Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), and in the north by Kosovo and Montenegro. This country has a mix of natural beauty, from virgin beaches to the summits of rocky mountains.

Population: In 2001, there were 3.5 million residents. This country has the fastest growing population in Europe and even when one considers that a large percentage of the population have emigrated in recent years.

Language: Approximately 97 % of the population speaks Albanian, but there exists a small minority (2%) that speaks Greek or Macedonian.

Capital City: Tirana has approximately 700,000 residents. It is the center of the country economic and cultural life.

Main Cities: Durrës (Durrazo), Shkodër (Scutari), Vlorë (Valona), Elbasan, Korcë, Berat, Gjirokastër (Argirocastra), Sarandë (Santi-Quaranta).

Religion: In Albanian two main religions are Muslim and Christian (between Orthodox and Catholic).