Services
The service sector contributes about two-fifths of the country’s GDP and employs about one-fifth of the economically active population. Albania’s tourism sector was virtually nonexistent before 1992, and it remained relatively underdeveloped at the turn of the 21st century compared with the rest of the region, mainly due to poor infrastructure and political instability. Nevertheless, major restorations of architectural and cultural monuments and the construction of hotels and other tourist-oriented facilities along the coastline started to attract large numbers of visitors in the early 2000s. The 290-mile (470-km) coastline along the Adriatic is well known for its splendid beaches. Albania also has many archaeological treasures. A number of excavations in the late 20th and early 21st century have uncovered ruins and artifacts from antiquity. One of these archaeological sites is Butrint—at one time a Greek colony, a Roman city, and a Byzantine port—which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992 and a national park in 2000.
Articles from Britannica encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.
-
Albania - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
-
The Republic of Albania in eastern Europe is one of the smallest countries on the Balkan Peninsula. During most of its history Albania has been ruled by other countries and empires. The capital is Tirana.
-
Albania - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
-
The Republic of Albania is located on the Balkan Peninsula. It is bordered on the south by Greece, on the east by Macedonia, on the northeast by Kosovo, and on the northwest by Montenegro. The Adriatic Sea washes its western shore. Albania became a communist state in 1946. In succeeding decades it became the poorest country of Europe. In the 1990s, like its Eastern European neighbors, it rejected communism. The Communist party itself was voted out of office in March 1992. Area 11,082 square miles (28,703 square kilometers). Population (2013 est.) 2,774,000.
The topic Albania is discussed at the following external Web sites.
Citations
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.