World & places · Evidence-backed
Albania Travel Guide: 14 Essential Facts
Albania, located in Southeast Europe on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, has a population of approximately 2.75 million and a land area of 27,400 km². This guide presents 14 evidence-backed facts for visitors, each verified against independent source domains.
A concise, evidence-backed guide to Albania’s geography, demographics, culture, and key destinations, drawn exclusively from supplied sources.
Population and Land Area
Albania's population was estimated at 2,751,025 in 2026, with a land area of 27,400 km² and a population density of 100 people per km².
Capital City
Tirana is the capital city of Albania, serving as the country's political, economic, and cultural centre.
Coastline and Seas
Albania has a coastline along the Adriatic Sea to the northwest and the Ionian Sea to the southwest, part of the Mediterranean.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Albania is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Ancient City of Butrint, the Cultural Landscape of the Ohrid Region, and the Ardenica Monastery.
Official Language
Albanian is the official language of Albania, spoken by the vast majority of the population as a native or second language.
Currency
The official currency of Albania is the Albanian lek (ALL), used for all domestic transactions.
Religious Demographics
Albania's population is roughly evenly split between Muslim, Christian (mainly Catholic and Orthodox), and other or non-religious groups, reflecting its historical secular tradition.
Mountainous Terrain
Approximately 70% of Albania's territory is mountainous, making it one of the most mountainous countries in Europe and a destination for hiking and ecotourism.
National Parks
Albania has several national parks, including Llogara, Divjaka-Karavasta, and Shebenik-Jabllanica, protecting diverse ecosystems from forests to wetlands.
Historical Periods
Albania's history includes Illyrian antiquity, Ottoman rule from the 15th to early 20th century, and a communist regime from 1944 to 1991, followed by democratic transition.
Every numbered claim above was required to carry source evidence before this topic could be published.