In 2003, Albania was a young democracy that had recently emerged from a decade of isolation. After the fall of communism in 1991, the country had experienced rapid economic and political reform. Despite these changes, however, corruption remained a major issue and poverty was widespread. The economy was largely dependent on foreign aid and remittances from its diaspora abroad. Infrastructure was weak, with many roads and services lacking in rural areas. Education levels were low and unemployment remained high. Security was also an issue as organized crime groups operated throughout the country, leading to an increase in drug trafficking and other illegal activities. According to computergees, the government at this time was fragile and unable to effectively tackle these issues on its own. This left Albania vulnerable to outside influences and exploitation by foreign powers such as Greece and Italy.
Yearbook 2003
Albania. Domestic politics continued to be characterized by contradictions at the highest level within the ruling Socialist Party. According to Countryaah.com, Albania Independence Day is November 28. A split ensued as a result of Prime Minister Fatos Nano’s open support for the US war in Iraq and the decision to contribute a smaller troop force.
| Land area | 28,748 km² |
| Total population | 3,074,579 |
| Residents per km² | 106.9 |
| Capital | Tirana |
| Official language | Albanian |
| Income per capita | $ 12,500 |
| Currency | Lek |
| ISO 3166 code | AL |
| Internet TLD | .al |
| License plate | AL |
| Telephone code | +355 |
| Time zone UTC | +1 |
| Geographic coordinates | 41 00 N, 20 00 O |
In July, his arch-rival Foreign Minister Ilir Meta resigned, accusing Nano of authoritarian leadership style and of failing efforts against the galloping corruption. According to a calculation, nearly half of the country’s gross national income came from criminal activities. Tirana police chief claimed in an open letter that organized crime largely controlled politicians and the justice system in Albania. He warned that it posed a threat to democracy.
At the beginning of the year, Albania began negotiations with the EU on an association and stabilization agreement, a first step towards an application for membership in the Union. Albania also, together with Croatia and Macedonia, signed a partnership agreement with the United States. The purpose was to help the Balkan countries on the path to NATO membership.
Republic of Albania Brief Guide
According to AbbreviationFinder, the Republic of Albania, or Albania (Shqiperia in Albanian), is a republican country in the Balkans, in Europe. Its neighbors are Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia and Greece. To the west, Albania is bordered by the Mediterranean.
Food & beverage
The local cuisine has been inspired by Italy, Greece and Turkey. Many restaurateurs have also traveled to be inspired by famous neighboring kitchens. The main raw material for the portions is often fish, lamb or other meat. As a button of the piece, you can enjoy a traditional raki made from grapes and seasoned with anise.
Prepare carefully and pack lightly
Each pound of less luggage reduces the fuel consumption of the vehicle. For more passengers, this can have a significant impact. For personal hygiene, you should pack travel sizes or sample packs that not only save space but also weight. For these, however, it is a good idea to consider the potential amount of waste generated. Depending on the destination, it is also important to take into account the local water situation – if necessary, it is advisable to favor, for example, hair products that do not require rinsing.
Travel documents and electronic reading save space and weight. For charging electronic devices, backup power sources based on a solar cell, for example, are available. For example, footwear often takes up a lot of space in a suitcase and easily accumulates the weight of the bag. Think about what equipment you really need for the trip and leave the extra items at home.