U.S. English Foundation Research
ALBANIA
General Information
Capital:
Tiranë
Area:
28,750 sq km (11,100 sq mi)
Form of government
Unitary multiparty republic with a single legislative body
GDP per capita
Purchasing power parity – $1,650 (1999 est)
Population
3,364,571 (July 1999 est.)
Ethnic composition
Albanian – 95%
Greek – 3%
Other – 2%
(Vlachs, Gypsies, Serbs, Jews, Montenegrins, Macedonians, Bulgarians)
The Albanians are divided into two main branches: the Ghegs and the Tosks. The River Shkumbi forms the rough border between the two groups, with the Ghegs occupying the area to the north and the Tosks the area to the south. The groups are distinguished by minor differences in physical traits, dialects and customs.
Official Language(s)
Albanian (Tosk is the official dialect)
Minority Language(s)
Greek, Serbian, Macedonian, others