Trivia in Albania

Learn fascinating facts and trivia about this country

Europe / Eastern Europe

National symbols

Flag: Red flag with a black double-headed eagle

Albania Flag

Emblem: Coat of arms depicting a black double-headed eagle and Skanderbeg's helmet on a red shield

Albania Emblem

Trivia & facts

  • In Albanian, the country name Shqipëri means "Land of the Eagles"
  • Coffee shop density is among the highest in Europe
  • Over 170,000 bunkers built during the Hoxha era remain throughout the country
  • The capital Tirana had no traffic lights until the early 1990s
  • One of the last Mediterranean countries to ban smoking, with high public smoking rates
  • Mother Teresa, the world-renowned nun, was of Albanian descent
  • Homemade raki brandy "Raki" uses diverse ingredients including grapes and plums
  • Many elderly people speak Italian due to pirate radio influence
  • The blue section of license plates was adopted in anticipation of EU membership
  • The currency lek derives its name from "Leka," a nickname for Alexander the Great

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