User:Iaof2017/sandbox7
Energy
[edit]Transport
[edit]The transportation system of Albania is significantly shaped by its geographic location along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, as well as its challenging mountainous terrain, integrating multiple modalities, comprising air, road, rail, and sea transport.
- The international airport of Tirana is the primary air corridor to Albania and functions as principal operational hub for the national flag carrier, Air Albania.
- With over 8 million passengers in 2024, the airport demonstrated exceptional growth, placing Albania among Europe's fastest-growing aviation markets. The ongoing development of the airport of Vlorë is projected to substantially improve access to Southern Albania. The airport of Kukës represents an additional international point in Northern Albania. Furthermore, plans are being developed to increase the number of airports in the south, with prospective locations under consideration in Sarandë and Gjirokastër.
- The Autostrada 1 (A1), which is the longest motorway in Albania, is designed to connect Durrës on the Adriatic Sea to Pristina in Kosovo, ultimately linking to the Pan-European Corridor X in Serbia. The Autostrada 2 (A2) is part of the Adriatic–Ionian Corridor and connects Fier with Vlorë, while the Autostrada 3 (A3), currently under construction, aims to link Tirana and Elbasan with the Pan-European Corridor VIII.
- TPort of Durrës, the largest and busiest seaport in the country, followed by the ports of Vlorë, Shëngjin, and Sarandë. Durrës is recognized as one of the largest passenger ports on the Adriatic Sea, managing an annual passenger volume of approximately 1.5 million. This port plays a critical role in maritime trade and tourism, serving as a key link between Albania and various Mediterranean destinations.
- The railway network in Albania has experienced a decline in usage since the end of communism, with a notable increase in private car ownership and bus transportation. However, a new railway line connecting Tirana and its airport to Durrës is planned, which is expected to significantly enhance connectivity between Albania's most populated urban areas.
Tourism
[edit]- The tourism sector of Albania has undergone significant developments in recent decades, transitioning from an isolated country to a prominent hotspot in the Mediterranean.
- Historically, Albania's tourism began to develop during the communist era, primarily catering to domestic travelers. However, after the fall of communism, the country opened its borders and began attracting international visitors.
- According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), Albania welcomed approximately 10 million tourists in 2023, marking a significant increase from previous years and reflecting the growing global interest in the country.
History
[edit]Independence
[edit]The independence of Albania from the Ottoman Empire in 1912 marked a pivotal event in the formation of the modern Albanian nation.
Fourth Republic
[edit]The fall of communism paired with the revolutions of 1989 marked the beginning of Albania's transition from a one-party state to a multi-party democracy. Subsequent to the attainment of widespread in the first multi-party elections of 1991, the communist party led by Ramiz Alia maintained a stronghold in the parliament until their defeat in the parliamentary elections of 1992 directed by the Democratic Party led by Sali Berisha.[1] However, these elections were marred by widespread allegations of fraud, voter intimidation, and irregularities.
- Berisha emerged the first non-communist prime minister, initiating a series of reforms aimed at transitioning Albania to a market-oriented economy and integrate it into European structures. However, the transition was fraught with difficulties, including hyperinflation, high unemployment, and a lack of foreign investment. The new government struggled to implement reforms, and public discontent grew as economic hardships persisted. Public discontent grew as living standards fell, and the government's inability to implement effective economic policies led to increasing frustration.
- As the Democratic Party consolidated power, the political landscape became increasingly polarized. Berisha's government faced growing criticism for perceived authoritarian tendencies, including suppressing dissent and limiting media freedoms. In 1996, parliamentary elections were held but were marred by allegations of fraud and irregularities. The Socialist Party refused to recognize the results, leading to heightened tensions and unrest, with protests erupting against the government.
- The situation deteriorated further in 1997 when a wave of pyramid schemes, which had drawn in a significant portion of the population, collapsed. This triggered widespread social unrest, leading to protests and civil conflict. The government struggled to maintain order, and by March 1997, chaos reigned in the streets. In response to the crisis, international intervention was prompted. NATO and other organizations began to provide humanitarian aid and support for stabilizing the country, which included a multinational force deployed to restore order.
- Following the unrest, a new government was formed in mid-1997, led by the Socialist Party. Recognizing the need for a legal framework to guide the country’s democratic transition, a constitutional assembly was convened. This assembly worked to draft a new constitution that would enshrine democratic principles and establish the rule of law. On November 28, 1998, Albania adopted a new constitution, defining the country as a parliamentary republic.
References
[edit]- ^ "Report: The Elections in Albania". Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE). 4 April 1991. Archived from the original on 1 October 2020. Retrieved 1 October 2020.