Where is Albania?

Where is Albania? 
It is situated in the Balkan Peninsula, in southeastern Europe, and shares borders with Greece, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosova. 

In the west, the country is made up of coastline that runs along the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The division of these seas is marked by the Bay of Vlora, about 170 km north of the southern border with Greece, and the Strait of Otranto, which also marks the narrowest point in the sea where only 72 km of water separates Albania from Italy. 


Albania’s surface area of 28,748 km2 (11,100 square miles makes it slightly smaller than Belgium. Albania has four primary topographical areas: the Albanian Alps, a central mountainous region, a southern mountainous region and the coastal plain. 


The interior of the country is mostly mountainous and approximately 36% is covered in lush forest. The plains are extensively planted with olive trees, citrus trees, and grape vines that collect into beautiful vineyards. 


There are numerous lakes located throughout the country. Measuring 370 km2, Lake Shkodra is not only the largest lake in Albania but also the largest in the Balkans. Lake Prespa is the highest tectonic lake in all Balkans. Lake Ohrid, in the eastern portion of the country, is shared with Macedonia and at 294 m (931 ft), is exceptionally deep. 


The Ionian coast, known as the “Albanian Riviera” from Vlora to Saranda, is both rugged and beautiful, featuring some of the most picturesque scenery in the country. The overall length of Albania’s borders is 1,094 km. Of this length, 657 km is made up of land borders with other countries, 316 km stretch along the seas, 73 km is comprised of lakes, and 48 km is marked by various rivers. 


The highest point is Mount Korab, 2,751 m above sea level. Additionally, Albania enjoys a total of twelve National Parks areas, which together with other protected areas cover approximately 39% of the country (34,550 hectares).



Where is Albania?