Fact 1: Albania once had 40 times more bunkers than the Eiffel Tower!
Shrouded in a blanket of mystery and curiosity, one of the most fascinating facts about Albania is that it once had approximately 700,000 bunkers constructed throughout the country. To put things into perspective, that's 40 times more than the Eiffel Tower's iron parts! Former communist leader Enver Hoxha was responsible for such an initiative as he feared an imminent attack, although the anticipated invasion never materialized.
Fact 2: The Albanian language is a one-of-a-kind language.
Unlike other languages that form branches or families, the Albanian language stands in a family tree of its own. Albanian, also known as Shqip, belongs to the Indo-European group of languages but does not share close similarities with any other languages in this group. It's a unique linguistic treasure!
Fact 3: Albania is a "land of eagles."
The name "Albania" translates to the "land of eagles," derived from the Albanian words "Shqipëria," which means exactly that. So, don't be surprised if you see the symbol of a double-headed eagle almost everywhere when you visit—the country's emblem!
Fact 4: Albania holds the Guinness World Record as the country that loves to smoke the most.
In an interesting and somewhat health-hazardous feat, Albania holds a Guinness World Record for the highest per capita rates of cigarette consumption. Studies from 2010 indicate that every Albanian smokes about 3000 cigarettes annually!
Fact 5: The locals will nod when they mean no – and shake their heads when they mean yes!
One of the quirkiest things about Albanians is their inverse nodding language. In Albania, people will nod their heads up and down to signify "no," and will shake their heads to mean "yes." It sure can be a balance-challenging act if you’re not aware of this cultural quirk!
Fact 6: Albania has its own George Washington.
Albania's national hero is Skanderbeg, a 15th-century nobleman who led a 25 year-long successful rebellion against the Ottoman Empire. The statue of Skanderbeg on horseback in the capital city Tirana's main square is akin to the George Washington statue for Americans.
Fact 7: Albania was the first atheist state.
Under the tight grip of Enver Hoxha’s leadership, Albania officially became the first atheist state in 1967. Religion was banned, many religious buildings were destroyed, and thousands of people were punished for religious practices. Today, however, religious freedom is fully restored.
Fact 8: There's a tradition of sworn virgins in Albania.
In the Northern parts of Albania there's a unique tradition of "sworn virgins" or "burrnesha." These are women who take a vow of chastity and live as men in the patriarchal society, often to avoid societal constraints or to ensure family continuity when there are no male heirs.
Fact 9: Europe’s last remaining intact marshland ecosystem is in Albania.
The Karavasta Lagoon in Albania is the largest lagoon in the Mediterranean Sea and is considered one of the last marshland ecosystems intact in Europe. It is a sanctuary for over 250 bird species and home to the largest population of the endangered Dalmatian Pelicans.
Fact 10: There’s a town called Lin that is 2000 years older than the Pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge.
The small town of Lin, on the eastern shore of Lake Ohrid in Albania, is known for its ancient mosaics, which are approximately 4000 years old.
Fact 11: Lady Gaga’s favorite shoe designer is Albanian.
Multi-talented fashion designer, Arianne Phillips, who designed some of Lady Gaga’s famous shoe pieces, is of Albanian descent.
Fact 12: Albanians have a wonderful tradition of Sunday Strolls!
One of Albania’s endearing traditions is the "xhiro," a lazy Sunday afternoon stroll taken by locals, where everyone ventures out to chat and catch up with friends and neighbors.
Fact 13: Albania didn't receive its first railway system until 1947.
Although trains were sweeping across Europe in the 19th century, Albania didn't receive its first railway line until just after the Second World War.
Fact 14: The Albanian Alps are also known as "the cursed mountains."
The Albanian Alps, also known as the "Accursed" or "Cursed Mountains," possess a harsh and rugged beauty that attracts many adventurers. This formidable mountain range derives its name from its inaccessible and desolate terrains.
Fact 15: Mother Teresa is the only Albanian Nobel Prize winner so far.
Mother Teresa, born as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in Skopje to Albanian ethnicity parents, is the only Albanian to have won a Nobel Prize. She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian work.
Fact 16: Albania is one of the world’s leading hydroelectric power producers.
Due to its mountainous terrain and abundant rivers, Albania has developed a strong hydroelectric power sector. It generates almost all of its electricity usage from its domestic hydroelectric power stations.
Fact 17: The Blue Eye spring is the most unique natural landmark in Albania.
The Blue Eye (Syri i kalter) is a natural water spring phenomenon in Albania where the clear blue water bubbles up from a stunning, more than fifty-meter-deep pool, creating the illusion of an eye when viewed from above.
Fact 18: Albania uses an indigenous form of transportation called ‘gondolas’.
Like Italy, Albania has its own style of Gondolas. However, instead of being romantic canal boats, these Albanian Gondolas are horse-drawn carriages or carts often seen on the country roads.
Fact 19: Europe’s only non-commercial state-run TV was in Albania.
During the communist era, Albania had only one state-run TV channel - TVSH. It was the only non-commercial TV in Europe and was used mainly for transmitting the regime's propaganda.
Fact 20: The Albanian king engaged in a game of checkers during his country’s invasion.
In April 1939, when Italian troops were invading Albania, King Zog I was reportedly enjoying a peaceful game of checkers in the palace. Unruffled, he finished the game before scrambling together a defense. This shows the Albanian spirit - calm in adversity and valiant in action!