Albania: A Nation of Ethnic and Social Conflict

Albania played a significant role in modern global events including the war on terror, the war in Kosovo, as well as with its influence as the only predominantly Muslim nation in Europe other than Kosovo. Problems in the nation’s history and modern struggles over ethnicity have derailed Albania’s move toward democracy at times, but, so far, Albania has shown itself willing to work around these problems in an effort to move forwards its application to join the EU as one of the newest democratic states. The Republic of Albania, home to approximately 3,639,453 people and consisting of 28,748 sq. km. of land, is a relatively small nation in Southeastern Europe.1 The nation borders the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Greece, Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo in the north. The capital is Tirana, and other major cities include Durres, Shkoder, and Vlore. The terrain is mostly mountains and hills, although there are plains along the coast, and the nation possesses a great deal of farmable land and natural resources including petroleum and chrome. Numerous ethnic groups subdivide the population--Albanian (95%-98%), Greek (3%), and the rest includes Vlachs, Romas, Serbs, Macedonians, and Bulgarians.2 Understanding the issues that Albania faces today requires knowledge of the nation’