Albania
After World War II, Albania became a Stalinist state under Enver Hoxha, and remained staunchly isolationist until its transition to democracy after 1990. Elections in 1992 ended 47 years of communist rule and established a multiparty democracy, but the latter half of the decade saw a quick turnover of presidents and prime ministers. The transition proved proven difficult as corrupt governments tried to deal with severe unemployment, the collapse of a fraudulent nationwide investment scheme, widespread gangsterism, and massive refugee influxes from neighboring Kosovo, imposing a huge burden on Albania's already fragile economy.
Many Albanians left the country in search of work; the money they send home remains an important source of revenue. While there have been signs of economic progress with inflation under tighter control and some growth, the country remains one of the poorest in Europe. Unemployment is high and poverty widespread. The infrastructure is crumbling and corruption is a deterrent to foreign investment. Agriculture, an important sector, relies on antiquated equipment and old-fashioned methods.
Talks with the EU on a Stabilization and Association agreement were launched in 2003 and Albania hopes to sign an association accord as soon as possible, although there must be greater progress on political and economic reforms before that can happen.
The President is Alfred Moisiu, and the prime minister is Sali Berisha, leader of the center-right Democratic Party and former President. He emerged as the winner of general elections held in July 2005. Due to wrangling over the count with re-runs demanded in a number of constituencies, it was nearly two months before the result was declared. European monitors said the election had fallen short of democratic standards, but angry street protests -- a feature of Albanian politics in the past – did not follow.
A former Communist, Berisha formed the Democratic Party in the early 1990s and in 1992 became Albania's first non-Communist president since the World War II. His bid to liberalize the economy fast increased hardship for the majority. His presidency came to an end in 1997 when the collapse of fraudulent pyramid investment schemes led to violent unrest and anti-government street protests. His goals on taking the premiership were to stamp out corruption, reduce taxation, attract greater foreign investment, develop the infrastructure and work for Albanian integration into the EU and Nato. Countering past accusations of authoritarianism, he asserted during the run-up to elections that he had changed.
There are currently no known specific threats to travelers to or expatriate personnel in Albania, however, the country, one of the poorest in Europe, suffers from endemic and universal corruption. Nearly everyone in Albania says they have encountered graft in the state bureaucracy or when doing business. Due to corruption concern, and the lack of development in the tourism sector, it is helpful to have local contacts before going to Albania. It is best to travel during the day, due to the poor state of roads.
Labor strikes and anti-corruption demonstrations occur from time-to-time with little notice and can involved tens of thousands of protesters in Tirana. Visitors should avoid such protests, as it is not uncommon for clashes to erupt between demonstrators and police.
Criminal gangs have a lucrative trade smuggling immigrants from Albania across the sea to Italy, a business that has escalated following the fall of communism. The country remains awash with weapons, many stolen from military armories after the collapse of pyramid investment schemes in 1997 sparked anti-government riots.
Albania is subject to seismic activity.
