Living in Albania

Albania is located in the western Balkans and borders the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea; around 2.9 million people live there. The country is characterized by mountains, valleys, and fertile plains. The coast generally has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers, while inland areas and especially the north have cooler winters and more precipitation. In Tirana and other cities, many people live in apartment buildings and use buses, cars, or taxis; outside urban centers, distances and public transport connections are often more important in everyday life. Employment is more concentrated in cities, coastal towns, and agricultural regions. Family visits, shared meals, and walks are part of leisure time in many places.