With my wife Dace we continue traveling through Eastern Europe to share it with you and we arrived in Albania, a surprising Balkan country that has coasts, mountains and an intense urban life.
Albania is a particular country within the European context. Although many people who are unaware of its past believe that it was part of the old Yugoslavia, this is not the case. Albania chose an independent path and stayed that way despite its consequences.
Albania was closed for much of the 20th century due to a combination of factors, including World War II, communist rule, and the leadership of an autocrat.
The communist regime of Enver Hoxha, which ruled Albania from 1944 to 1985, was one of the most isolated and repressive in the world. Hoxha feared foreign influence and closed Albania to the outside world.
Albania was occupied by Italy and then Germany during World War II. After the war, the country was devastated and under the control of a communist regime and its then leader Enver Hoxha.
At that time the country was a social experiment. As an example, under the communist regime, the country's rulers and dignitaries could use cars, but car ownership was prohibited for the rest of the population until 1991.
At the beginning of the communist era, the purchase of private vehicles was possible through a points system, as in the Soviet Union. However, the Albanian regime chooses to put an end to this system to avoid the incessant struggles of Albanians to reach the head of the list, an attitude described as "bourgeois selfishness."
In this way, the population had to use the train, bus, bicycle or oxcart to get around, although it is good to clarify that public transportation was practically free.
Albania's isolation had a negative impact on its economy and social development. The country fell behind compared to the rest of Europe, but the communist regime collapsed in 1991. Since then, the country has been changing until it has opened up to the outside world.
Today Albania remains a relatively poor country, but it is progressing rapidly. Tourism is growing and the country is becoming increasingly open and welcoming to visitors.
Since travel restrictions have been abolished, Albanians can now travel freely abroad and borders have been opened. Albania now has diplomatic relations with most countries in the world.
On the other hand, the economy has been privatized. The Albanian economy is now based on the free market and democratic reforms have been introduced. Albania is now a parliamentary democracy.
Today Albania has great potential for economic and social development. The country has a young and energetic population, rich history and culture, and stunning natural beauty.
Albania is an emerging tourist destination with much to offer visitors. The country has beautiful beaches, impressive mountains, historic archaeological sites and vibrant cities.
Albania has great potential for renewable energy, especially solar and hydroelectric energy. The government is working to attract investments in this sector.
Albania has fertile land and a favorable climate for agriculture. The country has the potential to produce a variety of crops, including fruits, vegetables and cereals.
But Albania has many challenges ahead, it needs to invest in infrastructure, such as roads, railways and ports. This would create jobs and facilitate trade.
Albania needs to improve its education system to better prepare its population for the 21st century workforce and needs to improve its healthcare system to better serve its population.
The country has great potential, but needs to overcome some challenges, such as corruption and bureaucracy. If you are looking for an opportunity in an emerging market, within Europe Albania is a country to consider first.
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🔎 I am Gustavo Llusá, Argentine, after traveling for several years through more than 65 countries I settled in Latvia where I married Dace and learned to know another way of life, on the other side of the map.
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