Countries

Albania

Albania sits where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea, about 72 km across the Strait of Otranto from Italy. Sealed off from the world for decades under communist rule, it is now known for its rugged mountains, its Riviera and the ancient ruins of Butrint.

Stone walls and columns of the Triconch Palace among trees at the ancient ruins of Butrint, southern Albania

Butrint, Vlore County

Photo: Pudelek, CC BY-SA 4.0

The black double-headed eagle comes from the seal of Skanderbeg, who led resistance to the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. The flag was raised at Vlorë when independence was declared in 1912.

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