THE PEOPLE


Population


Albania’s population of 3.3 millions is growing by 1%. Another three to four millions live in neighboring countries; most have lived in those regions for generations. Unlike the other Balkan states, albania has always been ethnically homogeneous. Albania itself is about 98% ethnic Albanians. Small groups of Greeks, Serbs, Romany, and Bulgarians live there as well. Only about 40% of the population reside in urban areas.

Language


Albanians speak Shqip (Albanian). Albanian is an Indo-European language directly descended from Illyrian. In 1908, Albania adopted a Latin script. The alphabet has 36 letters. Two dialects, Gheg and Tosk were historically spoken in Albania, but the Tosk-based Albanian is the official language.

Religion


Before the Ottoman era, Albanians were mostly Christians. Under the Turks, however a large percentage of the population converted to Islam and accordingly changed their names. Albanians could practice religion freely until the Communist era when the country’s many mosques, monasteries, and churches suffered damage and destruction under the government’s antireligion policy. In 1965, religious practices were outlawed altogether. Religious freedom was restored in 1990 and the religion is again becoming important in people’s lives. Although official figures are lacking, it is estimated that 70% of the population is Muslim (Sunni and Bektashi), 20% are Orthodox Christian, and 10% Catholic. Protestant Christian churches and other denominations are beginning to establish a presence in Albania.

General Attitudes


Albanian values their families and their ethnic heritage, Personal honor is also important. Northern Albanians, particularly the mountaineers, are known to be courageous, resourceful, courteous, and hardly. They honor a traditional institution called the "BESA" (sworn truce) part of "Kanuni i Lek Dukagjini" (LEK DUKAGJINI’s CODE). Adherence to BESA, family honors, hospitality and a patriarchal order are considered the basis for successful relationship. Southern Albanians are known to be openly emotional and socially more liberal. Albanians resist appealing to the wisdom and advice of others. Adjusting to a Western system of advice of competition, free speech, capitalism, and materialism has been difficult.

Personal Appearance


Before 1991, clothing was often homemade, but now it is mostly purchased. Clothes that have the label "made in Italy" and Italian fashion are most preferred. Urban professional men wear business suits and ties. Urban women wear skirts more than pants. They wear western top and blouses. The youth like jeans, T-shirts, and sneakers. Some villagers wear traditional outfits, which vary by regions. In the north women wear a head scarf and a fustanelle (full, colorful wool skirt) over tights. Men wear cotton or wool pants, heavy cotton shirts, etc. Nowadays, such traditional clothes are not use often.

__Related Links_____________

- Albanian Language -|- Albanian Phrases - Basic Albanian Language

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