The countryis situated in the Balkan region, and to fully comprehend its people and culture, it is essential to examine the historical events that have shaped their identity.
Following World War II, Albania was ruled by a strict communist monarchy for nearly 50 years, which isolated the country from the rest of the world. When the transition to a democratic regime began in the early 1990s, it was met with significant challenges. Despite the efforts of leaders like Ramiz Alia, who supported the transition, the changes were not well-received by the population. Some, like Sali Berisha, who had ties to the previous regime, took advantage of the situation to advance their interests. Even prominent figures like Ismail Kadare, who understood the Albanian people well and had lived through the communist era, were criticized for their actions.
The process of building a new state was complex and required the formation of various government bodies. Unfortunately, due to a lack of experience and expertise, many incompetent people were put in positions of power, while qualified individuals were overlooked. This led to chaos and confusion.
Just as the country was starting to recover, the citizens fell victim to fraudulent pyramid schemes that wiped out their savings. This resulted in a kind of civil war where everyone turned on each other. Fortunately, the situation was eventually resolved, but the scars of that time still remain.
Today, Albania is a relatively safe country with a low crime rate. However, it is still essential to exercise caution, especially when doing business with criminal elements. To avoid creating misunderstandings or misconceptions about oneself, it is advisable to answer questions as honestly and politely as possible. Lying about one's income or purpose of visit may be preferable to simply refusing to answer.