Tourism was not possible during the years of communist rule and has only recently begun to take off in a way that makes holidaying there a relatively easy and attractive proposition for the mainstream tourist. It is still one of Europe's poorest countries and also one of the smallest, occupying an area of approximately 18,000 square miles. It is situated to the north west of Greece and has a mainly continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. A Mediterranean climate is dominant in its coastal areas. Albania has a population of 3.7 million people with 800,000 of these living in the capital, Tirana.
Because Albania was part of the Ottoman empire for over 500 years, the country’s principle religion became Islam, however many people remained Christians and enjoyed a degree of religious toleration rarely found elsewhere. When  Albania became a communist country, it was declared an 'Atheist State' (actually the only country ever to have been officially designated as such.)
Today's population are a tolerant mixture of atheists, Christians and Muslims. Albania became a democratic country in 1992 and since then its economic reform has led to an impressive growth rate and the construction of a diversified economy. Albania's infrastructure has recently shown substantial improvements; with airports, roads, rail networks, gas, electricity and telecommunications all benefiting. This has enabled tourism to begin to flourish at last, although it is still in its infancy.
The Albanians themselves are famed for their hospitality, and visitors are warmly welcomed with heart-warming generosity. (Mother Theresa was an Albanian!)
Perhaps now is the time to visit Albania before mass tourism really takes off and spoils this stunningly beautiful little country. International flights will get you to Mother Theresa International Airport which is just outside of Tirana.