Country Name |
Republic of Albania |
Continent |
Europe |
Surface area |
28,748 km2 |
Capital |
Tirana |
Population |
2,821,977 (2011) |
Language |
Albanian |
Currency |
Albanian Lek (ALL) |
Time zone |
The same as Italy |
Area code for Italy |
0039 |
Area code from Italy |
00355 |
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travellers aged 1 year or over arriving from high-risk countries.
This viral disease is transmitted by the bite of infected ticks. Vaccination is recommended when staying in areas with a higher risk of infection. The risk decreases in the winter months.
Hepatitis A is usually transmitted by contaminated food and water, or close physical contact with an infected person, whereas Hepatitis B is transmitted by exposure to infected body fluids and blood.
Infection typically occurs through contact with the saliva of an infected animal, usually caused by bites, scratches or licks near open wounds or mucous membranes (e.g. mouth, nose, eyes). The most common carriers are dogs and bats, but cases of infection in other domestic animals have also been reported.
Caused by toxins released by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, the risk of tetanus infection is present throughout the country.
Diseases such as Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever, Leishmaniasis, and West Nile virus are present in Southern Europe. As these diseases are transmitted by insect bites and there are no vaccines, it is important to adopt careful behavioural and preventive measures.
The following vaccinations are strongly recommended as these diseases can be contracted anywhere in the world. Experts advise that you protect yourself and other travellers by making sure you are up-to-date with all of the recommended vaccinations. This will allow you to travel safely, while minimising the risk of exposure to infection.
Located in Southeast Europe, the entire western region of Albania is bordered by the Adriatic Sea, with Montenegro to the north, Kosovo and Macedonia to the east, and Greece to the south.
The terrain is mostly mountainous, with three main mountain ranges: the Albanian Alps in the north (the highest peak of which stands at 2,694 m), the massif located in the central-eastern area, and the southern mountainous region. A flat and hilly area extends along the coast for just over 170 km.
The coastal climate is Mediterranean, characterised by heavy rainfall, mild winters, and hot, dry summers. Lower temperatures are recorded in the highlands.