ABOUT ALBANIA
Why Albania?
The MFC Conference is returning to Albania after 10 years, chosen for its growing relevance to the sector and its unique culture and character. With a dynamic microfinance ecosystem supporting entrepreneurs and local communities, Albania offers valuable insights and experiences for meaningful discussion and exchange.
Beyond its professional relevance, Albania is a country of rich history, traditions, and natural beauty. From ancient towns and cultural heritage to mountains, rivers, and a stunning coastline, it reflects creativity, resilience, and hospitality — qualities that align closely with the spirit of microfinance.
Traditions and Hospitality
Traditional values play an important role in Albanian culture, particularly the concept of besa — a “given word” or promise that is regarded as a matter of personal honor and is expected to be kept.
Albanians are known for their hospitality and friendliness toward guests. Offering coffee, refreshments, or help is considered a natural sign of respect. Even brief encounters are often accompanied by warmth and genuine attentiveness.
Religion and Society
Albania is a secular state with a diverse religious composition. The majority of believers are Muslim, with significant Orthodox Christian and Catholic communities as well.
Interfaith coexistence is considered one of the key characteristics of Albanian society and a source of national pride.
Capital and Cities
Tirana is located approximately 40 km from the Adriatic coast.
The city was founded in 1614 and has been the capital of Albania since 1920.
Mother Teresa International Airport is situated about 25 km from the city.
Other important cities include:
One of Albania’s key coastal locations is Durrës, which combines a rich historical legacy with modern infrastructure.
Did You Know?
The Amphitheatre
The second largest Roman Amphitheater in the Balkans is located in Albania’s port city of Durrës. Built in the 2nd century AD, the theater could hold 20,000 spectators, about one-sixth of the population of Durrës currently
Gjergj Kastrioti (George Castriota) Skanderbeg
The main legacy of the Albanian national hero, was to stop the expansion of the Ottoman Empire in Western Europe. His contribution is commemorated in monuments, statues, and squares named after him in Rome , Vienna , Budapest , Paris , London , Geneva , Michigan , Skopje, Pristina, Spezzano , Piana degli Albanesi near Palermo and all Calabry region , and Brussels.
The Albanian Language
Is a stand-alone branch of the Indo-European language family and is now spoken by close to eight million people around the world. In addition to a large diaspora, over 80,000 Arbëresh speak Albanian in southern Italy.
Karavasta Lagoon
Is one of the largest lagoons in the Mediterranean Sea and is home to the Dalmatian Pelican, as well as over 250 bird, mammal, and amphibian species. Five percent of the world’s Dalmatian Pelican population is found in this lagoon.
City of Fier
Did you know that the first Emperor of the Roman Empire, Augustus, studied in Apollonia, near the city of Fier, in the year 44 BC?
Mother Teresa
Whose given name was Agnesë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, was an ethnic Albanian. Mother Teresa’s work has inspired commemorations throughout Albania, including the name of Albania’s international airport: the Tirana Mother Theresa International Airport.
Good to Know
Currency
The national currency is the Albanian lek (ALL).
In tourist areas, euros are sometimes accepted, but the exchange rate may be unfavorable. For everyday expenses, it is recommended to use lek.
Albanian Cousine
Albanian cuisine combines Balkan, Mediterranean, and Ottoman culinary traditions.
What to try:
Byrek — a layered pastry with various fillings
Tavë kosi — a baked dish with yogurt
Fresh seafood along the coast.
What to Bring Home as Souvenirs?
Locally made handicrafts
Coffee or olive oil
Books and photo albums about Albanian history and culture
Souvenirs featuring the double-headed eagle, the national symbol of Albania.
Mini Albanian Phrasebook
Greetings and Politeness
Përshëndetje — Hello
Mirëdita — Good afternoon
Mirëmbrëma — Good evening
Mirupafshim — Goodbye
Ju lutem — Please
Faleminderit — Thank you
Faleminderit shumë — Thank you very much
Po — Yes
Jo — No
Më falni — Excuse me / Sorry
Communication and Help
A flisni anglisht? — Do you speak English?
Nuk flas shqip — I don’t speak Albanian
A mund të më ndihmoni? — Can you help me?
Sa kushton? — How much does it cost?
Ku është…? — Where is…?
At the Hotel and Restaurant
Hotel — Hotel
Dhoma — Room
Çelësi — Key
Ujë — Water
Kafe — Coffee
Restorant — Restaurant
Menu — Menu
Llogaria, ju lutem — The bill, please
