• General Information Area : 28.748 sq. km. Population: 3.500.000 Local time : GTM +1 ( GTM+2 between the end of April and the end of October ) Capital : Tirana ( population 553.435 ) Language : Albanian ( part of Indo – Europian family) Political System : Parlamentary Republic Religion : Muslim, Orthodox and Catholic Airport : Rinas ( Mother Teresa) Railways : 447 km • Geography Albania situated on a border with Montenegro and Kosovo to the North and North East, FYR Macedonia to the East and Greece to the South. It is washed by the Adriatic and Ionian seas to the West and separated from Italy through the straight of Otranto, of 82 km. Albania surprises the tourists with the diversity of its landscapes, which change quickly and dramatically. Landscapes range from typical Mediterranean in West and South West , to mixed landscapes in central area, to steep mountains in the inner part of country. On the beautiful coast virgin and fine sandy and pebble beaches are to be found. The country is jeweled with plenty of beautiful inland lakes, natural lagoons, reserves, hunting grounds and SPA-s.  • Climate Albania has Mediterranean climate bescause of its muontainous character and broken relief , the climate varies throughuot the country. Albania is characterized by hot and dry summers, with bright sunny days and generally mild winters with abundant rainfalls. In Albanian Alps,in the northern part, the winters are cold and summers chilly. Normally the period from June to September is characterized by hot and sunny whether, while from October to May the weather is cool and wet. Notwithstanding that Albanian beauty can be appreciated around the year the best months to visit Albania are April, May and June as well as the period from mid-October. Required clothing : light clothing in summer and warm clothing in winter. • Currency - leke (ALL) The banknotes are in denominations of Lek 5000, 1000, 500, 200, and 100. Coins are in denominations 50, 20, 10 and 5 Lek. Currency Exchange : Many exchange bureaux will change foreign currency, but Banks offer the best exchange rates about 135 Leke per 1 Euro and 105 Leke per 1 US Dollar with slight variations. • Credit Cards All credit cards are accepted by Banks and several tourist hotels. Traveller’s cheques are accepted as well. however, most bills are paid in cash or through traveller’s cheques. Banking hours: From Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 2.00 pm • Postal and Communication Services Country code: ++355 City Codes are : Tirana 4, Durres 52, Elbasan 54, Shkodra 22, Gjirokaster 84, Korca 82, Vlora 33, Berat 32, Fier 34, Kavaje 574, Pogradec 832, Kukes 242, Kruje 511. Central post offices operate in Tirana , Durres and other cities performing a very fast service between Albania and other countries. The majority of accommodations have telecommunication services.  • Public holidays New Year ( January 1-2) Catholic and Orthodox – first day Great and Lesser Bairam ( first day) Sultan Novruz ( first day) Labour Day ( May 1) Indipendence Day ( November 28) Liberation Day ( November 29) Christmas ( Dicember 25) • Local Time GTM 1 ( GTM +2 between the end of April and the end of October)