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Republika e Shqiperise. The present-day state is being recognized as relic and legacy of ancient Kingdom of Illyria, that lasted from 1225-167 B.C.
Illirians had first lost their independence for Roman Empire, but in sixth century A.D. they were eventually forced to submit to Slav tribes.
Present-day Shqiperia has ca. 3.5 million inhabitants, next 2 million are scattered all over the world.
The economy of the country is quickly growing - ca. 7% per annum. Due to the problems left over from the previous era - weak state structures - probably half of economy is running in the gray area. So the true numbers may even be higher.
Up to 1990, telecommunications in Shqiperia was at the lowest levels of development in the world. There were only 2 phone lines for every 100 inhabitants. Last years everyone could notice rapid development in this field - in 2004 there were operating 1.25 million of mobile phones (CIA World Factbook), i.e. 35% of the population owned such a phone.
Even more impressive growth one can observe in TV infrastructure. There are available 4 national broadcasting networks (2 public and 2 commercial) and 62 local stations. Additionally, 3 satellite operators broadcast satellite packages, as well as there is available terrestrial digital TV.
Illirians had first lost their independence for Roman Empire, but in sixth century A.D. they were eventually forced to submit to Slav tribes.
Present-day Shqiperia has ca. 3.5 million inhabitants, next 2 million are scattered all over the world.
The economy of the country is quickly growing - ca. 7% per annum. Due to the problems left over from the previous era - weak state structures - probably half of economy is running in the gray area. So the true numbers may even be higher.
Up to 1990, telecommunications in Shqiperia was at the lowest levels of development in the world. There were only 2 phone lines for every 100 inhabitants. Last years everyone could notice rapid development in this field - in 2004 there were operating 1.25 million of mobile phones (CIA World Factbook), i.e. 35% of the population owned such a phone.
Even more impressive growth one can observe in TV infrastructure. There are available 4 national broadcasting networks (2 public and 2 commercial) and 62 local stations. Additionally, 3 satellite operators broadcast satellite packages, as well as there is available terrestrial digital TV.
Welcome to Shqiperia - one of the boards placed on a ministerial building in the capital city.
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The famous citizens of Shqiperia: the monument to Agnes Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, known as Mother Teresa from Calcutta, in Shkoder city, and the bust of one of the most brave warriors of the sixteenth century, liberator of Shqiperia - Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbeu, called the Skanderbeg (mausoleum in Lezhe)
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The ruins of Apolonia - ancient Illir town founded in the sixth century B.C, and the remains of Roman amphitheater in Durres show the existence of the old civilization.
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In Shqiperia we can see the influence of Islam (now ca 70% of the population), the Orthodox faith (20%), and Catholicism (10%) - the picture on the left shows Byzantine temple built in the 11-th century in Berat, in the middle - the bust of John Paul II at the cathedral in Shkoder, on the right - the mosque in the capital city.
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Nowadays the division of the world into areas of influence is marked not only by culture and religion, but also by the origin of industrial products. Above - Chinese, Italian, and Turkish antennas.
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One of the most beautiful towns in Shqiperia - Gjirokaster, town of "silver roofs" (they are made of bituminous shale). These special roofs make it difficult to install antennas - the right picture above. In Gjirokaster - the picture just above - there was born a certain Enver Hoxha, the author of the conception of building these very special constructions shown below.
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Between 1960-70, for about 3 billion USD dollars, there were built ca.600 000 bunkers. To tell the truth, it is difficult to develop a new design in this field, but the pictures show some invention.
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Enver Hoxha had built bunkers and cut off any communication with the world, closing international exchanges and stopping development of telephone infrastructure. Nowadays GSM technology enables the country to catch up the 21st century - the GSM towers in Kruja - the old capital of Shqiperia.
Television leads the field in telecommunications: 4 nationwide channels, 62 local stations, 3 satellite operators, digital terrestrial TV network - it's really impressive achievement to the state
with 3.5 million people. The picture shows radio link of satellite operator Alsat.
with 3.5 million people. The picture shows radio link of satellite operator Alsat.
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The TV offer is welcomed by the people. They sometimes use methods that may seem a little bit extravagant.
Welcome to Albania, the country that is quickly regaining its European roots. The mosaic at the entrance to National Gallery in Tirana.
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