Albania

ALBANIA IS A small and relatively underdeveloped country in southeast Europe. Since the collapse of the Communist government there in 1991, Albania has transformed itself from an isolated country to one whose government has sought to take an active part in European affairs. The country has a population of 3.6 million (2007), and covers 11,100 sq. mi. (28,748 sq. km.), with a population density of 318.6 per sq. mi. (134 per sq. km.). Some 21 percent of the land is arable, with 5 percent under permanent cultivation, and 15 percent as meadow or pasture. In addition, some 38 percent of the country is forested; most of the trees are oak, elm, pine, or birch.

There are a number of environmental problems facing Albania, mainly with pollution. ...