Albania Neighbouring Countries on the Map
Geography of Albania
Albania is a unique gem in Southeastern Europe; it’s sandwiched between four countries and hugs two big bodies of water. Here, let’s take a look at Albania’s coastal buddies and how they’re connected.
Albania’s Coastal Neighbors
Albania has a prime spot with its coastline stretching along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. These waters not only offer stunning vistas but also provide Albania with valuable connections to its coastal pals.
| Sea | Neighboring Countries |
|---|---|
| Adriatic Sea | Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, Montenegro, Slovenia |
| Ionian Sea | Albania, Greece, Italy |
Kicking off with the Adriatic Sea to the northwest, Albania taps into a broad maritime network. Some important tidbits about this watery border:
- Albania shares the Adriatic Sea with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, Montenegro, and Slovenia.
- Way back when Austria-Hungary collapsed in 1918, Albania and Yugoslavia took charge of the eastern Adriatic coast. Later on, they got into maritime boundary chats with Italy in 1975 and 1992.
- As Yugoslavia broke up in the ’90s, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro stepped in, though they’ve butted heads over sea boundaries a bit.
Moving to the southwest, there’s the Ionian Sea, cozily nestled with Greece and Italy. This sea not only connects Albania to its neighbors but also links it to the wider Mediterranean.
| Port | Description |
|---|---|
| Port of Trieste | Biggest Adriatic seaport by cargo load each year |
| Port of Split | Tops the list for passenger service in the Adriatic |
| Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park | Albania’s first protected marine spot where the two seas collide |
Albania’s spot on the map isn’t just about trade routes—it’s also about looking after the environment. The Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park stands at the crossover of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, showcasing Albania’s commitment to keeping its marine life thriving.
Checking out these coastal connections, you get a sense of Albania’s vibrant maritime links and the historical tales that weave through its sea borders. Want to dive into what’s landlocked? Peek at our section on Albania’s Bordering Countries.
Albania’s Bordering Countries
Albania cozies up to four neighboring countries: Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece. Let’s have a chat about Albania’s geography and the buddies it shares its border with.
Montenegro and Albania
Albania is next door to Montenegro, with a border around 116 miles long sitting northwest of Albania. They’re pretty snug, these two, with embassies hanging out in each other’s capitals.
| Country | Border Length (miles) | Key Diplomatic Relations |
|---|---|---|
| Montenegro | 116 | Embassies chillin’ in capital cities |
Kosovo and Albania
Just a bit to the northeast, Albania and Kosovo share a friendly fence about 70 miles long. With most folks in Kosovo speaking Albanian, it’s like one big family reunion. These similarities really strengthen their connection.
| Country | Border Length (miles) | Key Diplomatic Relations |
|---|---|---|
| Kosovo | 70 | Tight cultural and family bonds |
North Macedonia and Albania
To the east, Albania and North Macedonia are linked for about 112 miles. Loads of people in North Macedonia claim Albanian roots, which only tightens their neighborly bonds.
| Country | Border Length (miles) | Key Diplomatic Relations |
|---|---|---|
| North Macedonia | 112 | Significant Albanian population |
Greece and Albania
Greece and Albania share their tightest border friendship, stretching a solid 132 miles to the south. Pals through history, these two have strong ties that mix culture and commerce.
| Country | Border Length (miles) | Key Diplomatic Relations |
|---|---|---|
| Greece | 132 | Rich history and population mix |
Wanna dive into more border gossip? Have a look at our other reads on Afghanistan’s neighbors and Bangladesh’s neighbors.
Albania’s Maritime Borders
Alright, let’s chat about Albania’s got-it-all coastlines hugging the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. These seaside stretches? They put Albania on the map for geography, money-makin’, and some pretty cool cultural connections.
Albania’s Adriatic Sea Coastline
Head over to the western end of Albania, where the Adriatic Sea shores run wild from cuddling up next to Montenegro in the north, down to the Karaburun Peninsula in the south. We’re talking about a 294-kilometer road trip along waves and wind! Albania’s ocean neighbors here are Croatia and Italy—shook hands and signed deals in ’75 and ’92 to keep things friendly.
Sandy beaches, secret lagoons, and bird-happy wetlands—the Adriatic’s got ’em all. Highlights? The Bay of Vlorë and Albania’s pride and joy, the Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park—this park’s been saving the sea critters since 2010.
| What | Deets |
|---|---|
| Coastline Length | 294 kilometers |
| Hotspots | Bay of Vlorë, Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park |
| Ocean Pals | Croatia, Italy |
Wanna connect the dots to more places with lappin’ waves? Take a detour to our piece on Argentina neighboring countries.
Albania’s Ionian Sea Coastline
Now, scoot over to the southwest, where the Ionian Sea shores flirt between the Karaburun spot and the Greek border. Not as long as its Adriatic cousin, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in drop-dead gorgeousness. Rocky cliffs, clear-as-day waters, and beaches straight outta paradise—it’s a tourist magnet!
Starring on this stretch is the Albanian Riviera. Picture pretty landscapes and coastal hangouts bustling with visitors. It’s a money-maker for the locals, no doubt.
| What | Deets |
|---|---|
| Coastline Length | Around 96 kilometers |
| Hotspots | Albanian Riviera |
| Ocean Pal | Greece |
If you’re curious about how neighbors hang out politically or geographically, cruise over to our article on Armenia neighboring countries.
Albania’s seaside lines are more than just pretty—they’re its lifeline to what happens next-door, how it cares for the enviro, woos tourists, and plays ball in international talks. For more peeks into Albania’s neighbors, give some love to our sections on albania neighbouring countries and algeria neighbouring countries.
Albania’s Political Relations
Getting a good grip on Albania’s political ties offers a window into its diplomatic dance, defense pairings, and foreign policy goals. How Albania deals with its neighbors and the wider world really punches above its weight in these areas.
Albania’s Diplomatic Relations
Albania mingles naturally with many countries, especially those in the European Union and around the Balkans. Countries like Croatia, France, Germany, and Italy are an important part of Albania’s foreign handshake. Meanwhile, close ties with Balkan buddies such as Kosovo, Greece, and North Macedonia are at the heart of Albania’s diplomatic playbook.
Albania and Greece share more than just geography. They swap more than olives and feta; their bonds stretch across trade, culture, and defense. Such interactions highlight Albania’s intent to keep the peace and knit the region tighter together.
| Country | Diplomatic Relations |
|---|---|
| Greece | Strong economic and cultural ties |
| Italy | Close historical and cultural relationships |
| Germany | Key economic partner |
| Kosovo | Shared ethnic and cultural vibes |
| North Macedonia | Active on shared projects |
Albania’s Military Cooperation
Ask Albania about its military links, and Turkey will be a big name on the list since the ’90s. Their buddy system involves helping each other out, training together, and lending a hand on defense projects.
Being part of NATO means Albania isn’t just playing by itself in the military sandbox. It stands shoulder to shoulder with allies in joint defense gigs and global security missions, strengthening its security net.
Albania’s Foreign Policy Objectives
When it comes to foreign policy, Albania’s sights are set on sticking with Europe and playing its part on the international playground. Its key moves include backing human rights, keeping the peace, minding the planet, and upholding international law.
Albania takes its membership in global clubs seriously, grabbing a two-year seat at the United Nations Security Council table starting in 2022. Here, it pushes for good causes like human rights and working together on a global scale.
Curious about who else Albania rubs shoulders with in the neighborhood? Check out what’s happening between Montenegro and Albania and Greece and Albania. Peering into these ties and Albania’s political game gives a clearer pic of its role on the world stage.
Albania’s International Alliances
How does Albania mix it up on the world stage? Let’s take a look at how this small but mighty country maneuvers through global alliances and its stint with the United Nations Security Council.
Albania’s Membership in International Organizations
Albania has made its mark in some of the world’s major organizations, making new friends and influencing people all over the map.
| Organization | Year of Entry |
|---|---|
| United Nations (UN) | 1992 |
| North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) | 2009 |
| Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) | 1991 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | 2000 |
| International Monetary Fund (IMF) | 1991 |
| European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) | 1991 |
Being part of groups like NATO and the UN? That’s helped Albania get friendly with neighbors and world heavyweights alike. They’ve got a lot of pals—France, Germany, Italy in the EU club; nearby folks such as Kosovo, Greece, North Macedonia; plus friends in places like Turkey, China, and the US. These connections are like the glue holding Albania’s bigger foreign goals together (Wikipedia).
Albania’s United Nations Security Council Membership
In 2022, Albania got the nod to be a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for a couple of years. This is kind of a big deal as it means Albania’s got a voice on the really important stuff, like world peace and security. While in the club, Albania wants to:
- Push human rights
- Stop conflicts before they start
- Tackle climate change head-on
- Promote working together
- Keep everyone playing by the same rules (Wikipedia)
Being on the Security Council means Albania gets to rub shoulders with the big-time players, a golden opportunity to push its views on world matters. This gig boosts Albania’s diplomatic swag and lets it shout its causes from the mountaintop.
Interested in more on how Albania shakes hands and shares the world stage? Head over to Albania’s Diplomatic Relations and Albania’s Military Cooperation.
Albania’s keeping itself in the mix by jumping into these international waters, linking up with neighbors and far-off lands alike, and keeping its passport active on the global scene.
