Monday, January 11, 2016

Top 10 things about Albania

EXPRESS

Today is Republic Day in Albania, marking the day in 1946 when Enver Hoxha declared the People’s Republic of Albania with himself as head of state.

Flag of Albania
GETTY Albania celebrate republic day today
1. In 1976 the official name was changed to People’s Socialist Republic of Albania.
2. In 1992, after the fall of communism, the name changed again to simply Republic of Albania.
3. In 1967 Albania became the world’s first officially atheist state.
4. The Albanians call Albania Shqiperia, which means “land of the eagle”.
5. During the communist era private cars were illegal in Albania.
Alexander the Great
GETTY Albania's currency is named after Alexander the Great
6. After Lord Voldemort was first overthrown in the Harry Potter books he is said to have hidden in the forests of Albania.
7. Albania is the name of at least three towns in Colombia.
8. The oldest known name of the main island of Britain was Albion. Around the 11th century writings in Latin referred to it as Albania.
9. Albania competed at the Olympics in 1972 and at every one since 1992 but has yet to win a medal.
10. The Albanian currency, the lek, was named after Alexander the Great, whose name was often shortened to Leka in Albanian.

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