Nestled in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe, Albania boasts a rich history and a blend of cultural influences. Inhabited since ancient times, the region witnessed the rise and fall of Illyrian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. In 1912, Albania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire, marking the establishment of a sovereign state. The interwar period was marked by internal strife and foreign interventions, including Italian and German occupations during World War II. Post-war, communist leader Enver Hoxha established a rigid Stalinist regime, isolating Albania from the rest of the world. Hoxha’s death in 1985 paved the way for political and economic reforms, transitioning the country to a multiparty system in 1991. The 1990s brought about challenges, including economic hardship and social unrest, exacerbated by the collapse of pyramid schemes. Albania has since made significant strides toward political stability, economic development, and European integration, though it grapples with issues like corruption and organized crime. The country officially became a NATO member in 2009, solidifying its ties with the Euro-Atlantic community. Albania’s journey has been one of resilience and transformation, navigating the complexities of its past while striving for a prosperous and integrated future within the broader European context. See globalsciencellc for Albania Recent History.