International Column 3/11: Albania

 By: Sawsan Srour

Introducing Albania, the second country featured in the international column! 

Albania is located in the southern area of Europe alongside the Balkan Peninsula of the Strait of Otranto where the southern entrance is the Adriatic Sea. The people of Albania refer to themselves as shqiptarë, translating to the“sons of eagles'' and they speak Albanian. Highlighted below are the top 5 most interesting and fun facts about the increasingly popular tourist destination, Albania.

1. As the rising sun descends down, the people of Albania come out for a nightly activity known as xhiro. Xhiro is an official walk where every resident comes out from their homes for a catch up with the neighbors and gets a stretch in. Xhiro is such a common practiced tradition that in many towns the roads are closed for hours to ensure the safety of residents walking around. 

2. Now I warn you this next fact will confuse you: in Albania, when agreeing with you people will shake their heads and nod if they disagree with you.      

3. Despite being a European country, Albania houses a 70% majority muslim population while Christianity comes in second with 17% . The other 17% others are atheist or undeclared.  

4. When in Albania, you're likely going to notice a high number of scarecrows in odd places. This is done to ward off envy from neighbors where construction is underway. Teddy bears can be used to serve the same purpose.

5. The final fact for Albania is that there are more Albanians living outside of the territory than inside of it.