 | | | | | | | ALBANIA
People
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| Population |
3. 6 million (July 2007 est.) |
| Religion |
Muslim 70%, Albanian Orthodox 20%, Roman Catholic 10% |
| Languages |
Albanian (official - derived from Tosk dialect), Greek, Vlach, Romani, Slavic dialects |
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Culture
The Albania culture has been greatly influenced by the Greeks, Romans, Italians, Byzantines, Turkish and Slavics.
Albanian Folklore consisting of literary, musical, choreographic and dramatic folklore is a precious treasury inherited from generation to generation. Notable folk musicians of the late 20th century include Tefta Tashko, Maria Paluca, and Gjorgjija Filce. Two of the most distinguished composers of Albanian music are Kristi Kono and the writer, bishop, and political leader Fan Noli. Traditional dance is still widely practiced, especially in more remote villages. Because of Islamic influences, especially in the south, women and men often do not dance together in public.
Painting was strongly influenced by Byzantine and the Italian arts. Paintings of religious images were created in the middle of the 18th century and continued to be common until the 20th century. Artists of the 20th century, like Vangjush Mijo and Androniqi Zenge, introduced impressionism to the west. The folkloric art of nowadays includes clothes decorated with ornaments of silver, wood pieces made by hand for domestic use and carpets of wool.
Art & Architecture
The oldest architectural monuments in Albania date from the 1st millennium BC and were constructed by the Illyrians. Greek and the Romans who occupied Albania built structures still visible in urban and rural landscapes. In the Middle Ages, The Christian religious architecture emerged in the north of Albania, whereas the Turkish and Islamic architectonic style emerged in the south.
Until the mid-20th century, most Albanian cities had two-story stone residences with tiled roofs. Today mass-produced Soviet-style housing predominates in urban and suburban settings while traditional architecture predominates in rural and mountainous regions.
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