Area Handbook for Albania

A detailed research and reference publication prepared in the late 20th century. This comprehensive work is designed to provide military and other interested personnel with essential information about Albania's social, political, economic, and military institutions and practices, focusing specifically on the context of the year 1970. At the start of the handbook, the authors outline Albania's unique geopolitical situation, portraying it as the smallest and economically least developed of the European Communist nations, heavily influenced by its communist alignment with China. The foreword and preface provide insight into the country’s complex history, characterized by foreign dominance and independence struggles, while setting the tone for a balanced exposition of Albanian society. The introduction establishes Albania's national identity as predominantly ethnic Albanian, alongside a brief overview of its governance structure, historical context, and social dynamics shaped by years of communist rule and foreign influence.