Must Know facts about Albania Part 2

Following the line of "M[ust know facts about Albania"](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/must-know-facts-about-albania-part-1-clki) , on this story I will show 10 more interesting and fun facts about my country. Let's begin !

1. Skanderbeg

Albanians associate Skanderbeg with the brightest period Albania ever had. It's the national hero, an international figure and the pride of every albanian. Albanian nationalist writers transformed Skanderbeg's history into myth and thus his figure and deeds became a mixture of historical facts, truths, half-truths, inventions, and folklore.

2. Flowers

Despite being a small country, Albania boasts more than 3,250 species of plants, which accounts for 30 per cent of all flora in Europe. The best places to see the country’s colourful stock is its national parks.

3. Walking in the streets

Usually, when you are about to pass the streets, you make sure to see in both sides but in Albania you have to look EVERYWHERE. Drivers are a bit crazy!

4. Traditional costumes

Albania has more than 200 types of traditional clothing. All regions in the country have their own distinct costumes. This Albanian trend is unique in Europe.

5. Language

Albanian language has no close language at all. It is an Indo-European language and it has two dialects, one being Tosk (the southern dialect) and the other Geg (the northern dialect).

6. The religion was banned

During the communist era, religion was banned making Albania the first atheist country in the world. Many mosques and churches were burned down during the Enver Hoxha ruling. Nowadays, the majority of Albania is muslim but there is a great harmony between religions. The quote that albanians love the most is "[ Feja e shqiptarit eshte Shqiptaria "](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/a-tourist-perspective-on-albanians-19pr) meaning " Religion of Albania is Albanianism"

7. Beliefs

Albanians believe too much in the evil eye and for this reasons in some houses balconies you may notice teddy bears or dolls. This is all about scaring away bad spirits.

8. Haircuts

After you get a haircut you get slapped on the neck. After you get slapped, the slapper will say “me shëndet” meaning “on your health.” Crazy people !

9. Legends

Epic tales and legends are very famous in Albanian regions. They are passed from one generation to the next. The fundamental theme of Albanian folk tales is the struggle between good and evil.

10. Our beloved Raki

Raki for albanians is simply HOLY ! It's very hard to find an albanian that doesen't love Raki...

Picture © Credits to istankov