Geography of Albania

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Geography of Albania
Southeastern Europe
Area
 • Total28,748 km2 (11,100 sq mi)
 • Land97.7%
 • Water2.3%
Coastline476 km (296 mi)
Borders
Highest point
Lake of Shkodër

530 km2 (200 sq mi)

Adriatic and Ionian Seas, with a coastline spanning approximately 476 km (296 mi).[1] Situated on the Balkan Peninsula, it is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe. It is bounded by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east and Greece to the southeast and south.[2]

Most of Albania rises into mountains and hills, tending to run the length of the country from north to south, as for instance the

Pindus Mountains in the southeast, and the Ceraunian Mountains in the southwest. Plains and plateaus extend in the west along the Albanian Adriatic and Ionian Sea Coast
.

Some of the most considerable and oldest bodies of

Balkan Peninsula, the Large and Small Lake of Prespa
, are well hidden among high mountains in the southeast.

Rivers originate in the east of Albania and loop towards the west into the sea. They are encompassed by the

Vjosë
, one of the last intact large river systems in Europe.

For a small country, Albania is characterized for its

biological diversity and abundance of contrasting ecosystems and habitats, defined in an area of 28,748 square kilometres.[6] This great diversity derives from Albania's geographic location on the Mediterranean Sea, with typical climatic conditions, varied topography, as well as the wealth of terrestrial and marine ecosystems providing a variety of habitats, each with its own typical flora and fauna.[7]

There are 799

protected landscapes, four managed resources areas and four ramsar wetlands.[9][10] The national parks cover a surface area of 210,668.48 hectares (2,106.6848 km2) or roughly 13.65% of the overall territory.[11]

Borders

A total surface area of 28.748 square kilometres (11,100 sq mi), the country is located in the southeastern part of the

artificial lakes 174 square kilometres (67 sq mi) and rivers 721 kilometres (448 mi).[14]

The countries of

Sharr and Korab Mountains and continues until it reaches Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa.[16] The southern and southeastern border with Greece is 282 kilometres (175 mi) long.[15] The border is located at the tripoint border between Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece running across the Large and Small Lake Prespa until it reaches the Ionian Sea at the Strait of Corfu
.

Physical geography

Topography

See also:
Mountains of Albania
Albanian Alps in the north
Mali i Bardhë
Mali i Bardhë within the Korab Mountains
in the east

The most significant feature of Albania is possibly its

southern
mountain ranges.

The

Albanian Alps
extend over 90 kilometres through the north of Albania, traversing an area of 2,000 square kilometres. These mountains represent an extension of the
Maja Jezercë, which is the highest point of the Dinarides and simultaneously the second highest point of Albania.[20]

The

last ice age in form of glacial lakes
at relatively low altitudes.

One of the most remarkable features about the south of Albania is the presence of the Ceraunian Mountains that cut across the landscape for nearly 100 kilometres. Thousand meter high mountains fall vertically into the Mediterranean Sea constituting at least the first barrier to communication between the sea and the country's southern inland.

Hydrography

See also:
Lagoons of Albania
Lake of Prespa in the southeast
Lake of Koman
Lake of Koman
in the northeast

The country has a dense network of rivers and streams characterized by a high flow rate.[21] They belong to the drainage basins of the Adriatic, Aegean and Black Sea. They mostly rise in the mountainous eastern half of the country and have their mouths in the west along the coasts.[22] They are sustained from snowmelt of the snow-capped mountains or from the abundant precipitation that falls at loftier elevations.

Eight notable rivers, along with their numerous

Erzen, Mat, Seman and Shkumbin
.

With more than 250

Large and Small Lake of Prespa
in the southeast, shared with North Macedonia and Greece.

The country is also home to many

Butrint.[30]

Biodiversity

Main articles: Biodiversity of Albania and Protected areas of Albania
Golden Eagle
The golden eagle is the national symbol of Albania.
Balkan Lynx
The Balkan lynx lives only in Albania and Macedonia.

The proximity to the

hydrological conditions, have contributed for the development of a diverse biodiversity, making Albania one of the biodiversity hotspots of Europe.[31]

In terms of phytogeography, the land area of Albania extends within the Boreal Kingdom, specifically within the Illyrian province of the Circumboreal Region. Its territory can be subdivided into four terrestrial ecoregions of the Palearctic realm – the Illyrian, Balkan, Pindus and Dinaric forests.[32]

grey wolf, golden jackal, Egyptian vulture and golden eagle. Albania had a 2018 Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 6.77/10, ranking it 64th globally out of 172 countries.[34]

The

threatened and endangered species.[8][35][10][11]

Protected areas

Main article: Protected areas of Albania
The Ohrid-Prespa Biosphere Reserve in southeastern Albania and southwestern North Macedonia

Numerous parts of Albania are

conservation which in turn contributes effectively to the maintenance of species, habitats and ecosystems
.

The country has currently fifteen designated

Valbonë
are among the most spectacular national parks of the country.

Climate

Main article: Climate of Albania
Albanian Alps
during autumn

Albania has a combination of a mediterranean climate and a continental climate, with four distinct seasons.[37] The climatic conditions are highly variable and modified locally by altitude and latitude.[37] Its climate is strongly influenced by the Mediterranean Sea in the west, and the mountains that raise in every corner around the country.

Its diverse regions have a remarkable range of

Albanian Alps experiences a subarctic climate
with frequently very cold winters, and short, mild summers.

The

lowlands
of Albania have mild winters, averaging about 7 °C (45 °F). The summer temperatures average 32 °C (90 °F), however, humidity is low. In the southern lowlands, specifically the areas on the Ionian sea, temperatures average about 5 °C (41 °F) in the winter and 30 °C (86 °F) during the summer.

Physiographic regions

The country is divided into four

Western Lowlands with two subdivisions corresponding roughly to the Albanian Adriatic and Ionian Sea Coast.[39]

Western Lowlands

Main article:
Western Lowlands
The Myzeqe plain, seen from the ancient city of Apollonia

Except for its sea coast in the west, the

Vjosë.[40]

The

sandy beaches, wetlands and alluvial deposits, occurred by quaternary
sediments of the main rivers of the country.

Ksamil in the extreme south of the Albanian Ionian Sea Coast

The coastline is lined with different habitats and ecosystems, providing optimal conditions for a rich biodiversity. Of particular importance is the presence of numerous lagoons and ponds, representing one of the wealthiest scenery of the country, in terms of biology. Likely, the lagoons of Karavasta and Narta, in the immediate proximity to the sea, are among the most important ones in the Mediterranean Sea.

While the Adriatic coast is relatively low, the Ionian coast is, with few exceptions, rugged and mountainous. The

Himara, Qeparo, Piqeras, and Lukovë.[41] The total length of the coastline
is approximately 172 kilometres (107 mi).

The most characteristic features of the coastline are the

bituminous schists, cretaceous porcelain and phosphate limestone.[42][13]

Northern Mountain Range

Main article:
Northern Mountain Range, Albania
The valley of Shala, seen from the village of Theth

The

glaciation
.

The Albanian Alps are the southernmost extension of the Dinaric Alps and simultaneously the highest and most imposing mountains of the country. Despite the fact that the ice ages had relatively little geological influence on the alps, the southernmost glaciers of Europe were recently discovered on the alps.[44]

The Albanian Alps are home to many important rivers of

Gashi River
.

Central Mountain Range

Main article:
Central Mountain Range, Albania
A typical landscape within the Mali i Bardhë

The terrain of the

central mountain range is predominantly mountainous and extremely fragmented carved into its present shape by the glaciers of the last ice age. The region is dominated by three mountain ranges
, each running from north-northeast to south-southwest, roughly parallel to the eastern border of Albania.

The

Jabllanicë.[47]

The vast majority of the region's

Lake of Prespa
that is linked by a small channel with a sluice that separates the two lakes.

Lake of Prespa part of the Prespa National Park and Ohrid-Prespa Transboundary Biosphere Reserve positioned in the southeastern edge of Albania.[48]

Southern Mountain Range

Main article:
Southern Mountain Range, Albania
A view of the Albanian Riviera, from the Llogara National Park

The

Maja e Çikës, that rises to an elevation of 2,045 metres (6,709 ft) above the Adriatic. From the peak, there is a view of the Albanian Riviera, the northern Ionian Islands as well as the Italian coast of Apulia and Otranto
. The section has wide and long beaches, with a number of bays and headlands.

Stretching until the Llogara Pass at 1,027 metres (3,369 ft), the mountain chain gets separated into the Ceraunians in the west and the Akroceraunians (or Reza e Kanalit) in the east within the Karaburun Peninsula.[49] The villages of Palasë, Dhërmi, Vuno, Himarë, Qeparo, Borsh, Pilur, Kudhës and Ilias are located on the Ceraunian range. The Llogara National Park covers an area of 10,100 square metres (109,000 sq ft) and

Gjiri i Gramës

The

Geologically, it is made up of carbonic limestone, dating back to the Mesozoic period, while in the northwestern it is composed of terrigenous sediment.[51] Furthermore, these formations have been continuously under the effect of Karst
and are exploited as marble. The relief of the peninsula comprises a number of hills with an average altitude of about 800 metres (2,600 ft) above the Adriatic. The highest summits are Maja e Ilqës 733 metres (2,405 ft), Maja e Flamurit 826 metres (2,710 ft) and Maja Çadëri 839 metres (2,753 ft).[52]

The coastal landscape is characterized by a rough relief, that dips vertically into the Ionian Sea, it features several solitary peaks, large canyons, bays, caves and gulfs. Examples of typical landforms include

Gjiri i Gramës and so on. The geological evolution has formed also capes such as Haxhi Aliu, Galloveci and Kepi i Gjuhëzës, and other of 20 caves along the entire shoreline. The climate is Mediterranean, having hot summers and generally warm to cool, dry winters. Due to its climatic, hydrological and geological conditions, the area is characterized by its unique flora and fauna. Most of the territory consists of forests and is relatively well preserved, it includes many types of trees, such as Mediterranean oak, Manna ash, Kermes oak, and Field maple.[53]

See also

References

  1. ^ R. Eftimi. "SOME CONSIDERATIONS ON SEAWATER-FRESHWATER RELATIONSHIP IN ALBANIAN COASTAL AREA" (PDF). ITA Consult. Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 February 2005.
  2. ^ "Albania country profile". BBC News. 19 June 2017.
    - "Introduction" (PDF). dspace.epoka.edu.al. Albania has 28.748 square kilometers area and the length of the borderline of the Republic of Albania is 1094 km, of which 657 km land border, 316 km of coastline, 48 km and 73 km through rivers dividing line through the lakes.
    - "ALBANIA". World Fact Book. CIA. 27 September 2022. Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea, between Greece to the south and Montenegro and Kosovo to the north
  3. ^ "IBAC 2012 vol.2" (PDF). dspace.epoka.edu.al. p. 253. In the North-Western part of the country, there is the Shkoder Lake, which is the largest in the Balkan Peninsula.
  4. ^ "Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region". UNESCO. Situated on the shores of Lake Ohrid, the town of Ohrid is one of the oldest human settlements in Europe; Lake Ohrid is a superlative natural phenomenon, providing refuge for numerous endemic and relict freshwater species of flora and fauna dating from the tertiary period. As a deep and ancient lake of tectonic origin, Lake Ohrid has existed continuously for approximately two to three million years.
    - "Lake Ohrid; Invest in Macedonia – Agency for Foreign Investments of the Republic of Macedonia". InvestInMacedonia.com. Archived from the original on 14 September 2008. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
  5. ^ "DRAINAGE BASIN OF THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA" (PDF). United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. pp. 14–18. Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 August 2014.
    - "DRAINAGE BASIN OF THE BLACK SEA" (PDF). United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. pp. 5 & 18. Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 April 2012.
  6. ^ "Introduction" (PDF). dspace.epoka.edu.al. p. 252. Although a small country, Albania has rich physical geography features. The variation of geomorphology, climate, biological diversity, rivers and lakes create favorable conditions. These features affected on human and their activities.
    - "BIODIVERSITY IN ALBANIA REPORT ON NATIONAL SITUATION OF BIODIVERSITY IN ALBANIA" (PDF). macfungi.webs.com. p. 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 March 2021. Retrieved 19 July 2017. Approximately 30% of all European floras occur in Albania.
  7. ^ "Biodiversity Albania". Climate Change Post. Some of the 30% of the European plant species, and 42% of the European mammals can be found in the country. Albania's variety of wetlands, lagoons and large lakes also provide critical winter habitat for migratory birds (1).
  8. ^ a b "Albania, Europe". Protected Planet.
  9. ^ "Protected Areas System in Albania" (PDF). tap-ag.com. p. 5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 May 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  10. ^ a b "WDPA - Designation Display". United Nations Environment Programme. Archived from the original on 12 January 2011. Retrieved 28 November 2010.
  11. ^ a b "Përshkrimi i Rrjetit aktual të zonave të mbrojtura" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 May 2015. Retrieved 26 December 2019.
  12. ^ "THE INFLUENCE OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHIC FEATURES IN ALBANIA ON HUMAN, CULTURE AND SPATIAL" (PDF). dspace.epoka.edu.al. p. 2.
  13. ^
    ISBN 9783319113852
    .
  14. ISBN 9783867279994
    .
  15. ^ a b "Geografie – Albanien" (in German). University of Koblenz. Angrenzende Länder – Griechenland 282 km
  16. ISBN 9782831709451
    .
  17. ^ "THE INFLUENCE OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHIC FEATURES IN ALBANIA ON HUMAN, CULTURE AND SPATIAL" (PDF). dspace.epoka.edu.al. pp. 1–17.
  18. ^ "GEOLOGICAL OVERVIEW" (PDF). akbn.gov.al. Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 February 2017.
  19. ^ "GEOMONUMENTS who tell the story of Albanian Earth" (PDF). balkangeophysoc.gr. Tirana. 2013. p. 16. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 September 2018.
  20. ^ "FEASIBILITY STUDY ON ESTABLISHING A TRANSBOUNDARY PROTECTED AREA PROKLETIJE / BJESHKËT E NEMUNA MOUNTAINS" (PDF). condesan.org. p. 37. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 September 2017. Retrieved 7 July 2017. The highest peaks of Prokletije / Bjeshkët e Nemuna mountains are Maja Jezercë/ Jezerski (2694 m) in Albania.
  21. PMID 15607787
    . Albanian rivers are characterized by a high flow rate; the total annual mean flow is 1308 m3s−1,which corresponds to an annual water volume of 41,250 km3.
  22. ^ Hasan ÖZDEMİR. "GEOMORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF ALBANIA RIVER BASINS" (PDF). dspace.epoka.edu.al. p. 3.
  23. ^ "The natural wealth and legacy of the Drin River Basin: inspiring our collective actions" (PDF). act4drin.net. p. 7. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 September 2017.
    - "Drin River Basin The blue heart of the Balkans" (PDF). mio-ecsde.org. p. 4. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 September 2017.
  24. ^ Fred Pearce. "Scientists demand halt to damming of Europe's last wild river". newscientist.com. Retrieved 23 September 2016.
  25. PMID 15607787
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  26. ^ Zamir Dedej. "International cooperation for shared lakes in southeastern Europe – the Prespa, Ohrid and Skadar regions" (PDF). ramsar.org. Archived (PDF) from the original on 13 September 2018.
    - "Albania and Montenegro: Creating an Integrated Water Resources Plan for the Buna / Bojana Watershed" (PDF). gwp.org. p. 5. Archived (PDF) from the original on 13 September 2018.
  27. ^ "Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region". UNESCO.
  28. IUCN and Ministria e Mjedisit e Shqipërisë (January 2016). "TOWARDS STRENGTHENED GOVERNANCE OF THE SHARED TRANSBOUNDARY NATURAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE LAKE OHRID REGION – Baseline Assessment of the Lake Ohrid region – Albania"
    (PDF). UNESCO. pp. 1–126.
  29. ^ "Conservation Status of Albanian Coastal Wetlands and their Colonial Waterbird Populations (Pelecaniformes and Ciconiiformes)" (PDF). vliz.be. pp. 1–10. Archived (PDF) from the original on 13 June 2018.
  30. PMID 15607787
    . Karavasta lagoon represents the largest lagoon inAlbania and is among the biggest of the Adriatic basin; – Lezha lagoons extend on both sides of the Drini delta, Ceka lagoon in the southern part of river delta, Merxhanilagoon and Kenalla pond on its northern side; – Narta lagoon (Vlora) is situated at the southern Adriaticcoast; it is 42 km2 in size and has a depth of 0.3 to 1.0 m.: – Butrinti lagoon is 16.3 km2 in size with a mean depth of14 m and a maximal depth of 21 m. It is situated in the southern part at the Ionian Sea.
  31. ^ "Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot" (PDF). cepf.net. July 2017. pp. 1–339. Archived (PDF) from the original on 13 June 2018.
  32. ^ NaturAL. "Albania towards NATURA 2000". Natura. Tirana. p. 1.
    - "The National Parks Of Albania The fifteen national parks in Albania encompass an area of 210,668.48 hectares which accounts for about 3.65% of the overall territory of the country". World Atlas. The territory of Albania can be divided into four ecoregions: Dinaric Alpine (mixed forests in the far north). Balcanic (mixed forest in the north-east). Pindus mountain (mixed forests covering the central and southeast mountains). Illyrian deciduous (forest covering the rest of the country).
  33. ^ "lbania Biodiversity Assessment Under the Biodiversity and Forestry Indefinite Quantity Contract Contract No. LAG-I-00-99-00013-00, Task Order No. 811" (PDF). rmportal.net. November 2003. pp. 16–23.
  34. PMID 33293507
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  35. ^ "Protected Areas System in Albania" (PDF). tap-ag.com. p. 5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 May 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  36. ^ Spase Shumka. "Albania's Biodiversity and Protected Areas An Executive Summary" (PDF). al.undp.org. pp. 1–12. Archived (PDF) from the original on 8 October 2018.
  37. ^ a b "Environmental Performance Reviews Albania" (PDF). United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. p. 30. Archived (PDF) from the original on 27 February 2014.
  38. ISBN 9789251033586
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  39. ^ Universiteti Shtetëror i Tiranës (1964). "Buletini i i Universitetit Shteteror te Tiranes": 110. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  40. ISBN 9780761363781
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  41. ISBN 978-1-84162-246-0
    .
  42. ^ "SOME CONSIDERATIONS ON SEAWATER-FRESHWATER RELATIONSHIP IN ALBANIAN COASTAL AREA" (PDF). igme.es. Tirana. pp. 1–12. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 July 2018.
  43. ^ "Geophysical Outlook On Structure Of The Albanides" (PDF). itc.upt.al. Tirana. pp. 1–46. Archived (PDF) from the original on 16 September 2018.
    - "Albanian Alps Geotopes" (PDF). lib.icimod.org. p. 1. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 September 2017. The Alps have a width of 60 km and a length of 64 km and occupy an area of about 2020 km2 .
  44. ^ "Feasibility Study on Establishing A Transboundary Protected Area Prokletije / Bjeshkët E Nemuna Mountains" (PDF). condesan.org. p. 4. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 September 2017. Retrieved 7 July 2017. The number of glacial ponds in this area is rare for the European mainland and can only be compared to the Alps.
  45. ^ "The King of the Mountains" (PDF). dmwcorg.tk. p. 24. At 2764 meters Korab peak is one of only two summits in Europe which are the highest point for more than one country.
    - "The King of the Mountains" (PDF). dmwcorg.tk. p. 24. Korab is a very rugged mountain massif that consists mainly of shale and limestone of the Palaeozoic era with bloc structures.
  46. ^ "SHARR/ŠAR PLANINA – KORAB – DEŠAT/DESHAT" (PDF). envsec.org. pp. 1–132.
  47. ^ Slavčo Hristovski, Borislav Guéorguiev, Trajče Mitev, Gjorge Ivanov, Martina Trajkovska (2010). "Ground beetles (Carabidae, Coleoptera) of Jablanica Mt.(North Macedonia) and Shebenik Mt. (Albania)". Билт. Истраж. друш. студ. биол. год. 4: 49–65.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  48. ^ "Ohrid-Prespa- Biosphere Reserve". UNESCO.
  49. ^ "Management Plan Llogora-Rreza e Kanalit-Dukat -Orikum-TragjasRadhime-Karaburun Complex Site" (PDF). vinc.s.free.fr (in Albanian). p. 23.
  50. ^ "Llogora-Rreza e Kanalit-Dukat -Orikum-TragjasRadhime-Karaburun Complex Site" (PDF). vinc.s.free.fr. p. 24. The Karaburun Peninsula covers a surface of 62 km2; It is 16 km long and 3–5 km wide
  51. ^ "Llogora-Rreza e Kanalit-Dukat -Orikum-TragjasRadhime-Karaburun Complex Site" (PDF). vinc.s.free.fr. p. 24. From the geological point of view it is made up of carbonic limestone of Kretac era, while in the northwestern part of it, Bay of Shën Jani, it is composed of terigenic deposits.
  52. ^ "Llogora-Rreza e Kanalit-Dukat -Orikum-TragjasRadhime-Karaburun Complex Site" (PDF). vinc.s.free.fr. The relief comprises a number of hills. The average altitude from the sea levels 800 m with a number of peaks. The highest peaks are the so-called Maja e Ilqes (733 m), Maja e Flamurit (826 m) and Çadëri (839 m).
  53. ^ "Llogora-Rreza e Kanalit-Dukat -Orikum-TragjasRadhime-Karaburun Complex Site" (PDF). vinc.s.free.fr. p. 43. The most important trees in this type of forest are Quercus ilex, Fraxinus ornus, Quercus coccifera, Acer campestre, which form dense tree layer (cover 80 – 90 % in very well developed stands, height 8–10 m ).

Further reading

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