Albania

This book unravels the historical and political background to the present situation in Albania.

Despite the advent of democracy in 1992, Albanians have found it hard to participate fully in the building of a new society.

The volatility of regional politics in the Balkans and the absence of a democratic culture have hindered economic and social progress.

Much of this country profile is told in the voices of Albanians themselves - people imprisoned under the communist regime of Enver Hoxha, students who took part in political protests in the 1990s, villagers who have held on to traditional identities and women active in setting up social action groups.

This book is one of a series of introductions to developing countries, focusing on the real lives of ordinary people and the major development issues that affect them.