Albanian Standard of Living

Albania is a country who was previously deprived of many human rights, but Albania is making improvements taking the steps needed to improve. Albanian living conditions do not come close to some living standards. However its not as bad off as many countries around the globe. Albanias uniqueness is in their proud and glorious history, their unique lifestyle, last but not least their originality. In this essay I will be talking about three main topics: Freedom and religion, relationships, and how Albania gained their independence. Read through the wonderful new culture and be intrigued and interested in Albanian culture as many are. To further understand and reflect on their culture, one would first need to know their history. Albanias current population is 3,639,45, the 130th largest in the world. Albania became an independent state in 1912 (Lands and Peoples), surprisingly Albanias age of independence in about the same as Canada. However you will see things didnt exactly turn out as peacefully. For 500 years Albania was controlled by the Turks of the Ottomon Empire. Albanias people resisted to the Ottoman Empire in 1400s fighting twenty-five fierce battles. In 1912 Albania saw its chance for independence when the second Balkan wars began. The Balkan wars were for possession of European territories of the Ottoman Empire . During this time Germanys prince Willhelmzu was made the ruler of Albania (Lands and Peoples). William Prince of Wield soon fled the country because of World War 1. Ahmet Zogo became president and rules as a dictator. He encouraged education, and strengthened the countrys economy. In 1967 Albania officially proclaimed itself to be the first atheistic state in the world. (Finngeir Hiorth). All religious related institutions were shutdown and forbidden to be exercised. (Finngeir Hiorth). Throughout the course of the communist ruled history many were deprived the religious rights and of most of their property. By 1968 some 200 clergymen had been executed or send to labor camps (Finngeir Hiorth). Freedom of religion was not allowed till 1989 (world cultures). Today however there are five major practices. The Albanian Orthodox Church is perhaps one of the most exotic of all of existing religions in Albania. A whole 12 major feasts are celebrated in the Albanian Christian year. There are four main periods of fasting; Wednesday and Fridays are also fast days. Fast include abstaining from meats, all animal products (butter, eggs, milk, cheese, fish), and olive oil. Great lent is also taken seriously even in Canada! (Framingham State College) Although many of Albanias past were full of revolutions, wars, and riots. There are many indications that the Albanian Authorities are starting to respect freedom of religion. Albanian Mussulmans have decided to break with the Caliphate, suppress polygamy and abolish the requirement for women to wear veils in public. It was also agreed that prayers may be said while standing. Resolutions to this effect were passed by the Albanian

Mussulmans' Congress at Tirana. Albanian culture consists of many behaviors that North Americans are used to, but there are some major differences as well.The Albanians are more expressive when it comes to language compared to Canadians. They emphasize their statements by gesturing with their hands, shrugging their shoulder, and rolling their eyes upwards. When Abanian men hug and kiss each other on the cheeks. It is even common for them to walk along together with their arms linked. Where in Canadian such behavior would be considered homosexual in North American culture, it was a standard in Albania. Men and women limit their greetings to a handshake; kissing in public is considered scandalous. There is also an interesting greeting ritual when one enters the home of an Albania family. A female of the family serves the gues a qerasje or treat. This consists of a jam like sweet, and a light drink such as Turkish coffee. It is said to be rude to refuse these refreshments. The visitor then inquires about the health of each member of the hosts family. Then the hostess inquires about the visitors family. Only after this exchange is completed do people relax and begin normal conversation. (World Cultures). There are still many things that have not been corrected since the communist rule from 1946 to 1992, many Albanians back then were forced to live in large, poorly made buildings that had been poorly constructed apartment buildings that provided only a couple of rooms for a family of four or sometimes more people. Many dwellings today even still lack central heating. There is a shortage of water, and there are frequent electric power outages in the larger cities. There is no regular rubbish collection, and cities are littered with trash. There are no regulations against smoking in Albania, people can smoke almost anywhere including in restraints and when visiting someones home. (World Cultures) Families in Albania are smaller than the average North American ones. The husband does not usually do housework. It is a mutual agreement that the household is the wifes chore. Parents usually lived with their children. From the time the oldest son is born, he is trained to become the head of the family when his family dies. (World Cultures) Impressively about 88% of Albanians can read. The literacy rate in the US is given as 97% (Japan 99%) in the World Almanac and Book of Facts 2007. Albania has one of the highest literacy rates in the Balkan region. School there is mandatory from age 7-15. (World Cultures). Even though Albania has cut back on many services, the government knows the importance of education in ones country. Albanias culture is one that could easily be understood. From Albanias bloody wars to freedom to its changed to improve individual rights. They have improved their country both physically and socially. In conclusion Albania hasnt met the living standards of what Canadians are used to. They are well on their way to a better tomorrow; if progress continues Albania has much hope for the future.