State organization.

- The superior legislative body is the People's Assembly (the Parliament).
- The People's Assembly elects the President of the Republic.
- The President appoints the Prime minister.
- The Prime minister forms the Cabinet which is approved  by the Parliament.
- The Council of Ministers is the supreme executive organ.

Economy

Albania inherited from the period before the world war II a backward, almost feudal economy.
The policy of self - isolation and self - reliance pursued by the communist regime deprived the Albanian economy of the possibility of being assisted from abroad through the investment of foreign capital and credits from other states and international organizations. The constitution sanctioned this.
The triumph of democracy in Albania created the conditions that the country embark on the road of market economy. Economic Reform, the country's numerous natural resources and labor force have aroused interest in the big and small western companies for investing their capital in Albania. The almost unspoilt tourist potential of the country has attracted the attention of the foreigners in particular.

Monetary system and exchange rate

Lek is the local currency ALL = 100 Qindarka.
Currency notes: 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 5000 Lek,
Coins: 5,10,25 and 50 Lek.

At present, you can change in all the banks and hotels the following foreign currencies like as. USD, EURO, FRF, CHF,etc.

The Major Credit Cards are accepted only on limited number of hotels and shops.

Post - Telecommunication

Post and Telecommunication Offices operate every day from morning till night. They carry out different services such as mailing of letters, sending of cargoes, telegrams, telephone calls, fax, telex, cablegram, video-information.

DHL and TNT Offices operate in Tirana. They carry out very reliable and quick services between Albania and other countries.

Direct inter - continental connections are possible with the most cities of the country. Some area phone codes are the following: Tirana 42, Durres  52, Elbasan 545, Shkodra 224, Gjirokastra 726, Korca 824, Vlora 62.

Working time schedule

The working time schedule of state institutions and enterprises is usually: 08.00 - 15.00 from Monday to Friday. Saturday and Sunday are holidays. Shopping time schedule is usually: 8.00 - 19.00.

Official Celebrations

Christmas  December 25th
New Year   January 1st and 2d,  
Easters - Lesser Bairam - Greater Bairam,  
Labor Day - May 1st  
Day of Independence - November 28th
Day of Deliberation - November 29th