Albania has been inhabited since the ancient times. Its descendants are the Illyrians. The Illyrians spread over the western part of the Balkan Peninsula, resulting in the emergence of Illyrian cities such as Shkodra, Lezha, Berat, and many more. In the coastline, such cities as Butrint, Apollonia and Durres were set up. The Illyrians resisted Roman occupation by preserving their own language, culture and customs. When the Roman Empire was split into two parts, Illyria remained in the Byzantine Empire.

Handicraft in Albania has long standing traditions. Such handicraft products are in filigree, wood carvings, copper engraves vases, ceramic, rugs and leather products. These handicraft articles have constantly drawn the attention of foreign tourists for their original values and high artistic technique.

The country has long-standing traditions in music, dating back to the Illyrian period. In the songs, dances and instrumental works, you will find the temperament and vivid spirit of the Albanians and their spiritual world. Folk songs and dances have always escorted the Albanians in all events of their lives, wedding parties, wars and even funeral ceremonies. Folk music, songs and dances are characteristic and original for each region of the country.

The numerous stadiums discovered in the ancient cities are evidence of the long-standing sports traditions in the country. Almost all kinds of European sports are known and practiced in Albania, the most preferable are football, boxing, weight-lifting and wrestling.

Albania has a rich and varied flora and fauna which is linked with the diversity of geographical landscape and its location on the roads of emigration birds. Albania is home to the brown bear, wolf, fox, jackal, lynx wild cat, otter, wild goat, deer, boar, hares and over 35 species of wild birds including grouse, woodcock, snipe, pelicans and others. A number of reptiles are to be found as well. Different kinds of fish are to be found; sardine, mullet, carp, speckled trout for example. Offshore of the Adriatic sea some rare species have appeared; whales, white breast seals and oceanic whales.