Background Notes Albania

This paper describes a evolution of the financial system in Albania. The paper highlights that a two-tier banking system was created following passage of a new Central Bank Law and Commercial Banking Law in April 1992. The State Bank of Albania became the Bank of Albania and retained only the functions of a central bank. Its commercial operations were hived off to become the National Bank of Albania in July 1992, which was subsequently merged with the Albanian Commercial Bank to form the National Commercial Bank of Albania on January 1, 1993.

The history of Albania includes some memorable characters - from the legendary Albanian hero Scanderbeg to the glamorous Queen Geraldine. Robert Elsie's extensively researched Biographical Dictionary of Albania History provides fascinating and comprehensible information on over 700 Albanian and Albania-related historical figures, from the Ancient World via the centuries of Ottoman rule, the struggle for independence and the years of communism right up to the end of the twentieth century. Taking an encyclopaedic approach, this unique book considers the colourful cast of characters that influenced Albania's history and development - be they native Albanians or visitors from overseas. All notable historical and political figures - from the Kings of Illyria to Enver Hoxha - are included as well as leading figures of culture and the arts - from Marin Barleti to Faik Konitza. Visitors who had intimate ties with Albania - including Lord Byron, Benjamin Disraeli, Edward Lear, Aubrey Herbert, Edith Durham and Rose Wilder Lane - are also studied. In addition to these well-known figures, the entries also comprise individuals as diverse as an eighteenth-century Montenegrin impostor, a German circus acrobat and the Austrian mistress of King Zog. As the most reliable and comprehensive source of information about Albanian history available in English, this book will be essential reading for anyone interested in the history of this pivotal Balkan state. Robert Elsie shows how this important group of individuals influenced Albanian history and helped to shape the country as it is today.