Culture of Albania

Education

Main article: Education in Albania

The education system in Albania is secular. The literacy rate for the total population, age 9 or older, is about 93%. Elementary education is compulsory (grades 1-9), but most students continue at least until a secondary education (grades 10-12). Students must successfully pass graduation exams at the end of the 9th grade and at the end of the 12th grade in order to continue their education. There are about 5.000, mostly public, schools throughout the country and the academic year is divided into two semesters. The school year begins in September and finishes around June. There is a winter break of about two to three weeks.

Folklore

Main article: Albanian folklore

Albanian myths can be divided into two major groups: legends of metamorphosis and historical legends. Some of the best known legends are: Rozafa, Besa e Kostandinit, Gjergj Elez Alia, Ymer Agë Ulqini, Cikli i Kreshnikëve.

Fine Arts

Main article: Albanian art

Music

Main article: Music of Albania

Literature

Main article: Albanian literature

Sports

The most popular sport in Albania is football (soccer) and the most followed sports event is the World Cup. As of September 2003, Albania was ranked 86th with 472 points by FIFA. Other played sports include basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics.

See also: List of football clubs in Albania

See also

• Language
• Folklore
• Architecture
• Cinema
• Tourism
• Cuisine
• Music
• Religions
• Proverbs
• Writers
• State TV
• albanian sworn virgins

External links

• Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports
• The History of Albanian Literature (Website in English)
• National library of Albania