For more information see the Albania profile.

A mainly mountainous Country located on the Adriatic Sea, Albania is one of the poorest countries in Europe. Albania's experience with Communism has not only been economically devastating but morally and spiritually as well. The Communist regime harshly persecuted and totally suppressed all religions, and this ban was not lifted until 1990.

Today, religious freedom has become a major issue. However, pressures from Muslim, Orthodox and Catholic leaders could lead to discriminatory laws against other groups. A toe-hold for the Gospel has been established in most major towns, but to reach the rural areas and remote mountain valleys, considerable effort will need to be made.