A Balkan state on the edge of the Adriati Sea, Albania is neighbours with Montenegro, Serbia/Kosovo, Macedonia and Greece.

Marxist ruler, Hoxha who died in 1985, dominated Albania for more than 40 years. Under this regime Albania, no religion was allowed and any believers had to meet in secret.

Although democratic elections were held in 1991, Albania still has some rough times ahead. The situation became even more chaotic with troubles flaring up around Albania in Yugoslavia and Macedonia – where many ethnic Albanians live. 300, 000 refugees fled to Albania from war-torn Kosovo in 1999.

Albania is still desperately poor and almost totally relies on money from abroad to keep going.

Marxist ruler Hoxha claimed he had totally eliminated all religion in 1967, but now 74% of the population claim a faith in God.

There are evangelical Christians in every town and city which is amazing!

Albanians have suffered through some terrible times. Under communism 700, 000 people were killed or imprisoned and the country has struggled to regain a sense of peace and order. Pray that the country’s leaders will work for a lasting peace that is honest and fair.

Culturally Albania is Muslim and a major target for Muslim countries to send missionaries but most people do not really have much understanding of Islam.

In 1995 Albania was the most heavily ‘evangelised’ nation in Europe – by both Christians and Muslims. Pray for a long term vision to see people meet Jesus and follow Him in a way that is culturally appropriate.

Most ethnic Albanians are Muslims andlive outside Albania in Kosovo or Macedonia. Pray that they would have opportunities to hear the gospel.