Isolated under almost a half a century of strict communist rule, Albania remains one of the poorest countries in Europe.

The early nineties saw a period of sustained economic growth, but this was setback somewhat by the collapse of a number of fraudulent pyramid schemes - which wiped out the life-savings of thousands of Albanians - and a large influx of refugees; adding strain to an already fragile system.

Plagued by unemployment and widespread poverty, around a quarter of the population lives below the poverty line.

Vital infrastructure remains in ruins with many people lacking access to services such as education, water and health care.