Albania, officially the Republic of Albania, is a country situated in the Balkan Peninsula of Southeast Europe. It is geographically defined by its extensive coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, which are both parts of the Mediterranean Sea. The nation shares land borders with Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece, giving it a strategic position at the crossroads of the Balkans. With an area of 28,748 km², Albania features a diverse landscape ranging from the rugged peaks of the Albanian Alps to fertile coastal plains. Its capital and largest city is Tirana, which serves as the primary economic and political center.