Long before, Albania was a part of the Turkish empire of the Ottomans which lasted for at least three centuries. The country gained freedom in 1912.
In 1946, Albania became a communist country under the leadership of Enver Hoxha. Albania functioned as a socialist state, with business and farmlands under the control of the State. Outside influence was seen as a threat to the stability of the government. To overcome this, Hoxha imposed a ban on travels outside the country. Albanians were not allowed even to own a TV. It also banned practice of any religion. Hoxha died in 1985, but the oppression did not stop. Frustrated, Albanians were done with the government and called for a reform.
The reform brought considerable changes. The government gradually increased the freedom of the people. The history of Albania took a turn in 1991 as it held the first democratic election which resulted in the downfall of communism. The new government did not regulate wages and prices. This led to much poverty and many Albanians emigrated.
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