Country profile: Albania

According to tradition, the red flag with the black double-headed eagle was that of Gjergj Kastrioti, known as Skanderbeg, who raised it in 1443 at Krujë to lead the resistance against the Ottoman Empire. Skanderbeg has since been Albania's national hero.

On 28 November 1912, Ismail Qemali proclaimed Albania's independence in Vlorë and raised this flag. 28 November has become both Independence Day and Flag Day.

Under the communist regime, a red star edged in yellow was placed above the eagle. It disappeared in 1992, after the fall of the regime.

The elements of the Albanian flag are generally interpreted as follows:

• Red: bravery, strength and the blood shed for freedom.
• Black double-headed eagle: the emblem of Skanderbeg and of the Albanian people, often described as the symbol of a country looking both east and west.

Albanians call their country Shqipëria, which popular tradition links to the word shqiponjë, ‘eagle’: Albania would be the ‘land of eagles’.

The eagle gesture, with hands crossed and thumbs linked to form the bird's two heads, is a widespread sign of pride among Albanians, not least in football grounds.

The Albanian flag is also the flag of many Albanians in Kosovo, North Macedonia and the diaspora, which makes it a symbol of belonging that reaches beyond the country's borders.

It resembles that of Montenegro, which is also red with a double-headed eagle, but a golden, crowned one.