Why is Albania largely mountainous?

Albania is largely mountainous because it is situated within the Alpine-Himalayan system, a region shaped by complex tectonic activity, including the northward compression of the African continent into Europe.12

This geological history resulted in the formation of extensive mountain ranges that dominate the country's landscape. Specifically, the northern part of Albania is covered by the North Albanian Alps, which are an extension of the Dinaric Alps—a major range running parallel to the Adriatic coast. Further south, the country features a series of limestone mountain ranges that trend northwest-southeast.34

As a result of these tectonic processes, approximately three-fourths of Albania’s territory consists of mountains and hills with elevations exceeding 650 feet (200 meters) above sea level. While these rugged highlands define much of the interior, they contrast with the low, fertile plains that stretch along the Adriatic coast.54