Albania

Why it sticks

1. 1

   Albanians call their country Shqipëria, popularly read as "land of the eagles" — hence the black double-headed eagle on the red flag.

2. 2

   Under communist ruler Enver Hoxha, over 170,000 concrete bunkers were built across the country; many still dot fields and beaches.

3. 3

   In 1967 Albania declared itself the world's first officially atheist state, banning all religious practice until 1990.

• Much of the coverage is older Generation 3 imagery with lower resolution.
• Small domed concrete bunkers in fields, hills and on beaches are an almost unique giveaway.
• Licence plates have a blue strip on the left with "AL" but no EU stars.
• Albanian text uses ë and ç; look for "Rruga" (street) and "Shitet" (for sale).
• Many unfinished concrete houses with exposed rebar and an unusually high share of old Mercedes-Benz cars.