With its coastline facing the Adriatic and Ionian seas, its highlands backed upon the elevated Balkan landmass, and the entire country lying at a latitude subject to a variety of weather patterns during the winter and summer seasons, Albania has a high number of climatic regions for so small an area.
Politics of Albania takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democracy is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament, the Assembly of the Republic of Albania (Kuvendi i Republikës së Shqipërisë). Since 1991, the introduction of pluralism, the party system is dominated by the Democratic Party of Albania and the (post-communist) Socialist Party of Albania.
Mains water is chlorinated and is fine for brushing teeth. However, bottled water is advised for drinking, especially outside Tirana. Brucellosis and tuberculosis are present in Albanian dairy cattle. Unpasteurised milk and homemade cheese should be avoided; however, in cafes and restaurants the milk is always UHT, and therefore safe.