The Republic of Albania is a country in Southeast Europe with a parliamentary republic government, seeking stronger ties with the United States and NATO. It is located in the Balkans, on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas within the Mediterranean Sea, and shares land borders with Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east, and Greece to the south. With an area of 28,748 km² (11,100 sq mi), it features varied landscapes from rugged snow-capped mountains in the Albanian Alps, Korab, Skanderbeg, Pindus, and Ceraunian Mountains to fertile lowland plains along the coasts. Tirana is the capital and largest city, followed by Durrës, Vlorë, and Shkodër.