Table of Contents
Overview
Albania is a country in Southeastern Europe, located on the Balkan Peninsula, along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. In 2024, Albania had an estimated population of approximately 2.8 million, reflecting a long-term decline driven by emigration and low fertility. It is a parliamentary republic, with Tirana as its capital. Albania’s economy is classified as upper-middle income, supported by services, construction, energy production, and agriculture.
Agriculture
Agriculture accounts for approximately 18%-23% of national GDP. It focuses on fruits, vegetables, olives, and livestock. The country is a major exporter of medicinal and aromatic plants. High fragmentation, lack of modern machinery, and limited finance are a few challenges.
Crime
Trafficking is a significant issue affecting those seeking asylum from Albania. Some young people are trafficked internally within Albania. It’s one of the major crime issues.
Demographics
With a population of about 2.8 million, Albania is experiencing an aging population, a decline in birth rate, demographic decline, and high emigration. Its religion is diverse as it is a mix of Muslim, Catholic, and Orthodox communities. Its life expectancy is approximately 78 years for males and 82 years for females.
Economy
The economy is a developing, mixed-market economy. Its growth is driven by energy, tourism, agriculture, and industry. The economy faces challenges, including emigration and a significant informal economy. GDP Growth Rate in Albania averaged 0.90% from 2005 to 2025, reaching a peak of 11.70% in the third quarter of 2020.
Education
It uses the European standard educational system. It is focused on increasing digital, vocational and quality standards. It begins with preschool, basic education (for 9 years), secondary education (gymnasium and vocation) and higher education which consist of private and public universities.
Geography
It is located in the Southeastern part of Europe. It has rugged terrain with 75% being hills and mountains. The whole coastal area has mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Most populations are focused on the central-southern lowlands.
Health
Its healthcare system is public which offers universal basic care. Though its life expectancy is high, it faces challenges such as shortage of specialists, informal payment and underfunding. Also, high quality care can be given in private, though it is expensive.
Military
Albania military spending/defense budget for 2023 was 397.62 million US dollars, a 73.87% increase from 2022. Albania military spending/defense budget for 2022 was. Albania military spending/defense budget for 2021 was 222.81 million US dollars, a 13.34% increase from 2020.
Miscellaneous
In 2023, electricity access in Albania was 100.00% of the total population. In 2022, the value was also 100%. Since 1990, across the entire period covered by World Bank data, this indicator has remained unchanged.
Religion
The country has diverse religions, including Sunni and Bektashi Muslims, and Orthodox and catholic, although Islam has the largest affiliation. Religious tolerance and coexistence are important cultural features, as interfaith marriages and shared traditions are very common.
Weather
The weather conditions range from a mild, wet winter to a hot, dry summer. It goes between coastal lowlands and inland mountainous regions and has a Mediterranean subtropical climate. Meanwhile, Porto-Palermo Bay has been the second declared marine protected area in Albania.