Albania

World Book Index

Introduction

Albania, a country steeped in a rich and tumultuous history, declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a journey fraught with challenges, including the Italian invasion in 1939 and subsequent German occupation in 1943. The post-World War II era ushered in a period of communist rule, with partisans establishing a regime closely aligned with the Soviet Union until 1960, and later with China until 1978. In recent decades, Albania has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a multiparty democracy. This transition is underscored by significant milestones such as joining NATO in 2009 and becoming an official candidate for European Union membership in 2014. The resilience and determination of the Albanian people are evident in their ongoing efforts to achieve stability and integrate into the broader European community.

Neighboring countries

Greece - Kosovo - Montenegro - North Macedonia

Geography

Area
Total: 28,748 sq km
Land: 27,398 sq km
Water: 1,350 sq km

Albania is characterized by a diverse geography that encompasses a striking blend of mountainous terrain and coastal plains. The country enjoys a mild temperate climate, which features cool, cloudy, and wet winters, alongside hot, clear, and dry summers. The interior regions are typically cooler and wetter, fostering a rich biodiversity that thrives within its borders. Albania is endowed with substantial natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, coal, bauxite, chromite, copper, iron ore, nickel, salt, timber, hydropower, and arable land. These resources play a crucial role in the country’s economic development and sustainability, providing a foundation for future growth and prosperity.

People and Society

Population
Total: 3,107,100 (2024 estimated)

Ethnic groups
Albanian 82.6%, Greek 0.9%, other 1% (including Vlach, Romani, Macedonian, Montenegrin, and Egyptian), unspecified 15.5% (2011 estimated)

Languages
Albanian 98.8% (official - derived from Tosk dialect), Greek 0.5%, other 0.6% (including Macedonian, Romani, Vlach, Turkish, Italian, and Serbo-Croatian), unspecified 0.1% (2011 estimated)

Religions
Muslim 56.7%, Roman Catholic 10%, Orthodox 6.8%, atheist 2.5%, Bektashi (a Sufi order) 2.1%, other 5.7%, unspecified 16.2% (2011 estimated)

Population growth rate
0.16% (2024 estimated)

Albania's population is predominantly ethnically Albanian, comprising 82.6% of the total demographic. The presence of a small Greek minority and other ethnic groups reflects the country's historical ties and cultural diversity. The official language is Albanian, primarily based on the Tosk dialect, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population. The religious landscape is equally diverse, with Islam being the most practiced faith, followed by Roman Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity. This blend of ethnicities and religions contributes to a rich cultural tapestry, although it also presents challenges in terms of social cohesion and integration. The population growth rate remains modest, indicating a stable demographic environment amidst ongoing emigration trends that continue to shape the societal landscape.

Government

Government type
Parliamentary republic

Capital
Name: Tirana (Tirane)

Executive branch
Chief of state: President Bajram BEGAJ (since 24 July 2022)
Head of government: Prime Minister Edi RAMA (since 10 September 2013)

Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Ervin BUSHATI (since 15 September 2023)

Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Nancy VANHORN (since August 2024)

Albania operates as a parliamentary republic, where the President serves as the head of state and the Prime Minister functions as the head of government. The capital city, Tirana, stands as the political and administrative center of the country. The current President, Bajram BEGAJ, has been in office since July 2022, while Prime Minister Edi RAMA has held his position since September 2013. Albania maintains diplomatic relations with various countries, including the United States, where it is represented by Ambassador Ervin BUSHATI. The political landscape is characterized by a commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law, although challenges such as corruption and governance issues persist, necessitating ongoing reforms to enhance transparency and accountability.

Economy

Economic overview
Albania is classified as an upper-middle-income Balkan economy and is recognized as a candidate for European Union accession. The country's economic growth is primarily driven by sectors such as tourism, agriculture, mining, construction, and private consumption. Efforts towards fiscal consolidation have been made through enhanced revenue collection and improved tax compliance to address public debt concerns. However, Albania faces several challenges, including weak governance, pervasive corruption, and high emigration rates, which hinder its economic potential and development. The government is actively working to create a more favorable business environment and attract foreign investment to stimulate growth and job creation.

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$51.36 billion (2024 estimated)
$49.403 billion (2023 estimated)
$47.532 billion (2022 estimated)

Real GDP per capita
$18,900 (2024 estimated)
$18,000 (2023 estimated)
$17,100 (2022 estimated)

Exports
$9.848 billion (2024 estimated)
$9.099 billion (2023 estimated)
$7.057 billion (2022 estimated)

Exports - partners
Italy 41%, Greece 10%, Germany 5%, Spain 5%, Serbia 4% (2023)

Exports - commodities
Garments, footwear, electricity, crude petroleum, iron alloys (2023)

Imports
$11.697 billion (2024 estimated)
$10.374 billion (2023 estimated)
$9.016 billion (2022 estimated)

Imports - partners
Italy 22%, China 11%, Turkey 9%, Germany 7%, Greece 6% (2023)

Imports - commodities
Cars, refined petroleum, garments, packaged medicine, iron bars (2023)

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.810, ranking it 71st out of 193 countries tested. (more information)

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report ranked the country 69th out of 158 countries tested with a score of 5.877. (more information)