Albania is facing an unprecedented demographic crisis, driven by two interrelated factors: mass emigration and declining fertility rates. The country’s population has been steadily shrinking, with an average of 33,000 people lost each year. This trend, analyzed in the UNFPA-supported documentary series "Depopulation" on Euronews Albania, highlights the urgent need for long-term policies to address the root causes of this phenomenon.
The impact of emigration and fertility decline
Emigration has long been a defining issue for Albania, but recent data suggests that the current wave of departures surpasses even the post-communist exodus of the 1990s. With an average of 50,000 Albanians leaving the country annually, the population has dwindled from 3.2 million in the early 90s to 2.4 million today. Experts, such as demographer Arjan Gjonça, point out that while poverty was once the primary driving force behind emigration, today’s departures are largely fueled by aspirations for a better quality of life and greater economic opportunities abroad.
At the same time, Albania's birth rate has plummeted. In the 1960s, women had an average of seven children. By 2023, this number had dropped to just 1.2 children per woman, far below the replacement level needed to sustain the population. This demographic shift has led to rapid aging, with the proportion of citizens over 65 expected to rise from 15.2% in 2020 to nearly 29% by 2050.
The social and economic toll
The consequences of these trends are visible across Albanian society. Rural areas, such as Kukës in North Albania, are experiencing extreme depopulation, leaving behind empty villages, struggling businesses, and elderly individuals with no family support. Cities are also affected, as professionals, particularly young and educated individuals, seek opportunities abroad. This "brain drain" is weakening key sectors, from healthcare to education, and limiting the country’s ability to develop sustainably.
Education is both a cause and a casualty of emigration. Many parents actively encourage their children to study abroad, believing it offers a better future. However, this has led to a vicious cycle: with fewer students enrolled, schools in some areas are closing, further reducing educational opportunities. Economic expert Dr. Enriko Ceko warns that the lack of investment in education has led to "functional illiteracy," where students know how to read and write but lack critical thinking skills necessary for complex decision-making.
Proposed solutions: A multifaceted approach
Addressing Albania’s demographic crisis requires comprehensive strategies that go beyond merely slowing emigration. Experts emphasize the need for targeted policies in key areas:
- Investment in Education: Increasing the budget for both general and vocational education to provide young people with quality learning opportunities within Albania.
- Economic and Industrial Development: Creating a diversified economy with stable jobs, supported by technological advancement and infrastructure investment.
- Improved Work-Life Balance: Ensuring that employment conditions support family life, with flexible working hours, fair wages, and childcare support to encourage higher birth rates.
- Retaining and Attracting Talent: Developing policies that incentivize skilled workers to remain in Albania or return after studying abroad.
- Enhancing Migration Policies: Rather than attempting to prevent migration, efforts should focus on making it a choice rather than a necessity, ensuring that those who leave can still contribute to Albania’s economy through remittances and investments.
A call to action
Experts stress that tackling depopulation is not just a matter of numbers—it is about securing Albania’s future. The government, private sector, and civil society must collaborate to create a country where young people see a viable future. As UNFPA’s Dr. Manuela Bello emphasizes, policies must be based on human rights principles, ensuring equality in access to jobs, education, and services. Only through a holistic and strategic approach can Albania reverse the tide of emigration and demographic decline, paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future.
