Social situation Poverty and lack of opportunities

Poverty in Albania has declined significantly in the last two decades. However, about one in ten Albanians is still considered to be living in poverty. Older people and members of minority groups are particularly affected. According to the 2021 Global Hunger Index, more than six per cent of the people are undernourished.

Migration

Economic growth is centred round the urban areas of Tirana and Durrës. In 2011, around 54 per cent of Albania’s population lived in urban areas; the UN estimates that, by 2050, this rate will have reached 78 per cent. In rural areas, people have very few economic opportunities. There is a lack of education and training opportunities. Basic infrastructure is poorly developed. Many people therefore migrate to cities or to other countries. Remittances of emigrants account for around nine per cent of Gross National Product.

The German Development Ministry (BMZ) assists Albanian migrants in Germany as they voluntarily return to Albania and establish a livelihood for themselves.

Human rights

Albania has ratified most international conventions on fundamental rights, but actual protection of these rights still needs to be improved. Issues that still need to be tackled include violence against women, which is widespread, and child labour. Ethnic minorities, especially Roma, are suffering discrimination and often have less access to government services, housing, education and jobs.

Two old red benches in the garden of a house in Pogradec, Albania

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As at: 22/06/2022