Albania Population

Population Distribution

As of 2023, the latest population of Albania is 2,875,787, based on our calculation of the current data from UN (United Nations).

People in Albania

Most of the country’s residents are Albanians. For every 100 people, 83 belong to this group.

This is divided again into the counter and the tosken. There are linguistic and cultural differences between these ethnic groups. At the same time, they are also distributed differently in the country. In the north more people belong to the counter, in the south most of the Tosken.

Minorities

The largest minority in Albania are the Greeks, although it is believed that up to 70 percent of Albanian Greeks have emigrated to Greece since the 1990s, mostly for economic reasons. Although the Greeks are the largest ethnic minority, they officially do not even make up one percent of the population in Albania.

In the south of Albania still people who live to the Vlachs count. Their number should be around 10,000. They have their own language, Aromanian, and they often belong to the Orthodox Church. In Albania, however, many Aromanians are also non-denominational, as are members of other ethnic groups in Albania.

There are around 5000 Slavic Macedonians who have established their own small communities with their own schools in parts of Albania.

There are also around 8,000 Roma. They are the ones most affected by discrimination. Many members of the Roma live in poverty and are socially excluded. For example, in 2011 there was an attack on a Roma settlement that destroyed residents’ property and forced people from their homes.

Other minorities are the Bosniaks and people who have their roots in Serbia or Montenegro.

Languages in Albania

Albanian is spoken almost exclusively in Albania. Out of 100 people, one can roughly say that 99 have learned Albanian as their mother tongue. There are dialects that are a bit different, but people understand each other. Some of the Albanian-speaking people also speak one or more foreign languages.

A particularly large number of people speak Italian, as some radio and television programs are broadcast in this language. The world language English is also common and some also speak Greek. While Albania was under Soviet rule, Russian was taught, which is why some residents speak it.

Religions in Albania

Albania is not considered a very religious country. The largest religious community is formed by Islam, to which about 57 out of 100 people profess. 17 belong to the Christian faith, and within this group a distinction can be made between Roman Catholic, Albanian Orthodox and Protestant Christians.

But many in Albania either make no statement about their beliefs, are believers without religious affiliation or do not believe in a god at all.

There are hardly any conflicts between the religions and people of different beliefs live together mostly peacefully and in mutual respect.

Albania Overview

Albania, situated in Southeastern Europe along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, is celebrated for its stunning coastline, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the ancient ruins of Butrint to the Ottoman architecture of Gjirokastër, Albania offers a treasure trove of archaeological wonders. Its rugged landscapes, including the Albanian Alps and picturesque lakes, attract outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Albania is renowned for its warm hospitality, traditional cuisine, and lively music and dance traditions, making it a hidden gem waiting to be explored in the heart of the Balkans.

• Capital City: Tirana
• Population: Approximately 2.9 million
• Area: 28,748 square kilometers
• Full Country Name: Republic of Albania
• Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL)
• Language: Albanian
• ISO Country Codes: AL, ALB

Bordering Countries of Albania

Albania is a small country in the Balkans that is bordered by five countries: Montenegro, Kosovo, Macedonia, Greece and Serbia. Montenegro borders Albania to the north and northwest, with a Adriatic Sea coastline of 158 km. This region has been inhabited since ancient times and is home to many cultural and historical sites. Kosovo borders Albania to the northeast and has a total land border of 112 km. The majority of the population in Kosovo is ethnically Albanian, making it an important cultural link between Albania and the rest of the world. Macedonia borders Albania to the east with a total land border length of 151 km; this region has seen much conflict throughout its history due to its strategic location at the crossroads between Europe, Asia Minor, and Central Asia. Greece borders Albania to the south with a total land border length of 282 km; this region is renowned for its stunning landscapes as well as its rich culture which includes ancient ruins from civilizations such as Ancient Greece and Rome. Finally, Serbia borders Albania to the northwest with a total land border length of 151 km; this region has seen much tension due to recent wars between Serbia and Kosovo which have had an impact on both countries’ relations with each other as well as their relationship with other nearby countries such as Albania.