Albanians First in the World Want to Leave Their State

But that hope is ending!

I want to go as soon as possible. I thought about moving to Germany”, an Albanian youth said.

According to a “survey Gallup”, 79 percent of young Albanians aged 15-29 want to leave Albania forever. This is the highest rate in the world, by contrast from all other countries, including those in armed conflicts.

Among the countries in the region, the second largest figure is noted in Bosnia and Herzegovina, at 62 percent, and then Macedonia at 51 percent, while for Serbia and Montenegro, the share of young people who want to leave is lower than 50 percent.

But why do young Albanians want to abandon their country?

“Because there is no work, because it's very difficult living”, says another new one.

According to INSTAT, in the second quarter of the year unemployment for ages 15-29 was 22.6 per cent, nearly twice that of average unemployment. More than a lack of employment, however, young people avoid losing hope.

Because there is no future here”, a new Albanian said.

Among the young are those who see the future in Albania. But this is the minority...

“Because we're leaving, who's gonna stay here?”, said one new one.

The departure of young people is becoming one of Albania's biggest problems -- a phenomenon that has serious negative consequences for the future of the economy, public finances, but also on the social level.