12 minutes agoPopulation census: Albania's Oldest, Less believing
Periskopi(2 years ago)
(2 years ago)In 12 years, the population in Albania has undergone numerous changes. Recent census records show that the average age has increased, family units have decreased, and the number of Muslim, Catholic and Orthodox believers has decreased. The changes start from the total population to the last census, [...]
The changes start from the total number of residents, who, in their last census during 2023, have been reduced to about 2.4 million.
The population's decline is blamed on the high rate of migration. Former director of Albania's Statistics Institute (INSTAT), Ines Nuja, says census results should serve as the alarm bell for policymakers.
In her view, measures must be taken urgently to stop migration.
“First, you must accept the phenomenon. Long-term policies must then be undertaken to curb drop-off”, it tells Free Europe Radio.
According to INSTAT data, Albania leaves an average of 42 thousand people a year. As the main reasons for migration, the best opportunities for work, education, and health care are highlighted.
Politics that promote the growth of the fertility rate that in Albania has followed a decline trend in recent years are especially necessary now that the population is aging rapidly, Nuja warns.
According to the latest census in Albania, the average age has increased to 42.5 years from 35.3 years since it was recorded in 2011.
Nurja stresses that particularly concerned is the reduction of age groups that are active in the labour market.
The working field is the smallest age group, compared to the others. Vlora's district holds first place [with the lowest percentage], with 13 per cent of its age group population. That means no youth, but no child has any more”, Nuja says.
The districts of Elbasan and Shkodra have had the largest population decline, with over 25 percent decline. In Tirana County, however, population has increased by 1.2 percent.
Changes have undergone family structures. In the 2011 census, the average size of family units was 3.9 members, while the latest census shows that family units now have an average of 3.2 members.
There have also been changes in population distribution in various parts of Albania. Nearly a third of residents live in Tirana County, which is the only district that has increased residents compared to 2011 data.
After publishing the census data, the opposition has charged that the data is manipulated.
The opposition voiced these claims after the publication of the data had been postponed for several months and the process of collecting and publishing data, compared to countries in the region, had taken more time.
