Population age, Albania recorded more deaths than birth in early 2026

During the first quarter of 2026, more loss of life has been recorded in Albania than new births, placing the natural surplus in negative territory. This indicator comes as an alarm signal after a 2025 year that had warned of the deep decline in the number of babies born.

Births Do Not Cover Deaths

The data shows that from January to March 2026, natural growth of the population resulted in negative 368 deaths more than birth. During this period, 5,146 babies came to life, and 5,514 deaths were recorded, writes the book. Rtsh.al, report Periscope.

Although the number of births marked a slight 1.0% increase compared to the same period in 2025, and deaths dropped by 7.4%, the overall balance remains in the disadvantage of new life.

The 2025 Bilanci fall on both fronts

Last year, 2025, though closed with a positive natural extension (+1.147 births more than death), confirmed a significant decline compared to 2024. Throughout the year, 22.541 births were registered (a 3.3% drop) and 21.394 deaths (a drop of 3.2%).

The country's demographic map shows a marked polarization between the capital and other circles. Tirana remains “the only demographic”, bearing the main birth load.

County Panorama (year 2025)

Tirana leads with 10.866 births, being the only district that marked growth (20.7%).

Gjirokastra registered the lowest number with only 292 babies born. The deepest fall was recorded in the Dabba district (37,7%).

As with births, Tirana holds the highest death toll (5.483), while Kukes has the lowest death rate (486), marking the largest drop by -8.8%.

What's going on in 2026?

The first quarter of 2026 trend presents a slightly different map of movements within circuits.

Tirana again dominates 2.438 east. The surprise this quarter has been made by Berat, who marked the largest increase in the number of births by 14.5%. Meanwhile, Gjirokastra deepens the crisis by only 59 births in three months (a decline of 23.4%).

Tirana recorded 1,422 deaths. In addition to Elbasan, who had a slight increase in this index (+3.2%), the other 11 counties saw a decline in the number of fatalities, which features Kukes with a significant decline of 28,3%.

These movements show that Albania is not facing an increase in mortality, but also a crisis of generation renewal. /Periscope/