Albania
Republic of Albania
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: -0.32%
Situated in Southeast Europe, Albania has a population of approximately 2.36 million—a modestly sized nation in population terms. The country extends across 28,748 km², translating to a density of 82 people per km². Its capital is Tirana, and Albanian is the official language, while the Albanian lek serves as the national currency.
Population
2,363,314
Area
28,748 km²
Density
82/km²
World Rank
#145
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
The population is currently contracting at a rate of -0% per year, pointing to deep structural challenges such as low birth rates and emigration. The gap between the birth rate (10.2 per thousand) and death rate (8.3 per thousand) has narrowed considerably. The population skews older, with 16.9% aged 65 or above and 16.8% under 15, signaling rising dependency ratios.
General Information
- Capital
- Tirana
- Region
- Europe
- Subregion
- Southeast Europe
- Continent
- Europe
- Languages
- Albanian
- Currencies
- Albanian lek (L)
- Calling Code
- +355
- Top-Level Domain
- .al
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+01:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 2,363,314
- Land Area
- 28,748 km²
- Population Density
- 82 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- -0.32%
- Annual Growth
- -7,563 people
- Daily Growth
- -21 people
- World Population Share
- 0.03%
- Coordinates
- 41.00°, 20.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $11.4k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—roughly in line with the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 10.9%, well above the global average of 5.8%. Income distribution is comparatively egalitarian, reflected in a Gini index of 29.4.
Life Expectancy
79.6 years
GDP per Capita
$11,378
Birth Rate
10.2 per 1,000
Death Rate
8.3 per 1,000
Urban Population
58.5%
Fertility Rate
1.35 births/woman
Infant Mortality
8.3 per 1,000
Unemployment
10.9%
Literacy Rate
97.7%
Internet Users
83.1%
Under 15
16.8%
Over 65
16.9%
Health Spending
7.0% GDP
Gini Index
29.4
Age Distribution
0-14 years
398K
15-64 years
1.6M
65+ years
400K
Urbanization
About 58.5% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. Tirana serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net emigration of 24230.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
1.4M
58.5%
979,594
41.5%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 79.6 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 8.3 per thousand live births, significantly higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 97.7% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Albania
Albania has 4 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
If current trends persist, Albania's population will continue to shrink, intensifying labor shortages and increasing the burden on pension and healthcare systems. With 16.9% of the population already over 65, the aging challenge is likely to deepen in the decades ahead. As a United Nations member state, Albania participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 2,363,314 |
| 2030 | 2,334,026 |
| 2035 | 2,299,566 |
| 2040 | 2,267,172 |
| 2045 | 2,236,555 |
| 2050 | 2,207,469 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Albania.
Largest Cities in Albania
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Albania by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Albania?
The population of Albania is approximately 2.4 million as of 2026, making it #145 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Albania?
The capital of Albania is Tirana.
What languages are spoken in Albania?
The main languages spoken in Albania are Albanian.
How big is Albania?
Albania covers an area of 28,748 km² with a population density of 82 people per km².
Is Albania growing or shrinking?
Albania's population is declining at a rate of -0.32% per year.
What is the life expectancy in Albania?
The average life expectancy in Albania is 79.6 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Albania?
The GDP per capita of Albania is $11,378.