Albania records highest EU material deprivation and sees population drain to Tirana

Eurostat data for 2024 shows that 34.8% of Albania's population lives in severe material and social deprivation, the highest share in the European Union. The indicator measures inability to afford at least seven basic items such as rent, utility bills, unexpected expenses, regular meat or fish consumption, a week of vacation away from home, a personal vehicle, and other essentials. This level is roughly five times the EU average of 6.3% and has fallen from a peak of about 46% in 2018 but remains far above neighboring Balkan countries.

INSTAT's latest population figures for 2025‑2026 reveal that the Tirana district added 5,478 residents (0.72% growth), while all other 11 districts together lost 32,862 people, leading to a net national decline of 27,384 residents. The biggest absolute losses were recorded in Fier, Elbasan, Korçë, Shkodër and Durrës. The data highlight a dual trend of continued emigration and internal migration toward the capital, intensifying regional demographic imbalances.