Albania records net loss of 1.8 million people from 1990‑2025

Eurostat data show that Albania has experienced a continuous net outflow of residents over the past 35 years, with roughly 1.8 million more people leaving than returning between 1990 and 2025. The strongest wave occurred in the early 1990s, when the net balance reached about 785,700 people, averaging a loss of 65,000 per year. Peak yearly deficits were recorded in 1991 (‑123,619), 1995 (‑118,022), 1997 (‑107,503) and 1999 (‑105,229).

During 2002‑2013 the outflow slowed but remained significant, with an average annual net loss of about 33,000 people, totaling around 391,000. From 2014 onward the trend reversed, accelerating again; the net migration loss between 2014‑2025 was about 617,000, or roughly 51,000 per year. After 2020 the outflow intensified, with net deficits of 32,853 in 2021 and 32,497 in 2022. Projections for 2024‑2025 estimate yearly losses of 28,836 and 28,531 respectively. In 2023 the net migration stock was estimated at –373,000 due to statistical adjustments.

Overall, Albania continues to lose about 28‑30  thousand residents each year, deepening population ageing, shrinking the labor force and tightening the fiscal contributor base.