In recent years, Albania has been grappling with a significant emigration wave, coupled with an aging population, leading to the country experiencing its lowest number of births on record.
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| A baby squeezing its mother's finger |
With 22,210 births recorded in 2023, Albania witnessed its lowest figure in the past 30 years. Alarmingly, during the fourth quarter of 2023, births declined by 7.6%. This decline was particularly pronounced in cities like Gjirokastër, Kukës, and Lezhë, while urban centers like Tirana, Durrës, and Elbasan saw relatively higher birth rates.
Sociologists warn that the nation may soon witness more nursing homes than kindergartens. Eris Dhamo, a prominent sociologist, emphasized the significance of this decline, stating, "The dwindling birth rates indicate a demographic shift. Previously, we had a broad base representing births and higher mortality rates. Now, we lack that pyramid base, signaling a shrinking population."
In contrast, fatalities in 2023 decreased by 3,964 compared to the previous year. Kukës reported the lowest number of deaths with 109, while Tirana had the highest with 1,293 deaths.
Dhamo stressed the need to incentivize young families, suggesting various models to support them. "We need to create policies that go beyond monthly wages. Improving access to housing could significantly ease the burden on parents," he added.
The natural population increase, or the difference between births and deaths, stood at 2,176 births more than deaths in 2023. Tirana recorded the highest natural increase with 833 more births than deaths, while Korçë had 139 more deaths than births.
As Albania navigates these demographic challenges, policymakers and stakeholders face the urgent task of implementing strategies to reverse the declining birth rates and address the implications of an aging population. Failure to do so could have far-reaching consequences for the country's social and economic landscape in the years to come.