The Albanian Institute of Statistics has released the data from the 2023 Census, revealing that Albania now has a population of 2,402,113. This marks a significant decrease of 419,831 people, or about 17%, compared to the 2011 Census.
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Despite the population decline, the number of households has increased, with the 2023 Census counting 1,082,529 housing units, up from 1,012,400 in 2011. The average household size is now 3.2 members, with a total of 755,950 families across the country.
Elsa Dhuli, the Director of the Institute of Statistics, highlighted the importance of these findings, emphasizing their role in guiding future policies and developments. She stated, “This census evaluated 2,402,113 residents across 755,950 families, living in 1,082,529 housing units. We are pleased to present detailed information from this process, showing that the census has met its objectives, justifying long-term investments and financial support.”
Dhuli also pointed out that the census data will be used to conduct further detailed analyses at the regional, municipal, and smaller geographic unit levels. These analyses will cover various aspects of life and will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, businesses, and other stakeholders to plan for a better, more equitable, and sustainable future.
Religious Affiliation
The census data also provides insight into the religious composition of Albania:
- Muslims: 1,101,718
- Bektashi Muslims: 115,644
- Christians (Catholics): 201,530
- Christians (Orthodox): 173,645
- Evangelicals: 9,658
- Other religions: 3,670
- Unspecified: 332,155
- Atheists: 85,311
- No response: 244,331
- Data unavailable: 134,451
Demographics and Trends
The census results confirmed the ongoing trend of population aging in Albania, with around 667,000 citizens being over the age of 60. The average age in Albania is now 42.5 years, seven years older than a decade ago.
Minority Populations
The census also shed light on minority groups in Albania:
- Greek nationality: 23,485
- Egyptians: 12,375
- Bulgarians: Over 7,000
- Aromanians: 2,400
- Macedonians: 2,200
Marital Status
Regarding marital status, the data reveals:
- Married: 54.9%
- Single: 36.6%
- Widowed: 7%
- Divorced:1.4%
In conclusion, the 2023 Census data offers a comprehensive look at the demographic shifts in Albania, highlighting a notable population decline, an increase in housing units, and significant details about religious affiliations and minority populations. These findings will play a crucial role in shaping the country's future policies and development strategies.