The Declining Birthrate in Albania: Causes and Consequences
In recent years, Albania has witnessed a sharp decline in birthrates, with a 5% drop in 2024 compared to 2023 and a staggering 35% decrease since 2011. Demographers attribute this alarming trend to two primary factors: the increasing cost of living for young families and the continuous emigration of the younger population. As living expenses continue to rise and financial support remains scarce, young Albanians are increasingly postponing or forgoing parenthood, threatening the country’s demographic future.
A Tale of Two Realities: Raising a Family in Albania vs. Abroad
Arbri and Suela, two Albanian software developers in their 30s, relocated to the Netherlands after securing well-paid contracts. Within two years of settling in Amsterdam, they welcomed their first child and purchased a home on the city’s outskirts. Their long-term plan includes raising four children, as they find the family-friendly infrastructure and government policies in the Netherlands highly supportive.
“If we lived in Albania, we wouldn’t have more than one child,” Arbri explains. “Here, young families benefit from long daycare hours, financial assistance, and remote work opportunities.”
The Dutch government reimburses up to 50% of daycare costs, and families receive a quarterly allowance of €250 per child, which increases progressively until the child turns 18. This financial stability and security in employment make family expansion a realistic goal for Arbri and Suela.
“In Tirana, I had a good salary, but job security was uncertain,” Arbri adds. “Moreover, infrastructure for children, such as sidewalks, parks, and quality early education, is severely lacking.”
Rising Costs Are Discouraging Parenthood in Albania
While young Albanian families abroad thrive, those in Albania struggle with soaring expenses. In 2024, only 22,425 babies were born, a record low since 1934. According to INSTAT, even during World War II, Albania recorded higher birth numbers, with over 36,000 newborns in 1942.
Financial incentives introduced by the government in 2019—ranging from 40,000 lekë for a first child to 120,000 lekë for a third—have failed to reverse the trend. Surprisingly, 40% of these funds have gone to Albanian children born abroad, further emphasizing the demographic shift.
Ilir Gëdeshi, a demographic expert, highlights that the declining birthrate is not solely due to emigration but also rising costs within Albania. The cost of living has outpaced wage growth, making it increasingly difficult for young families to afford childcare, education, and housing.
Anisa, a psychologist in Tirana, shares her struggles. Despite wanting a second child, she and her husband find it financially impossible. “Daycare fees have doubled from €200 in 2018 to €400 in 2024, while our salaries have barely increased,” she says. Even public education comes with hidden costs, as after-school programs now require an additional €300 per month.
The Heavy Financial Burden of Raising a Child in Albania
For families in Albania, every stage of child-rearing is financially demanding.
- Daycare Fees: Between €200–€500 per month
- Private School Tuition: Ranges from €3,000 to €10,000 per year
- Extracurricular Activities: Increased by 40% in five years
- Housing Costs: Rent has doubled since 2019, now ranging from €300 to €800 per month
- Maternity Costs: The cost of delivering a baby in a private hospital has risen from €1,000 in 2016 to €2,600 in 2024
Arbana, a communications expert raising two children, wanted a third but found the costs unbearable. “Compared to 2016, child-rearing expenses have more than doubled,” she explains. “We’ve cut back on leisure activities and social outings, yet we still struggle to save.”
The Need for Urgent Family-Friendly Policies
Albania’s demographic crisis demands immediate action. Experts warn that the country’s aging population will put immense pressure on future generations, further exacerbating youth emigration.
Between 2011 and 2024, birthrates fell by 34.6%, with Gjirokastra experiencing the most significant drop at 57%, followed by Berat (52%) and Kukës (51.3%). Even Tirana, which remains a hub for young professionals, saw an 11% decline in births over the same period.
Historically, Albania has maintained higher birthrates even under challenging conditions. In 1950, 47,291 babies were born, despite the country having half the number of women of childbearing age compared to today. This stark contrast underscores the urgency for policies that prioritize family support and economic stability.
Demographers stress the need for comprehensive measures to slow emigration and ease financial burdens on young families. Proposals include increased child benefits, subsidized childcare, affordable housing programs, and employment security reforms.
If Albania fails to implement effective pro-family policies, its population decline will accelerate, placing the country’s social and economic future at risk. Learning from nations that successfully support young families could be the key to reversing this troubling trend.