Country Profile: Albania

Albania, located in Southeastern Europe, is bordered by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, with a diverse geography dominated by mountains and hills. The country has a population of approximately 2.55 million, exhibiting a rich cultural heritage influenced by various historical periods, including Ottoman and Communist rule. Its economy is classified as an upper-middle-income, bolstered by sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and mining, yet it grapples with challenges like corruption and emigration. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Albania continues to pursue EU membership, having been a candidate since 2014.

Geography

Albania is situated between Greece and Montenegro, with a total area of 28,748 square kilometers, making it slightly smaller than Maryland. The country features a mild temperate climate with predominantly mountainous terrain, alongside small plains along the coast. Its strategic location near the Strait of Otranto links the Adriatic Sea to the Ionian Sea, giving it significant maritime importance.

• 28,748 sq km - Total area of Albania.
• 362 km - Length of the country's coastline.
• 2,764 m - Highest elevation at Maja e Korabit.
• 34.3% (2023 est.) - Area covered by forests.
• 38.1% (2023 est.) - Percentage of land used for agriculture.

People and Society

Albania's population is estimated at 2,551,837 in 2025, with a median age of 37.9 years. The majority of the population identifies as Albanian (82.6%), with multiple ethnic groups present, including Greeks and Romani. The country is predominantly Muslim (56.7%), with a rich tapestry of cultural influences that have shaped its present-day identity.

• 64.6% - Percentage of the population living in urban areas (2023).
• 79.9 years - Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
• 97.7% - Literacy rate of the population (2023 est.).
• 10.8 deaths/1,000 live births - Infant mortality rate (2025 est.).
• 8.71 births/1,000 population - Birth rate (2025 est.).

Economy

Albania's economy has shown resilience, with a growth rate of 4% projected for 2024, driven by tourism, agriculture, and mining. The country faces challenges such as public debt and high emigration rates but is on a path of fiscal consolidation and improvement in tax compliance. Its GDP (PPP) is estimated at $51.36 billion for 2024.

• $51.36 billion - Estimated GDP (PPP) for 2024.
• 10.3% - Unemployment rate (2024 est.).
• 22% - Percentage of the population below the national poverty line (2020 est.).
• 15.5% - Contribution of agriculture to GDP (2024 est.).
• $9.848 billion - Projected exports for 2024.

Government

Albania operates as a parliamentary republic with a unicameral legislature. The country declared independence in 1912, and its current constitution was adopted in 1998. The executive branch is led by President Bajram Begaj and Prime Minister Edi Rama, showcasing a political structure that emphasizes democratic processes and multiparty representation.

• 140 - Total seats in the Albanian Parliament.
• 18 years - Minimum voting age.
• 2% - Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2025 est.).
• 12 counties - Administrative divisions of Albania.
• 28 November - National Independence Day.

Military and Security

The Republic of Albania Armed Forces includes land, naval, and air forces, focusing on modernization and NATO standardization since becoming a member in 2009. The military has also contributed to international peacekeeping missions, reflecting its commitment to global security efforts.

• 7,500 - Approximate number of active-duty military personnel (2025).
• 2% of GDP - Military expenditures projected for 2025.
• 250 - Military personnel deployed in Kosovo as part of NATO/KFOR (2025).
• 18-30 - Age range for voluntary military service.
• NATO member - Joined in 2009.

Energy

Albania is heavily reliant on hydroelectric power, which comprises 96.7% of its electricity generation capacity. The country has achieved 100% electrification and is working to diversify its energy sources while managing its natural resources effectively.

• 7.49 billion kWh - Total electricity consumption (2023).
• 100% - Electrification rate of the total population (2022).
• 2.857 million kW - Installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
• 473,000 metric tons - Coal production (2023).
• 14,000 bbl/day - Total petroleum production (2023).

Environment

Albania faces environmental challenges such as deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution, while actively participating in various international environmental agreements. The country's land use emphasizes agriculture and forestry, with efforts to improve biodiversity and sustainable practices.

• 34.3% - Forest coverage of total land (2023).
• 1.087 million tons - Annual municipal solid waste generated (2024 est.).
• 20.5% - Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.).
• 30.2 billion cubic meters - Total renewable water resources (2022).
• Deforestation - A significant environmental issue.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	2,551,837	Estimated for 2025
Area	28,748 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$51.36 billion	Projected for 2024
Unemployment Rate	10.3%	Projected for 2024
Birth Rate	8.71 births/1,000 people	Estimated for 2025
Life Expectancy	79.9 years	Estimated for 2024
Literacy Rate	97.7%	Estimated for 2023
Military Expenditures	2% of GDP	Projected for 2025
Electricity Access	100%	Total population electrified (2022)
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	27.407 million Btu/person	Estimated for 2023