The Albanian population fabric has marked fundamental structural changes influenced by multiple factors like high rate of emigration, aging, and the Covid-19 consequences in the last two years.

The Albanian Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) reported the population is Albania as of January 1, 2022 is , 2,793,592, marking a decrease of 1.3% compared to January 1, 2021.

This is the first consequent year that Albania’s population has shrunk.

During 2021, Albania saw more deaths (30,580) than births (27,284) marking a negative natural population increase for the first time since 1923. Deaths increased by 10.8%, while births decreased by 2.8%.

The report said 42,048 Albanians had emigrated in 2021, a return to the yearly average after a 45% decrease in emigration numbers during 2020 that was attributed to COVID-related restrictions on movement.

The median age of the population continues to increase as well, standing now at 38,2, compared to 37,6 during 2020.