Country Profile: Albania

Albania, located in Southeastern Europe, shares its borders with Greece, Montenegro, and Kosovo, lying between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. With a population projected at approximately 2.55 million in 2025, Albania has transitioned from a past of political upheaval—marked by a short-lived monarchy and communist rule—to a multiparty democracy since the early 1990s. The country’s economy is categorized as an upper-middle-income Balkan economy, where tourism, agriculture, and mining play significant roles, while it strives for European Union membership as a candidate since 2014.

Geography

Albania has a total area of 28,748 sq km, characterized by a terrain of mountains and hills, with small plains along its coastline of 362 km. The country experiences a mild temperate climate, with cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers. It has natural resources including petroleum, natural gas, and hydropower.

691 km total land boundaries with Greece, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Montenegro.
2,764 m is the highest point: Maja e Korabit.
36% of land is classified as forests, with 38.1% designated for agriculture as of 2023.

People and Society

The population of Albania is estimated to reach 2,551,837 by 2025, with a predominance of Albanians (82.6%) and a notable presence of Greeks and other ethnic groups. The country has a literacy rate of 97.7% and supports a diverse linguistic landscape primarily featuring Albanian. Urbanization is significant, with 64.6% of the population living in urban areas.

56.7% of the population identifies as Muslim followed by 10% Roman Catholic.
A 1.06 male-to-female ratio at birth.
15.5% of the population is estimated to be of unspecified ethnic affiliation.

Economy

Albania's economy is an upper-middle-income one, projected to grow at 4% in 2024, with key sectors including tourism, agriculture, and mining. The GDP based on purchasing power parity is estimated at $51.36 billion for 2024. Despite challenges such as governance issues and high emigration rates, the economy is on a progressive path toward fiscal consolidation.

10.3% unemployment rate estimated for 2024.
22% of the population lived below the poverty line in 2020.
70.2% of GDP is from household consumption.

Government

Albania is a parliamentary republic with Tirana as its capital. The country's current President is Bajram Begaj, while the Prime Minister is Edi Rama. Albania's government operates under a civil law system, and the most recent parliamentary election was held in May 2025.

140 members in the unicameral Albanian Parliament.
The latest constitution was adopted in 1998 and has undergone numerous amendments since.
18 years is the minimum voting age for citizens.

Military and Security

The Albanian Armed Forces comprise land, naval, and air forces, with approximately 7,500 active-duty personnel. The country spends about 2% of its GDP on military expenditures as of 2025. Albania participates in international peacekeeping missions and has been modernizing its military capabilities.

250 troops deployed in Kosovo as part of NATO/KFOR.
Military service is voluntary, with a conscription abolished since 2010.
The Government of Albania maintains internal security through the State Police.

Energy

Albania boasts 100% electrification for its population as of 2022. The energy sector is predominantly hydroelectric, accounting for 96.7% of total installed capacity. The country is transitioning towards renewable energy sources and aims to enhance its electricity generation efficiency.

2.857 million kW is the total installed electricity generating capacity for 2023.
7.49 billion kWh was the total electricity consumption in 2023.
The country produced 14,000 bbl/day of petroleum in 2023.

Environment

Albania is facing several environmental challenges, including deforestation and water pollution. The country is a party to multiple international environmental agreements, indicating its commitment to addressing climate change and biodiversity preservation.

38.1% of land is used for agriculture as of 2023.
20.5% of municipal solid waste is recycled.
3.392 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions estimated for 2023.

Transportation

Albania features a developing transportation infrastructure, with 3 airports and a merchant marine comprising 69 vessels. The country has 424 km of railways, although passenger train services have been suspended since 2021.

3 ports exist, with key locations including Durres and Vlores.
9 heliports available for air transport.
2.49 million mobile cellular subscriptions as of 2024.

Communications

Albania's communication sector is expanding, including a significant number of internet users, which comprised 83% of the population in 2023. The country has a mix of broadcast media and evolving internet infrastructure.

165,000 fixed-line telephone subscriptions as of 2024.
632,000 fixed broadband subscriptions contributing to better connectivity.
Over 65 TV stations, including national and international broadcasts.

Key Metrics

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