Albania's Total Population from 1990 to 2023

The chart illustrates a steady decline in Albania's population over the past three decades. In 1990, Albania's population was approximately 3.29 million. By 2023, it had decreased to around 2.74 million, reflecting a population loss of over 500,000 people during this period.

The decline began in the early 1990s, coinciding with the collapse of Albania's communist regime in 1991. Economic instability, political transition, and the opening of borders after decades of isolation led to a wave of emigration, as many Albanians sought better opportunities abroad. The population steadily decreased, with a significant drop from 3.28 million in 1990 to 3.08 million by the year 2000.

In the following decades, the trend persisted, driven by low birth rates, continued emigration, and an aging population. Between 2011 and 2021, Albania’s population fell from 2.90 million to 2.81 million, and the most recent data from 2023 shows a further decline to 2.74 million. This ongoing population decrease highlights the challenges Albania faces in terms of retaining its population and addressing demographic shifts, particularly as the younger workforce continues to emigrate for better economic opportunities.