Urbanization Growth in Albania from 1990 to 2023

From 1990 to 2023, Albania experienced substantial urbanization growth, with urban population rates rising from 36.4% in 1990 to 64.6% in 2023. This steady increase reflects the country’s economic and social transformations following the end of its communist regime in the early 1990s. Economic liberalization, improved infrastructure, and increased job opportunities in urban areas spurred rural-to-urban migration, particularly as the country transitioned to a market economy. Notably, urbanization accelerated post-2000, with growth rates consistently above 1% annually as Tirana and other cities expanded. Albania’s urbanization trend aligns with global shifts toward urban centers driven by better employment prospects and modernized living standards. The urban population’s rapid rise mirrors broader regional trends, positioning Albania as one of the more urbanized countries in Southeast Europe by 2023.