Korça / The county with the highest natural population decline in Albania!

Natural population growth in Albania during 2024 was positive, with 1,178 more births than deaths, as a result of a greater decline in deaths compared to the decrease in births. However, according to INSTAT data, natural growth was negative in seven counties of the country, while only five counties recorded a positive balance.

Korça had the highest natural decline, as the number of deaths significantly exceeded that of births. In this county, 1,155 babies were born last year, while 1,929 people passed away, creating a deficit of 774 people. Fier ranked second in terms of natural decline, with 1,897 births and 2,481 deaths, registering a deficit of 584 people. Vlora followed with 554 more deaths than births, Berat with 368, Gjirokastra with 354, Shkodra with 176, and Elbasan with 142.

On the other hand, the counties of Lezha, Durrës, Dibra, Kukës, and Tirana had positive natural growth. Tirana, with a younger population, recorded 3,047 more births than deaths, helping to maintain a positive balance at the national level. Durrës had 571 more births than deaths, Dibra 243, Kukës 192, and Lezha only 22.

The long-term trend of natural population growth in Albania has significantly declined since the 1990s. In 1990, natural growth was around 64,000 people, with 82,000 births and 18,000 deaths. By 2019, before the pandemic, natural growth had dropped to 6,624 people, with 28,561 births and over 22,000 deaths.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact in 2021, when for the first time, natural growth became negative, with 3,296 more deaths than births. In 2024, natural growth returned to a positive level with 1,178 people, as 22,425 babies were born and 21,247 people passed away.

Demographic projections suggest that Albania’s population will continue to decline in the coming decades. International reports indicate that by 2050, Albania may lose 25% of its current population. The main factors driving this decline are the low birth rate and high emigration of young people, leading to a shrinking active population and a decrease in natural growth.

Due to these developments, the median age of the population has increased significantly. Between the censuses of 2011 and 2023, the median age of the population rose by 7.5 years, reflecting an aging population and a decline in the number of young people in the country.

In conclusion, Albania is facing significant demographic challenges, where declining birth rates and emigration are contributing to population decline. While some counties still maintain a positive balance, the long-term trend indicates the need for policies that will encourage births and limit the emigration of the young and active population.

CREATED by:

“KORÇA BOOM”