Albania is aging fast. Once a youthful nation, it now faces a growing elderly population and a shrinking workforce.
INSTAT’s 2023 Census shows a sharp decline in working-age Albanians. For every pensioner, there are just 3.2 workers—down from 8 in 2002. The dependency rate has nearly tripled in 20 years.
Why does it matter? Fewer workers mean more pressure on pensions and healthcare. If this continues, Albania could face a financial meltdown.
Ghost towns and aging cities
Some areas are worse off. In Himara, Pustec, Finiq, and Dropull, over 60% of residents are over 65—more elderly than workers!
Nationally, the dependency rate hit 30.4%, nearly double 2011’s 16.4%. The EU average is 33.9% in 2024. Albania is catching up fast.
Shrinking and graying
The population isn’t just shrinking—it’s aging fast. The average age has jumped seven years since 2011. The 65+ group has soared to 473,000—a 49% spike. The 85–89 group exploded by 79% in a decade.
Meanwhile, the working-age population has plunged by 18%. Worse, a quarter of workers are now in Tirana, leaving rural areas drained.
What’s next?
With fewer workers and more pensioners, Albania must act now. Other nations tackled this by raising the retirement age, keeping older workers employed, and attracting immigrants. Without action, the economy will stall, and services will collapse.
Albania must move fast—before it’s too late.
