Over 1 million Albanians are living in severe poverty, according to new data from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). The figures, which cover income and living standards for 2023, reveal the extent of economic challenges faced by a large portion of the population.
The data shows that 42.1% of Albania’s population is at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Since 2018, INSTAT has measured poverty using the Eurostat methodology, which looks at individuals who are at risk of poverty, those facing material deprivation, or people living in households with very low employment.
With a population of about 2.4 million, this means more than 1 million people are experiencing severe forms of poverty. Many of these people live in households that cannot afford basic needs such as adequate heating, a car, or even a meal with meat every two days.
The study also highlights individual struggles, like not being able to afford regular internet access, new clothes, or money for leisure activities. These factors show how widespread material deprivation is and how it affects people’s ability to meet essential needs.
Albania has the highest poverty rate in Europe, with neighboring countries showing similar trends. Montenegro has 34.1% of its population at risk, while North Macedonia and Serbia report rates of 32.6% and 30%, respectively. In comparison, the EU average is 21.4%, with around 94.6 million people at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
These figures just go to show the challenges Albania faces in addressing poverty and ensuring that all citizens benefit from economic growth.
