Himara, Dropoli and Finiki at the epicenter of demographic decline

Albania's demographic picture for 2024 is clearly reflected in the official birth and death data of the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT): in dozens of municipalities, deaths exceed births, confirming that low fertility is not an isolated phenomenon but a generalized trend.

The situation is particularly worrying in areas with a strong Greek element. In Dropoli, only 5 births were recorded in 2024, compared to 48 deaths. In Finiki, 17 births and 87 deaths were recorded. In Himara, births reached 47, while deaths were 132. In Saranda, 173 births and 215 deaths were recorded.

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These numbers clearly show that in these areas population losses are many times greater than new births. This development means an aging population, shrinking school units and a gradual weakening of social and economic life.

Other municipalities in the country are also experiencing a similar serious problem. Korçë recorded 784 deaths compared to 409 births, Kuchëva 275 deaths and 140 births, while Malakastra recorded 223 deaths and only 107 births. These three municipalities are among the areas with the largest difference in favor of deaths.

In large urban centers, the picture is different. In Tirana, births (7,117) exceeded deaths (4,397), while Kamza also shows a positive balance with 1,222 births compared to 557 deaths. However, in other large cities, the trend is negative, such as in Vlora with 923 deaths and 703 births, and in Gjirokaster with 270 deaths and 157 births.

The comparison of births and deaths for 2024 confirms that the country is facing a deep under-birth rate and an accelerating aging of the population. When deaths consistently exceed births, the population declines. When, at the same time, thousands of young people choose to migrate to European Union countries in search of work and better living conditions, the population base shrinks even faster. The result is fewer young families, less labor force and increasing pressure on the insurance system and the economy as a whole. The 2024 data show that the demographic challenge is not only not cyclical but is evolving into a decisive issue for the future of the country.