Albania: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Albania 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Albania: 87
  • Happiness Score Albania:5.304

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Albania. AL.

    Albania is a country in Southeast Europe with a parliamentary representative democratic republic. It has a rich cultural history, including traditional music, dance, and cuisine. Albania’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.

  • Albania is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gjirokastër, a well-preserved Ottoman-era town.
  • The country is known for its unique bunkers, with an estimated 173,000 bunkers scattered throughout the landscape.
  • Albania has a high level of biodiversity, with a variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered Albanian lily.
  • Albania – A Comprehensive Overview

    History

    Early History:

    The territory of modern-day Albania has been inhabited since ancient times, with archaeological evidence suggesting human presence dating back to the Paleolithic era. The region was home to the Illyrian tribes, a group of Indo-European peoples who inhabited the western Balkan Peninsula. The Illyrians were known for their fierce resistance against foreign invaders, including the Greeks and Romans.

    Kingdoms and Empires:

    Throughout its history, Albania has been part of various kingdoms and empires. In the 3rd century BC, the region came under the influence of the Roman Empire. After the fall of Rome, Albania became part of the Byzantine Empire until the 11th century, when it was conquered by the Bulgarian Empire. The medieval period saw the rise of several Albanian principalities, including the Arbanon Principality and the Principality of Arbëria.

    Colonial Period:

    Albania was never directly colonized by a foreign power, but it did experience periods of Ottoman rule. The Ottoman Empire gradually gained control over Albanian territories starting in the 15th century, and Albania remained under Ottoman dominance until the early 20th century.

    Independence and Modern Era:

    The Albanian national movement for independence gained momentum in the late 19th century, and on November 28, 1912, the Assembly of Vlora declared Albania an independent state. However, the country faced periods of instability and political turmoil throughout the 20th century, including a period of monarchy, followed by a communist regime under Enver Hoxha from 1944 to 1985. Albania transitioned to a multi-party democracy in the early 1990s after the collapse of communism.

    Current Situation

    Political Situation:

    Albania is a parliamentary republic with a unicameral legislature. The Prime Minister is the head of government, while the President serves as the head of state. Recent elections have seen a power struggle between the Socialist Party and the Democratic Party, with the former currently in power.

    International Relations:

    Albania has actively pursued integration with the European Union and NATO. It joined NATO in 2009 and is currently a candidate country for EU membership. Albania maintains good relations with its neighbors and has been involved in regional cooperation initiatives in the Balkans.

    Human Development and Economy:

    Albania has made significant progress in its economic and human development in recent decades. Its economy is primarily service-based, with tourism, agriculture, and mining playing important roles. The country has faced challenges with poverty, unemployment, and corruption but has made strides in improving living standards.

    Cultural Highlights:

    Albania boasts a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its Illyrian roots and centuries of foreign occupation. The predominant religion is Islam, with a significant Christian minority. The Albanian language, derived from the Indo-European family, is unique to the region. Albanian culture is renowned for its traditional folk music, literature, and cuisine.

    Challenges and Opportunities

    As Albania continues its path towards European integration and economic development, it faces challenges such as corruption, organized crime, and brain drain. However, the country’s strategic location, natural resources, and potential for growth in sectors like tourism present promising opportunities for further progress and prosperity.

Main facts

Location

Albania is a country located in Southeastern Europe, in the southwestern part of the Balkan Peninsula. It is situated along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east, and Greece to the southeast.

Map References

Albania is part of the Balkan Peninsula in Southern Europe.

Area – Comparative

With an area of 28,748 square kilometers (11,100 square miles), Albania is slightly larger than the state of Maryland in the United States.

Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Albania has a total land boundary length of 691 kilometers (429 miles), bordering the following countries:

Coastline

Albania has a coastline of 362 kilometers (225 miles) along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, featuring the Albanian Riviera, a popular tourist destination known for its beaches and coastal scenery.

Maritime Claims

Albania claims a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles and a continental shelf area of 200 meters or to the depth of exploitation.

Climate

Albania has a predominantly Mediterranean climate, with cool, cloudy, and wet winters and hot, dry summers. The interior regions experience a continental climate with more extreme temperatures.

Terrain

Albania is characterized by a mountainous landscape, with the Albanian Alps and the Sharr Mountains dominating the northern and eastern regions. The central and western parts feature hills and small plains, while the coastal areas are relatively flat.

Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Albania is Mount Korab, reaching an elevation of 2,764 meters (9,068 feet), located in the far eastern region near the border with North Macedonia. The lowest point is the Adriatic Sea, at sea level.

Natural Resources

Albania’s natural resources include petroleum, natural gas, coal, bauxite, copper, iron ore, chromium, and hydropower potential.

Major Bodies of Water

The major bodies of water in Albania include the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, as well as Lake Skadar (shared with Montenegro), Lake Ohrid (shared with North Macedonia), and the Drin River.

Natural Hazards

Albania is prone to various natural hazards, including earthquakes, floods, droughts, and wildfires. The country is located in an active seismic region, making it susceptible to earthquakes.

Geography – Notes

Albania is a relatively small country with a diverse landscape, ranging from coastal areas to rugged mountains. Its strategic location along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas has played a significant role in its history and economy. Environmental challenges, such as deforestation and soil erosion, remain important issues for the country.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 28.10%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 4,536. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 43.10%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  41.15333220.168331.
  • Capital: The capital of Albania is  Tirana
  • Major Cities:
    • Tirana – Population: 895,000
    • Durrës – Population: 201,110
    • Vlorë – Population: 141,513
    • Shkodër – Population: 136,251
    • Elbasan – Population: 127,965
  • Population: 2,854,191
  • Area(Km2): 28748
  • Population Density( P/Km²):105. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:355
  • Official Language(s):Albania is primarily spoken in Albanian, at 98.8%.
  • Currency: ALL

Main Economic Indicators

Albania’s economy is a upper-middle-income transition economy, with a nominal GDP of $15.1 billion in 2020. The economy has undergone a sustained transformation from its former communist system, gradually implementing pro-market policies and pursuing economic liberalization. Agriculture, services, and the construction sector remain significant contributors to the economy. Key economic challenges include high public debt levels, widespread corruption, lack of investment in infrastructure, and limited access to modern technology.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

2021: 2.6% (Source: Albanian Institute of Statistics)
2020: 1.6% (Source: Albanian Institute of Statistics)

Credit Ratings

Fitch: B+ (Stable)
Moody’s: B1 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: B+ (Stable)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 18.4%
Industry: 21.8%
Services: 59.8%

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Vegetables, fruits, tobacco, olives, wheat, corn, meats, dairy products
Industrial Products: Food and tobacco products, textiles, clothing, lumber, construction materials, oil, cement, chemicals, machinery, base metals, hydropower

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 1.14 million (2020 estimate)
Ranking: 140th globally

Current Account Balance

2021: -$1.33 billion (8.8% of GDP)
2020: -$1.19 billion (7.9% of GDP)
Ranking: 163rd globally (2021 estimate)

Exports and Imports

Exports (2021): $3.9 billion
Key Export Partners: Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, China
Main Exports: Textiles and footwear, construction materials and metals, vegetables, tobacco
Imports (2021): $6.9 billion
Key Import Partners: Italy, Turkey, Greece, Germany, China
Main Imports: Machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, textiles, chemicals

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves (2021): $4.2 billion
Gold Reserves (2021): 1.6 metric tons

  • GDP (Current US$):$15,278,077,447. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 18.60%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 36.60%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $1.36. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $1.12. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 12.33%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Noun: Albanian(s)

Adjective: Albanian

2. Ethnic Groups

Major ethnic groups:

  • Albanian: 82.6%
  • Greek: 0.9%
  • Other: 1% (including Vlach, Romani, Macedonian, Montenegrin, and Egyptian)
  • Unspecified: 15.5%

3. Religions

Religious affiliations:

  • Muslim: 56.7%
  • Christian: 10.8%
  • Unaffiliated: 31.8%
  • Other: 0.7%

4. Age Structure

Distribution of population across age groups:

  • 0-14 years: 17.07%
  • 15-64 years: 68.79%
  • 65 years and over: 14.14%

5. Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 45.4

Youth dependency ratio: 24.8

Elderly dependency ratio: 20.6

6. Median Age

Median age: 36.6 years

Male: 35.4 years

Female: 37.9 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

Obesity rate: 21.7%

Alcohol consumption: 7.6 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year

Tobacco use: 28.3% of adults smoke tobacco

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 78.5. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 96.8%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:11.78. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:11. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 1.62. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 73.7%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 1,747,593. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):56.90%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

The Albanian Armed Forces consist of three main branches: the Albanian Land Force, the Albanian Air Force, and the Albanian Naval Force. Additionally, there is the Albanian Special Operations Battalion, an elite tactical unit within the Land Force.

The Albanian State Police is responsible for maintaining internal security and public order, while the Albanian Republican Guard is a paramilitary force tasked with protecting government officials and key installations.

Military Expenditures

Albania’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2022: 1.2%
  • 2021: 1.3%
  • 2020: 1.4%
  • 2019: 1.4%
  • 2018: 1.3%

Strategic Military Notes

Albania’s defense strategy focuses on maintaining territorial integrity, contributing to regional and global security, and supporting NATO missions and operations. The country is a member of NATO and has prioritized interoperability with Allied forces.

The Albanian military plays a role in international security through its participation in peacekeeping missions, counterterrorism efforts, and various security partnerships, including with [PARTNERSHIP DETAILS].

  • Armed Forces Size: 8000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 1.2
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 55.70%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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