Albania

Albania is among the most ethnically homogeneous countries in Europe: the overwhelming majority are ethnic Albanians, with small Greek and other minorities. Albanian, with its Gheg and Tosk dialects, is spoken nationwide.

Historically Muslim-majority as a legacy of Ottoman rule, Albania also has Orthodox and Catholic Christian communities, though decades of state-enforced atheism under communism left the country notably secular.

Society

Albania has steadily improved health and education outcomes, with rising life expectancy and high literacy. Heavy emigration of young people to Italy, Greece, and beyond has slowed population growth and aged the population.