More than 10% of people living in Albania are facing severe difficulties in covering their daily living expenses, according to revised data published by Albania’s Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), based on the country’s 2023 population census.

Official figures from the Income and Living Conditions Survey show that the share of households reporting that they survive “with great difficulty” fell from 18% in 2021 to 10.2% in 2024.

However, the statistical improvement was largely driven by the recalibration of demographic data following the new population census, rather than by a substantial rise in living standards.

According to the revised figures, approximately 245,015 people in Albania are currently living in extreme poverty.

The indicator is calculated through self-reporting and reflects citizens’ direct perception of their income and financial conditions.

Households classified in the category of “living with great difficulty” face acute material deprivation on a daily basis. Many are unable to cope with even minimal unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies or basic home repairs, due to the complete absence of savings.

The data also reveal persistent delays in paying essential utility bills, including electricity, water and rent, leaving many families under constant threat of service disconnection because of unpaid obligations.

Beyond unpaid bills, extreme poverty is having a direct impact on nutrition and health conditions. Families in this category are often forced to reduce spending on basic food needs and are unable to afford a ???????? meal containing meat, fish or equivalent protein sources at least once every two days.

During the winter months, financial pressure extends to the inability to adequately heat homes, a condition that disproportionately affects children and elderly residents.

The report further highlights that many households cannot afford to replace or purchase even the most basic household appliances, such as washing machines or refrigerators.

Economists and social experts warn that the roughly 245,000 Albanians living in severe poverty require targeted government intervention, arguing that this vulnerable segment of society is unlikely to benefit from the country’s broader economic growth without specific social support policies.

Source: Monitor, based on INSTAT data.