Albania ages four times faster than the EU

Albania has gone from one of Europe's youngest countries to one of its oldest in little more than a decade.

New figures show the country's median age has reached 45 years, meaning half of all Albanians are now older than 45. The figure is now in line with the European Union average.

Since 2014, Albania's median age has risen by nearly 11 years — more than four times faster than across the EU.

Experts say the shift is being driven by two trends: fewer births and the continued emigration of young people.

The result is a shrinking workforce and growing pressure on pensions and healthcare, raising concerns about the country's long-term economic outlook.