Albania’s religious beliefs: Study reveals generational differences and strong faith

Tirana, January 8, 2025 -  A major study on religious faith in Albania, conducted in late 2024, has revealed significant trends in how Albanians practice and view religion.

The survey of 820 adults found that 59% of participants fully believe in a specific religion, regardless of their family’s background. 56% of respondents follow the faith of their family’s tradition, underscoring the influence of family on religious identity.

The study also showed that 21.7% of Albanians attend religious services—such as church, mosque, or teqe—at least once a month. However, only 6.8% of respondents could be considered deeply religious, attending regularly and holding strong beliefs about topics like God’s will and the afterlife.

Despite a steady tradition of faith, generational divides are apparent. Older Albanians, aged 65 and above, are the most likely to attend services regularly, with 23.5% visiting at least once a month. This is in contrast to just 19% of those aged 40 to 64.

The survey also highlights an openness to interfaith relationships, with 79% of participants saying they have no issue with family members marrying someone of a different religion. Among those already married or living with a partner, 21.6% are in interfaith relationships.

Around 40% of respondents revealed that their parents or grandparents secretly practiced religious rituals during Albania’s communist era, when religion was banned. This suggests that despite decades of state-enforced atheism, religious beliefs remained part of the fabric of Albanian life.

The findings show that faith remains a prominent force in Albania, with varying levels of belief and practice across generations.