About the Situation
By the Numbers
Albania’s population is 2,994,667
12.5% of the population lives below the poverty line
13.1% of Albanians are unemployed
(Sources: U.N. and U.S. government)
Albania is considered one of Europe’s poorest countries: tens of thousands of its resident live below the poverty line, according to the United States government.
While vast improvements have been made toward achieving Millennium Development Goals established by the UN, there is still much work that needs to be done, considering that:
- Unemployment is at 13.1%
- Enrollment in basic education has fallen
- Gender inequality remains relatively high
- Gaps between opportunities available to rural and urban areas are widening
- The mortality rate of children under the age of 5 remains high
How Islamic Relief USA is Helping
Islamic ReliefTM started working in Albania in 1991, after war and unrest had effectively isolated Albania and hampered already impoverished living conditions for millions of Albanians.
Islamic Relief launched its programs in Albania by first responding to urgent needs: Islamic Relief provided essential food rations and clothing to many who had been suffering from the stresses of war. By the spring 1992, Islamic Relief had opened an office Tirana so that it could implement long-term development projects to help Albanians secure the necessary skills and tools to help them help themselves.
Here are some currently and recently completed programs in Albania:
