A long history of migration

Albanian migration began long before the twentieth century. After Ottoman expansion in the fifteenth century, groups moved west, including to southern Italy. Their descendants, the Arbëresh, have preserved distinctive language features, songs, religious customs and food traditions for centuries. Later Albanian communities grew in places such as Istanbul, Bucharest, Athens, Cairo and the United States.

Migration in the twentieth century

During the first half of the twentieth century, many people sought work and education abroad. After the Second World War, the communist state effectively closed the country to free emigration. Leaving Albania without permission could bring severe punishment, and relatives could face reprisals. The dramatic embassy crisis in Tirana in 1990 became a symbol of the desire to escape isolation.

Mass emigration after 1990

When borders opened, large-scale migration followed, first to Greece and Italy and later to the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, Canada and elsewhere. Economic opportunity, education and family connections have all been important drivers. The diaspora is not a single, uniform group: generations, language use and ties to Albania vary.

The diaspora today

Albanians abroad contribute through remittances, investment, entrepreneurship, culture and political connections. The diaspora has also helped bring Albanian issues to international attention. Emigration creates challenges for Albania too, including the loss of skills and an ageing population. Visitors can see the diaspora’s influence in restaurants, music, summer visits and family ties across borders.

An identity across borders

Albanian identity includes people with roots in present-day Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and other parts of the Balkans, as well as descendants living abroad. It is therefore important not to describe every notable person of Albanian heritage as having been born or raised in Albania.

Sources and further reading

This is editorial content and may be updated as sources and facts change.