“Albania will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God their Savior!”
They will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God their Savior. (Psalm 24:5,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Europe
Population | 3.1 million
Area | 28,748㎢, Located in the northwest of the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe, north of Greece.
Capital City | Tirana (510,000 people)
People Groups | Total 15 groups, Albanians 95.7%, Gorani 1.2%, Greek 0.9%, Others 0.8%
Unreached People Groups | 3 (1.4% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Albanian
Total Languages | 11
Bible Translations | Completed 8, New Testament 1, Partial 1
Religion | Christianity 33.6% (Catholic 17%, Orthodox 15%), Muslim 54.6%, Non-religious 11.8%, Evangelical 0.6% (18,000 people)
》 About Albania
Albania declared independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912. However, it was conquered by Italy in 1939 and occupied by Germany in 1943, before regaining independence in 1944. In 1946, Enver Hoxha established a communist regime and ruled as a dictator with pro-Soviet and pro-Chinese policies for 40 years until his death in 1985. His oppressive rule left a lasting legacy of economic hardship and authoritarianism. In 1991, Albania introduced multi-party elections and parliamentary democracy, and changed its name to the Republic of Albania. The transition was difficult due to high unemployment, corruption, poor infrastructure, organized crime, and political struggles. Albania became a candidate for EU membership in 2014. It now operates as a parliamentary republic with a president. Edi Rama has been Prime Minister since 2013 and is serving his third term through 2025. Bajram Begaj became president in 2022 for a five-year term.
Albania’s economy is mainly based on agriculture and mining. Western-style industrialization is still in its early stages. The country has abundant resources such as oil, lignite, iron ore, chromium, nickel, and copper. Hydropower and mining development have progressed rapidly. The government has simplified licensing and tax systems and signed agreements with the IMF for financial and technical aid. In 2018, economic growth rate reached 4%. However, Albania’s close economic ties to Greece and Italy make it vulnerable to Eurozone downturns. A large informal economy and weak energy and transport infrastructure continue to hinder development. Albania remains one of the poorest countries in Europe. In 2022, the EU granted €80 million in aid to help with its energy crisis.
Albania’s GDP per capita is approximately $10,011.
》 Scripture Focus
| Psalm 24:1–8(NIV) 1 The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; 2 for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. 3 Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. 5 They will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God their Savior. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob. 7 Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. |
》 Prayer Points
1. Albania has a deep Christian heritage dating back to Roman times and once produced many martyrs. However, it experienced about 400 years of Islamization and later complete religious suppression under communism. After religious freedom was restored, the church began to grow, but Protestants still make up only 0.6% of the population. Many believers have emigrated, making it hard to raise local leaders. Most churches are financially struggling, with only about 10% able to pay their pastors. The Albanian Evangelical Alliance (VUSH) works to promote unity and cooperation among churches. Let us pray for Albanians to recognize that Albania belongs to our Lord Jesus Christ. May the churches boldly proclaim the gospel so that people may return to God with pure hearts and sincere faith, and be saved by living truthfully before Him.
2. Since the 1990s, many missionaries have entered Albania with passionate ministry and planted churches. Today, about 300 foreign missionaries serve in the country, including around 50 from Korea. They support the church through training, Christian resources, and holistic outreach. More than 60 organizations are united through the Albania Encouragement Project. Many churches are now being handed over to local pastors, who need to be equipped by the gospel and prayer. After COVID-19, missionaries are returning, and now is the time for the Albanian church to become a mission-sending church. Let us pray that the church in Albania, blessed by the Lord and made righteous by the God of salvation, will rise as a missionary community. May it shine the light of the gospel in Europe and prepare the way for people in all nations to seek the Lord.
3. About 55% of Albania’s population is Muslim, and the society is heavily influenced by secularism and traditional honor culture. Many follow Bektashi Sufism, and minority groups like the Gorani, Goloborda, Cham, and Rufai people remain largely unreached. Overseas, millions of Albanians live in diaspora, often facing greater spiritual need than those at home, and some communities are plagued by trafficking and criminal activity. Let us pray that the gospel will be powerfully proclaimed among Albanian Muslims and immigrants abroad, bringing transformation and life. May the Lord Almighty, who is mighty in battle, fight the spiritual battle for each soul and open wide the doors of salvation throughout Albania.
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