Those living in Tirana had the highest per capita income in 2018, while Kukes continues to be the poorest region of Albania, according to INSTAT data for the Gross Domestic Product, 2018. Per capita income is 31.1% of the European Union average, which according to Eurostat, is among the lowest in Europe.

The whole north continues to be the poorest in the country, while the Center the richest.

According to INSTAT, in 2018, the level of GDP per capita in the statistical region level 1 (Republic of Albania), reached 571 thousand Lekë. Compared to 2017, GDP per capita in nominal terms increased by 5.75%.

In 2018, according to statistical regions at level 2, in the North statistical region, GDP per capita is 462 thousand ALL, marking a nominal increase of 4.7%, compared to 2017. GDP per capita of this region is 19.1 % below the national average.

In the statistical region Center, GDP per capita is 692 thousand Lekë and there was an increase of 5.6%, compared to 2017. GDP per capita of this region was 21.2% above the national average.

In the South statistical region, GDP per capita is 511 thousand Lekë, marking an increase of 6.3%, compared to 2017. GDP per capita of this region is 10.4% below the national average.

The highest level of GDP per capita according to statistical regions at level 3 (Region), in 2018, was in the Region of Tirana, with 783 thousand ALL and marked an increase in nominal terms of 5.1% compared to 2017 GDP per capita in this region was 37.3% above the national average. Then is the Region of Fier, with 599 thousand ALL, marking an increase in nominal terms of 8.4% compared to 2017. GDP per capita of this region was 5.0% above the national average.

The lowest level of GDP per capita according to statistical regions at level 3 (Region) in 2018, was estimated in Kukës Region with about 362 thousand Lekë marking an increase in nominal terms by 7.3%, compared to 2017 GDP per capita in this county was 36.6% below the national average. Furthermore, with the GDP per capita, the Elbasan Region continues with about 398 thousand Lekë, marking an increase in nominal terms of 5.9% compared to 2017. The GDP per capita of this region was 30.3% below the average of country.

Purchasing Power Standard

The GDP of the Republic of Albania expressed in the Purchasing Power Standard (PPS) in 2018 is 27,581 PPS.

GDP per capita in PPS for 2018 for the Republic of Albania is 31.1% of the European Union average BE28 = 100. According to other Eurostat data, at these levels Albania ranks among the poorest in Europe, along with Bosnia of Kosovo.

According to statistical regions at level 2, in the Center region, GDP per capita in PPS for 2018 was 37.7%, in the North region 25.1% and in the South region 27.8%.

Source: Monitor