Christianity has been a foundational pillar of Albanian culture since the 1st century AD. Today, it remains a major religious presence, primarily split between Catholicism in the north and Eastern Orthodoxy in the south, while Protestantism is a small but growing minority.
Religious Demographics (2023 Census)
According to the most recent official data, Christians make up approximately 16% of the population.
- Catholicism (8.38%): Concentrated in the northwest (Shkodër and Lezhë), historically influenced by Rome and Venice.
- Eastern Orthodoxy (7.22%): Primarily located in the south (Korçë, Berat, and Gjirokastër), with historical ties to the Byzantine Empire and the Patriarchate of Constantinople.
- Evangelical/Protestant (0.4%): A minor but active community organized under the Albanian Evangelical Alliance (VUSH).
Historical Overview
- Apostolic Era: Tradition holds that St. Paul the Apostle preached in the region, then known as Illyricum (Romans 15:19).
- The Great Schism (1054): This event divided the country’s religious geography, with northern tribes following the Roman Pope and southern regions staying with Constantinople.
- Ottoman Rule (15th–19th c.): Islam became the majority religion due to socioeconomic incentives (avoidance of the jizya tax) and administrative pressures, though Christian enclaves persisted in rugged mountain areas.
- Communist Suppression (1967–1990): Albania was declared the world’s first “atheist state” under Enver Hoxha. Religious practice was banned, and many churches were converted into gyms or destroyed.
- Religious Freedom (1991–Present): Since the fall of communism, Christianity has seen a revival, marked by the reconstruction of hundreds of churches and the re-establishment of religious hierarchies.
Religious Harmony
Albania is internationally recognized for its religious tolerance. It is common for families to have mixed-faith backgrounds, and national identity (often referred to as “Albanianism”) is typically prioritized over religious affiliation.
Links for further overview of Albania:
Stichting HEALING THE NATIONS 