Albania is one of Europe's poorest countries with around a quarter its population below the poverty line.

The country was isolated from the outside world for 45 years under the rule of Enver Hoxha. In 1991, communist rule finally came to an end after a month of heavy fighting in which 2,000 people were killed and thousands fled to Italy.

Albania has little industry, limited job opportunities and massive unemployment, especially in the north of the country. Infrastructure and services are substandard and deteriorating. Many families lack access to clean water, sanitation, health, and education.

Poverty is widespread in rural Albania, particularly in the mountainous northern region where almost half of its residents are poor.

Islamic Relief in Albania
Islamic Relief entered Albania within months of the collapse of the communist regime with a large delivery of food and clothes in 1991.

We registered our office in Tirana in April 1992 and have maintained a constant and dependable presence in the country. There is also a field office in Shkoder in northern Albania.

Community & Training Centres
IR runs a community centre in Shkoder which has served the local community with vocational training since 1994, directly benefiting around 4,600 people. Another training centre in Koplik opened in May 2006.

Rural Infrastructure
Islamic Relief has been developing roads, water systems and irrigation networks in rural Albania since 1999, benefiting thousands of people.

Orphans One-to-One
IR's orphans programme started in 1993 and has supported more than 1,500 orphans over the years. Orphans in Tirana, Shkoder and Pogradec receive assistance through monthly sponsorships, in kind donations, health care services, educational support and social assistance.