TIRANA, April 15 Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) report stated that income per capita in Albania has increased up to 6000 USD in 2008. It is a growth of 9% from 2007 (5500 USD) according to the same source. The CIA data differs greatly from the official data of Albanian institutions. Only last week, Albanian Ministry of Finance published a report stating that GDP per capita in 2008 amounted to 4200 USD, or 1800 USD less than the CIA report.
“Macroeconomic growth has averaged around 5% over the last five years and inflation is low and stable,” cites CIA in its World Fact Book. “The government has taken measures to curb violent crime, and recently adopted a fiscal reform package aimed at reducing the large gray economy and attracting foreign investment. The economy is bolstered by annual remittances from abroad representing about 15% of GDPŢ
Overall the CIA reports notes a positive progress of Albania’s economy, but emphasizes the need for further improvement in infrastructure to boost sectors such as transports, energy, telecommunications, and tourism.
CIA World Fact Book – Albania
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$21.82 billion (2008 est.)
$20.57 billion (2007)
$19.4 billion (2006)
note: Albania has a large gray economy that may be as large as 50% of official GDP
GDP – real growth rate:
6.1% (2008 est.)
GDP – per capita (PPP):
$6,000 (2008 est.)
