In contrast to its neighbouring Balkan countries and to many other European countries, the population of Albania is rather homogenous.

Albania's ethnicity is very uniform to where almost 98% of the population is Albanian (Indo-Germanic). Ca. 70% are Muslims (the majority being Sunnites), ca. 30% are Christian (of which 20% are Christian-orthodox and 10% Catholics). The population comprises ca. 3.4 million people and ca. 1.8 million Albanians who live abroad (particularly in Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Greece). Approximately 500,000 people are supposed to have left Albania between 1987 and 1992. The largest minority is of Greek origin.

The most commonly used language is Albanian, which is one of the Balkan languages. Here the Tuscan of the south is predominant. Albanian language differs from other Balkan languages due to its high percentage of expressions based on other languages (such as the Greek, Turkish and Slavic languages). The Latin writing system has been utilised ever since 1908.

Circa 42% of the total population of Albania lives in larger cities. The capital Tirana is the home of about 260,000 people. The city centre around the Etehem-Beg-Mosque, which dates back to the 18th century, is still dominated by Turkish influences. Tirana was also further established by Zogu I (1928-1939). The government district was erected in Italian-style architecture.

Extensive industrial and residential areas were built in the suburbs under communist rule. The University of Tirana that was founded in 1957 is the intellectual centre of the country. Also located in the vicinity of Tirana is the only international airport of the country (in Rinas).

Durres (ca. 85,000 inhabitants) is the major port and the second largest city in Albania. It is a rich resource for those who are interested in history due to its historical buildings that date back to Greek, Roman and Byzantine times.

The ancient government capital Shkoder (ca. 82,000 inhabitants) is located in Northern Albania on the southern shores of the homonymous lake. It used to be the residence of the pasha families between 1760 and 1831. Prior to that it served as the residence for the Illyrian King Gentius. In Roman times, Shkoder used to be the administrative centre of the Province Praevalitana.

Other large cities are Elbasan (ca. 83,000 inhabitants), Vlore (ca. 74,000 inhabitants), Fier (ca. 58,000 inhabitants) and Berat (ca. 44,000 inhabitants).