Albania; Census 2011, included ethnic and religious affiliation

The Albanian Government promises once again, census religion and nationality, but the Greek community is pessimistic about this transparency, because they do not believe to the Albanian institutions, which constantly have manipulated census

Photo: A road sign at Narta Municipality in northern Vlora City

TIRANA-For the first time, the Albanian census will include ethnic and religious. The news has given State Minister Genc Pollo, who has declared that General population census will take place in 2011.

Pollo has stated that "population and housing census is an important activity that the government will take in 2011, that serves everyone and gives overview of social and economic developments in the country".

According to him, after this process will become a more just policy in the distribution of money and using them effectively. "The New questionnaire is contained ethnic and religious affiliation. Registration will be conducted in a professional manner, conducted by INSTAT and the support of experts from the EU and internationally" - he said, adding that registration will cost more, but is important as a basis to bring important data.

However, only a year ago, INSTAT made census population of Albania, claiming 4.2 million inhabitants, while for the Greek community it said that constitute 1% of the total population, or 4.2 thousand inhabitants. While according to "Omonia" Organization, 2/3 of total population in Southern Albania, have Greek old origin.

Anyway, the Albanian Government promises again, census religion and nationality, but the Greek community is pessimistic about this transparency, because they do not believe to the Albanian institutions, which constantly have manipulated historically, the census.