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Facts on Albania
-Population: 3.5 million
-Major religion: Islam 
-Average annual income: US $1,100
-Almost 90% of the poor live in rural areas

Deepening Poverty
Albania is one of Europe's poorest countries and suffers from massive unemployment, especially in the North. The country's infrastructure and services are weak and deteriorating. Many families lack access to basic services such as water, sanitation, health, and education.
Adding to the fragile situation, nearly 500,000 Kosovar refugees fled into Albania in the aftermath of ethnic unrest and upheaval. Also, floods in the north of the country have destroyed thousands of homes, causing further devastation and hardship.

Islamic Relief in Albania
Islamic Relief was one of the first NGOs to deliver aid to the Albanian people, with a large delivery of food and clothes within months of the collapse of the communist regime. Subsequently, Islamic Relief has remained a constant, dependable presence in the country and now has field offices in Shkodre (Northern Albania), and Pogradec (Eastern Albania). Islamic Relief’s 'Food for Work' programs alone will benefit 750,000 people. In addition, Islamic Relief's work includes emergency flood relief, orphan sponsorship, widow's welfare and vocational training.

Example’s of Islamic Relief’s Work
The village of Zogaj in Shkodra, North Albania, is one of those to benefit from Islamic Relief's water program. The local villagers worked on the small-scale rehabilitation of the village water distribution systems - pipelines and other hydraulic equipment.

The project has been a shining example of participation and co-operation. The community has provided the necessary labor for the operation; the water board has provided the technical assistance, while Islamic Relief has provided the essential materials for the implementation of the project.

This simple, but life-changing project has ensured that two thousand people in a remote village in Albania have access to clean water once again.

Partnership with the World Food Program (WFP)
IR is continuing its partnership with the World Food Program (WFP) in Albania. Islamic Relief has been implementing the World Food Program’s "Food for Work" activities throughout Shkodre and Kukes Prefectures as well as in Peshkopi Prefecture.

Islamic Relief warehouses in Shkodre city and Kukes city serve their local populations as well as serve as bases from which to make deliveries and distribute food in isolated mountain villages.