Albanian migration and its effects in comparative perspective

Albanian migration can be said to represent a unique profile not matched by any other country in the world. By assessing its scale, effects and wider implications, this paper takes stock of twenty years of mass migration which have profoundly changed the country and its citizens. Statistics are set in a regional and global comparative perspective, and the chronology and evolution of this phenomenon is outlined in detail. This is done by focusing on the way that the migration process has consolidated, changed and 'matured' over the past two decades. Particular attention is paid to remittances as the driving-force of migration's developmental impact on the country's economy. Policy implications are hereby outlined. The paper finally introduces the four articles of this special issue on the theme of Twenty Years of Albanian Migration, by summarizing their key findings and conclusions.