Tirana - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
This is still a conservative society in terms of gender roles. - Aug 2016
All the religions get along very well here. There are no issues. - Aug 2015
Other than non-violent intolerance of homosexuals, Albanians are incredibly accepting of diversity. This is a secular country where religion is a personal choice. There are not very many people of color living in this country. - Aug 2014
Not serious ones. Individuals with darker skin (of Indian or Pakistani descent, for example) may be mistaken for Roma, but it isn't serious enough to impact your stay here. African Americans may be stared at somewhat, simply because there are almost none here. Non-white (i.e., African, Asian, Hispanic) expats may get an occasional comment, but for the most part Albanians are very tolerant people. Religion is a non-issue and the Albanians are very tolerant of all religious communities. Gender prejudice can be an issue, but mostly in the home. Women will notice some differences in the way they are treated in comparison with their male colleagues on occasion, but for the most part it is fairly mild, and people get over it quickly once they get to know you. - May 2013
It is a pretty homogenous, patriarchal, country, so if you aren't white, you stick out, and if you aren't male, they may think you somewhat incompetent. But I haven't heard of much racial prejudice, nor have I experienced overt gender prejudice. People seem to be pretty accepting of religion, maybe because there hadn't been religion during the communist era. - Dec 2012
I'm not sure about racial prejudices. If you look different, you will get some looks, only because there aren't many other nationalities here. Albania is mostly Muslim, and there are some Christians. Because Albania was under communism for so long, most people are not very religious. People here seem very religiously tolerant. This is still a very male dominated society, and women in general are not treated equally. - Oct 2011
Read the HRR from State. - Mar 2008
