One of the most distinctive features of the transition in Albania has been the extent of
emigration flows. The reasons for these flows are not difficult to understand. Albania entered
the transition process as the poorest country in Europe, and the early years of transition
were marked by a deep recession and severe social and political disorder. In addition, the
country shares a long, porous border with a relatively prosperous neighbour, Greece.
Another wealthy country, Italy, is just across the Adriatric sea. Survey data from the early …