This publication based on thematic research presents an important moment in the strengthening of the social statistics in INSTAT through the three-year programme Developing Demographic and Social Statistics in Albania (DESSA). It contains a collection of articles pertaining to most topical issues of social and demographic change in Albania today. Thus, it represents a significant instrument for policy makers and other stakeholders alike: it provides essential information for monitoring the national policies and strategies related to the developments in demography, education and health.
Different statistical sources, administrative and survey ones, such as Living Standard Measurement Survey (LSMS 2005, LSMS 2008) and Demographic and Health Survey (ADHS 2008/09) were used as the main data sources for analyzing phenomena during the last decade. The information collected also pertained to issues related to demographic information system, the description of education trends through main standard education indicators, health needs and characteristics of access to health care, regional dynamics and territorial classification in Albania.