Prishtina, 19 December 2024
Today, the first final results from the Census of Population, Households, and Housing in Kosovo were presented at an event organized by the Kosovo Agency of Statistics. The event was attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, along with the Deputy Prime Minister for Minority Affairs and Human Rights, Emilija Rexhepi.
The first final data include the population count by gender at the municipal level, incorporating the latest demographic trends, and an additional 25 thematic reports will be published during 2025.
According to the data presented today, the total resident population in Kosovo is 1,602,515, of which 50.2% are male and 49.8% are female. The average age of the population is 34.8 years. The ethnic composition of the population based on the 2024 Census is as follows: 90.79% Albanian, 3.31% Serb, 1.69% Bosniak, 1.21% Turkish, 1.01% Ashkali, 0.66% Egyptian, 0.57% Gorani, 0.54% Roma, 0.14% Others.
The Census of Population, Households, and Housing project (ReKos2024) was conducted from 5 April to 24 May 2024. Prime Minister Kurti described the publication of accurate, comprehensive, and efficiently collected statistics within an entirely record-breaking timeframe as a highly significant achievement, fully realized in digital format.
“The publication within an entirely record-breaking timeframe, when it comes to censuses, constitutes an additional component, as quality statistics take time, and timely statistics are of immense value,” said the Prime Minister in his speech.
He added that this data provides the foundation for drafting and developing policies that address the real needs of the citizens of the Republic. Thus, the census not only offers tools for making much more accurate projections about population growth, migration, and challenges related to demographic changes, but, according to the Prime Minister, also helps us plan accurately in critical areas such as healthcare, education, transportation and infrastructure.
“With this data, we can formulate sustainable strategies for economic and social development, ensuring that our investments are efficient and yield long-term benefits.”
Furthermore, on the international stage, this census, which adheres to Eurostat and United Nations standards, strengthens our position as a reliable partner in regional and global cooperation by enabling comparisons and harmonization of our data with that of other countries.
“Census data are more than just numbers; they go beyond figures, as they reflect our reality while simultaneously serving as a compass that guides us toward the future based on evidence and facts,” concluded Prime Minister Kurti, expressing gratitude to the Kosovo Agency of Statistics, the staff directly involved, other central and local institutions, international organizations, and the citizens.
Full Speech of Prime Minister Kurti:
Dear Ms. Emilija Rexhepi, Deputy Prime Minister for Minority Affairs and Human Rights,
Honorable Mr. Fikrim Damka, Minister of Regional Development,
Honorable Deputy Ministers Shemsi Syla and Arsim Ademi,
Honorable Mr. Avni Kastrati, Acting Chief Executive of the Kosova Agency of Statistics,
Honorable representatives of foreign diplomatic missions in our country,
Honored attendees,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today is an important day for Kosovo, as the first final results from the Census of Population, Households and Housing in Kosovo, conducted over seven weeks from 5 April to 24 May 2024, are being presented. The publication within an entirely record-breaking timeframe, when it comes to censuses, constitutes an additional component, as quality statistics take time, and timely statistics hold immense value.
The last census was conducted in 2011 – long enough ago to become part of historical memory. But now, thanks to advanced standards and technology, we have an accurate reflection of our reality and a new foundation on which to build and develop our shared future.
The census of the population is more than just the collection of statistics. It is a clear mirror of our reality – who we are, where we are, how many we are, how we are, and how we can move forward. Census data are essential for all aspects of national planning and development. They enable us to understand demographic dynamics, economic and social conditions, as well as the challenges we face.
The data help us plan accurately in critical areas such as healthcare, education, transportation, and infrastructure. They represent the foundation for drafting and developing policies that address the real needs of the citizens of the Republic.
With this data, we can formulate sustainable strategies for economic and social development, ensuring that our investments are efficient and bring long-term benefits.
The census provides us with the tools to make much more accurate projections about population growth, migration, and challenges related to demographic changes. These projections are essential for taking preventive measures and minimizing risks.
This census, which adheres to Eurostat and United Nations standards, strengthens our position on the international stage. Our data can now be compared and harmonized with that of other countries, enabling us to present ourselves as a reliable partner in regional and global cooperation.
This process, fully realized in digital format, marks significant progress for Kosovo. Through technology, we have ensured that the data are accurate, comprehensive, and collected with speed and efficiency. Technology has helped minimize errors and create a reliable foundation for all decision-making processes.
On this occasion, I want to express my sincere gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the Kosovo Agency of Statistics, the directly engaged staff, other central and local institutions, international organizations, and our citizens across the country, whose participation made the successful realization of this process possible. Your commitment reflects our collective dedication to truth and transparency, development, and progress.
Census data are more than just numbers; they go beyond figures, as they reflect our reality and serve as a compass that guides us toward the future, based on evidence and facts. I invite everyone to utilize this data to build a fair, developed and prosperous Kosovo.
Thank you.
Last modified: December 24, 2024