Albanian Community in Birmingham

Where they come from

Albania lies on the Adriatic and Ionian coasts of the Balkans, and Kosovo, where most people are ethnic Albanians, lies to its north-east. Albanian is a unique branch of the Indo-European languages. Many Kosovan Albanians came to Britain during the conflict of 1999, and others have arrived for work and study since.

The community in numbers

At the 2021 Census, out of a city population of 1,144,919, 1,049 Birmingham residents described their ethnic group as Albanian; 977 residents gave Albanian as their main language; and 117 Birmingham residents described their ethnic group as Kosovan. Main language figures leave out the many bilingual residents who use English day to day, so the number who speak the language at home is higher still.

Working for Birmingham

Albanian residents work in construction, hospitality, retail and business, and many have started their own companies. A growing number of young Albanians are studying at Birmingham's colleges and universities and moving into professions such as law, medicine, accountancy and engineering.

Birmingham is one of the youngest and most diverse cities in Europe, and its progress has always depended on people who chose to make it home. Its hospitals, schools and universities, its building sites, workshops, warehouses and kitchens all rely on skills brought from around the world. The Albanian community adds its own share to that effort, and takes pride in giving back to the city that welcomed it.

Culture and community life

Besa, the promise to keep one's word and protect a guest, is a cornerstone of Albanian culture. Albanian iso-polyphony, a form of folk singing, is recognised by UNESCO, and byrek, a filled pastry, and tave kosi, baked lamb with yoghurt, are family favourites.

Birmingham's strength lies in its variety, and the Albanian community is a welcome part of it. As the city continues to grow and change, that contribution will remain part of the story of a place that has always looked forward.