Social trust — the belief that “most people can be trusted” — is widely considered one of the foundations of a healthy, functioning society. High-trust communities tend to have stronger institutions, better cooperation among citizens, and more sustainable economic development. Conversely, low-trust societies often struggle with corruption, weak rule of law, and persistent instability.
For Albanians, the latest data from the Integrated Values Surveys (IVS) published in 2024 offer an uncomfortable yet crucial insight: Albania ranks dead last among 90 countries in social trust.
This ranking, based on data collected during 2022, places Albania at a dramatic distance from global leaders, especially the Nordic countries, which continue to dominate the top of the list.
Nordic Countries Lead the World in Trust
According to the survey, the countries with the highest levels of interpersonal trust are overwhelmingly Nordic — a trend that has remained consistent for decades.
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Denmark leads with 74% of adults agreeing that “most people can be trusted.”
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Norway follows at 72%.
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Finland comes third with 68%.
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Sweden and Iceland complete the top group.
These societies enjoy strong public institutions, low corruption, transparent governance, and robust social welfare systems — conditions that help reinforce a culture of trust from one generation to the next.
Notably, China is the only non-Western country in the top 10, ranking fourth with 63%. Its presence highlights how cultural cohesiveness, long-term governance stability, and rapid economic transformation can contribute to high levels of social trust even outside the Western model.
Albania at the Bottom: Only 3% of Albanians Trust Others
At the opposite extreme sits Albania, ranked 90th out of 90 countries, with only 3% of the population stating that most people can be trusted.
This figure is not just low — it is the lowest in the world among the surveyed nations.
Such an alarming position prompts serious questions:
Why do Albanians distrust each other more than any other surveyed population?
What historic, political, economic, and cultural conditions have shaped this extreme skepticism?
Why Social Trust Is So Low in Albania
Experts point to a combination of longstanding structural and social factors:
1. Weak Historical Institutions
Decades of authoritarian rule, followed by turbulent political transitions, have prevented the formation of stable, reliable public institutions. Trust in institutions tends to correlate with trust in people — when citizens experience weak governance, they internalize skepticism.
2. Deep Political Polarization
Albanian society remains heavily polarized along party lines. Political crises, contested elections, and constant confrontational rhetoric weaken social cohesion and reduce the willingness of individuals to trust those outside their political circle.
3. High Informality and Corruption
A large informal economy and persistent corruption undermine predictability and fairness. When rules appear arbitrary or selectively applied, people rely on their private networks rather than the wider community.
4. Economic Insecurity and Mass Emigration
Widespread economic uncertainty and the ongoing exodus of young Albanians generate a sense of fragility and social fragmentation. Emigration often breaks local community bonds, reducing opportunities for trust-building.
5. Cultural Legacy of Suspicion
Even after 30+ years of transition, many Albanians remain influenced by the social habits formed during the communist era — secrecy, caution, reliance on family only, and suspicion toward outsiders.
Why Low Trust Hurts Albania’s Development
Low social trust is not just a psychological or cultural issue — it has real economic and political consequences:
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Reduced cooperation among citizens.
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Slower economic development due to weak business environments.
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Strained public institutions that struggle to earn legitimacy.
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Lower civic engagement, voting, and participation in community life.
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Greater vulnerability to corruption, political manipulation, and social division.
In contrast, Nordic countries leverage high trust to support innovation, strong welfare systems, efficient governance, and high living standards.
For Albania, rebuilding trust is essential for long-term stability and prosperity.
Top 10 Countries with the Highest Social Trust (IVS 2024)
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Denmark – 74%
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Norway – 72%
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Finland – 68%
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China – 63%
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Sweden – 63%
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Iceland – 62%
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Switzerland – 59%
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Netherlands – 57%
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New Zealand – 57%
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Austria – 50%
A Long Road Ahead for Albania
While Albania's ranking may be discouraging, it also illuminates a clear path forward. Strengthening institutions, reducing corruption, promoting transparency, and investing in civic education can all help reverse the trend. Trust cannot be rebuilt overnight — it is a long, gradual process — but it is essential for Albania’s future.
A society with only 3% trust is a society struggling to function.
Rebuilding that trust is not only possible — it is necessary.