Albania’s population is younger than that of other European countries. A third of its 3.1 million inhabitants is under the age of 15, and 40% is younger than 18. Due to extensive poverty in Albania, the health care system remains in a poor condition with high prevalence of infectious and chronic diseases. However, although there is a high infant and maternal mortality, the average life expectancy is relative high with 69 years for men and 73 years for women.