mirëqenia

Mirëqenia is an Albanian term that denotes the overall condition of well-being and prosperity of individuals or society. It encompasses material living standards as well as non-material aspects such as health, security, education, and personal development.

In policy and public discourse in Albania, Kosovo, and other Albanian‑speaking communities, mirëqenia is used to describe the target of governance: the level and trajectory of people’s quality of life and the capacity of communities to flourish.

Conceptually, mirëqenia has multiple dimensions. Economic welfare includes income, employment, and access to goods and services. Social welfare covers health care, education, housing, and social protection. Broader considerations include environmental sustainability, safety, political participation, and social cohesion.

Measurement is multifaceted. GDP per capita remains a common but imperfect proxy for material welfare, while composite indices such as the Human Development Index and the Multidimensional Poverty Index provide broader readings of well-being. Welfare analysis also considers equity, distribution, and the health of institutions.

Globally, the idea of mirëqenia aligns with concepts of well-being and prosperity in development policy, emphasizing not only economic performance but also the quality of life, sustainability, and inclusive growth.