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 Albanians (Shqiptare in Albanian, Албанци/Albanci in Macedonian)
are the largest ethnic minority in the Republic of Macedonia.
The largest Albanian communities live in the regions of Tetovo (Tetova),
Skopje (Shkupi), Gostivar (Gostivari), Debar (Dibra), Kicevo (Kerçova),
Struga and Kumanovo (Kumanova).
Population
Albanian population has grown constantly since 1953. According
to the official census data (held on every 10 years), they
comprised 13% of the total population in 1961, 17% in 1971,
19.7% in 1981 and 21% in 1991.[1] Ethnologue in 2002 estimated
some 600 000 people speaking Albanian language in Macedonia. [1]
In the decade since Macedonia won independence from Yugoslavia,
Albanians claimed to account for 30 (or even 40)% of the people
and demanded an appropriate share of power, on the other side
Macedonians said Albanians were barely 20 percent.[2]. However,
the widely accepted number of Albanians in the Republic of
Macedonia is according to the internationally monitored [3] 2002
census. The census data estimated that Albanians comprise 25.2%
of the total population. Parliamentary election results
typically shows 20% votes for Albanian parties. As of now, there
is no Albanian politician that is member of non-Albanian
political party, although it should be noted that many Albanians
are below the requisite age to vote, and many may choose not to
vote. According to UNPO, the actual Albanian population in the
Republic of Macedonia constitutes 30-35% of the population [4].
Municipalities with an Albanian majority
Municipalities of the Republic of Macedonia with Albanian ethnic
majority (according to the 2002 census data):
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Čair municipality
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Aračinovo municipality
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Bogovinje municipality
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Brvenica municipality
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Vrapčište municipality
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Gazi Baba municipality
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Gostivar municipality
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Debar municipality
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Želino municipality
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Zajas municipality
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Lipkovo municipality
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Oslomej municipality
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Saraj municipality
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Struga municipality
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Studeničani municipality
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Tearce municipality
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Tetovo municipality
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