Although & Though

1 conjunctions

Both these words can be used as conjunctions, with the same meaning. In informal speech, though is more common.

(Al)though the government refuses to admit it, its economic policy is in ruins.

(Although I don't agree with him, I think he's honest.

I'd quite like to go out, (al)though it is a bit late. We use even though to emphasise a contrast. (Even although is not possible.)

Even though I didn 't understand a word, I kept smiling.

2 though used as an adverb

We can use though as an adverb, to mean 'however'. 'Nice day.' 'Yes. Bit cold, though.'
The strongest argument, though, is economic and not political.