Tiranë is Albania's largest and capital city and the heart of the country's cultural, economic and governmental activity. Major port cities in the country are Durrës and Vlorë which was Albania's first Capital. Elbasan and Shkoder are among the oldest cities in Albania, and they play vital roles as cultural centers of the country. According to the 2011 Census, Albania had a population of about 2,831,741. Around 858,262 people live in Tiranë, Albania’s Capital. Other cities have populations below 500,000 making Tiranë, the most populous city of Albania. Even though most cities in Albania played a significant role in the spread of Christianity, the Ottoman Empire had a lasting impact in the country. Today 58.79% are Muslims majorly Sunni Muslims. 16.99% are Christians with Catholics dominating. In all the cities, three ethnic groups are officially recognized; Greeks, Montenegrins, and Macedonians. Also, Aromanians and Romani are the official minorities.
The 5 Biggest Cities In Albania
Tiranë
Tiranë, the capital city of Albania, lies on the western side of Albania surrounded by hills. The Dajiti Mountain lies to the east. There is a small valley which overlooks the Adriatic Sea. Two rivers, Tiranë and Lane, flow through the city. Tiranë is also the 7th largest city in Balkan Peninsula with a population of 858,262. The city is home to many local universities, academic institutions, and commercial companies. Tiranë is the heart of Albania and it is the economic, cultural, political, and social center of the country. All national institutions are located in Tiranë most notably the parliament, government house, ministries, presidential palace, and constitutional courts. The city experiences a humid subtropical climate. Major problems facing Tiranë are overpopulation which often leads to improper waste management and air and noise pollution.
Durrës
Durrës lies about 33 kilometers from Tiranë at the coast region of Albania. The city is one of the oldest and economic backbone regions of Albania. Durrës lies at an opening to the Adriatic Seas opposite the ports of Bari and Brindisi in Italy. Durrës port handles over 3.4 million tons of cargo annually, making it the 10th largest cargo port along the Adriatic Sea. It provides a link to Western Europe and also plays a vital role as a dockyard, shipyard, and has many manufacturing industries producing plastic, leather, and tobacco products. On the southern coastal lies Golem, a tourist hub. More than 800,000 visitors visit Durrës annually as tourists. The metropolitan area has a total population of approximately 201,519 with a majority of them living in the city. Durrës experiences a Mediterranean climate. Even though the city has put in place new water sanitation system to prevent sea water pollution, the issue remains a concern, particularly in the southern stretch.
Vlorë
Vlorë is the second largest port in Albania after Durrës. The city was founded in the sixth century BC by ancient Greeks who named it Aulon. During the Roman Empire reign, the city was part of Epirus Nova, a vital port to the sustainability of the empire. On November 28, 1912, Ismail Qemali declared Albania independent on Vlorë’s soil. It then became the country’s first capital but in 1914 Italians invaded it and remained there until 1920 when Albanian rebellion drove out the Italian forces from Albania. In 1939, Italian forces invaded again until Italians surrendered in 1943 to its allies. The Nazis then occupied it until the communist liberated it in 1944. Vlore experiences a Mediterranean climate where summers are hot dry and cold, wet winters. Vlore is an important seaport and commercial center as well.
Elbasan
Elbasan city in central Albania is located along the Shkumbin River. Elbasan has a total population of about 26,703 making it one of the biggest cities in the country. Elbasan history dates back to the 5th century as it played a critical role in the spread if Christianity. It had basilicas and a bishop cathedral. The city has an excellent religion tolerance with Muslims, Christians, and pagans co- existing harmoniously. The summer day festivities carried by pagans celebrating the coming of summer as winter ends is held in Elbasan. Elbasan economy thrives on tobacco products and alcoholic beverages. Sights in the city include the two ancient walls stills standing, cobblestone streets, old houses, and the clock tower.
Shkodër
Shkodër is one of the most ancient places in Albania serving as an important economic and cultural center. Shkoder has a population of about 102,075 people living in 872.71 km2 area. The city strategic location near the Adriatic Sea and Italian ports made it an important region in many different epochs. It once served as the capital of an old Illyrian tribe called Labiates. The Lake of Skadar lies to the west and connects Albania to Montenegro. The city lies between two rivers, Drini and Buna on the eastern shores of Lake Shkoder. The Buna River joins Shkoder to the Adriatic Sea while the Drin River links the city of the Ohrid Lake. Shkoder experiences a Mediterranean climate. Main economic activities in the city are tobacco processing, manufacture of cigarettes, textile industries including the production of garments and silk products, production of conserved foods and alcoholic beverages.
The Economy Of Albania
The Economy of Albania is much diversified. The country experiences a significant number of tourists each year making tourism one of the biggest contributors to the economy. Almost all cities have tourism as a primary economic activity. Albanian cities have established manufacturing industries. Most cities thrive on Tobacco products, cigarette manufacturing, production of preserved foods and alcoholic beverages. Also, these towns have agricultural areas surrounding them, which make agriculture a significant economic activity to the Albanians.
Which Are The Biggest Cities In Albania?
Rank City / Town Population
1 Tiranë 858,262
2 Durrës 201,519
3 Vlorë 141,513
4 Elbasan 126,703
5 Shkodër 102,075
6 Kamëz 66,841
7 Fier 55,845
8 Korçë 51,152
9 Berat 32,606
10 Lushnjë 31,105
11 Pogradec 20,848
12 Kavajë 20,192
13 Gjirokastër 19,836
14 Fushë-Krujë 18,477
15 Sarandë 17,233
16 Laç 17,086
17 Kukës 16,719
18 Sukth 15,966
19 Patos 15,937
20 Lezhë 15,510
21 Mamurras 15,284
22 Peshkopi 13,251
23 Kuçovë 12,654
24 Krujë 11,721
25 Vorë 10,901
26 Burrel 10,862
27 Rrëshen 8,803
28 Milot 8,461
29 Divjakë 8,445
30 Gramsh 8,440
31 Bulqizë 8,177
32 Vau i Dejës 8,117
33 Shëngjin 8,091
34 Klos 7,873
35 Ballsh 7,657
36 Shijak 7,568
37 Ura Vajgurore 7,232
38 Rrogozhinë 7,049
39 Librazhd 6,937
40 Cërrik 6,695
41 Manëz 6,652
42 Peqin 6,353
43 Bilisht 6,250
44 Krumë 6,006
45 Përmet 5,945
46 Prrenjas 5,847
47 Delvinë 5,754
48 Orikum 5,503
49 Bajram Curri 5,340
50 Roskovec 4,975
51 Rubik 4,454
52 Tepelenë 4,342
53 Poliçan 4,318
54 Maliq 4,290
55 Çorovodë 4,051
56 Ersekë 3,746
57 Koplik 3,734
58 Pukë 3,607
59 Himarë 2,822
60 Këlcyrë 2,651
61 Memaliaj 2,647
62 Fushë-Arrëz 2,513
63 Bajzë 2,346
64 Krrabë 2,343
65 Selenicë 2,235
66 Konispol 2,123
67 Libohovë 1,992
68 Reps 1,899
69 Fierzë 1,607
70 Krastë 1,540
71 Leskovik 1,525
72 Finiq 1,333
73 Ulëz 1,229
74 Kurbnesh 489
By Oishimaya Sent Nag
•culled from www.worldatlas.com
No comments:
Post a Comment