Albania population report shows high territorial vacancy

A new report on Administrative-Territorial Reform 2.0, based on the 2023 Census, reveals significant disparities in population distribution across Albania. The data, analyzed using a standard 1x1 km European territorial grid, shows that approximately 57% of the territory within Albanian municipalities is uninhabited.

The Korça County shows the highest level of uninhabited territory, with over 80% of its area lacking a resident population. Other regions with high percentages of uninhabited land include Gjirokastra (77.5%), Vlora (71.4%), and Kukës (70.7%). In contrast, Durrës shows the highest population concentration, with only 20.6% of its territory being uninhabited. Other areas include Fier (39.9%) and Tirana (43.7%).

The report highlights that while some municipalities have dense urban centers, they must manage vast areas with very few residents. This uneven distribution, particularly in mountainous and southeastern regions, is expected to increase the costs of infrastructure, transport, social services, and emergency administration.