A map published on abandoned areas from 2011 to 2023, within the framework of territorial reform proposals based on INSTAT data, shows that the phenomenon of abandonment is widespread almost throughout the country, but it appears more pronounced in mountainous, remote and low-population density areas. According to the map below, the area classified as abandoned reaches about 13% of the territory, or approximately 1,519 square kilometers.
It is noted that the largest concentration of abandoned areas is in the north and northeast of the country, in municipalities such as Tropoja, Kukës, Dibër, Mat, Mirditë, Fushë-Arrëz, Pukë and Malësi e Madhe. In these areas, the red spots indicating abandonment are denser and more widely distributed, suggesting the withdrawal of the population from villages and peripheral settlements.
The phenomenon is also visible in the central-eastern belt of the country, including areas of Librazhd, Elbasan, Gramsh, Përrenjas and Skrapar, as well as in some parts of Berat and Korça. Even in the south, the map shows a significant presence of abandoned areas in municipalities such as Përmeti, Tepelena, Kolonja, Memaliaj, Gjirokastra and other inland areas.
On the other hand, the western corridor and larger urban centers appear to be less affected by abandonment. Areas with higher population densities, such as Tirana, Durrës, Fier and parts of the coast, show stronger population concentrations and relatively fewer abandoned areas in their core, although in the suburbs and in more remote units, hotbeds of abandonment still appear.
The map confirms a continuous population shift from rural, mountainous and less accessible areas towards urban centers and the western lowlands.
The abandonment of about 13% of the country's territory is the result of a series of economic and demographic factors. The main cause is related to the economic contraction of villages and mountainous areas, where the lack of employment opportunities and difficulties in securing income make daily living impossible for residents.
This situation is significantly aggravated by the lack of essential public services, such as depreciated road infrastructure, lack of public transportation, as well as difficulties in accessing healthcare and quality education in remote areas.
High emigration and the massive departure of the population, especially of the younger generation, to urban centers within the country or abroad have left entire areas empty. The aging of the population in these regions has accelerated demographic decline, leading to the natural extinction of settlements.
This trend has created territorial polarization, where the concentration of investment, development and economic opportunities in the western corridor and large urban centers has attracted the population, leaving villages and peripheral areas in deep oblivion./ Monitor
