Counties of Albania
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| Counties of Albania | |
|---|---|
| Name | Albania |
| Type | Counties |
| Code | AL-12 |
| Number | 12 |
Counties of Albania The counties of Albania, also known as Qark in Albanian, are the second-level administrative divisions of the country. Albania is divided into 12 counties, which are further subdivided into 36 districts and 585 communes or municipalities. The counties are: Berat County, Dibër County, Elbasan County, Fier County, Gjirokastër County, Gramsh County, Korçë County, Kukës County, Lezhë County, Pologë County, Shkodër County, and Tirana County. These counties play a crucial role in the country's administration and governance, with each county having its own government and administrative center. The counties are headed by a Prefect appointed by the Government of Albania.
Introduction
The counties of Albania have undergone significant changes over the years, with the current system being established in 1997. Prior to this, the country was divided into 26 districts, which were later reorganized into the current 12 counties. The counties are responsible for a range of administrative tasks, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. They also play a key role in the country's European integration process, with many counties being part of various European Union programs and initiatives.
History
The history of the counties of Albania dates back to the Ottoman Empire period, when the country was divided into various administrative units. After Albania gained independence in 1912, the country was divided into 24 districts, which were later reorganized into 12 counties in 1939. The current system of counties was established in 1997, as part of a broader administrative reform aimed at decentralizing power and improving governance. The reform was supported by various international organizations, including the World Bank and the European Union.
List of Counties
The following is a list of the 12 counties of Albania, along with their administrative centers: * Berat County - Berat * Dibër County - Peshkopi * Elbasan County - Elbasan * Fier County - Fier * Gjirokastër County - Gjirokastër * Gramsh County - Gramsh * Korçë County - Korçë * Kukës County - Kukës * Lezhë County - Lezhë * Pologë County - Shkodër * Shkodër County - Shkodër * Tirana County - Tirana
Administrative Division
The counties of Albania are further subdivided into 36 districts and 585 communes or municipalities. The districts are: * Berat District * Dibër District * Elbasan District * Fier District * Gjirokastër District * Gramsh District * Korçë District * Kukës District * Lezhë District * Pologë District * Shkodër District * Tirana District
Demographics
The counties of Albania have a diverse population, with a range of ethnic and linguistic groups. The population of Albania is approximately 2.8 million people, with the majority being Albanians. Other ethnic groups include Greeks, Aromanians, and Roma. The counties with the largest population are Tirana County, Fier County, and Shkodër County.
Economy and Infrastructure
The economy of the counties of Albania varies significantly, with some counties being more developed than others. Tirana County is the economic hub of the country, with a strong service sector and a range of industries. Other counties, such as Fier County and Vlorë County, have a strong agricultural sector, while Kukës County and Dibër County have a more industrial economy. The infrastructure in the counties is also varied, with some counties having well-developed transportation networks, while others have more limited access to services.