Kukës County (Albanian pronunciation: [ku:kəs]; Albanian: Qarku i Kukësit) is a landlocked county in northeastern Albania, with the capital in Kukës. The county spans 2,374 square kilometres (917 sq mi) and had a total population of 74,388 people as of 2021.[1] The county borders on the counties of Dibër, Lezhë and Shkodër and the countries of Montenegro, Kosovo[a] and North Macedonia. It is divided into three municipalities: Has, Kukës and Tropojë.[2] The municipalities are further subdivided into 290 towns and villages in total.
The human presence in the lands of modern Kukës County can be traced back to the Bronze Ages, when ancient Illyrians, Dardanians and Romans established settlements in the region.[3] Several Illyrian tombs were discovered in the villages of Këneta and Kolsh close to Kukës.[4]
Kukës is predominantly mountainous and framed by mountain ranges including the Albanian Alps in the northwest which is typified by karst topography. The northeast is dominated by the mountains of Gjallica, Koritnik and Pashtrik, while the southeastern bound is mostly formed by the Korab and Sharr Mountains.[5] At 2,694 metres (8,839 ft), Maja Jezercë is the county's highest peak, and the second highest peak of Albania. Karst topography predominates in the county, resulting in specific landforms and hydrology because of the interaction of the karst and the region's watercourses. It is crossed and drained by the Drin river. The county is also home to the sources of rivers such as the Valbona which is part of Tropojë,originates south of Maja Jezercë and Gashi a notable tributary of Valbona.
Located in the north of Albania, the climate is alpine and continental.[6][7] Mean monthly temperature ranges between 11 °C (52 °F) (in January) and 25 °C (77 °F) (in July). Mean annual precipitation ranges between 900 millimetres (35 inches) and 3,000 millimetres (120 inches) depending on geographic region and prevailing climate type.
According to the last national census from 2011 this county has 85,292 inhabitants. They are mostly Muslim and a significant Catholic Christian minority are present. They speak the Gheg dialect.
Kukës is one of 12 counties of Albania, located in the north and northeast of the Northern Region. The county area is 2,374 km2 (917 sq mi) and the seventh largest county by area in Albania and the third largest in the Northern Region, behind Shkodër County and Dibër County. It is bordered by the counties of Shkodër County in the west, Dibër County in the south, Lezhë County in the southeast, the countries of Kosovo in the east and northeast and Montenegro in the north and northwest. Its northernmost point is Çerem point at 42° 29' 52" northern latitude; the southernmost is Kalis point at 41° 50' 0" northern latitude; the westernmost point is Rrogam at 19° 50' 24" eastern longitude; and the easternmost point is Shishtavec at 20° 36' 0" eastern longitude.
The terrain of the county consists of small plains and high mountains. Elevations here range between 250 m (0.16 mi) and 2,200 m (1.4 mi).[8] The Albanian Alps are a high mountain range running through Tropojë across the northwest of the county. The northeast contain high and steep peaks including Gjallica, Koritnik and Pashtrik. Between these mountains are mostly narrow valleys, canyons and ravines. From southeast, the county is crossed by the Sharr and Korab Mountains.
Hydrologically, the county lies almost entirely within the basin of the Drin and its tributaries. The river flows into the Adriatic Sea after crossing the county territory from the confluence of Black Drin and White Drin. On their way, its basin and zone of influence naturally correspond to the areas destined for agricultural use. Lake Fierza and Koman lies in the county and are fed and drained by rivers Black Drin and White Drin. Other notable rivers include Gashi and Valbona.
With an estimated total population of around 85,292 people as of the INSTAT census of 2011, Kukës is the second-to-last least populous county in Albania.[12] The population density is 36 inhabitants per square kilometre (93/sq mi). Compared to 2001, the county had approximately 112,000 people. It has lost almost a quarter of its population in the last ten years. Kukës has the highest total fertility rate of Albania with 2.29 children per woman (compared to the national number of 1.54 children per woman).
The county is inhabited mostly by Albanians (84,31%) and is ethnically a homogeneous county in Albania. Minority groups include Macedonians (0.85%), Greeks (0.01%), Aromanians (0.01%) and Egyptians (0.00%).[13]
According to the 2011 census, 83.81% of the Albanian population within the county identify as Muslims. Although Christianity is the second largest religion in Kukës. 2.72% identify themselves as Christians; of these, Roman Catholics make up the largest group, accounting for 2.62% of the population, after which follows Eastern Orthodoxy (0.03%), Evangelism (0.03%) and other Christianity (0.04%). 0.33% of the population describes themselves as non-religious.[13]
Religion in Kukës County (2011 census)
religion
percent
Muslim
83.81%
Prefer not to answer
8.19%
Catholic
2.62%
Not relevant/not stated
2.49%
Believers without denomination
2.46%
Atheist
0.33%
Other Christian
0.04%
Orthodox
0.03%
Evangelist or Protestant
0.03%
Economy
Kukës County is Albania's poorest region both historically and presently.[14] Since the 1990s many of its inhabitants have migrated to Tirana or abroad. Prior to the collapse, Kukës industry was rug making, agriculture and textiles. However, since the 1990s much of Kukës population have migrated abroad, leaving to a decline in the local economy and making Kukës among Albania's and Europe's poorest regions and least developed.[15] However, in 2021, Edi Rama opened up Albania's second international Airport in Kukës to revive the stagnant economy there. Nonetheless, Kukës remains three times poorer than the capital city of Tirana.
^ The political status of Kosovo is disputed. Having unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008, Kosovo is formally recognised as an independent state by 101 UN member states (with another 13 states recognising it at some point but then withdrawing their recognition) and 92 states not recognizing it, while Serbia continues to claim it as part of its own territory.
References
^ ab"Population on 1st January by prefecture and sex" (PDF). INSTAT. 7 May 2021. p. 6.
^"Law nr. 115/2014" (PDF) (in Albanian). p. 6373. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
^Bulletin of the Institute of Archaeology, vol. 30–31, University of London. Institute of Archaeology, 1991, pp. 11–14
^Boardman, Edwards, John ,I. E. S. (1982). The Cambridge Ancient History. Cambridge University Press. p. 235. ISBN9780521224963. Retrieved 10 January 2016.
^(PDF). kukesi.gov.al. p. 14. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-10-03. Retrieved 2017-10-02.
^(PDF). rasp.org.al (in Albanian). p. 14. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-10-14.
^"Zona Funksionale Tropojë" (PDF). km.dldp.al (in Albanian). p. 5.
^"Resurset kryesore te Qarkut te Kukesit". kqk.gov.al (in Albanian).
^European Green Belt. (PDF). europeangreenbelt.org (in Albanian). p. 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-10-18. Retrieved 2018-12-29.
^Euronatur. "BEECH FORESTS ALONG THE GREEN BELT ALBANIA" (PDF). euronatur.org. p. 2.
^(PDF). mjedisi.gov.al (in Albanian). p. 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-08-06. Retrieved 2018-12-29. PËRSHKRIMI I RRJETIT AKTUAL TË ZONAVE TË MBROJTURA
^INSTAT. (PDF). instat.gov.al (in Albanian). p. 20. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-04.
^ abINSTAT. (PDF). instat.gov.al (in Albanian). p. 39. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-04.
^News, Albanian (2021). "Poorest in Europe". {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: url-status (link)
kukës, county, also, counties, albania, albanian, pronunciation, kəs, albanian, qarku, kukësit, landlocked, county, northeastern, albania, with, capital, kukës, county, spans, square, kilometres, total, population, people, 2021, county, borders, counties, dibë. See also Counties of Albania Kukes County Albanian pronunciation ku kes Albanian Qarku i Kukesit is a landlocked county in northeastern Albania with the capital in Kukes The county spans 2 374 square kilometres 917 sq mi and had a total population of 74 388 people as of 2021 1 The county borders on the counties of Diber Lezhe and Shkoder and the countries of Montenegro Kosovo a and North Macedonia It is divided into three municipalities Has Kukes and Tropoje 2 The municipalities are further subdivided into 290 towns and villages in total Kukes County Qarku i Kukesit Albanian CountyValbone Valley National ParkFlagEmblemMap of Albania with Kukes County highlightedCoordinates 42 10 N 20 20 E 42 167 N 20 333 E 42 167 20 333 Coordinates 42 10 N 20 20 E 42 167 N 20 333 E 42 167 20 333Country AlbaniaSeatKukesSubdivisions3 municipalities Has Kukes TropojeGovernment Council chairmanAbdulla DomiArea Total2 374 km2 917 sq mi Rank7thPopulation 2021 1 Total74 388 Rank11th Density31 km2 81 sq mi Time zoneUTC 1 CET Summer DST UTC 2 CEST HDI 2018 0 749high 12thNUTS CodeAL013Websitewww wbr kqk wbr gov wbr alThe human presence in the lands of modern Kukes County can be traced back to the Bronze Ages when ancient Illyrians Dardanians and Romans established settlements in the region 3 Several Illyrian tombs were discovered in the villages of Keneta and Kolsh close to Kukes 4 Kukes is predominantly mountainous and framed by mountain ranges including the Albanian Alps in the northwest which is typified by karst topography The northeast is dominated by the mountains of Gjallica Koritnik and Pashtrik while the southeastern bound is mostly formed by the Korab and Sharr Mountains 5 At 2 694 metres 8 839 ft Maja Jezerce is the county s highest peak and the second highest peak of Albania Karst topography predominates in the county resulting in specific landforms and hydrology because of the interaction of the karst and the region s watercourses It is crossed and drained by the Drin river The county is also home to the sources of rivers such as the Valbona which is part of Tropoje originates south of Maja Jezerce and Gashi a notable tributary of Valbona Located in the north of Albania the climate is alpine and continental 6 7 Mean monthly temperature ranges between 11 C 52 F in January and 25 C 77 F in July Mean annual precipitation ranges between 900 millimetres 35 inches and 3 000 millimetres 120 inches depending on geographic region and prevailing climate type According to the last national census from 2011 this county has 85 292 inhabitants They are mostly Muslim and a significant Catholic Christian minority are present They speak the Gheg dialect Contents 1 Geography 2 Demographics 3 Economy 4 Gallery 5 See also 6 Notes 7 ReferencesGeography Edit The Valbona Valley during the autumn season The artificial Lake Koman Kukes is one of 12 counties of Albania located in the north and northeast of the Northern Region The county area is 2 374 km2 917 sq mi and the seventh largest county by area in Albania and the third largest in the Northern Region behind Shkoder County and Diber County It is bordered by the counties of Shkoder County in the west Diber County in the south Lezhe County in the southeast the countries of Kosovo in the east and northeast and Montenegro in the north and northwest Its northernmost point is Cerem point at 42 29 52 northern latitude the southernmost is Kalis point at 41 50 0 northern latitude the westernmost point is Rrogam at 19 50 24 eastern longitude and the easternmost point is Shishtavec at 20 36 0 eastern longitude The terrain of the county consists of small plains and high mountains Elevations here range between 250 m 0 16 mi and 2 200 m 1 4 mi 8 The Albanian Alps are a high mountain range running through Tropoje across the northwest of the county The northeast contain high and steep peaks including Gjallica Koritnik and Pashtrik Between these mountains are mostly narrow valleys canyons and ravines From southeast the county is crossed by the Sharr and Korab Mountains Hydrologically the county lies almost entirely within the basin of the Drin and its tributaries The river flows into the Adriatic Sea after crossing the county territory from the confluence of Black Drin and White Drin On their way its basin and zone of influence naturally correspond to the areas destined for agricultural use Lake Fierza and Koman lies in the county and are fed and drained by rivers Black Drin and White Drin Other notable rivers include Gashi and Valbona Phytogeographically the county falls within the Dinaric Mountains mixed forests and Balkan mixed forests terrestrial ecoregions of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest The Balkan mixed forests occupy the eastern portion of the county Inside the county there are a national parks a nature park and a nature reserve which include the Valbone Valley National Park Korab Koritnik Nature Park and the Gashi River Nature Reserve The northern and eastern bound of the county forms a part of the European Green Belt which serves as a retreat for endangered mammal and plant species 9 10 Furthermore the Gashi River was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Primeval beech forests of the Carpathians and other regions of Europe 11 Demographics Edit Kukes is the largest city in the county With an estimated total population of around 85 292 people as of the INSTAT census of 2011 Kukes is the second to last least populous county in Albania 12 The population density is 36 inhabitants per square kilometre 93 sq mi Compared to 2001 the county had approximately 112 000 people It has lost almost a quarter of its population in the last ten years Kukes has the highest total fertility rate of Albania with 2 29 children per woman compared to the national number of 1 54 children per woman The county is inhabited mostly by Albanians 84 31 and is ethnically a homogeneous county in Albania Minority groups include Macedonians 0 85 Greeks 0 01 Aromanians 0 01 and Egyptians 0 00 13 According to the 2011 census 83 81 of the Albanian population within the county identify as Muslims Although Christianity is the second largest religion in Kukes 2 72 identify themselves as Christians of these Roman Catholics make up the largest group accounting for 2 62 of the population after which follows Eastern Orthodoxy 0 03 Evangelism 0 03 and other Christianity 0 04 0 33 of the population describes themselves as non religious 13 Religion in Kukes County 2011 census religion percentMuslim 83 81 Prefer not to answer 8 19 Catholic 2 62 Not relevant not stated 2 49 Believers without denomination 2 46 Atheist 0 33 Other Christian 0 04 Orthodox 0 03 Evangelist or Protestant 0 03 Economy EditKukes County is Albania s poorest region both historically and presently 14 Since the 1990s many of its inhabitants have migrated to Tirana or abroad Prior to the collapse Kukes industry was rug making agriculture and textiles However since the 1990s much of Kukes population have migrated abroad leaving to a decline in the local economy and making Kukes among Albania s and Europe s poorest regions and least developed 15 However in 2021 Edi Rama opened up Albania s second international Airport in Kukes to revive the stagnant economy there Nonetheless Kukes remains three times poorer than the capital city of Tirana Gallery Edit Koritnik Valbona Pass Source of Gashi Pashtrik Valbone Valley ValbonaSee also Edit Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kukes County Geography of Albania Politics of Albania Divisions of AlbaniaNotes Edit The political status of Kosovo is disputed Having unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008 Kosovo is formally recognised as an independent state by 101 UN member states with another 13 states recognising it at some point but then withdrawing their recognition and 92 states not recognizing it while Serbia continues to claim it as part of its own territory References Edit a b Population on 1st January by prefecture and sex PDF INSTAT 7 May 2021 p 6 Law nr 115 2014 PDF in Albanian p 6373 Retrieved 25 February 2022 Bulletin of the Institute of Archaeology vol 30 31 University of London Institute of Archaeology 1991 pp 11 14 Boardman Edwards John I E S 1982 The Cambridge Ancient History Cambridge University Press p 235 ISBN 9780521224963 Retrieved 10 January 2016 STRATEGJIA TERRITORIALE E NJESISE VENDORE KUKES PDF kukesi gov al p 14 Archived from the original PDF on 2017 10 03 Retrieved 2017 10 02 PLANI I ZHVILLIMIT I BASHKISE KUKES PDF rasp org al in Albanian p 14 Archived from the original PDF on 2017 10 14 Zona Funksionale Tropoje PDF km dldp al in Albanian p 5 Resurset kryesore te Qarkut te Kukesit kqk gov al in Albanian European Green Belt Brezi i Gjelber Evropian PDF europeangreenbelt org in Albanian p 2 Archived from the original PDF on 2015 10 18 Retrieved 2018 12 29 Euronatur BEECH FORESTS ALONG THE GREEN BELT ALBANIA PDF euronatur org p 2 PERSHKRIMI I RRJETIT AKTUAL TE ZONAVE TE MBROJTURA PDF mjedisi gov al in Albanian p 2 Archived from the original PDF on 2018 08 06 Retrieved 2018 12 29 PERSHKRIMI I RRJETIT AKTUAL TE ZONAVE TE MBROJTURA INSTAT Population and Housing Census PDF instat gov al in Albanian p 20 Archived from the original PDF on 2016 03 04 a b INSTAT Population and Housing Census PDF instat gov al in Albanian p 39 Archived from the original PDF on 2016 03 04 News Albanian 2021 Poorest in Europe a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a last has generic name help CS1 maint url status link HDI HDI a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a CS1 maint url status link Portal Geography Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Kukes County amp oldid 1131341666, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
