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69-610: Geographically , Tirana extends from the high and rugged Skanderbeg Mountains in the east to the flat shores of the Albanian Adriatic Sea Coast along the Mediterranean Sea . Due to its location and the close proximity to the Adriatic Sea , its climate is particularly influenced by a Mediterranean climate with four distinct seasons. Two of the country's fourteen National Parks are located in

138-416: A mediterranean climate and a continental climate , with four distinct seasons . The climatic conditions are highly variable and modified locally by altitude and latitude . Its climate is strongly influenced by the Mediterranean Sea in the west, and the mountains that raise in every corner around the country. Its diverse regions have a remarkable range of microclimates , with the weather system on

207-628: A 2018 Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 6.77/10, ranking it 64th globally out of 172 countries. The Mediterranean monk seal , short-beaked common dolphin and common bottlenose dolphin can frequently be seen in the coastal waters of the country. Outstanding is the presence of the Dalmatian pelican , the rarest pelican in the world. The biodiversity of Albania is conserved in its protected areas , which provide protection to hundreds of threatened and endangered species . Numerous parts of Albania are protected in accordance with

276-407: A generally high rate of population increase since the late twentieth century in part due to the fall of communism . Internal migration has been a significant factor in its population growth, especially from Berat , Dibër and Kukës . Nonetheless, the most densely populated areas are positioned in the flat western half, and the region around the relatively small corridor of the city of Tirana, thus

345-652: A mosaic-floor, dating to the 3rd century A.D., with other remains found near a medieval temple at Shengjin Fountain in the eastern suburbs. A castle possibly called Tirkan or Theranda , whose remnants are found along Murat Toptani Street, was built by Emperor Justinian in 520 A.D. and restored by Ahmed Pasha Toptani in the 18th century. The area had no special importance in Illyrian and classical times. In 1510, Marin Barleti , an Albanian Catholic priest and scholar, in

414-827: A number of bays and headlands. Stretching until the Llogara Pass at 1,027 metres (3,369 ft), the mountain chain gets separated into the Ceraunians in the west and the Akroceraunians (or Reza e Kanalit ) in the east within the Karaburun Peninsula. The villages of Palasë , Dhërmi , Vuno , Himarë , Qeparo , Borsh , Pilur , Kudhës and Ilias are located on the Ceraunian range. The Llogara National Park covers an area of 10,100 square metres (109,000 sq ft). The Karaburun Peninsula

483-408: A number of national and international designations due to their natural , historical or cultural value. Protected areas belong to the most principal instruments of conservation which in turn contributes effectively to the maintenance of species , habitats and ecosystems . The country has currently fifteen designated national parks , whereby one is specified as a marine park . Ranging from

552-713: A population of 557,422 simultaneously constituting the largest metropolitan area in Albania. Other units with a population over 10,000 include Kamëz , Kashar , Paskuqan , Farkë , Kavajë , Dajt and Vorë . Development and maintenance of transportation in Albania are within the functions of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy in Tirana . Other entities, such as the Albanian Aviation Authority (AAC) and Albanian Road Authority (ARRSH), provide

621-593: A rich biodiversity. Of particular importance is the presence of numerous lagoons and ponds , representing one of the wealthiest scenery of the country, in terms of biology . Likely, the lagoons of Karavasta and Narta , in the immediate proximity to the sea, are among the most important ones in the Mediterranean Sea . While the Adriatic coast is relatively low, the Ionian coast is, with few exceptions, rugged and mountainous. The Albanian Ionian Sea Coast stretches from

690-744: A surface area of 210,668.48 hectares (2,106.6848 km ) or roughly 13.65% of the overall territory. A total surface area of 28.748 square kilometres (11,100 sq mi), the country is located in the southeastern part of the Adriatic and the northeastern part of the Ionian Sea, both located within the Mediterranean Sea . It has a length of borders of about 1,094 kilometres (680 mi), 657 kilometres (408 mi) of which are taken by terrestrial borders, 316 kilometres (196 mi) of shore borders, 48 kilometres (30 mi) river borders and 73 kilometres (45 mi) of lake borders. Inland water surface

759-617: Is Mali me Gropa at 1,828 m (5,997 ft) above the Adriatic , though the lowest point is the Adriatic Sea at 0 m (0 ft). Tirana County from the shorelines of the Mediterranean Sea in the west to the mountains of the Skanderbeg Mountains system in the east. The flat plain of the Albanian Adriatic Sea Coast in the west contains the Myzeqe Plain . To the east lie the hilly, mountainous region of

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828-401: Is 1,350 square kilometres (520 sq mi), composed by natural lakes 325 square kilometres (125 sq mi), coastal lagoons 130 square kilometres (50 sq mi), artificial lakes 174 square kilometres (67 sq mi) and rivers 721 kilometres (448 mi). The countries of Montenegro (173 kilometres (107 mi)) and Kosovo (114 kilometres (71 mi)) border

897-526: Is 282 kilometres (175 mi) long. The border is located at the tripoint border between Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece running across the Large and Small Lake Prespa until it reaches the Ionian Sea at the Strait of Corfu . The most significant feature of Albania is possibly its relief , with numerous successive mountain ranges and its average altitude, more than 700 metres above sea level . Much of

966-454: Is Mediterranean, having hot summers and generally warm to cool, dry winters. Due to its climatic, hydrological and geological conditions, the area is characterized by its unique flora and fauna. Most of the territory consists of forests and is relatively well preserved, it includes many types of trees, such as Mediterranean oak , Manna ash , Kermes oak , and Field maple . Erzen River The Erzen ( Albanian definite form : Erzeni )

1035-578: Is a country in southeastern Europe that lies along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas , with a coastline spanning approximately 476 km (296 mi). Situated on the Balkan Peninsula , it is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe . It is bounded by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east and Greece to the southeast and south. Most of Albania rises into mountains and hills, tending to run

1104-405: Is a river in central Albania . The 109 km (68 mi) long Erzen has a 760 km (290 sq mi) catchment area, including the southern Tirana District and eastern Durrës District . The ancient Illyrian name of the river was Ardaxanos , which is a derivative of *daksa "water", "sea", also found in the name of the island Daxa , of the Illyrian tribe Dassareti and of

1173-427: Is characterized by a rough relief, that dips vertically into the Ionian Sea, it features several solitary peaks, large canyons, bays, caves and gulfs. Examples of typical landforms include Gjipe Canyon , Gjiri i Arushës, Gjiri i Dafinës, Gjiri i Gramës and so on. The geological evolution has formed also capes such as Haxhi Aliu, Galloveci and Kepi i Gjuhëzës, and other of 20 caves along the entire shoreline. The climate

1242-543: Is home to many large mammals , including brown bears , grey wolves , lynx , golden eagles and others. The highest point on the chain is Maja e Çikës , that rises to an elevation of 2,045 metres (6,709 ft) above the Adriatic. From the peak, there is a view of the Albanian Riviera, the northern Ionian Islands as well as the Italian coast of Apulia and Otranto . The section has wide and long beaches, with

1311-526: Is low. In the southern lowlands, specifically the areas on the Ionian sea, temperatures average about 5 °C (41 °F) in the winter and 30 °C (86 °F) during the summer. The country is divided into four physiographic regions, the Northern Mountain Range , Central Mountain Range , Southern Mountain Range and Western Lowlands with two subdivisions corresponding roughly to

1380-605: Is mostly dominated by the extensive Myzeqe plain, a large alluvial plain traversed by three main rivers, the Shkumbin , Seman and Vjosë . The Albanian Adriatic Sea Coast stretches from the mouth of the river Buna near the Lake of Shkodër in the north, across the Gulf of Drin , to the Bay of Vlorë in the south. The two largest coastal cities Durrës and Vlorë are located in

1449-422: Is overwhelmingly urban , with more than 70% of its population concentrated in cities, towns, and suburbs. There are five incorporated municipalities ( bashkia ) and 29 administrative units ( njësi administrative ) in the county. The majority of its population lives in the capital city of Tirana . As of the 2011 Census , the population of the unit stands at 418,495 with the adjacent municipality of Tirana having

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1518-476: Is situated at the eastern side of Strait of Otranto , where the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian Sea. Its area is 62 square kilometres (24 sq mi), having a length of 16 kilometres (9.9 mi), and a width of only 5 kilometres (3.1 mi). The Mesokanali is the narrow channel, that separates the peninsula from the Sazan Island . Geologically , it is made up of carbonic limestone , dating back to

1587-558: The Adriatic Sea 12 km (7.5 mi) north of Durrës . Significant tributaries of Erzen include Lake Farkë , Korrë, Lanë , Murdhar, Shtërmen and Zhëllimë. The river passes through the city of Tirana, only a few kilometers from its southern end. Only a small range of hills separates the valley of the Erzen river with the Lana, Tirana, Zeza and Tërkuza rivers that form the Ishem river. On

1656-597: The Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea to the Albanian Alps and the Ceraunian Mountains , they possess outstanding landscapes constituting habitats to thousands of plant and animal species. Butrint , Divjakë-Karavasta , Karaburun-Sazan , Llogara , Prespa , Shebenik-Jabllanicë , Theth and Valbonë are among the most spectacular national parks of the country. Albania has a combination of

1725-556: The Albanian Adriatic and Ionian Sea Coast . Except for its sea coast in the west, the western lowlands are ringed by a great arc-shaped line of mountains spreading in the north, east and south. The predominantly flat and regular landscape is morphologically characterized by the sea and rivers, in terms of topography and soil , and also in its climate and biodiversity . The region experiences mild and short winters, with low rainfalls, and long hot and dry summers. It

1794-630: The Autostrada 3 (A3), covering the distance between Tirana and the country's fourth largest city Elbasan in Elbasan County . Rruga Shtetërore 4 (SH4) passes through Kavajë in the west from north to south linking Durrës with Greece . However, after its completion, the Arbër Highway will connect the county with Dibër County and North Macedonia . The contribution of tourism to the economy of Tirana has significantly increased over

1863-681: The Black and White Drin , though also notable is the Vjosë , one of the last intact large river systems in Europe. For a small country, Albania is characterized for its biological diversity and abundance of contrasting ecosystems and habitats , defined in an area of 28,748 square kilometres. This great diversity derives from Albania's geographic location on the Mediterranean Sea, with typical climatic conditions, varied topography, as well as

1932-575: The Chaonian tribe Dexari . It is mentioned for the first time by Polybius in the 2nd century BC. The contemporary Albanian name Erzen (definite form: Erzeni ) evolved from the ancient Ardaxanos through Albanian sound changes. The river has its origin in the Mali me Gropa 1,200 m (3,900 ft) elevation above sea level and is some 25 km (16 mi) east of Tirana near Shëngjergj , flowing northwest through Petrelë and Sukth to

2001-535: The Köppen climate classification . The highlands experiences an Oceanic climate. Winters in Albania are characteristically mild and wet while summers are warm and dry. The northern areas of country such as the Albanian Alps experiences a subarctic climate with frequently very cold winters, and short, mild summers. The lowlands of Albania have mild winters, averaging about 7 °C (45 °F). The summer temperatures average 32 °C (90 °F), however, humidity

2070-624: The Lake of Prespa that is linked by a small channel with a sluice that separates the two lakes. The Ceraunian Mountains , a coastal mountain range in southwestern Albania, stretches about 100 kilometres (62 mi) besides the Ionian Sea from Sarandë in south-east-northwest direction along the Albanian Riviera to Orikum . The relief is varied, with many mountain passes, canyons, gorges, hills and other landforms. The mountains are characterized by housing Black pines , Bulgarian firs , Bosnian pines and Ash trees . The mountain chain

2139-470: The Large and Small Lake of Prespa in the southeast, shared with North Macedonia and Greece. The country is also home to many lagoons of varied shape, size and structure. They are primarily positioned along the coast in the west of the country and also in the southeast. They contribute to the overall productivity of the coastal waters by supporting a variety of habitats and ecosystems. The largest lagoon in

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2208-456: The Large and Small Lake of Prespa , are well hidden among high mountains in the southeast. Rivers originate in the east of Albania and loop towards the west into the sea. They are encompassed by the drainage basins of the Adriatic, Aegean and Black Sea . The longest river in the country, measured from its mouth to its source, is the Drin that starts at the confluence of its two headwaters,

2277-571: The Maja Jezercë , which is the highest point of the Dinarides and simultaneously the second highest point of Albania. The Korab Mountains dominate the east of the country and expand 40 kilometres along the eastern border of the country, where peaks can clearly reach 2,500 metres. The mountains offer the country's most prominent peak at Mount Korab , which is fragmented by many deep structural depressions. Another distinguishing feature remains

2346-578: The Mali me Gropa-Bizë-Martanesh Protected Landscape . Tirana County is the most populous and densely populated county of the Republic of Albania , with an increasing number of population. Its center of population is located across the Plain of Tirana , in the metropolitan area of Tirana . The Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) estimated the county's population in 2021 at 912,190, constituting to 32% of Albania's population. Tirana County has experienced

2415-570: The Mesozoic period, while in the northwestern it is composed of terrigenous sediment . Furthermore, these formations have been continuously under the effect of Karst and are exploited as marble. The relief of the peninsula comprises a number of hills with an average altitude of about 800 metres (2,600 ft) above the Adriatic. The highest summits are Maja e Ilqës 733 metres (2,405 ft), Maja e Flamurit 826 metres (2,710 ft) and Maja Çadëri 839 metres (2,753 ft). The coastal landscape

2484-550: The Paleolithic some 10,000 to 30,000 years ago, as suggested by evidence from tools excavated near Mount Dajt 's quarry and within the Cave of Pëllumbas . As argued by various archaeologists, Tirana and its suburbs are filled with Illyrian toponyms, as its precincts are some of the earliest inhabited regions in Albania. The oldest discovery in downtown Tirana was a Roman house, later transformed into an aisleless church with

2553-526: The Peninsula of Karaburun in the north, through the Albanian Riviera , to the Straits of Corfu in the south. The largest coastal city Sarandë is located in the southern part of the region, while smaller villages include Borsh , Dhermi , Himara , Qeparo , Piqeras , and Lukovë . The total length of the coastline is approximately 172 kilometres (107 mi). The most characteristic features of

2622-600: The Valley of Valbonë , formed by the process of glaciation . The Albanian Alps are the southernmost extension of the Dinaric Alps and simultaneously the highest and most imposing mountains of the country. Despite the fact that the ice ages had relatively little geological influence on the alps, the southernmost glaciers of Europe were recently discovered on the alps. The Albanian Alps are home to many important rivers of Western Balkans . The main drainage basins of

2691-600: The biodiversity hotspots of Europe . In terms of phytogeography , the land area of Albania extends within the Boreal Kingdom , specifically within the Illyrian province of the Circumboreal Region . Its territory can be subdivided into four terrestrial ecoregions of the Palearctic realm – the Illyrian , Balkan , Pindus and Dinaric forests. In Albania forest cover is around 29.% of

2760-435: The jurassic period and bituminous schists , cretaceous porcelain and phosphate limestone. The northern mountain range is the most mountainous region in the country and its physical geography and shape is distinguished by the convergence of two distinct geological regions, the Albanian Alps and Mirdita Highlands. A dominant feature of the region's landscape is the presence of several u-shaped valleys , such as

2829-740: The Alps are those of the Drin and Danube Rivers. Rivers on the Alps fall roughly into two categories, those that flow into the Lim and those that enter the White Drin and meet the Black Drin downstream at the Drin confluence. However, Drin dominates, draining most of the Alps with its tributaries and when measured from the source of the White Drin to the mouth of the Drin near Lezhë . But not all of

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2898-589: The Drin flows near or parallel to the Alps. One Drin tributary is the Valbona River, which drains into the Adriatic Sea , and its eastern tributary the Gashi River . The terrain of the central mountain range is predominantly mountainous and extremely fragmented carved into its present shape by the glaciers of the last ice age . The region is dominated by three mountain ranges , each running from north-northeast to south-southwest, roughly parallel to

2967-964: The Skanderbeg Mountains separating the Western Lowlands from the Central Mountain Range . Three rivers traverse the county, including the Erzen River , the Ishëm River and the Shkumbin River along the border with Elbasan County . The Adriatic Sea and Skanderbeg Mountains have a particular influence to the climate of Tirana County, though it has a Mediterranean climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm and dry, while winters are relatively cool and mild, and rarely very cold. The highest temperature of 41.5 °C (106.7 °F)

3036-632: The biography of the Albanian national hero Skanderbeg referred to this area as a small village. Defined in an area of 1,652 km (638 sq mi), Tirana County is located in the Central Region of the Republic of Albania and bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the west, the counties of Durrës to the northwest, Dibër to the northeast, Elbasan to the east and Fier to the southwest. The county lies between latitudes 41° and 18° N and longitudes 19° and 56° E . The highest point

3105-426: The coastline are the Ceraunian Mountains , which extend nearly 100 kilometres (62 mi) along the Albanian Riviera roughly in a southeast–northwest direction. The region is particular fertile and known for its citrus fruits and viticulture , that has a long and special tradition in the region. The coastline is abundant in dolomite from the triassic period, the carbonate rocks follows with limestone from

3174-406: The coasts contrasting with that prevailing in the interior. Moreover, the weather varies from the north and towards the south and the west to the east. Albania occupies the climate ranges from temperate climate on the coasts to continental climate in the interior. The warmest areas of the country are at the coasts, which are characterized by a Mediterranean climate (Csa, Csb and Cfa) as defined by

3243-452: The connected mountain massifs of Shebenik and Jabllanicë . The vast majority of the region's natural lakes are located in the southern half of the region and most of them are the product of a long contiguous history. The Lake of Ohrid lie adjacent to the border shared with North Macedonia . It is one of the oldest continuously existing lakes in the world with a unique biodiversity. Further south, well hidden among high mountains, extend

3312-471: The country has an affinity for those of Continental Europe , while those of the southern edge refer to the affinity with that of the Mediterranean Basin . They are substantial because they provide shelter for a vast array of rare and endangered species of animals , among others the brown bear , Balkan lynx , grey wolf , golden jackal , Egyptian vulture and golden eagle . Albania had

3381-587: The country in the north and northeast, respectively. A significant portion of this border connects high points and follows mountain ridges through the largely inaccessible Albanian Alps . The eastern border is shared with North Macedonia , which stretches 151 kilometres (94 mi). This border is located at the tripoint between Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia passing through the Sharr and Korab Mountains and continues until it reaches Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa . The southern and southeastern border with Greece

3450-659: The country is home to two of the largest lakes in Southern Europe and one of the oldest in the World. The lakes of the country are predominantly of karstic or glacial origin. The largest lake in Southern Europe is the Lake of Shkodër geographically located in the north, shared with Montenegro. One of the ancientest lakes in the world is the Lake of Ohrid located in the southeast, shared with North Macedonia. The highest positioned lakes in Southern Europe are

3519-457: The country is the Lagoon of Karavasta located between the mouth of Shkumbin and Seman. Another significant lagoons are the lagoons of Patoku , Narta , Kunë-Vain and Butrint . The proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and the convergence of exceptional climatic , geological and hydrological conditions, have contributed for the development of a diverse biodiversity , making Albania one of

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3588-531: The country's southern inland. The country has a dense network of rivers and streams characterized by a high flow rate . They belong to the drainage basins of the Adriatic , Aegean and Black Sea . They mostly rise in the mountainous eastern half of the country and have their mouths in the west along the coasts. They are sustained from snowmelt of the snow-capped mountains or from the abundant precipitation that falls at loftier elevations. Eight notable rivers, along with their numerous tributaries , make up

3657-406: The county, with Dajti in the center and Divjakë-Karavasta in the southwest. Historically , Tirana has been populated since Paleolithic times dating back 10,000 to 30,000 years ago. As argued by various archaeologists, the populated places are filled with Ancient Illyrian toponyms , as its precincts are some of the earliest regions in Albania to be inhabited. Nevertheless, the city of Tirana

3726-573: The eastern border of Albania. The Korab Mountains are certainly the most striking feature of the physical geography of the region. They offer simultaneously the highest mountain of the country, the Mount Korab . The mountains extends over 40 kilometres and covers an area of 560 square kilometres. Between the valleys of Shkumbin and Devoll rise the mountains that constitute to the Valamara Mountains , while farther north stretches

3795-409: The evidence of the last ice age in form of glacial lakes at relatively low altitudes. One of the most remarkable features about the south of Albania is the presence of the Ceraunian Mountains that cut across the landscape for nearly 100 kilometres. Thousand meter high mountains fall vertically into the Mediterranean Sea constituting at least the first barrier to communication between the sea and

3864-599: The length of the country from north to south, as for instance the Albanian Alps in the north, the Sharr Mountains in the northeast, the Skanderbeg Mountains in the center, the Korab Mountains in the east, the Pindus Mountains in the southeast, and the Ceraunian Mountains in the southwest. Plains and plateaus extend in the west along the Albanian Adriatic and Ionian Sea Coast . Some of

3933-885: The lowest densities are located in the mountainous eastern half. As of the 2011 Census , in terms of ethnicity, Tirana County was 84.1% Albanian , 0.35% Greek , 0.32% Romani , 0.11% Aromanian , 0.11% Egyptian , 0.07% Macedonian and 0.01% Montenegrin . By language, 99.40% spoke Albanian as a first language. Other spoken languages were Greek (0.12%), Romani (0.12%), Turkish (0.06%), Macedonian (0.05%), Italian (0.03%) and Aromanian (0.02%). By religion, there were 466,760 (62.29%) Muslims , 39,745 (5.30%) Roman Catholics , 37,890 (5.06%) Eastern Orthodox , 19,909 (2.66%) Bektashis , 1,783 (0.24%) Evangelists , 797 (0.11%) other Christians , 29,579 (3.95%) believers without denomination and 270 (0.04%) of other religions. Nonetheless, 20,558 people (2.74%) were irreligious while 113,844 (15.19%) did not declare their religion. Tirana County

4002-476: The most considerable and oldest bodies of freshwater of Europe can be found in Albania. The second largest lake of Southern Europe , the Lake of Shkodër , is located in the northwest surrounded by the Albanian Alps and the Adriatic Sea. And one of the oldest continuously existing lakes in the world, the Lake of Ohrid , lies in the southeast, while the highest tectonic lakes of the Balkan Peninsula ,

4071-413: The mountains lie to the north, east and south of the western lowlands in the northern , eastern and southern mountain ranges. The Albanian Alps extend over 90 kilometres through the north of Albania, traversing an area of 2,000 square kilometres. These mountains represent an extension of the Dinaric Alps and no wider than 40 kilometres. They are deeply fragmented and often inaccessible. It holds

4140-405: The northern and the southern part of the region, respectively. The total length of the coastline is approximately 274 kilometres (170 mi), mostly of which are taken up by sandy beaches , wetlands and alluvial deposits , occurred by quaternary sediments of the main rivers of the country. The coastline is lined with different habitats and ecosystems , providing optimal conditions for

4209-485: The past years. Tourism in Tirana relies intensively on its natural environment, diversified cultural life and its abundance of religious and historical landmarks. The government of Albania maintains a series of popular protected areas within the territory including, Dajti National Park , Divjakë-Karavasta National Park and the Mali me Gropa-Bizë-Martanesh Protected Landscape . Geography of Albania Albania

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4278-480: The principal hub for the country's flag carrier , Air Albania . The county is connected by a well developed system of expressways and motorways. The main west–east corridor is Rruga Shtetërore 2 (SH2), which connects the country's capital Tirana with the country's second largest city Durrës in Durrës County . The north-south corridor is Rruga Shtetërore 3 (SH3), which is currently being transformed into

4347-498: The river system of the country. The longest river is the Drin , which flows for 285 kilometres (177 mi) within the country. Its catchment area is one of the most biodiverse places in Europe and encompasses the lakes of Shkodër , Ohrid and Prespa . Of particular concern represent the river of Vjosa as it is considered as the last remaining wild river in Europe. The country's other rivers are Fan , Ishëm , Erzen , Mat , Seman and Shkumbin . With more than 250 lakes ,

4416-445: The same service for the air and land transportation of the country. Tirana County is served by Nënë Tereza International Airport located in the village of Rinas . It is named in honor of the Albanian Roman Catholic nun and missionary, Mother Teresa , and offers connections to numerous destinations in different countries across Europe , Africa and Asia . The airport carried more than 3.3 million passengers in 2019 and serves as

4485-403: The southwestern outskirts at Yzberisht the transition from the plane to the Erzen valley is barely perceptible. The mouth is between Durres and the headland of Cape of Rodon at Lalzi bay. The average discharge rate at the mouth is 18.1 m³ / s, the highest discharge rate for the year exceeds minimum to the eleven-time. Its drainage area which includes all Tirana District and a part of Durres area

4554-535: The total land area, equivalent to 788,900 hectares (ha) of forest in 2020, up from 788,800 hectares (ha) in 1990. Of the naturally regenerating forest 11% was reported to be primary forest (consisting of native tree species with no clearly visible indications of human activity) and around 0% of the forest area was found within protected areas. For the year 2015, 97% of the forest area was reported to be under public ownership , 3% private ownership and 0% with ownership listed as other or unknown. The northern edge of

4623-543: The wealth of terrestrial and marine ecosystems providing a variety of habitats , each with its own typical flora and fauna . There are 799 Albanian protected areas covering a surface of 5,216.96 square kilometres. These include two strict nature reserves , 14 national parks , one marine park , eight archaeological parks, 750 natural monuments , 22 habitat/species management areas, five protected landscapes , 4 protected landscapes , four managed resources areas and four ramsar wetlands . The national parks cover

4692-417: Was established as a city centuries later in 1614 during the Ottoman occupation of Albania . The capital of the county is Tirana , which is also the largest city by area and population in Albania. A gamma-world-city , it is the most influential economic and political center of the country. The region, which presently corresponds to the territory of the county of Tirana, has been continuously inhabited since

4761-449: Was recorded in the city of Tirana , whereas the lowest temperature of −34.7 °C (−30.5 °F) was recorded in the village of Bixë. The Ministry of Tourism and Environment administers a number of natural sites and protected areas in Tirana County. In conjunction with numerous national natural sites and areas, the National Agency of Protected Areas also manages the Dajti Mountain National Park , Divjakë-Karavasta National Park and

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