Kukës

City in Albania

Municipality in Albania

Kukës

Kukësi

Municipality

From the top, View over Kukës, Palace of Culture, Kukës street scene, Ethnographic Museum, Drini Bridge

Flag

Emblem

Kukës

Coordinates: 42°5′N 20°25′E﻿ / ﻿42.083°N 20.417°E﻿ / 42.083; 20.417
Country|  Albania
County| Kukës
Government

• Mayor| Albert Halilaj (PS)
Area

• Municipality| 957 km2 (369 sq mi)
• Municipal unit| 8.2 km2 (3.2 sq mi)
Elevation

| 350 m (1,150 ft)
Population

(2023[1])

• Municipality

| 36,125
• Municipality density| 38/km2 (98/sq mi)
• Municipal unit

| 15,643
• Municipal unit density| 1,900/km2 (4,900/sq mi)
Demonym(s)| Albanian: Kuksian (m), Kuksiane (f)
Time zone| UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)| UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal Code|

8501, 8502, 8503

Area Code| (0)24
Website| kukesi.gov.al

Kukës (Albanian pronunciation: [ˈkukəs]; Albanian definite form: Kukësi) is a city in Albania. The city is the capital of the surrounding municipality of Kukës and county of Kukës, one of 12 constituent counties of the republic. It spans 8.2 km2 (3.2 sq mi) and had a total population of 15,643 people as of 2023.[1][2]

Historical populationYear| Pop.| ±%

|
|

1950| 1,060| —
1960| 3,018| +184.7%
1969| 7,300| +141.9%
1979| 9,500| +30.1%
1989| 16,555| +74.3%
2001| 17,157| +3.6%
2011| 16,719| −2.6%
2023| 15,643| −6.4%
Source: [3][4][1]

Geologically, the surrounding area is dominated by mountainous and high terrain. The city sprawls across the Luma Plain within the Albanian Alps between the banks of Lake Fierza and the hills of the northernmost Korab Mountains and westernmost Sharr Mountains. At the confluence of the Black and White Drin, the Drin River originates close to the city's territory.

## History

[edit]

### Early development

[edit]

Kukës traces its history back over a thousand years. The region that nowadays corresponds to the city territory was inhabited by several ancient Illyrian tribes (most predominantly Dardani tribe), as most of Albania. Numerous tombs from the Illyrians have been identified at Këneta and Kolsh nearby the city. The city was part of Kingdom of Dardania during antiquity. The residential estate served as a stopping point on a branch road leading to the Via Egnatia, which connected Dyrrachium on the Adriatic Sea in the west with Constantinople on the Marmara Sea in the east.

Photo of the Old Nermjeme Bridge in 1905

Illyrian tombs were found at Këneta and Kolsh nearby Kukës.[5] It was a small Roman settlement, a stopping point on a branch road leading to the Via Egnatia, and a minor Ottoman market centre and trading post on the road to southern Kosovo. It was there (Qafa e Kolosjanit) where Albanian resistance stood up against retreating Serbian army in 1912.

### Modern development

[edit]

Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan during the 1999 Kosovo War crisis in Kukës

The old Kukës was located at the confluence of the White Drin and Black Drin. In 1976 the town was submerged beneath the Fierza Reservoir, which is held back by a dam. The new town (Kukësi i Ri \- "New Kukës") was built in the 1970s in the plateau nearby which is 320m over the sea level. Kukësi i Ri is surrounded by the artificial lake of Fierza and it looks like a peninsula from the above. It is linked with the other parts of the country by three bridges. On the east it faces the snow-covered mountain of Gjallica, 2468 m above sea level. In modern times and due to the close proximity to Kosovo, the city achieved worldwide recognition during the Kosovo War as thousands of Kosovo-Albanian refugees crossed the border and found security in the city. Kukës attracted international attention during the Kosovo War when 450,000 Kosovo Albanian refugees crossed the frontier and were housed in camps in and around Kukës.

### Contemporary

[edit]

The city was nominated for the 2000 Nobel Peace Prize in regard to hospitality and for embracing thousands of refugees during the Kosovo War.[6] It was the first time a town was nominated for the prize.[7] In 2017, the city applied for the 2018 European Green Capital Award to become Europe's Green Capital.[8] There is a mosque and a closed alpine-style hotel, part of an attempt to establish a tourist industry there. The OSCE maintained a villa there.

## Environment

[edit]

Kukës is situated in the northeast of the country. It lies mostly between latitudes 42° and 5° N, and longitudes 20° and 25° E. The city lies on the Luma Plain and the southern shores of Lake Fierza.[2] It lies approximately 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) in the southeast of the former location of the city, which was relocated as part of a hydroelectric scheme.[2]

### Climate

[edit]

Like all East Albanians who are in the plain the zone is humid subtropical (Köppen: Cfa), similar to the north of Italy, due to its interior location but near the Mediterranean. Despite its southern location, its distance to the east compensates for this difference.[9][10] The city experiences mostly continental climate.[2][11] This means that the winters are cold and snowy and the summers are predominantly hot. The city's temperature varies a large deal across the seasons with a mild spring in April and May, hot summer months from June to August, frequently rainy and windy autumn months in September and October and very cold winter months, often with snow and frost, from December to March. The mean monthly temperature ranges between −25 °C (−13 °F)[dubious - discuss] in winter and 25 °C (77 °F) in summer.[2] The mean annual precipitation ranges between 900 millimetres (35 inches) and 3,000 millimetres (120 inches) depending on longitude and latitude.[2]

Climate data for Kukës, elevation: 44 m or 144 ft, 1961-1990 normals and extremes[a]

Month  | Jan  | Feb  | Mar  | Apr  | May  | Jun  | Jul  | Aug  | Sep  | Oct  | Nov  | Dec  | Year
Record high °C (°F)  | 20.8
(69.4)  | 23.1
(73.6)  | 28.6
(83.5)  | 30.6
(87.1)  | 35.0
(95.0)  | 39.2
(102.6)  | 40.2
(104.4)  | 38.7
(101.7)  | 35.4
(95.7)  | 30.6
(87.1)  | 25.4
(77.7)  | 22.0
(71.6)  | 40.2
(104.4)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)  | 3.8
(38.8)  | 7.2
(45.0)  | 12.1
(53.8)  | 17.4
(63.3)  | 22.5
(72.5)  | 25.9
(78.6)  | 28.8
(83.8)  | 28.8
(83.8)  | 24.6
(76.3)  | 18.1
(64.6)  | 11.3
(52.3)  | 5.6
(42.1)  | 17.2
(62.9)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)  | −2.9
(26.8)  | −1.2
(29.8)  | 1.8
(35.2)  | 6.2
(43.2)  | 10.8
(51.4)  | 14.0
(57.2)  | 15.6
(60.1)  | 15.2
(59.4)  | 11.9
(53.4)  | 7.0
(44.6)  | 3.1
(37.6)  | −0.8
(30.6)  | 6.7
(44.1)
Record low °C (°F)  | −22.0
(−7.6)  | −14.5
(5.9)  | −13.0
(8.6)  | −2.8
(27.0)  | 0.5
(32.9)  | 4.0
(39.2)  | 6.9
(44.4)  | 6.4
(43.5)  | 0.0
(32.0)  | −3.0
(26.6)  | −16.0
(3.2)  | −16.3
(2.7)  | −22.0
(−7.6)
Average precipitation mm (inches)  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | 909.8
(35.82)
Average rainy days (≥ 1.0 mm) | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | 95.0
Average snowy days  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | 17.0
Average relative humidity (%)  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | 66.0
Mean monthly sunshine hours | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | 1,973.1
Source: NOAA[12]

## Politics

[edit]

The Kukës municipality was formed in 1923 by the merger of the former municipalities Arrën, Bicaj, Bushtricë, Grykë-Çajë, Kalis, Kolsh, Kukës, Malzi, Shishtavec, Shtiqën, Surroj, Tërthore, Topojan, Ujëmisht and Zapod, that became municipal units.[13] The municipality spans 934.80 km2 (360.93 sq mi) and had a total population of 36,125 people as of 2023.[14][1]

## Economy

[edit]

After the fall of communism, due to the newly implemented freedom of movement among all Albanians, a significant number of Kukës’ population relocated internally or emigrated abroad for better economic opportunities.

The region is well known for their developed agriculture. Kukës has a carpet factory whose products are for domestic and trade use. There is also a copper processing factory as the raw material.

Kukës is a good centre for fishing and walking in the surrounding mountains.

The A1 highway passes through Kukës.

## Sister cities

[edit]

* Prizren, Kosovo
* Lyndhurst, United States
* Tetovo, North Macedonia

## See also

[edit]

* List of mayors of Kukës

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ Monthly data only for temperatures

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c d "Population and Housing Census, Kukës 2023" (PDF). INSTAT. p. 107. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
2. ^ a b c d e f Bashkia Kukës. "PLANI I ZHVILLIMIT I BASHKISE KUKES" (PDF). rasp.org.al (in Albanian). Kukës. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 October 2017.
3. ^ "Cities of Albania".
4. ^ "Albania: All places/communes".
5. ^ Boardman, Edwards, John ,I. E. S. (1982). The Cambridge Ancient History. Cambridge University Press. p. 235\. ISBN 9780521224963. Retrieved 10 January 2016.`{{cite book}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
6. ^ "Kukësi, kryeqendra shqiptare më 16 prill". gazeta-shqip.com (in Albanian). p. 1. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
7. ^ Collett, Richard (8 December 2023). "Kukës: The first city ever nominated for a Nobel Prize". BBC. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
8. ^ "European Green Capital". ec.europa.eu. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
9. ^ "Kukës climate: Average Temperature, weather by month, Kukës weather averages - Climate-Data.org". en.climate-data.org. Retrieved 12 May 2019.
10. ^ Peterson, Adam (2 November 2016), English: Köppen climate types of Albania, retrieved 12 May 2019
11. ^ Bashkia Kukës. "Programi i Zonës Funksionale Kukës" (PDF). km.dldp.al (in Albanian). Kukës. pp. 11–12.
12. ^ "Kukës (13610) - WMO Weather Station". NOAA (FTP). Retrieved 28 August 2019. (To view documents see Help:FTP)
13. ^ "Law nr. 115/2014" (PDF) (in Albanian). p. 6373. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
14. ^ "Correspondence table LAU – NUTS 2016, EU-28 and EFTA / available Candidate Countries" (XLS). Eurostat. Retrieved 25 September 2019.

Topics related to Kukës

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Municipalities of Albania

The municipalities of Albania are the country's administrative divisions consisting of local administrative units and their inclusive villages.

Berat County|

* Berat
* Dimal
* Kuçovë
* Poliçan
* Skrapar

Dibër County|

* Bulqizë
* Dibër
* Klos
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Durrës County|

* Durrës
* Krujë
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Elbasan County|

* Belsh
* Cërrik
* Elbasan
* Gramsh
* Librazhd
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Fier County|

* Divjakë
* Fier
* Lushnjë
* Mallakastër
* Patos
* Roskovec

Gjirokastër County|

* Dropull
* Gjirokastër
* Këlcyrë
* Libohovë
* Memaliaj
* Përmet
* Tepelenë

Korçë County|

* Devoll
* Kolonjë
* Korçë
* Maliq
* Pogradec
* Pustec

Kukës County|

* Has
* Kukës
* Tropojë

Lezhë County|

* Kurbin
* Lezhë
* Mirditë

Shkodër County|

* Fushë-Arrëz
* Malësi e Madhe
* Pukë
* Shkodër
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Tiranë County|

* Kamëz
* Kavajë
* Rrogozhinë
* Tiranë
* Vorë

Vlorë County|

* Delvinë
* Finiq
* Himarë
* Konispol
* Sarandë
* Selenicë
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Subdivisions of Kukës County

County seat: Kukës

Municipality of Has|

* Fajzë
* Gjinaj
* Golaj
* Krumë

Municipality of Kukës|

* Arrën
* Bicaj
* Bushtricë
* Grykë-Çajë
* Kalis
* Kolsh
* Kukës
* Malzi
* Shishtavec
* Shtiqën
* Surroj
* Tërthore
* Topojan
* Ujëmisht
* Zapod

Municipality of Tropojë|

* Bajram Curri
* Bujan
* Bytyç
* Fierzë
* Lekbibaj
* Llugaj
* Margegaj
* Tropojë

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Subdivisions of Kukës municipality

Municipal seat: Kukës

Administrative unit of Arrën|

* Arrën
* Arrëz
* Barrë
* Tejmollë
* Vërrij

Administrative unit of Bicaj|

* Bicaj
* Bushat
* Domaj
* Gabricë
* Kolesjan
* Mholaj
* Mustafaj
* Nangë
* Osmane
* Tërshenë

Administrative unit of Bushtricë|

* Barruç
* Bushtricë
* Gjegje
* Matranxh
* Palush
* Shpat
* Vilë

Administrative unit of Grykë-Çajë|

* Buzëmadhe
* Çajë
* Fshat
* Shkinak

Administrative unit of Kalis|

* Gështejë
* Gurrë
* Kalis
* Kodër-Gështejë
* Pralisht

Administrative unit of Kolsh|

* Kolsh
* Mamëz
* Myç-Mamëz

Administrative unit of Kukës|

* Drinas
* Gostil
* Kukës

Administrative unit of Malzi|

* Çam
* Dukagjin
* Gdheshtë
* Kalimash
* Kryemadh
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* Petkaj
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Administrative unit of Shishtavec|

* Borje
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* Kollovoz
* Novosej
* Oreshkë
* Shishtavec
* Shtrezë

Administrative unit of Shtiqën|

* Gjallicë
* Kodër-Lumë
* Krenzë
* Shtiqën

Administrative unit of Surroj|

* Aliaj
* Çinamak
* Fusharë
* Surroj

Administrative unit of Tërthore|

* Bardhoc 1
* Bardhoc 2
* Breg-Lumë
* Gjegjan
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Administrative unit of Topojan|

* Brekije
* Nimçë
* Topojan
* Turaj
* Xhaferraj

Administrative unit of Ujëmisht|

* Lusën
* Malqene
* Resk
* Skavicë
* Tejdrine
* Ujëmisht
* Zallë

Administrative unit of Zapod|

* Bele
* Kosharisht
* Lojmë
* Orçikël
* Orgjost
* Pakisht
* Zapod

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