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Typology of communes and definition of agglomerations in Albania
This article proposes a classification method for Albanian communes based on the 2001 Population and Housing Census results. This classification provides a tool for territorial analyses and policy evaluation, as well as for urban and regional planning.
This classification might also be used as an instrument for structuring sampling frames for surveys. The results might provide the basis for a working classification built on 2011 Census data.
This classification of communes focuses on two main outputs: first, a typology of Albanian towns, as well as rural types of communes, and second -since delimitation of urban areas is part of this classification process- a definition of Albanian agglomerations consisting in central towns and their suburban communes. Special attention is given to the Tirana-Durrës metropolitan area.
These territorial classifications have been developed as part of the Swiss-Albanian Statistical cooperation (DESSA). The research was carried out by Swiss researchers experienced in the field and Albanian statisticians at the National institute of Statistics (INSTAT) with good knowledge of statistical information and GIS-methods.
Authors: Martin Schuler, Alain Jarne, Arvin Shameti, Ledjo Seferkolli
Chater in: Socio-demographic statistics in Albania - Selected topics and future developments