Census data showed that over the past 10 years, around 16,000 residents have left the Municipality of Korçë (the city plus 7 administrative units). From 76,000 inhabitants, the municipality now counts about 60,000. Meanwhile, the city of Korçë itself has dropped below 50,000, down from 51,000 in 2013, placing it in a lower category of importance.

The massive depopulation affecting the southeastern region, and especially the Municipality of Korçë, is a result of the region’s economic stagnation.

It is enough to compare statistics and several socio-economic factors to understand what has driven this depopulation. According to data from the 2023 Regional Statistical Yearbook published by INSTAT:

The average salary in 2022 was calculated at 50,000 ALL, ranking among the lowest in the country. The average monthly expenditure for basic consumption for a family in 2022 was estimated at 83,014 ALL. Compared to the average salary, these expenses account for approximately 83.5% of a household’s average income.

Depopulation today is closely linked to the lack of fair competition, meritocracy, living standards, widespread corruption at all levels of governance, and above all, the absence of a non-criminalized market.

The depopulation of this region will begin to slow down when wage levels increase significantly, when serious investors and large companies are attracted to create new jobs and professional opportunities with competitive salaries, and above all, when efforts are made to improve the well-being and security of citizens.