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Art as cultural action in post-dictatorship Albania

They say humans began with relationships interwoven through earth, nutrition, and shared cycles. Communities slowly emerged around the rhythms of agriculture, drawing meaning from the soil and from one another. Over time, these early achievements gave rise to houses, then towns, then roads that mapped their movement and longing. Kingdoms took shape, some out of protection, others out of dominion. Eventually, they reached outward to become empires—claiming land, clashing for sovereignty, and yearning to inscribe their will upon the world.

At their core, these empires were often less about governance than strength and domination: orchestrated myths of power. Their expansion was not just territorial but emblematic.

Discover the High Scardus Trail: A Hidden Gem of Albanian Tourism with Stunning Views and Economic Growth

The High Scardus Trail, one of the longest and most significant mountain trails in the Balkans, is rapidly becoming a key driver of economic growth for rural communities in Albania. The 362-kilometer trail, which stretches across the mountainous regions of Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia, has not only become a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts but also a vital source of income for local businesses.

According to a recent study on sustainable rural development, the Albanian segment of the trail—which spans approximately 45 kilometers—generates more than €220,000 in revenue during its four-month tourist season. This increase in economic activity directly benefits small local businesses, including family guesthouses, mountain huts, shops, and tour operators, who report a noticeable boost in demand from both domestic and international tourists.

Albania. 13 thousand pensioners added, scheme at risk, growing faster than contributors

The number of beneficiaries in the public pension scheme expanded further during 2022, reaching a total of 686,923 people or over 13 thousand more than in 2021.

Official data from the Institute of Social Insurance show that the number of pensioners is growing faster than the number of contributors. Pensioners increased by 13 thousand, while contributors by 10 thousand. In 2022 for every beneficiary there were only 1.1 contributors from 1.2 which was this ratio in 2018.

In the following years, the contributor/beneficiary ratio will deteriorate even further due to unfavorable demographic developments. Projections show that by 2030, the working-age population will shrink systematically and, on the other hand, the number of pensioners will increase rapidly, putting the sustainability of the pension scheme at risk.

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