Pukë

Pukë is a town and municipality in Shkodër County, located in northern Albania. It serves as the administrative center of the municipality of Pukë, which includes several surrounding villages. The town sits in a mountainous part of the country, within the broader region of the Albanian Alps, and experiences a continental-type climate with cold winters and mild summers.

Administration and settlement pattern: The municipality of Pukë comprises multiple rural settlements and villages. Local governance focuses on basic public services, local development, and the management of natural resources in the surrounding highland areas.

Economy and geography: The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, livestock farming, and forestry, with some small-scale commerce and services. The terrain and climate support seasonal agricultural activities, as well as outdoor and nature-oriented activities in the surrounding hills and valleys.

History and culture: The Pukë area has a long regional history dating back to historic periods in northern Albania. The population is predominantly Albanian, with cultural traditions characteristic of the Northern Albanian hinterland, including local music, dances, and folk practices. Religious sites in the area reflect the region’s traditional mixture of Muslim and Christian communities.

Education and infrastructure: Pukë hosts local administrative offices and public services, including primary and secondary schools and basic health facilities that serve the municipality. The town is connected by regional roads to Shkodër and other northern centers, with services adapting to regional needs.

Note: The region is known for its natural landscapes and opportunities for outdoor activities in the surrounding highlands, though facilities and seasonal access may vary.