Tropojë

Tropojë, also spelled Tropoja, is a municipality in Kukës County in northeastern Albania. The municipal seat is the town of Bajram Curri, and the area comprises a network of villages scattered through the Tropoja Valley and the surrounding mountains. The municipality borders Kosovo to the north and lies within the broader Albanian Alps, a rugged mountainous region that defines much of the local landscape.

Geography and environment: The Tropojë region is characterized by deep valleys and high peaks, including parts of the Theth and Valbonë corridors, which attract hikers and nature visitors. The Valbonë Valley National Park lies in part within the municipality, protecting diverse habitats and traditional mountain communities. The area is known for trekking routes, alpine scenery, and traditional rural settlements.

History: The Tropojë area has a long settlement history and was part of the Ottoman Empire. In modern administrative terms, Tropojë existed as a district until the 2015 territorial reform, after which it became a municipality within Kukës County. The municipal seat, Bajram Curri, is named for the Albanian national hero who played a prominent role in the early 20th century.

Demography and economy: Population is predominantly Albanian and concentrated around Bajram Curri and rural villages. The economy relies on agriculture and livestock, forestry, and growing tourism, particularly mountain ecotourism and trekking in the Theth and Valbonë valleys. The region maintains cultural traditions, including local music, hospitality, and traditional clothing in some communities.