Facts and Figures

Geographical and Demographic Highlights

  • Area: The municipality spans approximately 499.35 square kilometers (192.80 square miles).
  • Population: According to the 2011 census, the total population was 30,438.

    However, the 2023 census indicates a decrease to 19,261 residents, reflecting demographic shifts over the years.

  • Administrative Structure: The municipality comprises six administrative units: Bushat, Hajmel, Shllak, Temal, Vau i Dejës, and Vig-Mnelë.

  • Elevation: Situated at an elevation of 25 meters (82 feet) above sea level, Vau i Dejës offers picturesque landscapes and a mild climate.

Historical Context

Vau i Dejës is closely linked to the historical narrative of the now-vanished city of Deja (also referred to as Danja), a medieval Albanian enclave with a captivating past. Emerging in the 11th and 12th centuries at the confluence of the Drini River and the surrounding highlands, Deja held strategic significance as a pivotal stopover for caravans traversing the customs routes of Vau i Dejës.

Economic Overview

The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, with residents engaging in farming and livestock rearing. The presence of the Vau i Dejës Hydroelectric Power Station on the Drin River underscores the area’s contribution to Albania’s energy sector.