Transport Network Impact in Shrinking Cities. The case of Gjirokastra city and rural region BESJANA QAJA

Author: Besjana Raja
Affiliation: POLIS University

Abstract
Shrinking cities are cities that are experiencing acute population losses. Deindustrialization and emigration abroad are some of the common cities shrink reasons. A shrinking city is a densely populated urban area with a minimum population of 10,000 that has faced large population losses for more than two years and is undergoing economic transformations with some symptoms of a structural crisis (Wiechmann 2007). *International Network of Shrinking Cities (SCIRN). Academic research shows among other things that the problem of shrinking areas is more than just a problem of low population density. Distance is what characterises low- density areas, which are likely to face location disadvantages, leading to low socio-economic development. The demographics of remote and low- density areas are characterised by specific phenomena such as emigration, low birth rates and an aging population. Low density areas are likely to present special geographical features (proximity to the border, presence of mountains, isolation, geographical distance) which may imply specific development challenges, also in terms of accessibility. The form of urban transport changes with the growth phase of the city or with its decrease, and transport also changes according to the life cycle of the city.