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| Kanina Village, South Albania |
Kanina offers breathtaking views of the coastal city of Vlorë, known for its hospitality, traditions, and the history of "Kanina Castle." However, these factors are not enough for the residents who have witnessed a significant decline in recent years.
The majority of the population has emigrated, compelled by the lack of basic living conditions. For years, the infrastructure has been deteriorating, there is a shortage of drinking water, and living conditions are harsh. Above all, the absence of employment opportunities has forced many to seek a better future elsewhere.
"Young people, everyone has left. Our age group remains, even the elderly are leaving because there are no jobs, no future," said one citizen.
"Only a few of us young people are left; most have left due to emigration. Unemployment and the economic situation have left only the elderly. I have considered and will leave because there is no improvement; it's a miserable situation," expressed another resident.
Additionally, the village's educational institution, a school with a 116-year history, is at risk of closure. Locals reveal that 90% of young people have left, significantly reducing the number of students.
Xhuljo, one of the few remaining young people in Kanina, is involved in olive and olive oil trade.
"I am engaged in olive cultivation, trading olives, and oil. There is some development in Kanina's olive production, and the oil is of high quality. I am trying to involve some of my friends here to engage them in other work because there are many things missing here. We don't have drinking water; water comes on a schedule. Look at the state of a historic square, look at how it has deteriorated. I left and returned because I feel sorry for my place," explained Xhuljo.
While the residents of Kanina are leaving, the entire seaside village has begun to have foreign residents who have purchased homes. Mainly French and Italian nationals have shown interest.
"People from abroad are buying here, French, English, Turkish, Italians are very interested," mentioned one interviewee.
"There are Ukrainians, Russians, Turks, Italians, quite a few in Vlorë, in Kanina, everywhere," added another interviewee.
The depopulation of Kanina, unlike other villages, seems to be a recent phenomenon. Six years ago, around 620 families lived in this village, while today, only 120 families remain, the majority of whom are elderly.