Geography
The County of Tirana covers an area of 1,652 km². The population was 781,087 in 2006, with a population density of 410 inhabitants per square kilometre. Its estimated population in 2010 is 800,347.
Tirana County has a shoreline on the Adriatic Sea. On the land, it borders Durrës to the north, Dibër to the northeast, Elbasan to the southeast and Fier to the south.
The main river flowing through Tirana County is the Ishëm River and the Tiranë River, which both flow through the city of Tirana itself. The city of Tirana's average altitude is 110 meters (360 ft) above sea level and its highest point measures 1,828 m (5,997.38 ft) at Mali me Gropa. The city is on the same parallel as Naples, Madrid and Istanbul and on the same meridian as Budapest and Krakow. The city of Tirana contains a total of four artificial lakes: the Tirana Artificial Lake around which was built the Big Park, the Kodër-Kamëz Lake, Farka Lake, and Tufina Lake.
South of the city of Tirana is the Erzen valley, with its hills, olive groves, and surrounding mountains. The town of Petrelë lies in this area and has a rich history, containing a tower which was built in the 5th century AD and which was used mostly to watch for Ottoman troops marching towards inner Albania.
The southern part of Tirana County, which borders Elbasan County is very mountainous and contains several lakes. More lakes, however, are located in the northwestern part of the county, north of Kavajë, including Kavajë Lake. The county borders the Adriatic Sea on the West where several beach side facilities exist. A well known is Plazhi i Gjeneralit Beach equipped with camping, wooden cabins, and catering facilities. Other beach areas are located near the village of Spille.
Dajti National Park is situated 26 km east of the capital of Tirana. The park has a surface area of 3,300 hectares. This park is highly frequented by day and is considered the 'Natural Balcony of Tirana'. The Dajti Mountain together with the south Priska Mountain (1353m) consists of the national park which has an exact area of 29,216.9 hectares.
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