Computers at home, Tirana and Korça lead, small municipalities still far from technology

2025-08-08 07:25:00, Sociale CNA

Computers at home, Tirana and Korça lead, small municipalities still far

Digitalization, as measured by the number of households with a computer, is higher in the country's large municipalities compared to smaller ones and remote areas of the country. According to detailed data from the 2023 Census, the capital leads with a higher percentage, where almost half of households (49.3%) have a computer in their home.

After Tirana comes Korça with 33.9%, followed by Saranda (30.2%), Durrës (29.2%), Shkodra (28.5%), and Shijak (27.5%), Shijak and Hasi having higher percentages.

On the other hand, in cities like Selenica only 5.8% of families have a computer, with Memaliaj (6.1%), Finiqi (7.8%), and Roskovec (8.0%) having the lowest percentages in the country, reflecting a deep digital lag.

Data shows that urban centers such as Tirana, Durrës, and Shkodra show a higher level of access to technology, also associated with higher income levels, higher education, and greater involvement in the digital economy.

While in small municipalities, less than 10% of families have a computer. This reflects the overall poor infrastructure and low incomes.

The southern and northeastern areas are the most affected, with the municipalities of Libohova, Këlcyra, Konispol and Dropull remaining below the national average. In these municipalities and other smaller ones, a large part of the active population has emigrated, leaving behind older people who do not use technology.

In many municipalities, especially those with a middle-aged and older population, there is a lack of knowledge about using technology. This creates a vicious circle: they don't use technology because they don't understand it, and they don't learn because they don't have it.

In rural areas where the economy is focused on agriculture or manual labor, many families do not see computers as necessary for daily life. In some cases, even schools do not sufficiently reinforce the importance of using technology.

In many villages and mountainous areas, high-speed internet is either lacking or very expensive. Without a stable connection, even if you have a computer, its use remains limited. Meanwhile, young families who are more predisposed to digital devices live in big cities.

Computer equipment at home is a key indicator for inclusion in online education, remote work opportunities, access to information and electronic public services. The lack of technology in the family deepens social inequalities and limits opportunities for individual and community development./ Monitor.al