Armeni, a village located about 20 km from the city of Vlora and part of the Selenicë municipality, exemplifies the challenges rural areas in Albania are grappling with. Once vibrant and full of energy, Armeni is now witnessing the repercussions of a massive exodus of young people seeking better economic opportunities and a more secure future abroad.

The village is now predominantly inhabited by the elderly, who face a lack of services, community interaction, and the lively atmosphere that once characterized the area.

Local residents highlight the reasons behind the youth exodus:

• “The population has significantly decreased. Everyone has left, and only the elderly remain. The youngest residents are around 40 years old. The few schoolchildren here are an exception. Emigration is everything here; people have lost hope.”
• “The state has neglected everything. The youth have all gone abroad. Agriculture is the only option here, but without a market to sell products, it’s pointless.”
• “Changes are happening, but slowly. The youth have left, seeking a better future abroad. Jobs are scarce here—only farming is an option, and I’m a pensioner.”

This phenomenon has led to significant social and economic challenges, with Armeni struggling to preserve its identity and keep alive the rich traditions that once set it apart.