Poliçan
| Poliçan | |
|---|---|
| Municipality | |
  Poliçan | |
| Coordinates: 40°36′44″N 20°5′53″E / 40.61222°N 20.09806°ECoordinates: 40°36′44″N 20°5′53″E / 40.61222°N 20.09806°E | |
| Country |
 Albania |
| County | Berat |
| Elevation | 256 m (840 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 4,318 |
| Time zone | CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2) |
| Postal code | 5403-5404 |
| Area code | 0368 |
| Car plates | SK |
| Website | http://polican.gov.al |
Poliçan is a city situated in south-central Albania. The population at the 2011 census was 4,318.[1] It is surrounded by several hills, said from which the nominative is derived. Its neighbourhoods include Plirez, Pronovik, Kalluc, Poligon, Lavdar and City center. Historically, Polican has been part of Berat County except from 1978-1991 when city was made part of Skrapar due to political pressure from the regime at that time. It was established as an industrial center.
Geography
The city is situated 519m above sea level, but the proximity with the Osum river maintains a typical Mediterranean climate, with all the four seasons accentuated.
History
The city was built in the 1960s by the Communist government with the purpose of creating an industrial town for the production of weapons and munitions.
It was long regarded as a "ghost" town because little was revealed for security reasons about the place and its industrial activities.
Economy
The economy of the town is concentrated in the weapons industry although the collapse of the communist regime in 1990 has caused production to collapsed. The industrial sector is also active through a small factory for the production of beer.
Agricultural activities include the production of wheat, maize, beans and vegetables.
In the surrounding hills olives, chestnuts, nuts, figs, cherries and grapes are also cultivated. Grapes are mainly produced for raki. There is also a greenhouse of 0.5 km².
References
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