History of Albania

Kingdom of Albania, 1272–1368 Draft, not yet reviewed

The Kingdom of Albania was established by Charles of Anjou in the Albanian territories he conquered from the Byzantine Empire in 1271, with the help of the local Albanian nobility. The Kingdom of Albania was declared in late February 1272. The kingdom extended from the region of Durazzo (Dyrrhachium, modern Durrës) south along the coast to Butrint. The Kingdom was soon reduced by the Byzantines to a small area around Durazzo, and the Angevins held out there until 1368, when the city was captured by Karl Thopia.

Seat of power: Durrës

Principality of Albania, 1914–1925 Draft, not yet reviewed

The Principality of Albania was a monarchy from 1914 to 1925. It was headed by Wilhelm, Prince of Albania, and located in modern Albania in the Balkan region of Europe. The Great Powers recognized the independence of Albania in the Treaty of London in May 1913 and the Principality was established on February 21, 1914. In 1925, the monarchy was abolished and the Albanian Republic was declared.

Seat of power: Durrës

Albanian Kingdom, 1928–1939 Draft, not yet reviewed

The Albanian Kingdom was the official name of Albania between 1928 and 1939. It was established when the Albanian parliament declared the country a monarchy and proclaimed President Ahmet Bej Zogu as Zog I, which marked the end of the Albanian Republic. The kingdom maintained close relations with Fascist Italy, which provided financial and military support. Italy invaded Albania on April 7, 1939, leading to the establishment of an Italian protectorate, and King Zog I fled into exile.

Seat of power: Tirana

People's Socialist Republic of Albania, 1946–1991 Draft, not yet reviewed

The People's Socialist Republic of Albania was the communist state that existed in Albania from 11 January 1946 to 29 April 1991. Originally founded as the People's Republic of Albania from 1946 to 1976, it was governed by the Party of Labour of Albania (PPSh), which had a constitutionally enshrined monopoly on state power. The state was first led by Enver Hoxha from 1946 to 1985, and then by Ramiz Alia from 1985 to 1991. The first multi-party elections in Socialist Albania took place on 31 March 1991, and the Republic of Albania was proclaimed on 29 April 1991.

Seat of power: Tirana

Albania, 1991 to today Draft, not yet reviewed

Albania, officially the Republic of Albania, is a country in Southeastern Europe. Albania declared independence in 1912, followed by a turbulent 20th century marked by monarchy, foreign occupation during both World Wars, and a communist regime under Enver Hoxha. Since its independence in 1912, Albania has undergone many political changes, transitioning from a monarchy to a communist regime before becoming a sovereign parliamentary constitutional republic. The country is an official candidate for membership in the European Union and has been negotiating accession since 2022.

Seat of power: Tirana

Rulers

• Ramiz Alia, President of Albania, 1991–1992
• Sali Berisha, President of Albania, 1992–1997
• Pjetër Arbnori, President of Albania, 1992–1992
• Kastriot Islami, President of Albania, 1992–1992
• Rexhep Meidani, President of Albania, 1997–2002
• Skënder Gjinushi, President of Albania, 1997–1997
• Alfred Moisiu, President of Albania, 2002–2007
• Bamir Topi, President of Albania, 2007–2012
• Bujar Nishani, President of Albania, 2012–2017
• Ilir Meta, President of Albania, 2017–2022
• Bajram Begaj, President of Albania, 2022 to today