# Principality of Albania

> 1914-1925 monarchy in Europe, predecessor of modern Albania

**Wikidata**: [Q187035](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q187035)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principality_of_Albania)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/principality-of-albania

## Summary
The Principality of Albania was a sovereign state that existed from 1914 to 1925, serving as a monarchy in Europe and a predecessor to modern Albania. It was established after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the declaration of independence by the Albanian people, following the Balkan Wars and World War I. The principality was ruled by Prince Wilhelm of Wied and had its capital in Durrës, a key historical and political center in the region.

## Key Facts
- **Duration**: Existed from February 21, 1914, to January 31, 1925.
- **Government**: A monarchy ruled by Prince Wilhelm of Wied, who was crowned on March 7, 1914.
- **Capital**: Durrës, which served as the capital from March 7, 1914, until January 1920, when Tirana became the capital.
- **Predecessor**: Succeeded the Independent Albania (1912–1914) and preceded the Albanian Republic (1925–1928).
- **Currency**: Used the Albanian lek as its official currency.
- **Official Language**: Albanian was the official language of the principality.
- **Replaced By**: Dissolved and replaced by the Albanian Republic on January 31, 1925.
- **Related Entities**: Connected to the Autonomous Albanian Republic of Korçë (1916–1920) and the Provisional Government of Albania (1912–1914).
- **Historical Context**: Established after the Balkan Wars and World War I, reflecting the broader geopolitical shifts in the region.
- **Sovereign State**: Recognized as a sovereign state by international law, with its own legal systems and foreign policy.

## FAQs
**What was the capital of the Principality of Albania?**
The capital was initially Durrës from March 7, 1914, until January 1920, when it was moved to Tirana. This shift reflected political and administrative changes within the principality.

**Who ruled the Principality of Albania?**
The principality was ruled by Prince Wilhelm of Wied, who was crowned on March 7, 1914. His reign marked a period of monarchy in Albania before its transition to a republic.

**What was the currency of the Principality of Albania?**
The Albanian lek was the official currency used during the principality's existence. It was introduced to stabilize the economy and facilitate trade within the region.

**What preceded and succeeded the Principality of Albania?**
The Principality of Albania succeeded the Independent Albania (1912–1914) and was preceded by the Albanian Republic (1925–1928). It was a brief but significant period in Albania's political history.

**What was the significance of the Principality of Albania?**
The Principality of Albania played a crucial role in shaping modern Albania's political and administrative structures. It was a monarchy that transitioned into a republic, reflecting the broader geopolitical changes in the Balkans during the early 20th century.

## Why It Matters
The Principality of Albania holds historical significance as a monarchy that preceded modern Albania. It was a sovereign state recognized by international law, with its own legal systems and foreign policy. The principality's existence marked a period of political and administrative development in the region, reflecting the broader geopolitical shifts in Europe during the early 20th century. Its transition from monarchy to republic laid the groundwork for Albania's subsequent political evolution. The Principality of Albania's legacy is evident in its role as a predecessor to modern Albania, influencing the country's political and administrative structures.

## Notable For
- **Monarchy in Albania**: The Principality of Albania was the first monarchy in modern Albania, ruled by Prince Wilhelm of Wied.
- **Capital Shifts**: The capital moved from Durrës to Tirana, reflecting political and administrative changes within the principality.
- **Currency Introduction**: The Albanian lek was introduced as the official currency, stabilizing the economy and facilitating trade.
- **Predecessor to Modern Albania**: The Principality of Albania succeeded the Independent Albania and preceded the Albanian Republic, shaping modern Albania's political and administrative structures.
- **Sovereign State**: Recognized as a sovereign state by international law, with its own legal systems and foreign policy.

## Body

### History and Establishment
The Principality of Albania was established on February 21, 1914, following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the declaration of independence by the Albanian people. It succeeded the Independent Albania (1912–1914) and was ruled by Prince Wilhelm of Wied, who was crowned on March 7, 1914. The principality's establishment reflected the broader geopolitical shifts in the Balkans during the early 20th century, following the Balkan Wars and World War I.

### Government and Administration
The Principality of Albania was a monarchy ruled by Prince Wilhelm of Wied. The government was established to govern the principality and make decisions independently. The principality had its own legal systems and conducted foreign policy, recognized as an independent nation by international law. The government's role was significant in shaping the principality's political and administrative structures.

### Capital and Geography
The capital of the Principality of Albania was initially Durrës, which served as the capital from March 7, 1914, until January 1920. The city's historical significance as a former capital of the Kingdom of Albania and the Principality of Albania is highlighted in its role as a key political and administrative center. The principality's geography was shaped by its location in the Balkans, reflecting the broader geopolitical context of the region.

### Currency and Economy
The Albanian lek was introduced as the official currency of the Principality of Albania. The currency was used to stabilize the economy and facilitate trade within the principality. The introduction of the lek reflected the principality's efforts to establish a stable economic system, supporting its political and administrative structures.

### Language and Culture
Albanian was the official language of the Principality of Albania. The language was used to communicate and govern within the principality, reflecting its cultural and linguistic identity. The principality's cultural and linguistic heritage is evident in its role as a predecessor to modern Albania, influencing the country's cultural and linguistic development.

### Transition to Republic
The Principality of Albania dissolved on January 31, 1925, and was replaced by the Albanian Republic. The transition from monarchy to republic marked a significant shift in Albania's political and administrative structures. The principality's legacy is evident in its role as a predecessor to modern Albania, influencing the country's political and administrative development.

### Related Entities and Connections
The Principality of Albania is connected to several related entities, including the Autonomous Albanian Republic of Korçë (1916–1920) and the Provisional Government of Albania (1912–1914). These connections reflect the broader geopolitical context of the region and the principality's role in shaping Albania's political and administrative structures. The principality's connections to these entities highlight its significance in the broader historical and political context of the Balkans.

### International Recognition and Foreign Policy
The Principality of Albania was recognized as a sovereign state by international law. It conducted foreign policy and maintained diplomatic relations with other nations, recognized as an independent nation by international law. The principality's international recognition and foreign policy reflected its role as a sovereign state in the broader geopolitical context of the Balkans.

### Legacy and Influence
The Principality of Albania's legacy is evident in its role as a predecessor to modern Albania. It influenced the country's political and administrative structures, shaping its subsequent political and administrative development. The principality's legacy is significant in the broader historical and political context of the Balkans, reflecting the broader geopolitical shifts in the region during the early 20th century.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. FactGrid