The Albanian Kingdom (Gheg Albanian: Mbretnija Shqiptare; Tosk Albanian: Mbretëria Shqiptare) was the official name of Albania between 1928 and 1939. It was established when the Albanian parliament declared the country a monarchy, and President Ahmet Bej Zogu was proclaimed Zog I. This transition marked the end of the Albanian Republic and the beginning of a constitutional monarchy. Zog I's reign was characterized by efforts to modernize the country, including legal reforms and infrastructure development, although his government maintained his authoritarian practices as president.
The kingdom maintained close relations with Fascist Italy, which provided financial and military support. However, by the late 1930s, Albania's dependence on Italy grew, culminating in Italy's invasion of Albania on April 7, 1939. The invasion led to the establishment of an Italian protectorate, and King Zog I fled into exile. The communist Party of Labor of Albania gained control of the country toward the end of World War II, establishing a communist regime and formally deposing Zog, who lived the remainder of his life in exile.
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