Albania Administrative History: From Districts to Counties
Following its Declaration of Independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912, Albania embarked on a long journey of refining its internal governance. For nearly a century, the nation utilized a system of districts to manage its territory, undergoing several waves of consolidation and expansion before transitioning to its modern administrative structure.
The Evolution of the District System
During the 1920s and 1930s, the Albanian landscape was divided into 39 distinct districts. As the government sought more streamlined management, these were consolidated into 26 districts by 1939. This structure remained the baseline until another reorganization took place in 1959.
Minor adjustments continued into the later 20th century. For instance, in 1978, the Ersekë District was officially renamed to Kolonjë.
The most significant expansion occurred in 1991, when ten new districts were created by splitting existing ones. These additions included:
- Bulqizë (formerly part of Dibër)
- Delvinë (formerly part of Sarandë)
- Devoll (formerly part of Korçë)
- Has (formerly part of Kukës)
- Kavajë (formerly part of Durrës)
- Kuçovë (formerly part of Berat)
- Kurbin (formerly part of Krujë)
- Malësi e Madhe (formerly part of Shkodër)
- Mallakastër (formerly part of Fier)
- Peqin (formerly part of Elbasan)
The Transition to Counties and Municipalities
Between 1991 and 2000, Albania operated with 36 districts, which were grouped into 12 larger counties. This hybrid system served as a bridge toward a more centralized administrative model.
The definitive shift occurred following the 1998 constitutional reforms. These changes were codified as Law No. 8653, which came into effect on July 31, 2000. This legislation abolished the district system entirely, establishing a new two-tier hierarchy:
- First-level division: 12 Counties.
- Second-level division: Urban and rural municipalities.
Key Facts
- Albania gained independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912.
- The number of districts fluctuated from 39 in the 1920s/30s to 26 in 1939, and eventually 36 by 1991.
- Law No. 8653, effective July 31, 2000, officially ended the district system.
- The current primary administrative divisions are 12 counties.
| Year/Period | Administrative Change | Resulting Structure |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s-1930s | Initial district setup | 39 Districts |
| 1939 | Consolidation | 26 Districts |
| 1959 | Reorganization | Revised District boundaries |
| 1991 | Expansion (10 new districts) | 36 Districts / 12 Counties |
| 2000 | Law No. 8653 implementation | 12 Counties and Municipalities |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Albania stop using districts as its primary division?
The district system was abolished on July 31, 2000, following the implementation of Law No. 8653.
How many districts existed in Albania during the 1920s and 1930s?
During that period, there were 39 districts.
What replaced the districts in the 2000 administrative reform?
Districts were replaced by 12 counties as the first-level administrative division, with urban and rural municipalities serving as the second-level division.
Which district was renamed to Kolonjë?
The Ersekë District was renamed to Kolonjë in 1978.
How many new districts were added in 1991?
Ten new districts were added in 1991, including areas such as Bulqizë, Delvinë, and Devoll.