Republic Day in Albania Date in the current year: January 11, 2024

Albania became an independent country in 1912 but shortly after was invaded by Fascist Italy in 1939. The second invasion by Nazi Germany was in 1943. In 1945 Albania became a Communist state and Enver Hoxha, the first secretary of the Party of Labor, proclaimed it as the Peoples' Republic of Albania. Later in 1976 People's Republic of Albania was renamed and became the People's Socialist Republic of Albania.

During the socialist period Albania became industrialized and saw a rapid economic growth. At the same time religious freedoms were severely curtailed and many forms of worship were outlawed. Hoxha proclaimed Albania as the first atheist state in 1967 after many mosques and Islamic libraries with priceless manuscripts had been destroyed.

In 1989 mass protests began and the communist government made different reforms in 1990. in 1991-92 the People's Republic of Albania dissolved and the Republic of Albania was founded. Although the socialistic regime fell down, the date when country became the People's Republic of Albania is still important.