Principality of Albania, 1920; Albanian Republic, 1925
During the First World War, various armies had occupied the country and only in 1920, when the Italians had finally left, a Congress in Lushnja proclaimed a new government. In 17 July 1924 Fan Noli, an orthodox priest, became Prime Minister and Regent of what was still officially a Principality. Chieftain Ahmet Bey Zogu staged a coup in late 1924 and a republic was proclaimed in 1925 with Ahmet Zogu as President. The flag used during this time had a redesigned eagle and no star.