[1][2][3][4][5] Albania has adjusted its internal organization 21 times since its Declaration of Independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912.

Immediately prior to the most recent reforms, the 308 or 309 communes were rural municipalities which served as second-level divisions of the country outside of its cities.

They now serve as the level of local government across the country, each under the authority of the nearest urban center and each overseeing any nearby villages.

[6] The remaining 23 villages belong to the following municipalities: Sukth (6), Manëz (8), Krujë (3) dhe Fushë-Krujë (6).

[citation needed] The remaining 19 villages belong to the following municipalities: Shkodra (2), Vau i Dejës (9), Koplik (3), Puka (2) dhe Fushë-Arrëza (3).