The Historical and Legal Development of Nonprofit Sector in Albania: Case Study - Red Cross Albania

Regardless developed or in developing countries, the world has experienced a sudden expansion of the Nonprofit sector in recent decades. This happen because the Nonprofit sector is very important for the whole scheme of a country life and the rapid changes in environmental conditions. But the Philanthropic activities has been developed since in the ancient times. The first traces of philanthropy among Albanians have early roots and lie since the period of the Middle Ages. Philanthropy in Albania is strongly connected to social, economic and historical development of the country. The purpose of this study is to show the historical and legal development of nonprofit sector in Albania. The reason for historical treatment in this paper, is conducted in order to see the beginnings and development until our day of philanthropic activities of non-profit organizations in Albania. It is explored also the legal aspect of nonprofit sector in Albania. The data to conduct this paper were collected from the contemporary literature in this field. Also are provided from primary data, using qualitative research through in-depth interviews with managers of nonprofit organization "Red Cross Albania". The findings of this study show that: The creation and development process of non-profit organizations in Albania, dates back to the beginning of democracy and economic openness. Still it needs further improvement of the legal environment for NPOs in Albania. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2015.v4n3s1p9