Kosovo is located in southeastern Europe, in the central Balkans region. It is bordered by Serbia to the north and east, Montenegro to the west, Albania to the southwest, and North Macedonia to the south.
Geography
Kosovo’s geography is diverse, featuring mountainous terrain, fertile valleys, and picturesque rivers.
Climate
The climate of Kosovo is continental, with hot summers and cold winters. Precipitation varies across the region, with higher rainfall in the west and south and drier conditions in the east.
Fauna
Kosovo is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, wolves, deer, and various bird species. The country’s national parks and nature reserves provide important habitats for these animals.
Longest Rivers
The longest river in Kosovo is the Drin, which flows through the western part of the country. Other major rivers include the Ibar, Sitnica, and Lepenac rivers.
Highest Mountains
The Šar Mountains, located in the southwestern part of Kosovo, are home to some of the country’s highest peaks. Gjeravica is the highest peak in Kosovo, standing at 2,656 meters (8,714 feet) above sea level.
History
Kosovo’s history is marked by a rich tapestry of civilizations, from ancient times to the present day.
Prehistory
The territory of Kosovo has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Neolithic period. Archaeological sites such as Tumba Madhe and Ulpiana provide insights into early human civilization in the region.
Ancient Period
Kosovo was part of various ancient empires, including the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. The city of Prizren, founded during the Roman era, became an important cultural and commercial center in the Balkans.
Ottoman Rule
Kosovo came under Ottoman rule in the 15th century and remained part of the Ottoman Empire for over four centuries. The region experienced significant socio-economic and cultural changes during this period, with the introduction of Islam and the establishment of Ottoman administrative structures.
Modern Era
In the 20th century, Kosovo became part of Yugoslavia, first as an autonomous region and later as a constituent republic. The late 20th century saw rising tensions between ethnic Albanians and Serbs, culminating in the Kosovo War of the late 1990s.
Independence
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, following years of conflict and negotiations. The declaration of independence was recognized by numerous countries around the world, although it remains a subject of contention with Serbia and some other nations.
Demographics
Kosovo has a population of approximately 1.8 million people, predominantly ethnic Albanians. Other ethnic groups include Serbs, Bosniaks, Turks, and Roma. The population is predominantly young, with a significant portion under the age of 30.
Administrative Divisions
Kosovo is divided into seven administrative regions, known as municipalities. These municipalities are further subdivided into towns and villages.
List of Administrative Divisions with Population
- Pristina – Population: 350,000
- Prizren – Population: 200,000
- Gjilan – Population: 150,000
- Peja – Population: 150,000
- Mitrovica – Population: 120,000
- Ferizaj – Population: 100,000
- Gjakova – Population: 100,000
10 Largest Cities by Population
- Pristina
- Prizren
- Gjilan
- Peja
- Mitrovica
- Ferizaj
- Gjakova
- Vučitrn
- Lipjan
- Suva Reka
Education Systems
Education in Kosovo is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 15. The country has a network of primary and secondary schools, as well as vocational and technical institutions. The University of Pristina is the largest and most prestigious university in Kosovo, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Transportation
Kosovo has a developing transportation infrastructure, with efforts focused on improving road networks and public transportation.
Airports
Kosovo has one international airport, Pristina International Airport, located near the capital city of Pristina. The airport serves as the main gateway for both domestic and international travel.
Railways
Kosovo has limited railway infrastructure, with plans for expansion and modernization in the future. The existing railway lines connect major cities and towns within Kosovo and with neighboring countries.
Highways
Kosovo has a network of modern highways, with major routes connecting urban centers and border crossings. The total length of highways in Kosovo is approximately 800 kilometers.
Ports
Kosovo is a landlocked country and does not have any major ports.
Country Facts
- Population: 1.8 million
- Capital: Pristina
- Language: Albanian, Serbian (official)
- Religion: Islam, Christianity
- Race: Albanian, Serbian, Bosniak, Turkish, Roma
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- ISO Country Codes: XK
- International Calling Code: +383
- Top-level Domain: .xk