The youngest country in the world!
Did you know that… After more than seven decades of Yugoslav/Serbian rule, Kosovo declared its independence on February 17, 2008? century. Ten years earlier, it was not an independent nation in Europe compared to its neighbors, eg Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia Herzegovina. At the same time, Kosovo boasted one of Europe’s last wars, an ethnically based conflict, in which more than 10,000 people were killed. From the end of the Cold War to the beginning of the 21st century, it had been neither prosperous nor stable. Under those circumstances, Kosovo was the poorest region on the European continent. Subsequently, the independence of Kosovo was backed by the United States, Albania and Great Britain. In 2009, it was one of the most peaceful countries on the Balkan Peninsula of Europe.
People
Did you know…? This southeastern European nation has a population of around 1,800,000. It ranks 148th in population among the countries of the world. About 88 percent of the country’s population is made up of Albanians. There are also other ethnic groups: Kosovo Serbs, Bosnians, Goranis, Roma, Turks, Ashkalis, Egyptians.
Education
Did you know…? Education and technology have received greater emphasis in this landlocked country since it became independent in the first decade of the 21st century.
Kosovo and the United States of America
Did you know… On November 23, 1999, President Bill Clinton made history when he arrived in Urosevac, Kosovo. Since then, it was the first official visit by a US head of state to Kosovo. US leader Clinton arrived in Urosevac to an enthusiastic welcome. During his visit, Clinton had asked Kosovar Albanians to forgive the injustices perpetrated against them by the Serbs. This southeastern European nation has been recognized by Washington since 2008.
Geography
Did you know…? The landlocked country of Kosovo, once part of the Ottoman empire, is located on the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe. It borders Montenegro to the northwest, Macedonia to the south, and Albania to the west. This new nation has a territory of 4,203 square miles (or 10,908 square kilometers). On the other hand, the Kosovar countryside is mainly made up of mountains separated by fertile valleys. Unique among European countries, it is roughly the size of Connecticut, an American state.
the capital of kosovo
Did you know that… Pristina, the largest city in the country, is the capital of Kosovo? It is also the main commercial, cultural and industrial center of the nation. Since then, the rich history and friendliness of the people of Pristina have made it one of the most important metropolises on the Balkan Peninsula. Additionally, it has about 500,000 inhabitants.
Languages
Did you know that… Albanian and Serbian are the national languages? The landlocked nation also has other unofficial languages: Gorani, Romani, Bosnian, and Turkish, among others.
Sports
Did you know that… The most popular sports are: basketball, boxing, canoeing, chess, gymnastics, soccer, swimming, table tennis, team handball, athletics, water polo and wrestling. However, the Olympic team, made up of Albanians, Kosovar Serbs, Bosnians and Goranis, has not competed in the modern Olympics. Over the past 14 months, the national government has stepped up efforts to participate in world championships and multi-sport events. Some of its best athletes live in Western Europe. In 1987, Kosovar boxer Aziz Salihu won the gold medal at the Mediterranean Games in Syria.
Ecology
Did you know that… More than 25 percent of its territory is covered by tropical forests.
Prizes and Awards
Did you know that… The new nation was endorsed by Donald Trump, president of the Miss Universe Organization in 2008. Also that year, Miss Kosovo, Zana Krasniqi, under the watchful eye of Fadil Berisha, one of the most popular fashion photographers of the world. – She made it to the top 15 in Nha Trang, Vietnam. She was the first Kosovar woman to compete in MU. Ironically, Kosovo has no diplomatic ties with Hanoi. The following year, in August 2009, national contestant Marigona “Gona” Dragusha finished third in The Bahamas, beating out 80 other entries. Before Miss Kosovo’s trip to the Bahamas, she, who is reminiscent of the world famous actress Audrey Hepburn, had been training in New York City, along with Hasna Xhukici, Miss Albania.
metropolis
Did you know that… In addition to Pristina, the region brings together four incredible cities: Dakovica, Kosovska Mitrovica, Peja and Prizren.
International organizations
Did you know that… Since 2009 this Eastern European nation belongs to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
Economic Sciences
Did you know…? In the economic aspect, Kosovo in the last five decades has changed from a socialist economy to a free market system. Thereafter, various foreign corporations operate businesses in the country. Despite being one of the smallest nations in Europe, the landlocked country has significant mineral resources, including nickel, lignite, lead, chrome, aluminum and magnesium. But there is more Much of Europe’s coal wealth is in Kosovo. The resources could fuel economic growth if those natural resources were used more fully. In addition, Kosovo is endowed with fertile soil. Nature tourism is a new source of income.
mountains
Did you know that… Deravica is the highest peak in the country: it rises 2,656 meters (8,714 feet) above sea level?
Famous Kosovars
Did you know…? The country has produced a number of performers/artists, including Melihate Ajeti (actress), Adekina Ismajli (singer), Shaban Gashi (photographer), Akil Mark Koci (composer), Esat Valla (painter), and a host of others. It has also produced many fine writers including Xhevdet Bajraj and Eqrem Basha. However, few of them are known outside the country.
foreign relations
Did you know…? During the 1990s and early 2000s, Kosovo worked to establish links with various republics. So far, the new nation has been recognized internationally by 62 member countries of the United Nations, including the United States, Australia, France, Turkey, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, the new country receives continued support and aid from the US and the European Union.