22 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Kosovo

Kosovo is a landlocked country in the Balkan Peninsula. It is officially the Republic of Kosovo after it declared its independence from Serbia in February 2008. The country’s official languages are Albanian and Serbian with mostly Albanians living in Kosovo. Its official currency is the euro. 

Kosovo was once a part of Serbia for more than 800 years. This is the reason why Serbs think of Kosovo as a very important and special place as it was a part of their spiritual inheritance. So when you visit Kosovo, you will likely see Serbian churches and monasteries in most places.

With all these facts about Kosovo, there is still a lot of information that we need to know about this small Balkan country. So in this article, you’ll learn more about Kosovo’s historical, geographical, cultural, and economic facts:

1. Kosovo is bordered by Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania, and Montenegro.

2. Kosovo is the smallest country in the Balkans. It is about the same size as Jamaica or Lebanon.

3. The name “Kosovo” comes from a place in Serbia that means “field of blackbirds”.

4. It is one of the youngest countries in the world that gained independence. The youngest is South Sudan after it gained its independence in July 2011.

5. The vast majority of the population in Kosovo are Albanians. 

6. The official language of Kosovo is Albanian and Serbian.

7. Islam is the major religion in the country. About 90% of the population are Muslims.

8. The Kosovo war happened between 1998 and 1999. The war killed at least 10,000 people.

9. Kosovo is also considered the youngest country in all of Europe because 70% of its population is under the age of 35. 

10. Although Kosovo is a Muslim dominant country, it is still secular. Some women still dress modestly and wear hijab, but others also wear western clothes.

11. Children in Kosovo get their citizenship in the country when one of their parents is a citizen of Kosovo. The country does not provide citizenship by birth.

12. When Mother Teresa was 18 she lived in a small village of Letnica in Kosovo. This is also the place where she decided to adopt a life of religious devotion.

13. Kosovo was under the control of the Ottoman Empire from the mid 15th century to the early 20th-century.

14. On February 17, 2008, Kosovo declared itself independent from Serbia. However, Serbia said that the independence of Kosovo is illegal. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on July 2010 decided that Kosovo’s independence from Serbia is legal. 

15. Because of its location, Kosovo serves as a link between Southern and Central Europe, the Black Sea, and the Adriatic Sea. 

16. The Mount Gjeravica is the highest point in Kosovo, it stands 8,714 feet or 2.656 meters. The lowest point is the White Drin that’s 974 feet or 297 meters.

17. Almost 40% of Kosovo is covered by forest. The majority of the trees that can be found in the forests are oak and pines. 

18. Kosovo joined the IMF and World Bank in 2009.

19. There is a statue of Bill Clinton in Kosovo. The former US President visited the country in 1999.

20. Kosovo’s median age is 29.1 years.

21. Pristina is the capital of Kosovo.

22. Kosovo is considered the second poorest country in Europe. 

These are the things to know about Kosovo that would get you ready when you decide to visit and explore this Balkan country. Make sure to make the most out of your adventure and bring home great memories as you leave this place and went back to your homeland.

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