Kosovo

Kosovo, officially known as the Republic of Kosovo, is a partially recognised state in South-eastern Europe located in the central Balkan Peninsula. It declared independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008. While it has been recognised by over 100 United Nations member states, Serbia continues to regard Kosovo as part of its sovereign territory. The capital and largest city is Pristina. Kosovo occupies a strategically significant position in the Balkans, bordered by Albania to the west, Montenegro to the north-west, North Macedonia to the south-east, and Serbia to the north and east.

Geography and Physical Features

Kosovo covers an area of approximately 10,908 square kilometres, making it one of the smaller territories in Europe. The landscape is predominantly mountainous, interspersed with fertile plains and river valleys.
Key geographical features include:

• The Dinaric Alps in the west
• The Šar Mountains in the south
• The Kosovo Plain (Kosovo Polje), historically and agriculturally significant
• Major rivers such as the Ibar and the White Drin

The climate is predominantly continental, with cold winters and warm summers. The mountainous terrain contributes to regional climatic variations and supports forestry and limited agriculture.

Historical Background

Kosovo has a complex and contested history shaped by shifting empires and ethnic dynamics. In medieval times, it formed a core part of the Serbian Kingdom and later the Serbian Empire. The Battle of Kosovo in 1389 between Serbian forces and the Ottoman Empire became a defining event in Serbian national memory.
From the 15th century until the early 20th century, Kosovo was under Ottoman rule. During this period, significant demographic and cultural changes occurred, including the spread of Islam among parts of the population.
Following the Balkan Wars (1912–1913), Kosovo became part of the Kingdom of Serbia and later the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. After the Second World War, it became an autonomous province within the Socialist Republic of Serbia, which was itself part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
Tensions between ethnic Albanians, who form the majority population, and ethnic Serbs intensified in the late 20th century. In 1989, Serbia revoked Kosovo’s autonomous status. The 1998–1999 Kosovo War between Serbian forces and ethnic Albanian groups led to a humanitarian crisis and NATO military intervention. In 1999, Kosovo was placed under United Nations administration.
On 17 February 2008, Kosovo unilaterally declared independence. The declaration has been supported by many Western countries but rejected by Serbia and several other states.

Political System and Governance

Kosovo is a parliamentary republic. The President serves as Head of State, while executive power is exercised by the Government led by the Prime Minister. Legislative authority is vested in a unicameral Assembly.
The political structure includes:

• A President elected by the Assembly
• A Prime Minister heading the executive branch
• An Assembly of 120 members, including reserved seats for minority communities
• An independent judiciary

Kosovo’s constitution provides extensive protections for minority rights, including representation for Serbs and other ethnic groups. However, governance challenges remain, particularly in northern areas with significant Serbian populations.
International supervision played a role in Kosovo’s early years of independence, and organisations such as the European Union have maintained missions focused on rule of law and institutional development.

Demographics and Society

Kosovo has a population of approximately 1.8 million people. Ethnic Albanians constitute around 90 per cent of the population. Other communities include Serbs, Bosniaks, Turks, Roma, Ashkali, and Gorani.
Albanian and Serbian are the official languages. Turkish, Bosnian, and Romani are recognised at the municipal level in areas where these communities reside.
Religion in Kosovo is diverse:

• The majority of ethnic Albanians are Muslim
• Serbian communities are predominantly Eastern Orthodox Christians
• There are small Catholic and Protestant communities

Kosovo has one of the youngest populations in Europe, with a median age significantly lower than that of many neighbouring countries. This demographic structure presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly in employment and education.

Economy and Development

Kosovo’s economy is classified as a developing, upper-middle-income economy. It relies heavily on services, remittances from the diaspora, and international assistance.
Main economic sectors include:

• Services and trade
• Agriculture (especially cereals, fruits, and livestock)
• Mining (notably lignite coal and lead-zinc deposits)
• Construction

Kosovo possesses substantial lignite reserves, which are used for electricity generation. However, energy infrastructure requires modernisation. Unemployment, particularly among young people, remains a significant issue.
Remittances from Kosovars living abroad form an important part of household incomes and national economic stability.

International Relations and Recognition

Kosovo’s international status remains partially disputed. It has been recognised by the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and many European Union member states, among others. However, Serbia, Russia, China, and several other countries do not recognise its independence.
Kosovo is a member of institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, but it is not a member of the United Nations due to opposition in the UN Security Council.
Dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, facilitated by the European Union, has aimed at normalising relations. Although agreements have been reached on practical matters, full diplomatic recognition remains unresolved.

Culture and Heritage

Kosovo’s cultural heritage reflects its diverse historical influences, including Illyrian, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Yugoslav periods. Architectural landmarks include medieval Serbian Orthodox monasteries, many of which are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Ottoman-era mosques and bridges.
Traditional music, dance, and folklore play an important role in national identity. Albanian-language literature and cultural expression have grown significantly since independence.
Sport is also an emerging aspect of national identity. Kosovo participates independently in international competitions, including the Olympic Games, having gained recognition from major sporting organisations in the 2010s.