Kosovo
Visited
At a glance
- Region
- Southeast Europe
- Capital
- Pristina
- Population
- 1.6 million (2024)
- Area
- 10,908 km²
- Languages
- Albanian, Serbian
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Drives on the
- right
- Calling code
- +383
Visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Before you go
Overview
The Republic of Kosovo is a landlocked state in Southeast Europe. It is not fully recognized as a state due to its land disputes with the Republic of Serbia.
The country recorded a population of 1.845 million in 2018 and covers an area of 10,887 km2.
Its capital and largest city is Pristina.
The Capital, Pristina
History
The country was controlled by Serbia during the 12th century and it introduced the Serbian Empire. During this period many Serbian Orthodox Churches and Monasteries were built.
The Ottoman then took over and ruled Kosovo for 500 years until 1912 when Serbia regained control of the country before the country was assimilated into Yugoslav federation in 1946.
Yugoslav constitution acknowledged Kosovo as self-government in 1974. This was then withdrawn by Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic in 1990 who established Serbian administration in Kosovo leading to protests by Albanian.
The country unilaterally gained became independent in 2008.
Food & culture
The culture in the country is based on its heritage, arts, music, architecture, literature and cuisine.
The main crops mostly grown in the country are wheat and maize. The foods in Kosovo include stuffed peppers, lasagna, qebapa and macaroni.
Wildlife
The most common wildlife animals here are brown bears, Eurasian lynx, wildcats, grey wolves, foxes, chamois, red deer and roe deer.
Festivals & events
The main events celebrated are PriFest, the festival of Art, Nunar Festival, Doku festival and NGOM Festival.
Things to see
There is a Nebeske stolice, an archaeological site that is dated since the 3rd century on the peak of Mount Kapaonik.
There is also the Mali I Zhlebit, a mountain that is the origin of White Drin River.
Vision Decani Monastery is an ancient monastery for the Orthodox Christians in Decan which was instituted in the 14th century by Serbian King Stefan Decanski.
Other sites to visit include a bear sanctuary, Emin Gjiku Ethnographic Museum and Prizen fortress.
Interesting facts
The official languages are Albanian and Serbian.
Majority of the population are Muslims.
Cities & towns I’ve visited
Neighbours
My Bucket List goals in Kosovo
None on the list yet. Got a suggestion? Email Dan.