The youngest country in the world!
Did you know … After more than seven decades of Yugoslav / Serbian rule, Kosovo declared its independence on February 17, 2008. Thus, land the size of Connecticut made world headlines when it became the country. younger in the first decade of the 21st century. century. Ten years earlier, it was not an independent nation in Europe compared to its neighbors, for example, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia Herzegovina. At the same time, Kosovo boasted of one of Europe’s last wars, an ethnically based conflict, where more than 10,000 people died. From the end of the Cold War until the beginning of the 21st century, it had been neither prosperous nor stable. In these circumstances, Kosovo remained the poorest region on the European continent. Later, Kosovo’s independence 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 increased 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 with an enthusiastic welcome. During his visit, Clinton had asked the 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 of 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 Kosovo 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, Pristina’s rich history and friendly people have made it one of the most important metropolises on the Balkan Peninsula. In addition, it has about 500,000 inhabitants.
Languages
Did you know … 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 … The most popular sports are: basketball, boxing, canoeing, chess, gymnastics, soccer, swimming, table tennis, team handball, track and field, water polo and wrestling. However, the Olympic team, consisting of Albanians, Kosovo Serbs, Bosnians and Goranis, has not competed in the modern Olympic Games. During the last 14 months, the national government has intensified its efforts to participate in world championships and sports events. Some of its best athletes live in Western Europe. In 1987, Kosovo boxer Aziz Salihu won the gold medal at the Mediterranean Games in Syria.
Ecology
Did you know … More than 25 percent of its territory is covered by tropical forests.
Awards and Prizes
Did you know … 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 in the world. world, reached the top 15 in Nha Trang, Vietnam. She was the first Kosovar woman to compete in MU. Ironically, Kosovo has no diplomatic ties to Hanoi. The following year, in August 2009, nationwide contestant Marigona “Gona” Dragusha finished third in The Bahamas, beating another 80 innings. Before Miss Kosovo’s trip to the Bahamas, she, who remembers world-famous actress Audrey Hepburn, had been training in New York City, along with Hasna Xhukici, Miss Albania.
Metropolis
Did you know … Besides Pristina, the region brings together four incredible cities: Dakovica, Kosovska Mitrovica, Peja and Prizren.
International organizations
Did you know … Since 2009 this Eastern European nation belongs to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
Economic Sciences
Did you know … Economically, Kosovo over the past five decades has gone from a socialist economy to a free market system. Since then, several 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, chromium, aluminum, and magnesium. But there is more. Much of Europe’s coal wealth is found in Kosovo. The resources could provide economic growth if those natural resources were used more fully. Furthermore, Kosovo is endowed with fertile soil. Nature tourism is a new source of income.
Moutains
Did you know … Deravica is the highest peak in the country: it rises 2,656 meters (8,714 feet) above sea level.
Famous Kosovars
Did you know that … The country has produced several performers, including Melihate Ajeti (actress), Adekina Ismajli (singer), Shaban Gashi (photographer), Akil Mark Koci (composer), Esat Valla (painter) and a multitude of others. It has also produced many good 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 ties with various republics. So far, the new nation has been internationally recognized by 62 United Nations member countries, including the United States, Australia, France, Turkey, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, the new country receives continued support and assistance from the United States and the European Union.
