Kosovo is a republic of Southeast Europe, partially recognized by other states. Located on the Balkan Peninsula of Europe, in the geographic region of the same name. This region is constitutionally related to Serbia, but the people of Kosovo are not subject to their laws. The capital of the republic is Pristina.
The population, according to the 2011 census, is more than 1.7 million people. Mostly Serbs and Albanians live here, and only about 3-5% are of other nationalities.
Title and History
The name of the republic from the Serbian language is translated as "the land of blackbirds."
The history of the local population living on these lands began 2 thousand years ago. The Illyrians were the first to live here. In the VI century, Slavic peoples settled. In the IX century, Christianity was adopted on the territory. Gradually, this region became the cultural and religious center of the Serbian state. It was here that the largest majestic cathedrals and temples were built. However, in the 15th century, after prolonged military skirmishes, this territory was ceded to the Ottoman Empire.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the Serbian principality was formed on European lands, which strengthened its political position and conquered Kosovo from the Turks.
In 1945, a federal state of Yugoslavia was formed in the south of Eastern Europe. Kosovo (republic) stood out as an autonomous region within Serbia. In the 90s, this territory survived the Civil War. In 1989, a referendum was held, which marked the withdrawal of autonomy from Serbia. However, the republic was recognized only by Albania. The country started military clashes and conflicts. As a result, many local residents died, more were left homeless over their heads. The unrest continued for several years, until in 1999, NATO bombed the military bases. Since this year, the republic has been under special control and trusteeship of the UN. In 2008, it proclaimed independence from Serbia, but only unilaterally. The latter did not accept this resolution.
Geography of the region
The state of Kosovo is located on a flat terrain in its shape resembling a rectangle. The area of the region is just over 10 thousand km 2 . The average height is 500 m above sea level, the highest peak is the town of Jyaravitsa, located in the Prokletiye mountain system, on the border with Albania. Its height is 2 656 m. The climate of the republic has a pronounced continental type: with cold winters and hot summers. Average winter temperatures are -10 ... -12 ° C, summers + 28 ° ... + 30 ° C. Large rivers in Kosovo: Sitnitsa, Ibar, South Moravia, White Drin.
Administrative and territorial structure of the republic
Administratively, Kosovo is a republic divided into 7 districts: Kosovo-Mitrovitsky, Pristina, Gnilansky, Dzhakovitsky, Pechsky, Uroshevatsky, Prizrensky. They, in turn, are divided into municipalities. There are 30 in total. The municipalities of Zvechan, Leposavich and Zubin Potok, located in the northern region of the republic and inhabited by Serbs, are not subordinate to the authorities of Kosovo and do not recognize independence. In fact, this government has created its own government, which is concentrated in the city of Kosovsk-Mitrovitsa. The Kosovo authorities introduced a bill to create a separate autonomous municipality on these lands. In addition to the northern region, fewer Serbs live in other Kosovo municipalities. So-called enclaves, independent autonomous okrugs were created there.
Development
Currently, according to the Constitution adopted in 2008, Kosovo is a unitary and parliamentary republic. The head of state is the president, whose elections fall on the shoulders of parliament. Executive power in the republic is led by the prime minister.
Transport Kosovo - road and rail. Medicine in the republic is free, but without policies. A doctor’s education can only be obtained in the capital, the University Clinical Center.
The city of Pristina (Kosovo) has a population of 200 thousand people and is the largest city in the republic. Another major center is Prizren, a little more than 100 thousand people live in it.
Entry-level education is developed, in the republic there are 1,200 educational institutions of junior and middle management. However, a big problem with the distribution and certification of teachers.
In terms of the cultural development of the state, only memories have remained of the former religious center. During hostilities, the majority of the country's Orthodox monuments were desecrated and destroyed.
Kosovo economy
Kosovo is a country that is currently considered one of the poorest in Europe. The state has occupied this position since the time it was part of Serbia, and after leaving it it was further aggravated. Massive unemployment, low living standards, minimum wages - all this has haunted Kosovo for many years, despite the country's great economic potential.
Domestic and foreign policy
The Kosovo population is characterized by this feature: the majority of the working-age population, unable to earn money in their own country, settle informally abroad, sending their children and parents livelihoods. According to statistics, out of 1,700 thousand people, 800 thousand are currently outside the country.
In Kosovo, large mineral deposits are concentrated, such as magnesite, lead, nickel, cobalt, bauxite, zinc. The Republic takes 5th place in the world in terms of brown coal reserves. Kosovo has a huge international external debt, part of which until 2008 was paid by Serbia.
In 1999, as a result of separation from Serbia, Kosovo allowed the German currency, the German mark, to enter the state, and then, together with European countries, switched to the euro. In the northern region remained the money of Serbia - dinars.
Problems
The status of Kosovo is unclear and causes some concern, so investors are not attracted to the country. This reason leads to the emergence of shadow business in the republic. This is mainly smuggling; tobacco, cement and gasoline are exported from the country. Drug trafficking is also booming in Kosovo. According to UN estimates, more than 80% of illicit drugs from Kosovo cross the border into Europe.
Population
The population of Kosovo totals 1 million 700 thousand people. By ethnic composition, it is located in such a percentage ratio: 90% are Albanians, 6% are Serbs, 3% are Gypsies and 1% are from other nationalities: Turks, Bosnians, Ashkali, Gorans. Albanians are the vast majority of the population of Kosovo. The official language of the republic is Albanian and Serbian. Albanian is based on the Latin alphabet, while Serbian is based on the Cyrillic alphabet.
Tourism
A sufficiently large number of people from neighboring countries come to see the local attractions. And not in vain. This territory is rich in amazing places and will not leave anyone indifferent. You should completely plan your time and establish a clear schedule in order to achieve maximum attendance at interesting places. The population here is hospitable and will always help - you should only ask for help. Be sure to learn English well so as not to get into an awkward situation with lack of knowledge of the local language.
Currently, peace has been established on the territory of the republic, there are no more military conflicts, so the country is slowly starting to rebuild cities and, of course, the economy. The most difficult thing is that Kosovo, as a separate state, is still not recognized by all, which significantly aggravates its development.