Kosovo is a republic of South-Eastern Europe, partially recognized by other states. It is located on the Balkan Peninsula of Europe, in the geographical region of the same name. Constitutionally, this region belongs to Serbia, but the population of Kosovo is 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 other nationalities.
Name and history
The very name of the republic is translated from the Serbian language 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, the Slavic peoples settled. Christianity was adopted in the 9th century. 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 centuryon European lands, the Serbian Principality was formed, which strengthened its political positions and recaptured Kosovo from the Turks.
In 1945, the federal state of Yugoslavia was formed in the south of Eastern Europe. Kosovo (republic) stood out as an autonomous region within Serbia. In the 1990s, this territory survived the Civil War. In 1989, a referendum was held, which marked the withdrawal of autonomy from Serbia. However, only Albania recognized the republic. Military skirmishes and conflicts began in the country. As a result, many local residents died, and even more were left homeless. The unrest continued for several years, until in 1999 NATO bombed military bases. Since this year, the republic has been under special control and guardianship of the UN. In 2008, it declared independence from Serbia, but only unilaterally. The latter did not adopt this resolution.
Geography of the region
The state of Kosovo is located on a flat area, in its shape resembling a rectangle. The area of the region is just over 10 thousand km2. The average height is 500 m above sea level, the highest peak is Dzhyaravitsa, 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°С, summers are +28°…+30°С. Large rivers in Kosovo: Sitnica, Ibar, South Moravia, White Drin.
Administrative-territorial structure of the Republic
BAdministratively, Kosovo is a republic divided into 7 districts: Kosovsko-Mitrovitsky, Pristinsky, Gnilansky, Djakovitsky, Pechsky, Uroshevatsky, Prizrensky. They, in turn, are divided into municipalities. There are 30 of them in total. The municipalities of Zvechan, Leposavich and Zubin Potok, located in the northern region of the republic and inhabited by Serbs, do not submit to the authorities of Kosovo and do not recognize independence. In fact, this territory has its own government, which is concentrated in the city of Kosovsk-Mitrovica. The Kosovo authorities have submitted a bill to establish a separate autonomous municipality on these lands. In addition to the northern region, Serbs live in smaller numbers in other municipalities of Kosovo. So-called enclaves, independent autonomous districts, have been created there.
Development
Currently, according to the Constitution adopted in 2008, Kosovo is a republic of a unitary and parliamentary type. The head of state is the president, whose election falls on the shoulders of parliament. The prime minister holds the executive power in the republic.
Kosovo's transport is road and rail. Medicine in the republic is free, but without policies. Medical 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 large center is Prizren, with just over 100 thousand people.
Primary level education is developed, on the territory of the republicthere are 1,200 educational institutions of junior and middle level. However, there is a big problem with the distribution and certification of teachers.
In terms of the cultural development of the state, only memories remained of the former religious center. During the hostilities, most of the country's Orthodox monuments were desecrated and destroyed.
Economy of Kosovo
Kosovo is currently one of the poorest countries in Europe. The state has occupied this position since the time it was part of Serbia, and after leaving it, it became even more 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 population of Kosovo is characterized by the following feature: the majority of the able-bodied population, not being able to earn money in their country, work abroad unofficially, sending their children and parents the means of subsistence. According to statistics, out of 1,700 thousand people, 800 thousand are currently outside the country.
On the territory of Kosovo are concentrated large deposits of minerals such as magnesite, lead, nickel, cob alt, bauxite, zinc. The republic ranks 5th in the world in terms of brown coal reserves. Kosovo has a huge international external debt, some of which was paid by Serbia until 2008.
In 1999, as a result of secession from Serbia, Kosovo introduced a currency into the stateGermany - the German mark, and then, together with European countries, switched to the euro. Serbian money remained in the northern region - dinars.
Problems
Kosovo's status is unclear and causes some concern, so investors are not attracted to the country. This reason leads to the appearance of shadow business in the republic. This is mainly smuggling, tobacco, cement and gasoline are exported from the country. There is also a thriving drug trade in Kosovo. The UN estimates that more than 80% of illicit drugs from Kosovo cross the border into Europe.
Population
The population of Kosovo is 1 million 700 thousand people. According to the ethnic composition, it is located in the following percentage: 90% - Albanians, 6% - Serbs, 3% - Gypsies and 1% are other nationalities: Turks, Bosnians, Ashkali, Gorani. Albanians make up the vast majority of Kosovo's population. The official languages of the republic are Albanian and Serbian. Albanian is based on the Latin alphabet, while Serbian is based on the Cyrillic alphabet.
Tourism
Quite a large number of people from neighboring countries come to see the sights here. And not in vain. This area is rich in stunning places and will not leave anyone indifferent. You should fully plan your time and set a clear schedule in order to maximize attendance at interesting places. The population here is hospitable and will always help - you just need to ask for help. Be sure to learn English well so as not to get into an awkwardthe situation of not knowing 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 restore cities and, of course, the economy. The most difficult thing is that Kosovo as a separate state has not yet been recognized by everyone, which significantly aggravates its development.
