Introduction to Kosovo

Quick Overview

Little known, especially in terms of tourism, Kosovo is the latest European country (though not yet recognized by all) to have come into existence in 2008.

Key Facts

• Type of place: country.

• Location: in the Balkans, south of Serbia, to which Kosovo was previously attached.

• Latitude/longitude: 42.40' N, 21.10' E

• Local time: Heure : 10601

• Capital: Pristina.

• Nature of the state: parliamentary republic.

• Official languages: Albanian and Serbian (other languages are also recognized at the regional level).

• Currency: euro.

• Population: 1,907,592 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: 10,887 km².

• Density: 175 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point:

• Lowest point:

• Coastline: 0 km, no maritime access.

• Driving: on the right.

Tourism

As elsewhere in the Balkans, traces of the past and the region’s not-always-simple history are very much present in Kosovo, along with some beautiful natural spaces. That said, the destination is still very rarely visited, with just a few thousand tourists per year, mainly from Germany or Italy.

Travel Essentials

• Destination:

• By air: France-Pristina.

• Entry requirements: passport (national ID card not accepted)

• Currency to bring: euro

• Exchange rate:

• Daily "backpacker" budget:

• Best for accommodation:

• Best for getting around:

• Risks:

• Best time for climate/crowds/prices:

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★; Adventure ⊘/★; Culture ★★; Relaxation-holidays ⊘

Useful Addresses

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life": (rank in )

• GDP per capita: $10,900 (2018)

• Average monthly income: ()

• Inflation: +1.5% (2017)

• "Official" unemployment: 30.5% (2017)

• Population below the poverty line: 17.6% (2015)

• Life expectancy: ()

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: ()

• Population growth: ()

• Literacy rate: ()

• Urban population: ()

• Press freedom: 78/180 (rank in 2018)

• Political regime: ()

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook