Kosovo (Albanian: Kosova) is a "de-facto" independent country in South Eastern Europe. After a lengthy and often violent dispute with Serbia, Kosovo declared independence in February 2008 and has been recognised by more than 69 countries around the world, despite heavy Serbian opposition. Kosovo is largely an Albanian speaking and Muslim area, but there are also significant numbers of minorities living within its borders, especially Serbs. Kosovo borders Albania to the west, Montenegro to the northwest, Macedonia to the south, and Serbia to the northeast.
The population of Kosovo is about 92% Albanian, who use the name Kosova exclusively.
Many people in Kosovo can speak English and German; they are more than willing to help you and tell you their stories. You, as the outsider, will get to hear both sides.
If you are interested in more than just seeing beautiful mountains and ancient ruins on your vacation to 'the region', Kosovo strongly recommends itself.
- Seeing the UN and the international community in action (or lack thereof) is quite interesting.
- Speaking to people in a post conflict environment is an eye opener that tends to cause a person to stop thinking of people in countries of civil conflict as simply nuts.
- You'll get a first hand view of more than 6 different cultures (Albanian, Serb, Roma, Ashkalia, Bosniak, and Turkish)
- You'll gain an understanding of what happens when governments allow industry to function when both environmental regulations and solid, defensible property rights are scarce.
- You'll come to enjoy a lot of coffee-shops around Prishtina.
- The Kosovars tend to be very friendly towards the USA for its support of their independence (ie: they have "Bill Clinton Boulevard" in Prishtina, as well as a large picture mural of him on the side of a building). They also are very friendly to Western European and Middle Eastern countries.