Kosovo (republic): the capital, population, area

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 does not obey 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% - other nationalities.

Title and history

The very 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 two thousand years ago. Illyrians lived here first. In the VI century settled Slavic peoples. In the 9th century, Christianity was accepted 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 clashes, this territory moved to the Ottoman Empire.
At the beginning of the XIX century on the European lands, the Serbian principality was established, which strengthened its political positions and won 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 district within Serbia. In the 90 years, this area survived the Civil War. In 1989, a referendum was held, which marked the withdrawal of autonomy from Serbia. However, the recognized republic was only Albania. Military clashes and conflicts began in the country. As a result, many local residents were killed, even more left homeless over their heads. The unrest continued for several years, until in 1999, at the military bases, NATO bombed. Since this year, the republic is under special control and guardianship of the UN. In 2008, proclaimed independence from Serbia, but only in a unilateral regime. The latter did not adopt 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 Djaravitsa, is in the Prokletie mountain system, on the border with Albania. Its height is 2,656 m. The climate of the republic has a pronounced continental type: with a cold winter and a hot summer. The average winter temperatures are -10 ... -12 ° С, in summer - + 28 ° ... + 30 ° С. Large rivers in Kosovo: Sitnica, Ibar, South Moravia, White Drin.

Administrative-territorial structure of the republic

In administrative terms, Kosovo is a republic divided into 7 districts: Kosovo-Mitrovica, Pristina, Gnilan, Djakovitsky, Pechsky, Uroshevatsky, Prizren. They, in turn, are divided into municipalities. In total, there are 30. The municipalities of Zvechan, Leposavich and Zubin Potok, located in the northern region of the republic and populated by Serbs, do not obey the Kosovo authorities and do not recognize independence. In fact, this territory has its own government, which is concentrated in Kosovsk-Mitrovica. The Kosovo authorities introduced a bill to create a separate autonomous municipality on these lands. In addition to the northern region, Serbs live in smaller numbers in other municipalities in Kosovo. There are created so-called enclaves, independent autonomous regions.

Development

At present, 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 elections fall on the shoulders of the parliament. The executive power in the republic is led by the Prime Minister.

Transport of Kosovo - road and rail. Medicine in the republic is free, but without policies. Education of a doctor can be obtained only in the capital - the University Clinical Center.

The city of Pristina (Kosovo) has a population of 200 thousand people and is the largest city of the republic. Another major center is Prizren, it is home to just over 100,000 people.

The primary level of education is developed, in the republic there are 1,200 educational institutions of junior and middle level. However, a big problem with the distribution and certification of teachers.

In terms of the cultural development of the state, only memories remained from the former religious center. During the military operations, most of the Orthodox monuments of the country were desecrated and destroyed.

Economy of Kosovo

Kosovo is a country that at the moment is considered one of the poorest in Europe. This position was taken by the state from the time it was part of Serbia, and after its exit it became even more aggravated. Mass unemployment, a low standard of living, minimum wages - this has been for many years Kosov, despite the country's great economic potential.

Domestic and Foreign Policy

For the people of Kosovo, this characteristic is characteristic: most of the able-bodied population, not having the opportunity to earn in their country, are arranged abroad unofficially, sending their children and parents the means of subsistence. According to statistics, out of a total of 1,700,000 people, 800,000 are currently outside the country.

Large deposits of minerals such as magnesite, lead, nickel, cobalt, bauxite, zinc are concentrated on the territory of Kosovo. The republic takes the 5th place in the world for brown coal reserves. Kosovo has a huge international foreign debt, part of which until 2008 was paid by Serbia.

In 1999, as a result of secession from Serbia, Kosovo admitted the German currency to the state - the German mark, and then transferred to the euro together with the European countries. In the northern region, there were money from Serbia - dinars.

Problems

The status of Kosovo is unclear and raises some concerns, therefore investors are not attracted to the country. This cause leads to the emergence of a shadow business in the republic. Basically, this is contraband, tobacco, cement and gas are exported from the country. Also, drug trafficking flourishes in Kosovo. According to UN estimates, over 80% of illegal drugs from Kosovo penetrate the border to Europe.

Population

The population of Kosovo is 1 million 700 thousand people. By ethnicity, it is located in such a percentage ratio: 90% - Albanians, 6% - Serbs, 3% - Gypsies and 1% account for other nationalities: Turks, Bosnians, Ashkali, Gorans. Albanians are the overwhelming majority of the population of Kosovo. The state language of the republic is Albanian and Serbian. The Albanian language is based on the Latin alphabet, while the Serbian language is based on the Cyrillic alphabet.

Tourism

A large number of people from neighboring countries come to see the local sights. And not in vain. This area is rich in stunning places and will not leave anyone indifferent. It is necessary to fully plan your time and establish a clear timetable in order to achieve the maximum attendance of interesting places. The population here is hospitable and will always help - one should only ask for help. It is necessary to learn English well, so as not to get into an embarrassing situation with ignorance of the local language.

At present, peace has been established on the territory of the republic, there are no more military conflicts, so the country is slowly starting to rebuild the cities and, of course, the economy. The most difficult is that Kosovo as a separate state has not yet been recognized by all, which significantly burdens its development.