17 Fun Facts about Kosovo: Did you know this?
Do you want to know more about the fascinating country of Kosovo?
Welcome to my world of explorers, history buffs, culture lovers, and people who like to find things that are unique, surprising, or not really well known. So, how some fun facts about Kosovo?
Today, I’ll take you on an exciting trip through one of the most charming, but still a bit unknown, parts of Europe (in my humble opinion).
This is Kosovo, which is the youngest country in Europe. Kosovo never fails to captivate with its interesting stories, mix of cultures, and beautiful scenery.
So, buckle up because we’re going to dive into these 17 interesting facts about Kosovo.
17 Fun Facts about Kosovo
Are you ready for a great mix of fun facts about Kosovo? This country deserves more attention and the list below will show you why!
1. A Young Country in Europe
It’s hard not to be touched by the story of Kosovo, which is a story of perseverance, strength, and a strong will to keep going. Kosovo is the newest country in Europe. It was born in 2008.
This small, landlocked country in the middle of the Balkan Peninsula has had to deal with many problems over its long past. Still, Kosovo has shown over and over that it can rise up, get better, and start over.
2. The Youthful Demographics
Kosovo is still young even though it has only been a separate country for a short time. Almost 70% of the people living there are under the age of 35, which gives the country a lot of energy (and future)!
This makes the average age of Kosovo’s people one of the youngest in all of Europe. This sense of youth permeates the atmosphere and gives it a spirit that is dynamic, lively, and focused on the future. This spirit is the heart of the country.
3. Kosovo, a Multi-Ethnic Mosaic
Diversity is more than just a buzzword in Kosovo; it’s an important part of the country’s character. Kosovo is home to Albanians, Serbs, Turks, Romani, and a lot of other groups of people from different parts of the world.
This kaleidoscopic mix of different cultures and ethnic groups is what makes Kosovo so interesting and colorful.
4. Multi-Lingual Talents!
And what better way to show the diversity of culture than through the variety of language? Kosovo’s official languages are both Albanian and Serbian. But that’s not the end of it.
On a regional level, Turkish, Bosnian, and Roma are also recognized as languages. This linguistic mix makes Kosovo a paradise if you’re a language fan and people who speak more than one language.
5. Prishtina Bear Sanctuary
There is a safe place on the quiet edge of Prishtina, the busy capital city. But this isn’t a normal place of safety. It is a safe place for bears that have been saved from cruel situations where they were mistreated or ignored.
This refuge is a powerful reminder of how caring and kind people are in this country. Worth a visit!
6. Kosovan Cuisine
Imagine the delicious smell of juicy kebabs roasting over an open flame, the comforting warmth of freshly baked bread, and the sweet, irresistible draw of flaky pastries. Welcome to the wonderful and diverse world of Kosovan food.
Influences from Turkey, Greece, and Italy, among other places, form a tapestry of food that will please even the pickiest eater. I promise.
7. A Country of Coffee Lovers
The people of Kosovo have one thing in common: they all love coffee. From classic Turkish-style brews to modern espresso, coffee is an important part of the culture of the country.
Coffee in Kosovo is more than just a pick-me-up in the morning or a treat in the afternoon. It is a sign of friendliness, hospitality, and conversation.
8. Visoki Dečani Monastery
The Visoki Dečani Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kosovo’s historical gems. It is a great place to learn about medieval Serbian Orthodox Christian art.
This monastery is a shining example of Kosovo’s cultural and historical wealth. It has over a thousand paintings and drawings that have been kept in great shape.
9. It’s home to the biggest star in Europe.
The Giant Illyrian Stellar stands tall at the archeological site of Haxhaj, which is in the middle of Kosovo. These huge stone graves were made by the old Illyrian people around 800 BC and are proof that they existed.
Their quiet, long-lasting presence shows how deeply rooted Kosovo’s history is. Pretty cool, right?
10. Mountainous Beauty
Kosovo is a nature lover’s dream, with its wide valleys, lush woods, calm rivers, and rough mountain peaks. It has a part of the Accursed Mountains, which are great for hiking and have a lot of plants and animals.
The wild beauty of these settings is absolutely breathtaking. The Dinaric Alps in the east and the Šar Mountains in the south are also home to the highest peaks in Kosovo rising well over 2,000 meters!
11. A Field of Blackbirds
The Kosovo Polje, also known as the Field of Blackbirds, is more than just a place to visit. It’s a historical marker, a reminder of a major fight in the 14th century that changed the history of the area forever.
Today, it is a powerful reminder of the country’s troubled history and the people’s unwavering will to keep their identity and freedom.
12. The Newest Capital City of Europe
Kosovo’s capital city, Prishtina, is a fascinating place. It’s a city where old traditions and modern life come together. As the newest capital city in Europe, Prishtina is full of energy, new initiatives, and a cosmopolitan beauty that is all its own.
The city has a lively nightlife, a bustling arts scene, and friendly people who make it a place you shouldn’t miss. If you want to know more about Pristina, check out my post about the capital of Kosovo!
13. The Monument to the Newborn
Kosovo revealed a monument on February 17, 2008, the same day it said it was independent. But this wasn’t a normal memorial.
This work is repainted every year on Independence Day to show the country’s constant growth, change, and hope for the future. It is called Newborn.
14. Kosovo’s Unusual Domain for the Internet
When Kosovo wasn’t allowed to use the usual two-letter country code for its Internet name, it came up with ‘.kos’ to show how creative and resourceful it was.
This small but important act perfectly shows how unfazed, creative, and ready to change the people of Kosovo are.
15. The Iconic dress from Kosovo
When you see native Kosovar clothes, you’ll understand why they are so important to the culture of the country. With its bright colors, detailed embroidery, and fine jewelry, this outfit is more than just a set of clothes.
It tells the story of the country’s past and is a sign of its rich tradition. Worth to check it out for yourself!
16. Traditional music is a living history
Kosovo’s music is a complex mix of sounds, stories, and feelings. It has its roots in the Balkans and is a beautiful mix of Eastern and Western styles.
Epic songs from the past tell stories of love, bravery, suffering, and victory, putting the whole human experience into a beautiful melody.
17. Festival Country
Kosovo is a country that knows how to have a party. Every year, the country comes alive with a wide range of cultural festivals that celebrate everything from film and music to dance and modern art.
Festivals like DokuFest, Flaka e Janarit, and Autostrada Biennale show off Kosovo’s rich cultural mix in exciting ways.
Also, if you’re curious about the best cities to visit in Kosovo, check out my post here!
How many days in Kosovo is enough?
How long you should stay in Kosovo depends a lot on what you want to see and do there. Most of the time, though, I suggest a 4- to 7-day trip for a well-rounded experience.
This should give you enough time to see the main cities, like Prishtina and Prizren, visit historical sites like the Visoki Dečani Monastery and the Giant Illyrian Stellar, learn about the local culture, and even enjoy some of the beautiful natural landscapes, like the Accursed Mountains, The Dinaric Alps and the Šar Mountains.
If you want to learn more about Kosovo’s culture, history, and nature, or if you want to go to one of its lively events like DokuFest, you might want to stay for a month or two.
With more time, you can see the lesser-known gems of the country, get to know the people, and really get into the unique Kosovar atmosphere.
Obviously, everyone has different hobbies and moves at a different pace. It’s always a good idea to do study ahead of time, figure out what you most want to do in Kosovo, and plan your trip around that!
What is the best month to visit Kosovo?
Want to know more fun facts about Kosovo? The country has a continental climate, which means that the summers are warm and the winters are cold. Depending on what you want to do during your trip, you may want to go during a different month.
Most of the time, the best time to visit Kosovo is from May to September, which is late spring to early fall. During these months, the weather is usually mild to warm, and the country is a beautiful shade of green.
This is a great time to visit the cities and historical places of Kosovo and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking in the Accursed Mountains.
- May and June: the weather is usually nice, and the scenery is green because it rained in the spring. It’s a great time to go outside and see all the attractions. Keep in mind that it might still rain in May.
- July and August: these are the hottest months, with temperatures often getting above 30°C. If you don’t mind the heat, this is the best time to go to a fair in Kosovo, like the well-known DokuFest. You can also go to bars outside and enjoy the busy city life.
- September: this is when the weather starts to get cooler and less people will visit Kosovo. Autumn starts to change the colors of the scenery, making it a great time for nature lovers and photographers.
Just remember that these are just general rules, and that the weather can change quickly. Before every trip, it’s a good idea to check the weather and pack properly. And there’s always something fun to do in Kosovo, no matter when you go.
The Wrap-Up: Fun Facts about Kosovo
These fun facts about Kosovo give you a glimpse into this exciting country, which is known for its young but strong people, its rich culture, its fascinating past, and its stunning natural beauty.
Kosovo has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, the outdoors, food, or travel.
As we come to the end of our trip through this fascinating country in the shape of some fun facts, we’d like to invite you to go there for yourself and find your own stories in its rich history and culture.
So the next time you’re trying to decide where to go on a trip, think about Kosovo and get ready for a great adventure! From my own experience, I definitely recommend to discover this amazing country.
Your restless voyager,
Dustin
