Country Profile: Kosovo
Kosovo is a landlocked country located in Southeastern Europe, bordered by Serbia and North Macedonia. With a population of approximately 1.98 million, Kosovo has a diverse ethnic composition, predominantly Albanian (92.9%). The economy is characterized as small but growing, relying heavily on remittances and the diaspora, yet faces challenges such as high unemployment rates, particularly among youth. The government operates as a parliamentary republic, and Kosovo seeks to secure its status as a recognized independent state within the international community.
Geography
Kosovo covers an area of 10,887 square kilometers, making it slightly larger than Delaware. The country is situated in a flat fluvial basin, surrounded by high mountain ranges, and features a varied climate influenced by both Mediterranean and continental air masses. Notably landlocked, Kosovo has no coastline and experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall alongside hot, dry summers.
- 714 km: Total land boundaries with neighboring countries.
- 2,656 m: Highest point in Kosovo, located at Gjeravica/Deravica.
- 52.8%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2018 est.).
People and Society
As of 2024, Kosovo has a population of around 1,977,093, with a sex ratio of approximately 1.06 males for every female. The median age of the population is about 32 years, and the country has a relatively high youth dependency ratio. The predominant language is Albanian, spoken by 94.5% of the population, and the dominant religion is Islam, with over 95% of the population identifying as Muslim.
- 22.7%: Percentage of the population aged 0-14 years (2024 est.).
- 73.1 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
- 14.4 births/1,000: Birth rate (2024 est.).
Economy
Kosovo's economy is classified as small but growing, with a GDP (PPP) estimated at $25.019 billion for 2024. The country experiences high unemployment rates, particularly among youth, making it a vulnerable economy reliant on remittances and foreign assistance. The service sector constitutes the largest portion of the economy, followed by industry and agriculture.
- 1.6%: Projected inflation rate for 2024.
- 17.5%: Proportion of GDP from remittances (2023 est.).
- 45.7%: Contribution of the services sector to GDP (2024 est.).
Government
Kosovo is a parliamentary republic, with Pristina as its capital. The country declared independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008, though its sovereignty remains disputed. The government consists of a unicameral Assembly and an Executive branch, led by elected officials. Kosovo's constitution requires amendments to be approved by a two-thirds majority, reflecting the need for consensus among its diverse ethnic communities.
- 38: Number of municipalities.
- 120: Total seats in the Assembly.
- 18: Age of universal suffrage.
Military and Security
The Kosovo Security Force (KSF), which was established in 2009, is currently transitioning into a professional military by 2028. The KSF has approximately 3,300 personnel and is equipped predominantly with small arms. Military expenditures represent about 1.5% of GDP for 2024, illustrating the country's ongoing commitment to developing its defense capabilities in collaboration with NATO.
- 1.5%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.).
- 800: Number of reserves within the KSF.
Energy
Kosovo's energy sector relies heavily on fossil fuels, with about 87.3% of its electricity generation from this source. In 2023, total electricity consumption was approximately 6.571 billion kWh, while the country faced challenges related to energy imports and transmission losses. Kosovo is also developing its renewable energy capacity, with a small portion coming from solar and wind sources.
- 1.555 million kW: Installed electricity generation capacity (2023 est.).
- 6.931 million metric tons: Coal consumption (2023 est.).
Environment
Environmental challenges in Kosovo include air pollution primarily from power plants, land degradation, and water scarcity. The country's climate, characterized by continental air masses, influences its environmental landscape, prompting initiatives for improved sustainability.
- 7.444 million metric tonnes: Total CO2 emissions (2023 est.).
- 52.8%: Land used for agriculture (2018 est.).
Transportation
Kosovo maintains a developing transportation infrastructure with 2 airports and approximately 437 km of railways as of 2020. The country is working towards enhancing its transport capabilities to better connect with neighboring regions.
- 11: Heliports by 2025.
Communications
Telecommunication services are growing, with a high mobile cellular subscription penetration at 98 per 100 inhabitants. The country has seen significant internet usage, reaching 89% of the population.
- 1,777,859: Total mobile cellular subscriptions (2022 est.).
- 383,763: Total fixed line subscriptions (2022 est.).
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,977,093 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 10,887 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $25.019 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Electricity Consumption | 6.571 billion kWh | 2023 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 14.4 births/1,000 | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 73.1 years | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | Very high | Particularly youth |
| Military Expenditures | 1.5% of GDP | 2024 estimate |
| Remittances | 17.5% of GDP | 2023 estimate |
| Total Forest Area | 41.7% | Land use (2018 est.) |
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