KOSOVO THE YOUNGEST COUNTRY IN EUROPE
KOSOVO THE YOUNGEST COUNTRY IN EUROPE
The Republic of Kosovo is a Balkan country in Southeastern Europe, and its capital is Pristina (Prishtina). It shares its borders with four countries; Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Albania. Kosovo is the smallest country in the Balkans and also the second poorest country in Europe. However, it is one of, if not the cheapest, of all European countries. Its population comprises 93% Muslim ethnic Albanians, 6% Eastern Orthodox Serbians, and 1% Bosniaks, Gorans, Turks, and Roma. Maybe that is why the Albanian flag is most prominent on display throughout the city. Although not recognized as an independent state by all nations, it does not change the fact that Kosovo the youngest country in Europe is an independent country. It is a low-keyed, off-the-beaten-track tourist destination, and a golden find for the adventurous and budget traveller.
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WHY IS KOSOVO THE YOUNGEST COUNTRY IN EUROPE?
Kosovo is the youngest country in Europe because it became independent from Serbia as recently as February 17, 2008, after the dismantling of Yugoslavia. That makes it the most recent country in Europe to gain its independence and the second-youngest in the world to South Sudan.
Kosovo also has the youngest population (age-wise) in Europe. Yes! believe it or not, according to the UNDP, approximately half of the almost 2 million residents are under age 25, and over 65% are younger than 30.5 years old.
From my observation, I agree with this figure because most of the people I saw in Pristina were young. Similar to what I saw in Albania, another country with a young population. Continue reading for an unbiased review of my time spent in Pristina (Prishtina), Kosovo.
HOW TO ENTER INTO PRISTINA/KOSOVO?!
To enter Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, you can enter via the airport (Pristina International Airport “Adem Jashan”). The other option is by road or rail, providing that you are in a country that borders Kosovo. Because of the limited airline options to this airport, it is easier, and cheaper to take a bus to the city. Entering Kosovo is pretty straightforward after securing your bus or train ticket. Please note you must have all necessary documents, including your passport and visa required, or they will deny you entry.
I entered and exited Kosovo from Skopje, Macedonia by bus. It took only a few hours and is the most scenic way into the city. I prefer, and love to visit a country by road than a plane any day. I think it is less hassle, and there is no airport/airline stress. Entry is not automatic because you must visit the border control office for processing, similar to if you are at the airport, before continuing your journey.
A RUNDOWN OF MY ENTRY INTO KOSOVO
The day when I arrived at the border, all passengers had to exit the bus and line up at the border police to leave Macedonia. Then we returned to the bus. On entering Kosovo’s border, the driver collected all passports and took them to the Border Police Office. After about 5 minutes, he returned to the bus, called my name, and gave me a signal to follow him to the Border Police Office. If anything, it did not trouble me because, as I previously wrote, I always have the necessary documents according to the country’s requirements.
Anyhow, I exited the bus and followed him to the office window. Then I asked the officer if there was a problem. He spoke excellent English and said “no”. He said he just wanted to meet me in person because he had never previously met anyone from the Caribbean. I stood there for about 5 minutes talking and explaining to him a bit about the Caribbean. We talked about the Pirates of the Caribbean, etc. He was a friendly officer who laughed a lot. I mentioned I am a travel writer, and he was excited to hear this and said, “write nice about Kosovo”. He then asked for the name of my website and went into it, scrolling and smiling.
Before I left, he told me to take a photo of his badge and when I write my article include the photo. I told him my camera is on the bus and it was okay. He insisted I return to the bus and get it and take the photo of, in his words, “the best Border Police in the world” Indeed he was, ha-ha. So, if you are reading this article, officer, I displayed your badge as I promised, and hello from the Caribbean.
ABOUT THE CITY OF PRISTINA
Pristina is the historical, financial, and political center of Kosovo. It houses the government offices and the residence of work for both the Prime Minister and President. Before visiting the city, I had the image of greyish concrete structures and a depressing-looking communist city. That is because some people refer to Pristina as one of Europe’s ugliest capitals.
However, I disagree with those who spew this nonsense. Of course, it can do with some improvements, but which city does not? For me, ugly cities are those filled with unfriendly, impolite people and stringent rules (I can name at least two). This thriving city is vibrant and beautiful in its own right.
The city might not boast of many exotic buildings as other European cities because of its history of destructive wars. However, the residents of Pristina make it a super-beautiful place to visit. Even more surprising was the number of tourists I met while visiting, from as far as the United Kingdom. It is business as usual in Pristina, just as in any other city.
The city looks somewhat like Tirana, Albania, not only because of the structures, but everywhere one looks, one can see the Albanian flag. Notwithstanding, ethnic Albanians predominantly populate Pristina/Kosovo. Besides having some of the oldest mosques in Europe, the city also has many unique historical buildings and charm.
Kosovars love the Former British prime minister Tony Blair, former state secretary Madeleine Albright, and Bill Clinton. They see them as heroes and saviors. They honour Bill Clinton (former president of the U.S.A.) by erecting a 10-foot tall statue of him on the boulevard in the city. Oddly enough, right next to his statue is a store called Hillary. Is it a coincidence? I think not.
Nightlife in the city is low-key, even though there are many bars and cafes. Every day all cafes and restaurants close promptly between midnight and 2 AM. Therefore, if you like to be in a 24/7 city, skip this one or search out the underground club scenes thriving with young Kosovars.
Kosovo the Youngest country in Europe Cont...
Other Information you Should know about Kosovo
- The languages spoken – Albanian (official language), Serbian and English.
- Official currency – Euro.
- Islam is the predominant religion in the country. About 90% of the population is Muslim.
- Kosovo also claims Mother Teresa as its own. As a teenager, she lived in a small village in Kosovo, and her parents are of Albanian heritage. They constructed a Roman Catholic Cathedral and a memorial site with her statue in her honour in Pristina.
- The country does not cater to citizens by birth. At least one parent must be a citizen of Kosovo for the child to be a citizen of Kosovo.
- Kosovo was under the Ottoman Empire’s rule for almost 500 years.
- Forest covers 40% of the country.
- Kosovo means Field of the Blackbirds (in Serbian).
- Durable Leather items are popular sellers in Kosovo at excellent prices.
- Kosovo has many limestone caves. The most famous and popular tourist site is the Marble Cave (Gadmine Cave).
- Former British prime minister Tony Blair, ex USA president Clinton former state secretary Madeleine Albright, and Bill Clinton are heroes and saviors in Kosovo. Because they helped end the conflict with Serbia in the 1990s. There are many male and female Kosovars named Tonibler (Tony Blair) and Madeleine Albright by their grateful parents. Also, there is a boulevard called Bill Clinton Boulevard with a statue of the ex-president. President W. Bush also has a street named in his honour for recognizing Kosovo as a sovereign state in 2008.
- Popular celebrities and singers Dua Lipa and Rita Ora were both born in Pristina, Kosovo. Besides many others, Arben Bajraktaraj, a famous actor in the movies Taken, Harry Potter, and Order of the Phoenix (2007) was born in Kosovo.
- Many excellent Kosovar athletes who are champions locally and in the Balkans cannot partake in international competitions because of politics. Despite this, their athletes participated in the 2016 Olympic games in Rio for the first time and returned home with an Olympic gold medal in Judo. They repeated their golden performance once again in the 2020 Tokyo Games by taking home two gold meals, once again in Judo.
- Kosovo is rich in natural resources. It has high reserves of lead, zinc, silver, iron, copper, bauxite, nickel, and cobalt.
- The Kosovo flag is unusual because they use a map of the country’s territory as the design. The only other country with a similar flag is the Republic of Cyprus.
ABOUT THE PEOPLE OF KOSOVO AND SECURITY
As expected, because most Kosovars are of Albanian heritage, so understandably, their warmth and hospitality were just as overwhelming as those in Albania. Kosovars will go all out to be helpful to everyone. They are exceptional, honest, friendly, and kind towards visitors. You can feel they genuinely care even though the country is one of the poorest in Europe.
Once again, it proves money has nothing to do with people’s happiness. The people in the city are sweet and, most of all, love their country. I remember more than two occasions I received assistance in finding attractions on my list.
One gentleman on his lunch break took the time to walk with me and showed me a place I was trying to find. On another occasion, a lady on her way to work turned back and walked with me for about 10 minutes to show me the shorter route to the president Bill Clinton statue, thus eliminating the need for a taxi.
Kosovo the Youngest country in Europe Cont...
The most touching and memorable incident in the city was this; On the day I was departing Pristina, I made one last stop at a shop to get a few items. I went in with my phone, plugged into the power bank, shopped, and left quickly because the bus was about to leave for Skopje. All passengers were seated, and the driver was about to leave Kosovo when a man knocked on the door. The driver opened the door and briefly spoke to him, then he came in and looked at me and said, “you have phone?” I thought I did, so I opened my bag to double-check, but it was not there. I exited the bus, and while walking back to the shop, another man was walking towards me, holding my phone and power bank.
While shopping, I placed it on the counter and forgot it there. I was so grateful, that I offered him money, but he refused it. He said it was not necessary. Talk about honesty. I would have been totally distressed had I left Kosovo without my phone.
Before my visit, I read there were occurrences of petty crimes such as pickpocketing and other safety issues in the city. However, during my time in the city, no major or minor crimes were an issue for me. Understandably, petty crimes are in many cities, especially in crowded and touristic areas.
Notwithstanding this, it is all a matter of being street-smart, vigilant, and using good old common sense and you will be fine. During my visit to the city, I cannot recall seeing or hearing about anything untoward. I felt 100% safe while sightseeing and left the country incident-free.
HOW EXPENSIVE ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS, MEALS, AND TRANSPORTATION
Prices for everything in Kosovo are very affordable or should I say cheap, especially when compared to prices in other European cities. This includes meals, accommodation, shopping, and all public transport. Kosovo is cheaper than North Macedonia by approximately 5 – 10% and 15% cheaper than Albania.
In Kosovo, the prices for a decent hotel with breakfast are less than hostels in many other countries (see Booking.com for the best accommodation deals in Pristina). The public transportation cost is minimal, and food is also inexpensive. Believe it or not, 10 Euro can feed one person for an entire day, unlike some cities where it costs more than this for only breakfast.
Transport in Kosovo are buses, trains (to enter Kosovo), and taxis but no Uber. Like everything else, transport comes at a minimal price, and even taxis are reasonably priced.
Even the public washrooms were the cheapest (0.50 cent euro) compared to many cities like Zurich, where it cost over 2 euros.
ABOUT KOSOVO FOOD
Traditional Kosovar cuisines are influenced by other Balkan countries like Albania, Serbian, Greece, and others. Not only is it affordable, but it is hearty, home-style, and delicious cooking, unlike the bland foods in many European countries. Their cuisine incorporates meats such as fish, beef, chicken, lamb, vegetables, and beans. Below are some of the traditional dishes you must partake of in Kosovo.
KOSOVO FOODS YOU MUST TRY
1. Burek (an oily, flaky, fried pastry stuffed with spinach, cheese, or meat).
2. Sarma (cabbage or grape leaves stuffed with rice, minced meat, and spices).
3. Pasul aka bean stew (traditional white beans cooked Albania style, with beef and vegetables. They serve it with thinly sliced onions and bread).
4. Mish me Speca aka Stuffed peppers (rice, ground or minced meat, and fresh peppers filled with vegetables and cooked in paprika).
5. Pite me Spinaq aka Spinach Pie (pies cooked with homemade filo with a pie filling).
6. Lakror me Hithra aka Cabbage and Nettle pie (it is similar to Burek but with cabbage and nettle being the most popular).
7. Flija (commonly called a pie, is essentially pancakes in stacks, made from two different batters).
8. Tespishte (Kosovar sweet dessert, made with dough and topped with almonds, walnuts, and pistachios).
9. Sarski or Djath Sharri (a salty cheese made in Kosovo from sheep and cow’s milk).
10. Kosovar Coffee (known as black gold, they brew and serve it uniquely without milk or sugar).
Kosovo the Youngest country in Europe Cont...
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MUST DO/VISIT SITES OF INTEREST IN PRISTINA/KOSOVO
1. Gracanica Monastery (take a 10 minutes trip out of the city if you are curious about Byzantine religious arts).
2. The Ethnographic Museum of Kosovo (a definite must-visit).
3. Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque.
4. Novo Brdo Fortress (This Medieval castle is located 30 – 40 km from Pristina. Serbia destroyed it, and only the ruins of what was once the richest and largest castle in the Balkans remain. If not to see the ruins, do so for the view. It is breathtaking).
5. The Academy of Sciences and Arts.
6. Mother Teresa Cathedral and Monument. In front of the cathedral is the statue of Ibrahim Rugova of Kosova – the former president and man who lead Kosovo to independence.
7. The Gracanica Monastery. (It is the last in the series of monasteries and churches between 1282-1321. it is UNESCO-protected and a must-see site (15 minutes taxi ride outside Pristina).
8. Visit the Kosovo Museum.
9. The Marble Cave or Gadmine Cave (20 km from the capital).
10. Ex-President Bill Clinton’s “high five” statue.
11. The Newborn Monument (monument unveiled upon their independence).
12. Visit the Weird National Library of Kosovo (truly an unusual building).
13. Visoki Decan Monastery (14th-century monastery).
14. The Fortress in Prizren (another city, almost a 2-hour drive in another).
SUMMARY
Kosovo is a small, budget-friendly country in the Balkans. It is an unpretentious destination with a small tourist crowd (it is a plus for me). Kosovo is excellent for the adventurous and those curious about countries that survived the communist era. If you are looking for nightlife, and modern, jaw-dropping beautiful buildings, then Kosovo is not for you. Nevertheless, history buffs, adventure-seekers, and those who want to see the world on a budget will love Kosovo.
So forget the naysayers and visit and interact with some amiable people, and explore Kosovo the youngest country in Europe. Have fun, and send me some feedback about your experience.
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