Country exposure · XK

Kosovo

Europe · Pristina (Prishtine, Prishtina) · parliamentary republic

What Kosovo means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.

Population

$11.1B

GDP

U.S. exposure

Minimal direct economic exposure

Kosovo is not a significant U.S. goods-trade partner and has no tracked tariff actions. Policy changes here are unlikely to reach American prices directly.

Reference

The country itself

Europe · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.

The Ottoman Empire took control of Kosovo in 1389 after defeating Serbian forces. Large numbers of Turks and Albanians moved to the region, and by the end of the 19th century, Albanians had replaced Serbs as the majority ethnic group in Kosovo. Serbia reacquired control of Kosovo during the First Balkan War of 1912, and after World War II, Kosovo became an autonomous province of Serbia in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY). Increasing Albanian nationalism in the 1980s led to riots and calls for Kosovo's independence, but in 1989, Belgrade -- which has in turn served as the capital of Serbia and Yugoslavia -- revoked Kosovo's autonomous status. When the SFRY broke up in 1991, Kosovo Albanian leaders organized an independence referendum, and Belgrade's repressive response led to an insurgency. Kosovo remained part of Serbia, which joined with Montenegro to declare a new Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) in 1992. In 1998, Belgrade launched a brutal counterinsurgency campaign, with some 800,000 ethnic Albanians expelled from their homes in Kosovo. After international mediation failed, a NATO military operation began in March 1999 and forced Belgrade to withdraw its forces from Kosovo. UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999) placed Kosovo under the temporary control of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). Negotiations in 2006-07 ended without agreement between Serbia and Kosovo, though the UN issued a comprehensive report that endorsed independence. On 17 February 2008, the Kosovo Assembly declared Kosovo independent. Serbia continues to reject Kosovo's independence, but the two countries began EU-facilitated discussions in 2013 to normalize relations, which resulted in several agreements. Additional agreements were reached in 2015 and 2023, but implementation remains incomplete. In 2022, Kosovo formally applied for membership in the EU, which is contingent on fulfillment of accession criteria, and the Council of Europe. Kosovo is also seeking UN and NATO memberships.

Geography

Location: Southeastern Europe, between Serbia and Macedonia
Area: 10,887 sq km
Climate: influenced by continental air masses resulting in relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall and hot, dry summers and autumns; Mediterranean and alpine influences create regional variation; maximum rainfall between October and December
Terrain: flat fluvial basin at an elevation of 400-700 m above sea level surrounded by several high mountain ranges with elevations of 2,000 to 2,500 m
Natural resources: nickel, lead, zinc, magnesium, lignite, kaolin, chrome, bauxite
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)

People & society

Population: 1,977,093 (2024 est.)
Nationality: Kosovan
Ethnic groups: Albanians 92.9%, Bosniaks 1.6%, Serbs 1.5%, Turk 1.1%, Ashkali 0.9%, Egyptian 0.7%, Gorani 0.6%, Romani 0.5%, other/unspecified 0.2% (2011 est.)
Languages: Albanian (official) 94.5%, Bosnian 1.7%, Serbian (official) 1.6%, Turkish 1.1%, other 0.9% (includes Romani), unspecified 0.1% (2011 est.)
Religions: Muslim 95.6%, Roman Catholic 2.2%, Orthodox 1.5%, other 0.1%, none 0.1%, unspecified 0.6% (2011 est.)
Median age: 32.3 years (2025 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: 73.1 years (2024 est.)

Economy

Economic overview: small-but-growing European economy; non-EU member but unilateral euro user; very high unemployment, especially youth; vulnerable reliance on diaspora tourism services, curtailed by COVID-19 disruptions; unclear public loan portfolio health
Industries: mineral mining, construction materials, base metals, leather, machinery, appliances, foodstuffs and beverages, textiles
Agricultural products: wheat, corn, berries, potatoes, peppers, fruit; dairy, livestock; fish
Exports - partners: United States 16%, Albania 15%, North Macedonia 12%, Germany 8%, Italy 8% (2021)
Imports - partners: Germany 13%, Turkey 13%, China 10%, Serbia 7%, Italy 6% (2021)

Government

Government type: parliamentary republic
Capital: Pristina (Prishtine, Prishtina)
Independence: 17 February 2008 (from Serbia)
Constitution: previous 1974, 1990; latest (post-independence) draft finalized 2 April 2008, signed 7 April 2008, ratified 9 April 2008, entered into force 15 June 2008
Executive branch: President Vjosa OSMANI-Sadriu (since 4 April 2021)
Legislative branch: Assembly (Kuvendi i Kosoves/Skupstina Kosova)

Full reference data

Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.

Introduction

Background

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days in a six-month period.

US Embassy/Consulate

+(383) (38) 5959-3000; U S Embassy Pristina, 30 Nazim Hikmet Street, (Dragodan area), Pristina, Kosovo; PristinaACS@state.gov; https://xk.usembassy.gov/

Telephone Code

383

Local Emergency Phone

Vaccinations

See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/

Climate

Influenced by continental air masses resulting in relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall and hot, dry summers and autumns; Mediterranean and alpine influences create regional variation; maximum rainfall between October and December

Currency (Code)

Euros (EUR)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F

Major Languages

Albanian, Bosnian, Serbian, Turkish

Major Religions

Muslim 95.6%, Roman Catholic 2.2%, Orthodox 1.5%

Time Difference

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Patriarchate of Pe?; Prizren Fortress; Gra?anica Monastery; Kosovo Museum (includes the Emin Gjiku Ethnographic Museum)

Major Sports

Soccer, basketball, wrestling, boxing, track and field

Cultural Practices

If visiting religious sites, mosques, or monasteries, dress modestly. For men, this means trousers instead of shorts and not sleeveless shirts. For women, dress with long skirts or trousers, conservative tops, and bring something to cover your head.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is not expected from locals, but always welcome from foreigners. For taxi fares, you can tip to the nearest euro or half euro.

Souvenirs

Leather goods, wool items/knitwear, hand-sewn lace, filigree items, black pottery, wood engravings, musical instruments, coffee sets

Traditional Cuisine

Flia — crêpe-like batter layers brushed with cream and served with sour cream

CIA source last updated

Wednesday, November 09, 2022

Travel resources

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Wednesday, November 09, 2022

Geography

Location

Southeastern Europe, between Serbia and Macedonia

Geographic coordinates

42 35 N, 21 00 E

Map references

Europe

Area - total

10,887 sq km

Area - land

10,887 sq km

Area - water

0 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly larger than Delaware

Land boundaries - total

714 km

Land boundaries - border countries

Albania 112 km; North Macedonia 160 km; Montenegro 76 km; Serbia 366 km

Coastline

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims

none (landlocked)

Climate

influenced by continental air masses resulting in relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall and hot, dry summers and autumns; Mediterranean and alpine influences create regional variation; maximum rainfall between October and December

Terrain

flat fluvial basin at an elevation of 400-700 m above sea level surrounded by several high mountain ranges with elevations of 2,000 to 2,500 m

Elevation - highest point

Gjeravica/Deravica 2,656 m

Elevation - lowest point

Drini i Bardhe/Beli Drim (located on the border with Albania) 297 m

Elevation - mean elevation

450 m

Natural resources

nickel, lead, zinc, magnesium, lignite, kaolin, chrome, bauxite

Land use - agricultural land

52.8% (2018 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 27.4% (2018 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops

permanent crops: 1.9% (2018 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture

permanent pasture: 23.5% (2018 est.)

Land use - forest

41.7% (2018 est.)

Land use - other

5.5% (2018 est.)

Irrigated land

Major watersheds (area sq km) - Atlantic Ocean drainage

(Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km)

Population distribution

population clusters exist throughout the country, with the largest in the east in and around the capital of Pristina

Geography - note

the 41-km (25-mi) Nerodimka River divides into two branches, each of which flows into a different sea: the northern branch flows into the Sitnica River, which via the Ibar, Morava, and Danube Rivers ultimately flows into the Black Sea; the southern branch flows via the Lepenac and Vardar Rivers into the Aegean Sea

People and Society

Population - total

1,977,093 (2024 est.)

Population - male

1,017,992

Population - female

959,101

Nationality - noun

Kosovan

Nationality - adjective

Kosovan

Nationality - note

note: Kosovo, a neutral term, is sometimes also used as a noun or adjective as in Kosovo Albanian, Kosovo Serb, Kosovo minority, or Kosovo citizen

Ethnic groups

Albanians 92.9%, Bosniaks 1.6%, Serbs 1.5%, Turk 1.1%, Ashkali 0.9%, Egyptian 0.7%, Gorani 0.6%, Romani 0.5%, other/unspecified 0.2% (2011 est.)

Ethnic groups - note

note: these estimates may under-represent Serb, Romani, and some other ethnic minorities because they are based on the 2011 Kosovo national census, which excluded northern Kosovo (a largely Serb-inhabited region) and was partially boycotted by Serb and Romani communities in southern Kosovo

Languages - Languages

Albanian (official) 94.5%, Bosnian 1.7%, Serbian (official) 1.6%, Turkish 1.1%, other 0.9% (includes Romani), unspecified 0.1% (2011 est.)

Languages - major-language sample(s)

Libri i fakteve boterore, burimi i pazevendesueshem per informacione elementare (Albanian) Knjiga svetskih činjenica, neophodan izvor osnovnih informacija. (Serbian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.

Languages - note

note: these estimates may under-represent Serb, Romani, and other ethnic minority languages because they are based on the 2011 Kosovo national census, which excluded northern Kosovo (a largely Serb-inhabited region) and was partially boycotted by Serb and Romani communities in southern Kosovo

Religions

Muslim 95.6%, Roman Catholic 2.2%, Orthodox 1.5%, other 0.1%, none 0.1%, unspecified 0.6% (2011 est.)

Religions - note

Age structure - 0-14 years

22.7% (male 233,010/female 216,304)

Age structure - 15-64 years

68.9% (male 712,403/female 649,932)

Age structure - 65 years and over

8.4% (2024 est.) (male 72,579/female 92,865)

Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio

45.1 (2024 est.)

Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio

33 (2024 est.)

Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio

12.1 (2024 est.)

Dependency ratios - potential support ratio

8.2 (2024 est.)

Median age - total

32.3 years (2025 est.)

Median age - male

31.7 years

Median age - female

32.4 years

Population growth rate

0.73% (2025 est.)

Birth rate

14.16 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Death rate

6.88 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Net migration rate

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Population distribution

population clusters exist throughout the country, with the largest in the east in and around the capital of Pristina

Major urban areas - population

218,782 PRISTINA (capital) (2020)

Sex ratio - at birth

1.08 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - 0-14 years

1.08 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - 15-64 years

1.1 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - 65 years and over

0.78 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - total population

1.06 male(s)/female (2024 est.)

Infant mortality rate - total

21 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)

Infant mortality rate - male

24.2 deaths/1,000 live births

Infant mortality rate - female

21.5 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth - total population

73.1 years (2024 est.)

Life expectancy at birth - male

71 years

Life expectancy at birth - female

75.5 years

Total fertility rate

1.85 children born/woman (2025 est.)

Gross reproduction rate

0.89 (2025 est.)

Physician density

0.2 physicians/1,000 population (2015)

Currently married women (ages 15-49)

61.6% (2020 est.)

Government

Country name - conventional long form

Republic of Kosovo

Country name - conventional short form

Kosovo

Country name - local long form

Republika e Kosoves (Albanian)/ Republika Kosovo (Serbian)

Country name - local short form

Kosove (Albanian)/ Kosovo (Serbian)

Country name - etymology

name may derive from the Serbian word kos , meaning "blackbird," or from a personal name

Government type

parliamentary republic

Capital - name

Pristina (Prishtine, Prishtina)

Capital - geographic coordinates

42 40 N, 21 10 E

Capital - time difference

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Capital - daylight saving time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Capital - etymology

the town takes its name from the river; the origin of the river's name is unclear but could come from a pre-Slavic language

Administrative divisions

38 municipalities ( komunat , singular - komuna (Albanian); opstine , singular - opstina (Serbian)); Decan (Decani), Dragash (Dragas), Ferizaj (Urosevac), Fushe Kosove (Kosovo Polje), Gjakove (Dakovica), Gjilan (Gnjilane), Gllogovc (Glogovac), Gracanice (Gracanica), Hani i Elezit (Deneral Jankovic), Istog (Istok), Junik, Kacanik, Kamenice (Kamenica), Kline (Klina), Kllokot (Klokot), Leposaviq (Leposavic), Lipjan (Lipljan), Malisheve (Malisevo), Mamushe (Mamusa), Mitrovice e Jugut (Juzna Mitrovica) [South Mitrovica], Mitrovice e Veriut (Severna Mitrovica) [North Mitrovica], Novoberde (Novo Brdo), Obiliq (Obilic), Partesh (Partes), Peje (Pec), Podujeve (Podujevo), Prishtine (Pristina), Prizren, Rahovec (Orahovac), Ranillug (Ranilug), Shterpce (Strpce), Shtime (Stimlje), Skenderaj (Srbica), Suhareke (Suva Reka), Viti (Vitina), Vushtrri (Vucitrn), Zubin Potok, Zvecan

Legal system

civil law system

Constitution - history

previous 1974, 1990; latest (post-independence) draft finalized 2 April 2008, signed 7 April 2008, ratified 9 April 2008, entered into force 15 June 2008

Constitution - amendment process

proposed by the government, by the president of the republic, or by one fourth of Assembly deputies; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly, including two-thirds majority vote of deputies representing non-majority communities, followed by a favorable Constitutional Court assessment

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Citizenship - citizenship by birth

Citizenship - citizenship by descent only

at least one parent must be a citizen of Kosovo

Citizenship - dual citizenship recognized

yes

Citizenship - residency requirement for naturalization

5 years

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch - chief of state

President Vjosa OSMANI-Sadriu (since 4 April 2021)

Executive branch - head of government

Acting Prime Minister Albin KURTI (since 15 April 2025)

Executive branch - cabinet

Cabinet elected by the Assembly

Executive branch - election/appointment process

president indirectly elected for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term) by at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly; if a candidate does not reach this threshold in the first two ballots, the candidate winning a simple majority vote in the third ballot is elected; prime minister indirectly elected by the Assembly

Executive branch - most recent election date

3-4 April 2021

Executive branch - election results

2021: Vjosa OSMANI-Sadriu elected president in third ballot; Assembly vote - Vjosa OSMANI-Sadriu (Guxo!) 71 votes; Albin KURTI (LVV) elected prime minister; Assembly vote - 67 for, 30 against 2017: Ramush HARADINAJ (AAK) elected prime minister; Assembly vote - 61 for, 1 abstention, 0 against (opposition boycott) 2016: Hashim THACI elected president in third ballot; Assembly vote - Hashim THACI (PDK) 71 votes

Executive branch - expected date of next election

2026

Executive branch - note

note: Prime Minister Albin KURTI resigned on 15 April 2025; a replacement has not yet been selected

Legislative branch - legislature name

Assembly (Kuvendi i Kosoves/Skupstina Kosova)

Legislative branch - legislative structure

unicameral

Legislative branch - number of seats

120 (all directly elected)

Legislative branch - electoral system

proportional representation

Legislative branch - scope of elections

full renewal

Legislative branch - term in office

4 years

Legislative branch - most recent election date

2/14/2021

Legislative branch - parties elected and seats per party

Self-Determination Movement (LVV) (58), Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) (19), Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) (15), Serb List (10), Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) (8), other (10)

Legislative branch - percentage of women in chamber

34%

Legislative branch - expected date of next election

2025

Legislative branch - note

note: 20 seats reserved for ethnic minorities -- 10 for Serbs and 10 for other minorities

Judicial branch - highest court(s)

Supreme Court (consists of the court president and 18 judges and organized into Appeals Panel of the Kosovo Property Agency and Special Chamber); Constitutional Court (consists of the court president, vice president, and 7 judges)

Judicial branch - judge selection and term of office

Supreme Court judges nominated by the Kosovo Judicial Council, a 13-member independent body staffed by judges and lay members, and also responsible for overall administration of Kosovo's judicial system; judges appointed by the president of the Republic of Kosovo; judges appointed until mandatory retirement age; Constitutional Court judges nominated by the Kosovo Assembly and appointed by the president of the republic to serve single, 9-year terms

Judicial branch - subordinate courts

Court of Appeals (organized into 4 departments: General, Serious Crime, Commercial Matters, and Administrative Matters); Basic Court (located in 7 municipalities, each with several branches)

Judicial branch - note

note: in 2015, the Kosovo Assembly approved a constitutional amendment that established the Kosovo Relocated Specialist Judicial Institution, also referred to as the Kosovo Specialist Chambers or "Special Court"; the court, located at the Hague in the Netherlands, began operating in 2016 and has jurisdiction to try crimes against humanity, war crimes, and other crimes under Kosovo law that occurred in the 1998-2000 period

Political parties

Alliance for the Future of Kosovo or AAK Ashkali Party for Integration or PAI Civic Initiative for Freedom, Justice, and Survival Democratic League of Kosovo or LDK Democratic Party of Kosovo or PDK New Democratic Initiative of Kosovo or IRDK New Democratic Party or NDS Progressive Movement of Kosovar Roma or LPRK Romani Initiative Self-Determination Movement (Lëvizja Vetevendosje or Vetevendosie) or LVV or VV Serb List or SL Social Democratic Union or SDU Turkish Democratic Party of Kosovo or KDTP Unique Gorani Party or JGP Vakat Coalition or VAKAT

Diplomatic representation in the US - chief of mission

Ambassador Ilir DUGOLLI (since 13 January 2022)

Diplomatic representation in the US - chancery

3612 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Diplomatic representation in the US - telephone

[1] (202) 450-2130

Diplomatic representation in the US - FAX

[1] (202) 735-0609

Diplomatic representation in the US - email address and website

embassy.usa@rks-gov.net U.S. Embassies of the Republic of Kosovo (ambasadat.net)

Diplomatic representation in the US - consulate(s) general

New York

Diplomatic representation in the US - consulate(s)

Des Moines (IA)

Diplomatic representation from the US - chief of mission

Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Anu PRATTIPATI (since January 2025)

Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy

Arberia/Dragodan, Rr. 4 KORRIKU Nr. 25, Pristina

Diplomatic representation from the US - mailing address

9520 Pristina Place, Washington DC 20521-9520

Diplomatic representation from the US - telephone

[383] 38-59-59-3000

Diplomatic representation from the US - FAX

[383] 38-604-890

Diplomatic representation from the US - email address and website

PristinaACS@state.gov https://xk.usembassy.gov/

International organization participation

FIFA, IBRD, IDA, IFC, IMF, IOC, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, OIF (observer)

Independence

17 February 2008 (from Serbia)

National holiday

Independence Day, 17 February (2008)

Flag

description: a dark blue field with a gold-colored silhouette of Kosovo in the center, with six five-pointed white stars in a slight arc over it meaning: each star represents one of the major ethnic groups of Kosovo: Albanians, Serbs, Turks, Gorani, Roma, and Bosniaks

Flag - note

note: one of two national flags that uses a map as a design element; the flag of Cyprus is the other

National symbol(s)

six five-pointed white stars

National color(s)

blue, gold, white

National coat of arms

uses the national colors of blue, gold, and white, and is featured on the country’s flag; the golden map symbolizes a rich and peaceful Kosovo, with a blue background that represents the country’s aspirations for Euro-Atlantic integration; the six white stars stand for the major ethnic groups in Kosovo: Albanians, Serbs, Bosniaks, Turks, Roma (including Ashkali and Egyptians), and Gorani

National anthem(s) - title

"Europe"

National anthem(s) - lyrics/music

no lyrics/Mendi MENGJIQI

National anthem(s) - history

adopted 2008; Kosovo chose not to include lyrics in its anthem to avoid offending the country's minority ethnic groups

National heritage - total World Heritage Sites

1 (cultural)

National heritage - selected World Heritage Site locales

Medieval Monuments in Kosovo

Economy

Economic overview

small-but-growing European economy; non-EU member but unilateral euro user; very high unemployment, especially youth; vulnerable reliance on diaspora tourism services, curtailed by COVID-19 disruptions; unclear public loan portfolio health

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024

$25.019 billion (2024 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023

$23.962 billion (2023 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022

$23.025 billion (2022 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note

note: data in 2021 dollars

Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2024

4.4% (2024 est.)

Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023

4.1% (2023 est.)

Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022

4.3% (2022 est.)

Real GDP growth rate - note

note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency

Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2024

$16,400 (2024 est.)

Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2023

$14,200 (2023 est.)

Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2022

$13,000 (2022 est.)

Real GDP per capita - note

note: data in 2021 dollars

GDP (official exchange rate)

$11.149 billion (2024 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate) - note

note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate

Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024

1.6% (2024 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023

4.9% (2023 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022

11.6% (2022 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) - note

note: annual % change based on consumer prices

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture

6.9% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry

26.2% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services

45.7% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - note

note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data

GDP - composition, by end use - household consumption

84.3% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - government consumption

12.3% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - investment in fixed capital

33.8% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - investment in inventories

0% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - exports of goods and services

41.9% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - imports of goods and services

-72.3% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - note

note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection

Agricultural products

wheat, corn, berries, potatoes, peppers, fruit; dairy, livestock; fish

Industries

mineral mining, construction materials, base metals, leather, machinery, appliances, foodstuffs and beverages, textiles

Industrial production growth rate

4% (2024 est.)

Industrial production growth rate - note

note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency

Labor force

500,300 (2017 est.)

Labor force - note

note: includes those estimated to be employed in the gray economy

Population below poverty line

17.6% (2015 est.)

Population below poverty line - note

note: % of population with income below national poverty line

Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2021

49.4 (2021 est.)

Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - note

note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality

Household income or consumption by percentage share - lowest 10%

0.4% (2021 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share - highest 10%

32.9% (2021 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share - note

note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population

Remittances - Remittances 2023

17.5% of GDP (2023 est.)

Remittances - Remittances 2022

17.2% of GDP (2022 est.)

Remittances - Remittances 2021

18% of GDP (2021 est.)

Remittances - note

note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities

Budget - revenues

$1.951 billion (2020 est.)

Budget - expenditures

$2.547 billion (2020 est.)

Public debt - Public debt 2016

19.4% of GDP (2016 est.)

Current account balance - Current account balance 2023

-$785.09 million (2023 est.)

Current account balance - Current account balance 2022

-$983.283 million (2022 est.)

Current account balance - Current account balance 2021

-$818.351 million (2021 est.)

Current account balance - note

note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars

Exports - Exports 2023

$4.156 billion (2023 est.)

Exports - Exports 2022

$3.579 billion (2022 est.)

Exports - Exports 2021

$3.138 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - note

note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars

Exports - partners

United States 16%, Albania 15%, North Macedonia 12%, Germany 8%, Italy 8% (2021)

Exports - commodities

mattress materials, iron alloys, metal piping, scrap iron, building plastics (2021)

Exports - commodities - note

top five export commodities based on value in dollars

Imports - Imports 2023

$7.362 billion (2023 est.)

Imports - Imports 2022

$6.661 billion (2022 est.)

Imports - Imports 2021

$6.128 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - note

note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars

Imports - partners

Germany 13%, Turkey 13%, China 10%, Serbia 7%, Italy 6% (2021)

Imports - commodities

refined petroleum, cars, iron rods, electricity, cigars, packaged medicines (2021)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024

$1.31 billion (2024 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023

$1.245 billion (2023 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022

$1.248 billion (2022 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - note

note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars

Debt - external - Debt - external 2023

$785.739 million (2023 est.)

Debt - external - note

note: present value of external debt in current US dollars

Exchange rates - Currency

euros (EUR) per US dollar -

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2024

0.924 (2024 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2023

0.925 (2023 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2022

0.951 (2022 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2021

0.845 (2021 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2020

0.877 (2020 est.)

Exchange rates - note

note: Kosovo, which is neither an EU member state nor a party to a formal EU monetary agreement, uses the euro as its de facto currency

Energy

Electricity - installed generating capacity

1.555 million kW (2023 est.)

Electricity - consumption

6.571 billion kWh (2023 est.)

Electricity - exports

2.442 billion kWh (2023 est.)

Electricity - imports

3.449 billion kWh (2023 est.)

Electricity - transmission/distribution losses

789.167 million kWh (2023 est.)

Electricity generation sources - fossil fuels

87.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Electricity generation sources - solar

0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Electricity generation sources - wind

6.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Electricity generation sources - hydroelectricity

6.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Coal - production

6.924 million metric tons (2023 est.)

Coal - consumption

6.931 million metric tons (2023 est.)

Coal - exports

13,000 metric tons (2023 est.)

Coal - imports

20,000 metric tons (2023 est.)

Coal - proven reserves

1.564 billion metric tons (2023 est.)

Petroleum - refined petroleum consumption

16,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)

Energy consumption per capita - Total energy consumption per capita 2023

52.085 million Btu/person (2023 est.)

Communications

Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions

383,763 (2022 est.)

Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

7 (2022 est.)

Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions

593,000 (2022 est.)

Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

35 (2022 est.)

Internet country code

.xk

Internet country code - note

note: assigned as a temporary code under UN Security Council resolution 1244/99

Internet users - percent of population

89% (2018 est.)

Transportation

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

Airports

2 (2025)

Heliports

11 (2025)

Railways - total

437 km (2020)

Military and Security

Military and security forces

Kosovo Security Force (KSF; Forca e Sigurisë së Kosovës or FSK): Land Force, National Guard (2025)

Military and security forces - note

note: the Kosovo Police are under the Ministry of Internal Affairs

Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2024

1.5% of GDP (2024 est.)

Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2023

1.3% of GDP (2023 est.)

Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2022

1.1% of GDP (2022 est.)

Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2021

1.1% of GDP (2021 est.)

Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2020

1% of GDP (2020 est.)

Military and security service personnel strengths

approximately 3,300 Kosovo Security Forces, including about 800 reserves (2024)

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

the KSF is equipped with small arms and light vehicles and has relied on limited amounts of donated equipment from several countries, particularly Türkiye and the US (2025)

Military service age and obligation

any citizen of Kosovo over the age of 18 is eligible to serve in the Kosovo Security Force; upper age for enlisting is 30 for officers, 25 for other ranks, although these may be waived for recruits with key skills considered essential for the KSF (2025)

Military - note

the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) was established in 2009 as a small (1,500 personnel), lightly armed disaster response force; the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) was charged with assisting in the development of the KSF and bringing it up to standards designated by NATO; the KSF was certified as fully operational by the North Atlantic Council in 2013, indicating the then 2,200-strong KSF was entirely capable of performing the tasks assigned under its mandate, which included non-military security functions that were not appropriate for the police, plus missions such as search and rescue, explosive ordnance disposal, control and clearance of hazardous materials, firefighting, and other humanitarian assistance tasks in 2019, Kosovo approved legislation that began a process to transition the KSF by 2028 into a professional military (the Kosovo Armed Forces) led by a General Staff and comprised of a Land Force, a National Guard, a Logistics Command, and a Doctrine and Training Command; it would have a strength of up to 5,000 with about 3,000 reserves; at the same time, the KSF’s mission was expanded to include traditional military functions, such as territorial defense and international peacekeeping; the KSF’s first international mission was the deployment of a small force to Kuwait in 2021 the NATO-led KFOR has operated in the country as a peace support force since 1999; in addition to assisting in the development of the KSF, KFOR is responsible for providing a safe and secure environment and ensuring freedom of movement for all citizens; as of 2025, it had approximately 4,700 troops from more than 30 countries (2025)

Terrorism

Terrorist group(s)

Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS)

Terrorist group(s) - note

note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide

Transnational Issues

Refugees and internally displaced persons - IDPs

15,582 (2024 est.)

Environment

Environmental issues

air pollution from power plants and lignite mines; water scarcity and pollution; land degradation

Climate

Land use - agricultural land

52.8% (2018 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 27.4% (2018 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops

permanent crops: 1.9% (2018 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture

permanent pasture: 23.5% (2018 est.)

Land use - forest

41.7% (2018 est.)

Land use - other

5.5% (2018 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions - total emissions

7.444 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions - from coal and metallurgical coke

5.005 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions - from petroleum and other liquids

2.439 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually

319,000 tons (2024 est.)

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