Kosovo declared independence on the 17th of February 2008. The small south east European state sits between Albania, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro. The capital of the Republic is Prishtina, a city of around 500,000 people. The population of Kosovo exceeds 2 million.
Kosovo is a democratic, multi-ethnic and secular Republic, that incorporates into its Constitution the UN Special Envoy, Martti Ahtisaari, Comprehensive Proposal for Kosovo Status Settlement. This plan ensures that the Constitution of the Republic protects and guarantees rights for all of Kosovo citizens. The support of this proposal by Kosovar people shows readiness to move on, forgive and build.
Kosovo is a state that is moving towards European integration, and will eventually become a member of the European Union. Kosovo has historically, culturally and socially been part of Europe. The ancient kingdoms that stood there were at the center of European history well over 3,000 years ago. Later on, as new world powers emerged and the world changed, again the nations of south east Europe forged the future of this continent.
In more modern times, Kosovo ended up as the least developed part of Yugoslavia, slowly moving towards high unemployment and unequal opportunities for Kosovar Albanians. This, coupled with nationalistic policies that broke up Yugoslavia, culminated in the Kosovo - Serbia war of 1997-1999.
Today, having declared independence, Kosovo has chosen the path towards Europe. Independence, and the explicit and implicit recognition by the world, have helped set Kosovo on the right course.
Numerous books have been written on Kosovo and its history. Although most of the English language material available today fails to explore and narrate the history of Kosovo in pre-Roman times, the following books are a good and reliable source of information for the recent history of the small South European state and its inhabitants.
Declaration of Independence: The Republic of Kosovo Declaration of Independence on February 17, 2008 (download PDF).
Constitution: The Republic of Kosovo Constitution (download PDF 239 KB) came into effect on 15th of June 2008. It contains many provisions from the Ahtisaari plan, guaranteeing specific rights to minority groups, and establishes a secular European oriented state in Europe.
Flag and Coat of Arms: Republic of Kosovo flag and coat of arms. Color specifications and vector formats available for download.
Anthem: On June 11th 2008, the Kosovar parliament adopted the National Anthem for the Republic of Kosova with 72 votes in favor, 15 against and 5 abstaining. The anthem has been composed by Mendi Mengjiqi.
Download (MP3):
- Philharmonic Orchestra of Kosovo
- US Navy Band
- MIDI
Independence Day: A photo gallery of celebrations from around the world on Independence Day, 17th of February 2008.
