🇽🇰 Kosovo Quiz: Explore Europe’s Youngest Country with MCQs

Around 90–92% of Kosovo’s population are ethnic Albanians, making them the dominant cultural group. Minority groups include Serbs (about 5–6%), Bosniaks, Turks, Roma, and Gorani. The ethnic majority explains Kosovo’s strong cultural ties with neighboring Albania.

On February 17, 2008, Kosovo’s parliament officially declared independence from Serbia. The declaration came after years of UN administration following the Kosovo War (1998–1999). Over 100 UN member states, including the U.S. and most EU countries, recognize Kosovo’s independence, but Serbia, Russia, and China do not, keeping the issue internationally disputed.

The Kosovo flag shows a map of Kosovo in gold under six white stars on a blue background. Each star represents one of the country’s main ethnic groups: Albanians, Serbs, Bosniaks, Turks, Gorani, and Roma.

Pristina is the capital and largest city of Kosovo, with a population of over 200,000. It is the administrative, cultural, and economic hub of the country. The city is known for landmarks like the National Library of Kosovo, the Mother Teresa Square, and the Imperial Mosque. Pristina also hosts many international institutions and embassies since Kosovo’s independence.

Although Kosovo is not part of the Eurozone or the European Union, it unilaterally adopted the Euro (€) in 2002 to stabilize its economy and facilitate trade. Before that, the German Mark was used. Serbia’s dinar is still used in some Serb-majority areas, but the Euro dominates nationwide.

In 2010, the ICJ ruled that Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence did not violate international law, giving legitimacy to its statehood efforts. However, this did not force other countries to recognize Kosovo.

The Sitnica River, about 90 km long, flows through Pristina and is part of the Ibar River basin. Though not very large, it is an important water source for the central Kosovo region.

Kosovo has a population of about 2 million, making it one of Europe’s smallest countries. It has a very young population — with an average age of under 30 — due to high birth rates in the past decades, although emigration has reduced growth in recent years.

Iso-polyphony is a traditional Albanian singing style, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. It features layered voices and is especially popular in southern Albania and among Albanians in Kosovo.

After NATO bombed Serbian forces in 1999, the UN established UNMIK to administer Kosovo. This mission oversaw governance, humanitarian aid, and institution-building until local authorities gradually took over. Today, the EU’s EULEX mission also helps maintain law and order.

Kosovo holds some of Europe’s largest lignite reserves, a type of coal used for electricity production. Energy production heavily depends on lignite, though it raises environmental concerns due to pollution.

Around 95% of Kosovars are Muslims, mostly following Sunni Islam with cultural practices influenced by the Ottoman Empire. There is also a Christian minority, including Serbian Orthodox Christians and Catholic Albanians.

The Battle of Kosovo (1389) was a key medieval battle between the Ottoman Empire and a Serbian-led coalition. Though inconclusive, it opened the way for the Ottoman advance into the Balkans. This battle remains a symbolic event in Serbian national history and identity.

Mount Gjeravica is the highest peak in Kosovo, standing at 2,656 meters. It lies in the Accursed Mountains (Prokletije range) and is popular among hikers.

The Adem Jashari Pristina International Airport, named after a Kosovo Liberation Army commander, is the country’s main international airport. It connects Kosovo to major European cities.

The Kosovo War (1998–1999) was fought between ethnic Albanian rebels (KLA) and Serbian forces. It ended in June 1999, after a NATO bombing campaign forced Serbian troops to withdraw. The conflict caused mass displacement and remains one of the most significant European wars since World War II.

Kosovo recognizes Albanian and Serbian as official languages, reflecting its diverse ethnic groups. Minority languages like Turkish, Bosnian, and Romani also enjoy local recognition in certain municipalities. This multilingual setup is intended to respect cultural diversity.

Kosovo borders Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. It does not border Greece, though Greece lies to the south of North Macedonia. This is a common trick question in geography, as many assume Kosovo’s southern position places it next to Greece.

Serbia refuses to recognize Kosovo’s independence, claiming it as part of its sovereign territory. This dispute affects Kosovo’s chances of joining the UN and EU, as international recognition is still incomplete.

Kosovo is in Southeastern Europe, within the Balkan Peninsula. It is landlocked and bordered by Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. The Balkans have historically been a crossroads of civilizations, and Kosovo’s central location makes it strategically significant in European geopolitics.

Kosovo is not a member of the UN, EU, or NATO due to disputed recognition, but it joined the IMF and World Bank in 2009. These memberships help Kosovo integrate into the global economy.

Albania, sharing ethnic and cultural ties, was the first country to officially recognize Kosovo on the same day it declared independence. Soon after, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom followed.

The Šar Mountains stretch across Kosovo and North Macedonia, forming one of the most scenic landscapes in the Balkans. They include high peaks, glacial lakes, and are popular for winter sports. Another important range in Kosovo is the Accursed Mountains (Bjeshkët e Nemuna) in the west.

Kosovo joined UEFA and FIFA in 2016, allowing it to compete in international football. Its inclusion was controversial, as Serbia and some other nations opposed it. Kosovo’s football team now competes in European Championship and World Cup qualifiers.

The Visoki Dečani Monastery, built in the 14th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its medieval frescoes and is one of the most important Serbian Orthodox religious sites. Despite political tensions, it remains protected and a symbol of Kosovo’s diverse cultural heritage.