Kosovo: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Kosovo 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Kosovo: 29
  • Happiness Score Kosovo:6.561

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Kosovo. XK.

    Kosovo is a partially recognized state located in Southeast Europe. It has a parliamentary representative democratic republic political structure. Kosovo has a rich cultural heritage, particularly known for its traditional music, dance, and cuisine. The economy is mainly based on agriculture, trade, and remittances from the diaspora.

  • Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008.
  • Pristina, the capital city of Kosovo, is known for its lively nightlife and cafe culture.
  • The majority of the population in Kosovo is ethnically Albanian.
  • Kosovo – A Comprehensive Overview

    Early History

    The territory of present-day Kosovo has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of settlements dating back to the Neolithic period. The region was home to various Illyrian tribes, including the Dardani, who were known for their skilled warriors and fierce resistance against Roman conquest. Kosovo became part of the Roman Empire in the 2nd century AD.

    Kingdoms and Empires

    After the fall of the Roman Empire, Kosovo fell under the influence of the Byzantine Empire. In the 9th century, the region was part of the First Bulgarian Empire. From the 12th to the 14th centuries, Kosovo was part of the Serbian Kingdom and played a significant role in Serbian history, culture, and Orthodox Christianity.

    Colonial Period

    Kosovo was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in the late 14th century and remained under Ottoman rule for nearly five centuries. During this period, Islam was introduced to the region, and a significant portion of the population converted to the new religion.

    Independence and Modern Era

    After the Balkan Wars and World War I, Kosovo became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (later renamed Yugoslavia). During the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, Kosovo experienced a violent conflict between Serbian forces and the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). After a NATO intervention in 1999, Kosovo became a UN protectorate. Kosovo declared independence in 2008, a move recognized by many countries but disputed by Serbia.

    Current Political Situation

    Kosovo is a parliamentary republic with a multi-party system. The current president is Vjosa Osmani, and the prime minister is Albin Kurti. Kosovo faces ongoing challenges, including tensions with Serbia and the need for further economic development and integration with the European Union.

    International Relations

    Kosovo maintains diplomatic relations with over 100 countries, including the United States and most European Union member states. However, its independence remains contested by Serbia and its allies, including Russia and China. Kosovo is a member of several international organizations, including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

    Human Development and Economy

    Kosovo has a transitional economy, with a focus on services and agriculture. Major industries include mining, metallurgy, and energy production. The country has made progress in human development but still faces challenges, such as high unemployment and poverty rates.

    Cultural Highlights

    Kosovo is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, with Albanian and Serbian as the two main ethnic groups. The majority of Kosovars are Muslim, followed by Orthodox Christians and Catholics. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, literature, and crafts.

    Challenges and Opportunities

    Kosovo faces ongoing challenges, such as political instability, economic development, and integration with the European Union. However, the country’s young population and commitment to democratic principles provide opportunities for progress and growth.

    Travel Tips for Kosovo

    Best Times to Visit: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making them ideal for exploring Kosovo’s natural beauty and cultural sites.

    Cultural Etiquette: Kosovars are known for their hospitality. It’s polite to remove your shoes when entering a home and to bring a small gift for the host. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

    Safety Precautions: While generally safe, it’s advisable to exercise caution in certain areas and avoid demonstrations or large crowds. Check for travel advisories and register with your embassy or consulate.

    Must-See Landmarks: Visit the charming capital, Pristina, and explore its historic sites like the Mosque of Sinan Pasha and the Kosovo National Library. Don’t miss the picturesque town of Prizren, known for its Ottoman-era architecture and the Lumbardhi River.

Main facts

1. Location

Kosovo is a landlocked country located in the central Balkan Peninsula in Southeastern Europe. It is bordered by four countries: Albania to the west, North Macedonia to the southeast, Montenegro to the northwest, and Serbia to the northeast and east.

2. Map References

Kosovo is situated in the Balkan region of Southeastern Europe.

3. Area – Comparative

Kosovo has a total area of 10,908 square kilometers (4,212 square miles), making it slightly larger than the U.S. state of Connecticut or the Caribbean island nation of Jamaica.

4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries

The total length of Kosovo’s land borders is 714 kilometers (444 miles):

5. Coastline

Kosovo is a landlocked country with no coastline.

6. Maritime Claims

As a landlocked country, Kosovo has no maritime claims.

7. Climate

Kosovo has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The climate is influenced by the country’s inland position and mountainous terrain, with significant regional variations in temperature and precipitation.

8. Terrain

Kosovo is a predominantly mountainous and hilly country, with the Dinaric Alps and their highest peak, Gjeravica (2,656 meters / 8,714 feet), dominating the western region. The eastern part of the country is characterized by the Šar Mountains and their highest peak, Ljuboten (2,498 meters / 8,197 feet).

9. Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Kosovo is the Gjeravica peak at 2,656 meters (8,714 feet) above sea level, located in the Dinaric Alps. The lowest point is the White Drin River at 297 meters (974 feet) above sea level.

10. Natural Resources

Kosovo’s primary natural resources include nickel, lead, zinc, magnesium, lignite, kaolin, chrome, and bauxite.

11. Major Bodies of Water

The main rivers in Kosovo are the White Drin, which forms part of the border with Albania, and its tributaries, including the Erenik, Sitnica, and Morava e Binçës. Other significant rivers are the Lepenc and Ibar. Kosovo has no major natural lakes.

12. Natural Hazards

The primary natural hazards in Kosovo include earthquakes and occasional severe droughts.

13. Geography – Notes

Kosovo’s mountainous terrain has played a significant role in shaping the country’s history and culture. The rugged landscape has been both a strategic asset and a challenge for transportation and development. Kosovo also faces environmental challenges, including air pollution, water pollution, and deforestation.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): . This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: . CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 52%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  .
  • Capital: The capital of Kosovo is  Prishtina
  • Major Cities:
    • Pristina – Population: 204,721
    • Prizren – Population: 178,865
    • Mitrovica – Population: 71,909
    • Gjakova – Population: 85,838
  • Population: 1,964,327
  • Area(Km2): 10887
  • Population Density( P/Km²):193. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:
  • Official Language(s):Kosovo is Albanian (Kosovar Albanian) with 95% and Serbian with 5%.
  • Currency:

Main Economic Indicators

Kosovo has a transitional economy with a GDP of around $7.9 billion as of 2021. The private sector accounts for a significant portion of economic activity, with services contributing the largest share to GDP. Key economic challenges include high unemployment, a large informal sector, and reliance on remittances from the diaspora. Notable policies aim to attract foreign investment and promote sustainable economic growth.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

2021: 3.8% (Source: Kosovo Agency of Statistics)
2020: 0.2% (Source: Kosovo Agency of Statistics)

Credit Ratings

Fitch: BB- (Stable)
Moody’s: B1 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: Not Rated

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 7.9%
Industry: 23.4%
Services: 68.7% (2021 estimates)

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Wheat, corn, berries, grapes, vegetables, dairy products, meat.
Industrial Products: Mining, construction materials, base metals, machinery, textiles, food processing.

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 630,200 (2021 estimate)
Kosovo has a relatively young population, with a large percentage of its labor force employed abroad.

Current Account Balance

2021: -$861 million (8.9% of GDP)
2020: -$612 million (7.1% of GDP)

Exports and Imports

Exports (2021): $1.1 billion (Main partners: Albania, North Macedonia, Germany, Italy)
Imports (2021): $4.9 billion (Main partners: Germany, Turkey, China, Italy)
Main Exports: Scrap metals, base metals, machinery, mineral products, textiles.
Main Imports: Machinery, food, chemicals, mineral products, textiles.

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves (2021): $939 million
Kosovo does not hold any official gold reserves.

  • GDP (Current US$):. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): . It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): . This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. . It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. . It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): . It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

National Identity

Noun: Kosovar

Adjective: Kosovar

Ethnic Groups

  • Albanians: 92.9%
  • Serbs: 1.5%
  • Others: 5.6% (Bosniaks, Gorani, Roma, Turks, Ashkali, Egyptians)

Religions

  • Muslim: 95.6%
  • Roman Catholic: 2.2%
  • Orthodox: 1.5%
  • Other/None: 0.7%

Age Structure

  • 0-14 years: 24.9%
  • 15-64 years: 67.4%
  • 65 years and over: 7.7%

Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 48.3

Youth dependency ratio: 36.9

Elderly dependency ratio: 11.4

Median Age

Total: 29.5 years

Male: 29.1 years

Female: 30 years

Lifestyle Indicators

Obesity Rate

Adult obesity rate: 17.4% (2016)

Alcohol Consumption

Average alcohol consumption per capita: 1.4 liters of pure alcohol annually (2010)

Tobacco Use

Adult smoking prevalence: 29.5% (2015)

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: . Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 96.4%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:7. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 1.5. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 83.3%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: . Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

Kosovo lacks a formal military force, though the nation maintains the Kosovo Security Force as a lightly armed civil protection force tasked with crisis response, civil protection, and assisting NATO in demining and search and rescue operations. The Kosovo Police is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining internal security and public order.

Military Expenditures

Kosovo’s military expenditures as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2022: 1.04%
  • 2021: 0.94%
  • 2020: 0.86%
  • 2019: 0.81%
  • 2018: 0.80%

Kosovo’s military spending ranks relatively low globally, given its limited defense forces.

Personnel Strengths

The Kosovo Security Force has approximately 2,500 active personnel, providing the primary security force for the country. The Kosovo Police has around 9,000 officers responsible for law enforcement and internal security.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

As a civil protection force, the Kosovo Security Force is lightly armed with small arms and non-lethal equipment for crisis response roles. It does not possess significant military hardware or equipment beyond transport vehicles and demining equipment.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Kosovo has no mandatory military service obligation. The Kosovo Security Force recruits volunteers between the ages of 18 and 35 for a three-year initial service contract.

Military Deployments

Kosovo does not have any overseas military deployments. The NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) maintains a peacekeeping presence in the country, with around 3,800 troops from various contributing nations.

Strategic Military Notes

Kosovo’s security strategy focuses on civil protection, crisis response, and demining operations, with the Kosovo Security Force playing a supportive role to NATO forces. The country relies heavily on NATO and international partners for its defense and security needs.

  • Armed Forces Size: . Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is na
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): . This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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