Kosovo

On February 17, 2008, Kosovo declared its independence, becoming the seventh state to emerge from the break-up of the former Yugoslavia. A tiny country of just two million people, 90% of whom are ethnic Albanians, Kosovo is central - geographically, historically, and politically - to the future of the Western Balkans and, in turn, its potential future within the European Union. But the fate of both Kosovo, condemned by Serbian leaders as a "fake state" and the region as a whole, remains uncertain. In Kosovo: What Everyone Needs to Know, Tim Judah provides a straight-forward guide to the complicated place that is Kosovo. Judah, who has spent years covering the region, offers succinct, penetrating answers to a wide range of questions: Why is Kosovo important? Who are the Albanians? Who are the Serbs? Why is Kosovo so important to Serbs? What role does Kosovo play in the region and in the world? Judah reveals how things stand now and presents the history and geopolitical dynamics that have led to it. The most important of these is the question of the right to self-determination, invoked by the Kosovo Albanians, as opposed to right of territorial integrity invoked by the Serbs. For many Serbs, Kosovo's declaration of independence and subsequent recognition has been traumatic, a savage blow to national pride. Albanians, on the other hand, believe their independence rights an historical wrong: the Serbian conquest (Serbs say "liberation") of Kosovo in 1912. For anyone wishing to understand both the history and possible future of Kosovo at this pivotal moment in its history, this book offers a wealth of insight and information in a uniquely accessible format.

On February 17, 2008, Kosovo declared its independence, becoming the seventh state to emerge from the break-up of the former Yugoslavia. A tiny country of just two million people, 90% of whom are ethnic Albanians, Kosovo is central - geographically, historically, and politically - to the future of the Western Balkans and, in turn, its potential future within the European Union. But the fate of both Kosovo, condemned by Serbian leaders as a "fake state" and the region as a whole, remains uncertain. In Kosovo: What Everyone Needs to Know, Tim Judah provides a straight-forward guide to the complicated place that is Kosovo. Judah, who has spent years covering the region, offers succinct, penetrating answers to a wide range of questions: Why is Kosovo important? Who are the Albanians? Who are the Serbs? Why is Kosovo so important to Serbs? What role does Kosovo play in the region and in the world? Judah reveals how things stand now and presents the history and geopolitical dynamics that have led to it. The most important of these is the question of the right to self-determination, invoked by the Kosovo Albanians, as opposed to right of territorial integrity invoked by the Serbs. For many Serbs, Kosovo's declaration of independence and subsequent recognition has been traumatic, a savage blow to national pride. Albanians, on the other hand, believe their independence rights an historical wrong: the Serbian conquest (Serbs say "liberation") of Kosovo in 1912. For anyone wishing to understand both the history and possible future of Kosovo at this pivotal moment in its history, this book offers a wealth of insight and information in a uniquely accessible format.

This new, fully updated fourth edition of Bradt's Kosovo remains the only full-length, English-language guidebook to this Balkan land rich in cultural heritage and contemporary arts, and oozing generous hospitality and stunning scenery. This new edition offers contacts and information not easily accessible online, insider knowledge of one of Europe's last unspoiled destinations, and comprehensive detail on attractions. Ringed by high mountains and overcoming a turbulent past, increasingly serviced by low-cost flights and benefitting from investment in travel infrastructure, Kosovo is enjoying a tourism renaissance. What was once a hub for adventurous backpackers and international organisations, Europe's youngest country has become a leading outdoors destination in its own right. On mega-hiking trails like the Via Dinarica and the Peaks of the Balkans, you can hike up saw-toothed mountains, with 20 peaks exceeding 8,200ft. This edition features new via ferratas - climbing routes - plus thrilling new opportunities for off-piste skiing, zip lining, and paragliding. Pristina's ever-changing café and restaurant scene remains a must, while fresh for this edition are new tourist attractions, such as Reporting House. Enthusiasts of Brutalist architecture have plenty to admire, notably Pristina's National Library, while recently restored archaeological sites, such as Ulpiana and Novo Brdo, offer a haven for history buffs. Gjakova has complemented its flourishing café and shopping scene with new nature-tourism offerings. Kosovo has become a leading venue for international DJs, while Grammy-winning popstar Dua Lipa's Sunny Hill Festival has put the country on the map, doing for music what Dokufest (Kosovo's documentary and short-film festival) did for film. Most Kosovars love Americans, with Stars and Stripes flags displayed prominently countrywide, while Pristina marks recent historic connections with roads and a statue dedicated to Bill Clinton and George Bush. Whether you enjoy a traditional meal in a well-preserved kulla (stone tower-house), relax by sampling vineyard raki, or rejuvenate through the dynamic vibe of a country where half the population is under 25, Kosovo will surprise and excite. This fourth edition of Bradt's Kosovo contains all the up-to-date information critical to a smooth visit, making it an indispensable travelling companion.

This new, fully updated fourth edition of Bradt's Kosovo remains the only full-length, English-language guidebook to this Balkan land rich in cultural heritage and contemporary arts, and oozing generous hospitality and stunning scenery. This new edition offers contacts and information not easily accessible online, insider knowledge of one of Europe's last unspoiled destinations, and comprehensive detail on attractions. Ringed by high mountains and overcoming a turbulent past, increasingly serviced by low-cost flights and benefitting from investment in travel infrastructure, Kosovo is enjoying a tourism renaissance. What was once a hub for adventurous backpackers and international organisations, Europe's youngest country has become a leading outdoors destination in its own right. On mega-hiking trails like the Via Dinarica and the Peaks of the Balkans, you can hike up saw-toothed mountains, with 20 peaks exceeding 8,200ft. This edition features new via ferratas - climbing routes - plus thrilling new opportunities for off-piste skiing, zip lining, and paragliding. Pristina's ever-changing café and restaurant scene remains a must, while fresh for this edition are new tourist attractions, such as Reporting House. Enthusiasts of Brutalist architecture have plenty to admire, notably Pristina's National Library, while recently restored archaeological sites, such as Ulpiana and Novo Brdo, offer a haven for history buffs. Gjakova has complemented its flourishing café and shopping scene with new nature-tourism offerings. Kosovo has become a leading venue for international DJs, while Grammy-winning popstar Dua Lipa's Sunny Hill Festival has put the country on the map, doing for music what Dokufest (Kosovo's documentary and short-film festival) did for film. Most Kosovars love Americans, with Stars and Stripes flags displayed prominently countrywide, while Pristina marks recent historic connections with roads and a statue dedicated to Bill Clinton and George Bush. Whether you enjoy a traditional meal in a well-preserved kulla (stone tower-house), relax by sampling vineyard raki, or rejuvenate through the dynamic vibe of a country where half the population is under 25, Kosovo will surprise and excite. This fourth edition of Bradt's Kosovo contains all the up-to-date information critical to a smooth visit, making it an indispensable travelling companion.