Prishtinë

Prishtinë is the capital and largest city of Kosovo, serving as the country’s administrative, economic, and cultural center. It is located in the central part of Kosovo on the Llapi river valley, near the foothills of surrounding mountains.

Name and language: In Albanian the city is Prishtinë; in English it is Pristina; in Serbian Priština. The different forms reflect Kosovo’s multilingual history; the roots of the name are unclear but the settlement has been known by such forms since the medieval period.

The area has medieval roots; under Ottoman rule it grew into an urban center. In the 20th century it expanded rapidly, becoming the political and economic hub of Kosovo. After the Kosovo War (1998–1999) and the UN administration, Prishtinë became the capital of the Republic of Kosovo when independence was proclaimed in 2008.

The municipality has around 200,000 inhabitants, the vast majority ethnic Albanian, with minorities including Serbs, Bosniaks, Roma, and others. The city is the seat of Kosovo's government and Parliament, and houses many ministries, institutions, and international organizations.

Prishtinë hosts the University of Prishtina, several higher education institutions, major cultural venues such as the National Theatre, the Ethnographic Museum, and the National Library. The city is served by a vibrant arts scene and hosts annual cultural and music events.

The economy is service-oriented, with administration, education, health care, commerce, and small industries as major sectors. Prishtinë is served by the international airport Adem Jashari (PRN), located west of the city; road connections link it to neighboring countries, while rail traffic is limited.

Landmarks include the Newborn monument, Mother Teresa Square, Gërmia Park, and several mosques and churches reflecting Kosovo’s religious diversity. The climate is humid continental, with hot summers and cold winters.