FACTS

Location: Southeast Europe, between Serbia and Macedonia

Area (only Total) total: 10,887 sq km

Climate: influenced by continental air masses resulting in relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall and hot, dry summers and autumns; Mediterranean and alpine influences create regional variation; maximum rainfall between October and December

Terrain: flat fluvial basin with an elevation of 400-700 m above sea level surrounded by several high mountain ranges with elevations of 2,000 to 2,500 m

Population: 2,126,708 (2007 est.)

Main Language (only first): Albanian

Government type: republic

Capital (Name): Pristina (Prishtine)

Capital (Time Difference): UTC+1

Independence: 17 February 2008 (from Serbia)

National holiday: ratified 9 April 2008; effective 15 June 2008