Kosovo (officially the Republic of Kosovo*, also referred to officially by Serbia as the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija) is a partially recognised republic. It is situated in the Balkans in South-East Europe, in the territory of the former Yugoslavia.

Kosovo declared independence in 2008 following a conflict with the Serbian government in Belgrade. Its capital is Pristina. It has a population of 1,859,203 (2017) and a single tier of local government – municipalities (38 in total).

Kosovo is a decentralised unitary state with two territorial divisions – municipalities and settlements.

*All reference to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.