Kosovo and Metohija

Kosovo and Metohija is an autonomous province in southeastern Serbia stretching across five administrative districts, organized through parallel institutions serving different communities. The landscape ranges from flat plains in the central section to mountainous terrain in the west and south, with several rivers running through and irrigating the territory.

The province received its autonomous status in 1945 within Socialist Yugoslavia and underwent major constitutional changes in 1974 and 1990. After the breakup of Yugoslavia, the territory came under international administration in 1999, while Serbia continues to regard it as part of its sovereign territory.

The territory takes its name partly from the Blackbird's Field and partly from a historical area to the south, both terms now embedded in Serbian administrative language. Visitors encounter towns with parallel place names and different religious communities preserving their traditions through architecture and daily life.

Travelers should check current entry requirements and border controls in advance, as different rules may apply depending on the route and starting point. It is advisable to carry cash in multiple currencies and be aware that infrastructure varies from region to region.

The province officially uses both Latin and Cyrillic alphabets for administration and education, with both writing systems holding equal status. Visitors see this bilingualism on road signs, official documents, and in schools, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the territory.