Distillers Kosovo
A one-page guide to Kosovo for the spirits trade: the country, its people, its economy and how it drinks.
At a glance
- Capital
- Pristina
- Official languages
- Albanian, Serbian
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Time zone
- UTC+1 (UTC+2 in summer)
- Area
- 10,887 km²
People
- Population
- 1.6 million (2025)
- Population growth
- -1.1% a year
- Living in towns and cities
- 50.9%
- Aged under 15
- 20.0%
- Aged 65 and over
- 10.5%
- Life expectancy
- 78.2 years
Economy
- GDP
- US$12.4 billion (2025)
- GDP per person
- US$7,796 (2025)
- Economic growth
- 3.6% (2025)
- Inflation
- 3.9% (2025)
Climate
Mostly continental with Mediterranean and Alpine influences; the west and southeast mountains are Alpine and coldest, while the far south near Albania is warmest and Mediterranean-influenced. Cold mountain winters can affect road freight.
Alcohol
- Alcohol is
- Legal
- Legal drinking age
- 18 (Law No. 04/L-121 on consumer protection, as cited by Wikipedia)
- Traditional drinks
- Rakia (fruit brandy, popular across Southeastern Europe)
Sources: World Bank (population, economy and demographics), WHO Global Health Observatory (alcohol per adult and drinking mix); Wikipedia - Legal drinking age; Wikipedia - Kosovo; Kosovo Customs; Wikipedia - Rakia; Wikipedia: Stone Castle (Kosovan winery); Privatisation Agency of Kosovo: Peja Brewery; WB6 Chamber Investment Forum e-catalogue - Kosova Wine. Figures are the latest each source publishes; the year is shown beside each one.