Kosovar

The people of Kosovo are predominantly Albanians, who constitute about nine-tenths of the population. The remaining population is primarily Serbs, with smaller communities of Bosniaks, Roma, Turks, Gorani, Croats, and Montenegrins.1

Historically, the ethnic composition has shifted significantly. In the mid-20th century, Serbs were a larger proportion of the population, but due to Serbian emigration and higher Albanian birth rates, Albanians became the majority by the 1990s. Following the Kosovo conflict in 1998-99, further Serbian emigration occurred. Serbs are now concentrated in northern Kosovo and around Shtërpcë.1

Traditional Kosovar society, for both Albanians and Serbs, is characterized by strong patriarchal and extended family traditions.2