List of Countries that Recognize Kosovo

Kosovo, a small landlocked country in the Balkans, declared its independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008. Since then, its international recognition has been a contentious issue, with some countries acknowledging its sovereignty while others, including Serbia, do not. As of June 2025, Kosovo is recognized by a significant number of United Nations member states, though it has not achieved universal recognition. Below is an overview of the countries that recognize Kosovo as an independent state, along with context about its international status.

Background on Kosovo’s Independence

Kosovo’s declaration of independence followed a complex history, including the Kosovo War (1998–1999) and a period of United Nations administration under UNMIK (United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo). The 2008 declaration was supported by many Western nations but opposed by Serbia, Russia, China, and others, who argue it violates Serbia’s territorial integrity. Recognition of Kosovo remains a sensitive geopolitical issue, with implications for international law, sovereignty, and regional stability in the Balkans.

As of the latest available data, 115 out of 193 United Nations member states recognize Kosovo as an independent state. This number includes withdrawals of recognition by some countries, as well as fluctuating diplomatic stances. The following list details the countries that currently recognize Kosovo, based on official statements and diplomatic relations.

List of Countries Recognizing Kosovo

Below is a comprehensive list of countries that have formally recognized Kosovo’s independence, organized alphabetically:

1. Afghanistan
2. Albania
3. Andorra
4. Antigua and Barbuda
5. Australia
6. Austria
7. Bahrain
8. Bangladesh
9. Barbados
10. Belgium
11. Belize
12. Benin
13. Brunei
14. Bulgaria
15. Burkina Faso
16. Burundi
17. Canada
18. Chad
19. Colombia
20. Comoros
21. Costa Rica
22. Côte d'Ivoire
23. Croatia
24. Czech Republic
25. Denmark
26. Djibouti
27. Dominica
28. Dominican Republic
29. Egypt
30. El Salvador
31. Estonia
32. Eswatini
33. Fiji
34. Finland
35. France
36. Gabon
37. Gambia
38. Germany
39. Ghana
40. Grenada
41. Guinea
42. Guinea-Bissau
43. Guyana
44. Haiti
45. Honduras
46. Hungary
47. Iceland
48. Ireland
49. Israel
50. Italy
51. Japan
52. Jordan
53. Kenya
54. Kiribati
55. Kuwait
56. Latvia
57. Liberia
58. Liechtenstein
59. Lithuania
60. Luxembourg
61. Malawi
62. Malaysia
63. Maldives
64. Malta
65. Marshall Islands
66. Mauritania
67. Micronesia
68. Monaco
69. Montenegro
70. Netherlands
71. New Zealand
72. Niger
73. North Macedonia
74. Norway
75. Oman
76. Pakistan
77. Palau
78. Panama
79. Peru
80. Poland
81. Portugal
82. Qatar
83. Saint Kitts and Nevis
84. Saint Lucia
85. Samoa
86. San Marino
87. Saudi Arabia
88. Senegal
89. Sierra Leone
90. Singapore
91. Slovenia
92. Somalia
93. South Korea
94. Sweden
95. Switzerland
96. Taiwan (not a UN member state)
97. Tanzania
98. Thailand
99. Timor-Leste
100. Togo
101. Tonga
102. Turkey
103. Tuvalu
104. United Arab Emirates
105. United Kingdom
106. United States
107. Vanuatu
108. Yemen

Notes on the List

• Taiwan: While Taiwan is not a UN member state, it has recognized Kosovo, reflecting its own complex international status.
• Withdrawals of Recognition: Some countries, such as Serbia, Russia, China, India, and Brazil, have never recognized Kosovo. Additionally, a few countries (e.g., Suriname, Uganda, and others) have withdrawn their recognition in recent years due to diplomatic pressures or reassessments, reducing the total number of recognizing states.
• Partial Recognition: Kosovo is not a member of the United Nations, though it has been recognized by a majority of its members. It is a member of international organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, which indicates partial integration into the global system.

Countries That Do Not Recognize Kosovo

Several notable countries, including Serbia, Russia, China, India, Brazil, Spain, and Greece, do not recognize Kosovo’s independence. Their reasons vary, often tied to concerns about territorial integrity, separatist movements within their own borders, or geopolitical alignments. For example:

• Serbia considers Kosovo an integral part of its territory, referring to it as the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija.
• Spain and Greece withhold recognition due to their own internal separatist challenges (e.g., Catalonia in Spain and historical issues in Greece).
• Russia and China oppose Kosovo’s independence to maintain their stance on sovereignty and non-interference in other states’ affairs.

Kosovo’s International Status

Kosovo’s partial recognition affects its participation in global institutions. While it has joined the IMF, World Bank, and some regional organizations, its lack of UN membership limits its full integration into the international community. The European Union has played a significant role in mediating dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, particularly through the Brussels Agreement (2013), aimed at normalizing relations.

Kosovo maintains diplomatic relations with many recognizing countries, with embassies and consulates established in capitals worldwide. However, its status remains a point of contention, and the number of recognizing states may fluctuate as geopolitical dynamics evolve.

Kosovo’s recognition by 115 countries, as of June 2025, reflects a significant but incomplete acceptance of its sovereignty. The list of recognizing countries spans every continent, with strong support from North America, Western Europe, and parts of Africa, Asia, and Oceania. However, opposition from major powers and Serbia itself continues to shape Kosovo’s path toward full international recognition. For the latest updates on Kosovo’s diplomatic status, sources such as the Kosovo Ministry of Foreign Affairs or international news outlets provide ongoing information.