The Republic of Kosovo, or simply Kosovo, is a partially recognized state in Southeastern Europe that declared independence from the country of Serbia in February 2008. Kosovo is a landlocked territory in the Balkan Peninsula, which covers an area of 4,212 square miles. Among the nations of the world, Kosovo ranks 168th in size and is slightly larger than the state of Delaware. It is bordered by Albania to the southwest, the Republic of Macedonia to the southeast, Montenegro to the west, and Serbia to the north and east. Due to its strategic position in the Balkan Peninsula, it serves as an important link in the connection between Central and Southern Europe, the Adriatic Sea and the Black Sea. Almost 95% of the population speaks Albanian as their native language, followed by Bosnian, Serbian, Turkish, and Romani. Today, over 90% of its population comes from a Muslim background, most of whom are ethnic Albanians but also include Slavs and Turks. Though it is relatively small in geographic size and population, it is in great need of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the training of elder-qualified leaders, and the formation of biblical churches.