Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008. This decision followed years of conflict and tension in the region, particularly during the Kosovo War in the late 1990s. The declaration was made by the Assembly of Kosovo, which aimed to establish a sovereign state for the predominantly Albanian population. The move was met with mixed reactions globally. While over 100 countries, including the United States and many European nations, recognized Kosovo's independence, others, including Serbia and some United Nations member states, did not. This ongoing dispute has implications for regional stability and international relations.