Since Kosovo seceded from Serbia a year ago, 54 countries have recognised it as an independent state. The Pristina government hails its progress but ethnic Serbs refuse to recognise its sovereignty. New roads and bright new apartment blocks. A year on from Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia, the capital Pristina is showing signs of prosperity. Bekim Rracaj, Manager, “Since then, the people were more willing to work, and to start a new beginning, and we noticed some changes from the government changes also, there were reconstructions.” In spite of the new buildings though, unemployment here is running at 45% and half the population lives below the poverty line. Afrim Gashi, Economist, “I think it'll take at least four years to get the economy onto its feet. That's what's needed after the Soviet era to kick start the economy.” In the Serb enclave of Gracanica close to the capital, little has changed since independence. Here 95% of people are jobless– but many prefer to stay put. They say they risk their safety by travelling to Albanian-dominated Pristina to find work. Dragan, Gracanica Resident, “I used to live in Pristina but the Albanians forced us out in 2004 after the riots. Since then Serbs don't dare go back.” Mladen, Gracanica, resident, “It's the same as it was before apart from there being fewer Serbs. I got friends who have left the town for Serbia. But it's no better there so some are coming back.” Events being held to mark Kosovo's self-declared independence are low key. After all, Serbia- with backing from China, India and Russia- still refuses to recognise its sovereignty and now plans to take its challenge to the International Court of Justice in The Hague.