The Order of the Yugoslav Star was the highest national order of merit awarded in Yugoslavia. It was divided into four classes. The highest class, the Yugoslav Great Star was the highest state decoration awarded in Yugoslavia. The order was mostly awarded to foreign heads of state for the development and strengthening of peace and cooperation between nations. The Order of the Yugoslav Star was also the second highest order of merit in Serbia and Montenegro.

History

Order of the Yugoslav Star was founded by the President of Yugoslavia Josip Broz Tito on 1 February 1954 and had four classes. The highest class, Yugoslav Great Star, was intended for foreign heads of state "for outstanding merits in developing and consolidating peaceful and friendly cooperation between two countries." The first such order was presented to the Emperor of Ethiopia Haile Selassie. Law on Decorations was amended on 1 March 1961, so from then on, the Order had these classes: In 1972, the Law on Decorations was amended again, so that the Yugoslav Great Star could be now awarded not only to heads of states, but also to Yugoslav citizens for "revolutionary work and meritorious service in the development of SFRY, for developing and strengthening the consciousness of our citizens in the fight for the development of socialism, for the freedom and independence of our country, as well as for an extremely valuable contribution to strengthening peaceful cooperation and friendly relations between SFRY and other countries." After the Breakup of Yugoslavia, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (and later Serbia and Montenegro) continued to use some of the decorations of former Yugoslavia, among them Order of the Yugoslav Star. The new Law on Decorations was adopted in December 1998. The Law of 1998 made a distinction between the Order of the Yugoslav Great Star (single class) and the Order of the Yugoslav Star (three classes). In the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Order of the Yugoslav Great Star was the second highest order after the Order of Yugoslavia. The design of the insignia was not changed.

Recipients of the Great Star

The Order was usually awarded to foreign heads of state and other distinguished foreigners who visited Yugoslavia. Up to 1985, the Yugoslav Great Star was awarded 127 times of which 115 to foreigners and 12 to Yugoslav citizens. Muammar Gaddafi is the only person to be awarded the Great Star twice.

Recipients of the SFRY

Recipients of the FRY and Serbia and Montenegro