The order was mostly awarded to foreign heads of state for the development and strengthening of peace and cooperation between nations.

Order of the Yugoslav Star was founded by the President of Yugoslavia Josip Broz Tito on 1 February 1954 and had four classes.

[2] 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.

"[3] 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.