Overview of Bosnia

Profile

About 70% of the country is mountainous terrain of Dinaric Alps, with Posavina plains in north and karst terrain of Herzegovina in south. After governance by Ottoman Empire and Austria-Hungary, it formed part of Yugoslavia from 1920s. Conflict erupting immediately after 1992 independence ended with 1995 Dayton Agreement, now operating under highly decentralized system of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska, and Brčko District. As crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures, it produces unique landscape where Ottoman-style bazaars coexist with Habsburg-style townscapes.

Official name: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Common name: Bosnia
Numeric code: 070
Alpha-3 code: BIH
Alpha-2 code: BA
Population: Approximately 3.3 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 64 people/km²
Primary languages: Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
Major religions: Islam, Roman Catholicism, Serbian Orthodox
National anthem: Državna himna Bosne i Hercegovine
Calling code: +387
Internet TLD: .ba

History

After Ottoman rule and Austria-Hungary rule, became part of Yugoslavia, gained independence in 1992. Restarted as federal state consisting of two entities after early 1990s civil war.

Ottoman Empire invaded in 15th century, establishing Islamic culture. Austria-Hungary acquired governing rights in late 19th century, annexing in 1908. 1914 Sarajevo incident triggered World War I. After WWII, formed socialist Yugoslavia. 1992 independence declaration followed by intense conflict among Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats, causing major damage to land and infrastructure. 1995 Dayton Agreement achieved ceasefire, with peace and reconstruction proceeding under international supervision, though inter-ethnic political conflicts remain a current challenge.

Geography & climate

Undulating landscape woven by Dinaric Alps mountain terrain occupying 70% of country, northern Sava River basin fertile alluvial plains, and southern karst plateaus.

Northern temperate humid continental climate, southern Herzegovina Mediterranean climate

Area: Europe / 51197 km²
Capital: Sarajevo
Largest city: Sarajevo
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro

Natural resources

Timber, Hydropower, Coal, Lignite, Iron ore, Bauxite, Copper, Lead, Zinc, Marble, Limestone, Gold, Silver

Politics

Government: Two-entity federal republic (parliamentary system)

Economy

Currency: Convertible Mark (BAM)

GDP (nominal): Approximately 23.5 billion US Dollar (2023)

GDP (PPP): Approximately 71.6 billion US Dollar (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian

Time zone: Central European Time, Central European Summer Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Bosniaks, Serbs, Croats, Roma, Jews, Albanians

Life expectancy

77.4 years

Literacy rate

98.0%

National sports

Soccer, Basketball, Handball, Volleyball, Skiing, Water Polo