Overview of Serbia

Profile

A nation where diverse nature and culture coexist, from the fertile Pannonian Plain along the Danube River basin to the highlands of the Dinaric Alps. Established as a kingdom in the 12th century, it became a modern state in the 19th century after periods of Ottoman and Habsburg rule. In the 20th century, it served as the center of Yugoslavia, a unified South Slavic state, and after repeated conflicts and political upheavals, regained sovereignty as an independent state in 2006. Currently pursuing EU membership while maintaining friendly relations with Russia and China through balanced diplomacy based on historical and religious ties.

Official name: Republic of Serbia
Common name: Serbia
Numeric code: 688
Alpha-3 code: SRB
Alpha-2 code: RS
Population: Approximately 6.9 million (2022)
Population density: Approximately 75 people/km2
Primary languages: Serbian
Major religions: Serbian Orthodox Church, Catholic Church, Islam
National anthem: Bože pravde (God of Justice)
Calling code: +381
Internet TLD: .rs

History

From the medieval Kingdom of Serbia through its role as the core of the Yugoslav Federation, it regained independence in 2006.

The Kingdom of Serbia was recognized by the Pope and Constantinople in 1217, expanding into one of the largest Balkan empires in the 14th century. Annexed by the Ottoman Empire in the late 15th century, it gained autonomy through uprisings in the early 19th century and achieved full independence at the 1878 Congress of Berlin. After World War I, it formed the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia), and after World War II became a socialist federation under Tito following a non-aligned policy. After the Yugoslav dissolution and conflicts in the 1990s, and the union of Serbia and Montenegro in 2003, Serbia's independence was declared in June 2006.

Geography & climate

The north comprises the flat Pannonian Plain traversed by the Danube and Sava rivers, the central region features the Morava valley, and the southwest to south is dominated by medium-high mountains of the Dinaric Alps and Balkan Mountains.

Transitional zone from humid temperate to continental climate with distinct four seasons

Area: Europe / 88361 km²
Capital: Belgrade
Largest city: Belgrade
Coastal status: No
Major lakes: Lake Palić, Đerdap Lake (reservoir), Lake Carska Bara
Bordering countries: Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia

Natural resources

Lignite, Copper ore, Gold, Silver, Bauxite, Zinc, Timber, Limestone, Abundant water resources, Hot springs, Raspberries, Plums, Corn, Wheat, Hydropower potential

Politics

Government: Republic with parliamentary system

Economy

Currency: Serbian Dinar (RSD)

GDP (nominal): 59.5 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 167.6 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Serbian

Time zone: Central European Time (CET), Central European Summer Time (CEST)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Serbs, Hungarians, Bosniaks, Roma, Croats, Slovaks, Bulgarians, Romanians, Montenegrins, Macedonians

Life expectancy

75.5 years

Literacy rate

98.5%

National sports

Football, Basketball, Tennis, Volleyball, Water polo, Handball