Bosnia & Herzegovina

Overview

It is a country located on the Balkan Peninsula in southeast Europe. The country’s name is abbreviated as BiH or B&H.

The country recorded a population of 3.324 million in 2018 and covers an area of 51,197 km2.

Its capital and largest city is Sarajevo. It is on the banks o Mijacka River and is encircled by Dinaric Alps. At its heart are museums which preserve the history and cultural heritage of the country.

The rebuilt stone arch bridge across the Neretva River at Mostar.

History

The country was formerly a state of the federation of Yugoslavia. It became independent in 1992.

Food & culture

Bosnian and Herzegovina culture is based on the history and heritage of the country.

The major crops grown in the country are wheat, barley, fodder crops, fruits, maize and forage. The common dishes are cevapi, burek, begova corba, klepe, dolma and tufahija.

Wildlife

Common wildlife animals include bears, badgers, falcons, foxes, wild cats, wild pigs, wolves and chamois.

Festivals & events

The festivals celebrated in the country are Sarajevo fashion week, Kozara Ethno festival, International folklore festival, Sarajevo Film festival and Kids festival.

Things to see

Bascarsija is an old bazaar in Sarajevo. It is the country’s historical and cultural centre.

Sarajevo tunnel was constructed during the Bosnian war.

The old bridge was built during the 16th century by the Ottoman across Neretva River which joins two regions of the city.

Kravinca waterfall is a beautiful sight on Trebizat River.

Interesting facts

Bosnia and Herzegovina official languages are Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian.

The major religions in the country are Islam, Eastern Orthodox, Catholicism and Agnosticism.

The education in Bosnia and Herzegovina is free and compulsory for 9 years and exists in cycles of 3 years; 6 to 9, 9 to 12 and 12 to 15.

Bosnia & Herzegovina

At a glance

Before you go