Bosnia and Herzegovina

When to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina during the year?

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country that attracts tourists throughout the year, but with different dynamics.

Summer: During the summer season, accommodation prices are reasonable, but may be higher compared to other parts of the year. During the summer, tourists mostly enjoy activities such as hiking and sightseeing and visiting tourist attractions. Tourist traffic during the summer is moderate. July and August are definitely the most expensive months to visit this country, due to the multitude of events and holidays.
Winter: During the winter months, accommodation prices can be significantly lower and it is possible to obtain different types of discounts on stays. The most interesting activities for tourists during the winter are sports and tourist activities on the mountains in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Spring and autumn: This are probably the best periods to visit, because the temperatures are optimal, the prices are lower than in the season, and the crowds are less.

How to get to Bosnia and Herzegovina?

You can reach Bosnia and Herzegovina through 48 border crossings by different types of transport, which include transport by plane, car, bus or train.

By plane
Bosnia and Herzegovina has four airports in the cities of Sarajevo, Tuzla, Mostar and Banja Luka.

Sarajevo Airport: The airport is located 12 km from Sarajevo, and it transports up to a million passengers annually. At the airport there are regular, seasonal and charter flights of European and international companies. At the airport, tourists can use organized transportation (buses) to get to the city center.
Tuzla airport: It is located 16 km from Tuzla. There is traffic at the airport Wizz water a company that connects travelers from Bosnia and Herzegovina with 17 destinations located in eight European countries. In addition to the regular ones, there are charter flights to Antalya. You can buy tickets every day from 4 in the morning to 9 in the evening. You can get to the airport by public transport, by taxi, or by yourself Wizz water the company organizes transportation for passengers to all places in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Mostar Airport: The airport is located 8 km from Mostar. A company lands at the airport Mistral air from Rome that connects Bosnia with Italy. You can get to the airport in Mostar by taxi, public transport or shuttle service.
Banja Luka Airport: It is located 23 km from the town itself in Mahovljani. The airport organizes regular, charter and seasonal flights to Hurghada, Athens and Brussels.

By bus
Sarajevo is connected to European cities by direct company lines:

Centrotrans Eurolines: with Austria, Belgium, Montenegro, Holland, Denmark, Slovenia, Serbia, France, Germany.
Only tours i Globtour: Bus companies also organize transportation to many European cities.

Main bus stations:

Bus station Sarajevo: The station is located in the very center of Sarajevo. It is connected with almost all parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, i.e. with major cities in it, but also with international cities.
East Sarajevo bus station: A slightly more distant station (about 8 km from the center) connects Sarajevo with larger Serbian and Montenegrin cities, as well as with cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina itself.

By train

Sarajevo railway station: The station is located right next to the bus station in the city. Tourists can reach the city center, which is about 5 km from the station, by tram.

By car
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a network of developed highways and regional roads. The speed limit on most roads is generally around 50 or 60 km/h, on open roads 80 km/h, while on motorways you can travel at a speed of 120 km/h. The highway stretches from Butil to Bilješevo, and the toll price is about €2.8.

Recommended routes for travel in Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Podgorica - Sarajevo: via Nikšić, Šćepan polje, Foča and Trnovo
Dubrovnik - Sarajevo: via Trebinje, Stolac, Mostar, Jablanica and Konjic
Split - Sarajevo: via Bijača, Čapljina, Mostar, Jablanica and Konjic
Belgrade - Sarajevo: via Ruma, Šabac, Loznica, Zvornik, Vlasenica, Sokolac and Pale

Tourist Activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Activities in which tourists can participate during their stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina are numerous:

Tour of natural attractions and sports activities in naturei

Tour of national parks and nature parks: Bosnia and Herzegovina has four national parks: Sutjeska, Kozara, Una and Drina. In addition, there are three nature parks: Hutovo blato, Bardača and Blidinje.
Mountaineering and hiking: On the mountains Bjelašnica, Jahorina, Prenje, Vlašić and Treskavica, tourists can participate in hiking tours, excursions and hiking on marked and unmarked hiking trails.
Kayaking and rafting: Fans of adventure tourism can participate in these activities during the summer on the rivers Tara, Neretva, Una and Vrbas, as well as on the Drina.
Skiing and winter sports: Skiing and winter sports are represented in many parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the most popular destinations are Jahorina, Bjelašnica, Kupres and Vlašić.
Paragliding and zip-line: The canyons of Bosnia are perfect for these extreme activities, and you can try them in Mostar or in the park Fortica.
Cycling: It is especially popular on Via Dinarica route and on the surrounding mountain trails.

Tour of cultural and historical sights

Old towns and fortresses: In Mostar, tourists can visit the famous The old bridge (popular among jumpers), Latin bridge i Baščaršija in Sarajevo, old towns in Jajce, Travnik and the village of Počitelj.
Religious buildings: Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a multicultural, multinational and multi-confessional environment, has many mosques, churches and synagogues that testify to the diversity of this country. If your journey takes you to these parts, be sure to visit Gazi Husrev Beg's Mosque, the Cathedral Church i Ray Synagogue in Sarajevo.
Galleries and museums: Some of the most important museums in Bosnia and Herzegovina are Museum of Wartime Childhood, Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina i National Museum in Sarajevo and Museum of Contemporary Art in Banja Luka. While you are in Sarajevo you can visit Tunnel of salvation or Tunnel under the airport, a museum dedicated to the tunnel that connected Sarajevo with the rest of the country during the war in the nineties, the city library The town hall, Historical Museum of BiH and Sarajevo 1878-1918 which is important for understanding the history of the city, BiH Art Gallery i Museum of Contemporary Art "Ars Aevi".

Gastronomic and wine tourism

Tasting of specialties of traditional cuisine: In many catering establishments throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina - čevabdžinica, buregdžinica, aščinica and other establishments - you can try authentic Bosnian food such as: burek, ćevap, pies, green vegetables, cheese, travnik cheese, soup, lamb under sac, Herzegovinian prosciutto, trout, homemade bread, kajmak, japrak, sogan-dolma, tufahi, and even Bosnian coffee.
Wine tours: Wine tours with food are represented in the Herzegovina part, in Čitluk, Ljubuško and Međugorje, which are known for their vineyards and autochthonous varieties of žilavki and blatina.

Spa tourism

Spa Vrućica: It is the largest health-tourism center in the country, known for its treatments for cardiovascular diseases.
Thermal springs in Ilidža: Their beneficence has been known since Roman times.
Spa Kulaši: It has water suitable for the treatment of rheumatic and skin diseases.
Banja Gata: A smaller spa near Bihać, it is suitable for the treatment of rheumatic diseases.
Elbowmen: They have mineral water that is used in treatment and wellness treatments.
Slana Banja: Family in Tuzla with healing mud and a large park.

Rural tourism

Activities: In ethnic villages and rural households, you can experience the authentic hospitality of the local population, try local food, participate in outdoor activities (horseback riding, picking medicinal herbs, fishing, workshops, hiking) and relax in nature.
Popular destinations: ethno selo Stanisic, eco village Zelenkovac, rural households in the surroundings of Travnik and Jajce, Rakitno, Blidinje, environment Foce i Tjentišta, Kupres, Glamoč and the area around Visegrad.

Religious tourism
Medjugorje is known as a place of pilgrimage that attracts visitors from all over the world. Also, monasteries and churches in the eastern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, such as the monastery Tvrdoš, Dobrun, church on Hum hill above Mostar are significant points on the journey of this type of tourist.

Manifestations
Bosnia and Herzegovina hosts numerous musical, cultural, religious and other types of manifestations, as well as numerous fairs and festivals. You can read more about events and festivals in Bosnia and Herzegovina below.

Nightlife
Nightlife in Bosnia and Herzegovina is rich, and it is mainly related to larger cities, i.e. urban areas such as Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Mostar, Trebinje, but also in Jahorina and Bjelašnica during the winter. Read more about it below.

What to See in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Some of the more important locations and sights in Bosnia and Herzegovina have been listed in the previous section, and we suggest that you also consider these while you are visiting:

Old Bridge: The bridge was built in Sarajevo during the 16th century in the Ottoman style. It offers a view of the Neretva, and is a popular place for diving, which is attended by a large number of visitors every year. It is one of the symbols of Mostar and one of the most famous monuments in BiH, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The spring of Bosnia: Vrelo Bosna in Ilidža is the source of the Bosna River, with promenades, well-known carriages and swans. It is categorized as a natural monument at the foot of the Igman mountain and covers an area of over 600 hectares. It consists of a number of smaller islands connected by bridges, and is home to many plants, animals, and even endemic plant and animal species.
Baščaršija: The old, historical core of Sarajevo, the old Ottoman bazaar, is known for its narrow streets, many craft shops, the best kebabs and coffee. It is the historical and cultural center of Sarajevo, and was built during the 15th century. It is considered the main tourist attraction of this city, where visitors come to experience the authentic atmosphere and spirit of Sarajevo, tour it Gazi Husrev-beg's mosque iz 16. century, Clock Tower, Latin Bridge, Morića Khan, Sebilj Fountain, Bezistan, Kazandžiluk i Museum of Sarajevo. The old Orthodox church and Jewish synagogue in the center of Sarajevo are a symbol of cultural and religious coexistence, for which Sarajevo is widely known.
Kravice waterfalls: The waterfalls are located near Ljubuški, on the river Trebižat. They are 28 meters high and are located in a natural, wide amphitheater, while under the waterfall there is a natural pool suitable for swimming in the summer months. In the area, you can rent boats for a ride on the lake, try local specialties in nearby restaurants, and try a mini-train tour around this natural park.

Events and festivals in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Manifestations like fairs are held throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina (Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Mostar, Tuzla, Bijeljina, Lukavac, Tešanj, Gradačac), and to the greatest extent in Sarajevo in to the center of Skenderija i Hotel hills. They are mainly oriented towards:

Tourism, catering and ecology: Sarajevo Festival of Tourism, Banja Luka International Tourism Fair, LIST Lukavac, Fair of tourism and ecology).
Agriculture and food industry: Gradačac plum days, INTERAGRO, Autumn fair, Goražde apple days, Sember meat fair, Herzegovinian fruits of the Mediterranean.
Gmanufacturing and industry: SPHERE 2022, GRAMES & DEMI, SIF, Grapos-Expo)
Economy and entrepreneurship: Sarajevo Business Forum, Trade Fair Tešanj, Brčko fair, Economy Fair Prnjavor.
Energy and environmental protection: ENERGY 2022 i EKOBIS Bihać.
Culture and education: Sarajevo International Book Fair.
Specialized manifestations: Coffee Fest, Spirit Fest, Beautiful 2022 (cosmetic i wellness), Children's fair, Openings in construction (SPHERE - 2).

The following stand out as more significant musical events and festivals:

Banja Luka festival: Held during July on the stage at the Kastel fortress, which serves as an open music hall. After the official program, visitors can participate in night parties.
Blidinje winter fest: A music festival that lasts three days and is held in Blidinje from 2018, in the period from December 30 to January 1. It is considered the biggest winter festival in the region, where local stars and DJs are guests.
Kaleidoscope Tuzla: An international festival that brings together artists from various regions to exhibit their works in the center of the city on stands. It organizes a music program, workshops, exhibitions and other events.
Mostar summer fest: A music festival in Mostar that "covers" different musical genres: from rock, hip-hop, electronic music and beyond. The festival hosts art workshops and other activities for all interested visitors.
OK tight: All-day music program in Sutejska National Park on three stages, with which visitors can participate in rafting tours during July. The festival hosts performers from the alternative music scene.

Other manifestations that are definitely worth visiting are:

Days of Ajvatovice: A cultural and religious manifestation that takes place in Donji Vakuf over several days. It includes religious, sports and cultural activities, and visitors mostly come to participate in the religious pilgrimage to Ajvatovica.
Ethno fest Neum: Neum is the only town in Bosnia and Herzegovina that faces the sea and hosts a festival of traditional music and dance. During the festival, concerts, plays, dance performances are organized, and visitors can also try local traditional specialties.
Hum days of poetry: A poetry event that has been held in Mostar since 2001. Over the years, numerous important regional poets participated in the event, and a scientific meeting was subsequently designed The Ikavian gathering which serves to promote Ikavian speech.
Banja Luka International Children's Theater Festival: The festival is held in Banja Luka, where theater troupes from all over the world gather to perform plays for children. The main goal of the festival is to promote the importance of theater and emphasize the importance of theater in children's development.
International Theater Festival (MESS): It is held in Sarajevo and is considered one of the oldest theater festivals in the region. Theater troupes from all over the world take part in it, performing experimental and avant-garde performances.
Mostar fair: The largest fair in the country dedicated to the economy. It has been held since 1997 in Rodoč, not far from Mostar, usually in April. About 50,000 visitors visit it annually.
Sarajevo Film Festival: The largest and most prestigious film festival in the region, held every year in August. It gathers film workers from the region and the world.

Accommodation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The price of accommodation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is highest during the summer season, in July and August, and slightly lower than that in May, June, September and October. From November to April, accommodation can be rented at the best prices. During the summer months, prices can be twice as high.

The types of accommodation represented in Bosnia and Herzegovina are:

Apartments: Apartments are the most common type of private accommodation. They suit all types of tourists, depending on their capacity, location, structure and equipment. They are suitable for short-term and long-term stays, and are mostly equipped with everything necessary for life. The average price of an apartment ranges from €30 to €70, depending on the city and location.
Hotel accommodation: Hotel accommodation includes accommodation that includes small guesthouses up to luxury hotels with four or five stars. Hotels are most represented in urban areas and cities such as Sarajevo, Mostar and Banja Luka, but also in the tourist centers of Neum and Jahorina. Hotels have different levels of service, and their price varies from €40 to €120 per night.
Hostel: Hostels are in demand among solo travelers, tourists with a lower budget and those who stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina for a short time or it is a stopover. They can be found in larger cities. They mostly have beds in shared rooms, private rooms, kitchen, internet and social areas. They can be rented for as little as €10 to €25
Houses for rent: Houses for rent are suitable accommodation for larger groups and families who want complete privacy and a larger space during their vacation, as well as absolute equipment for longer stays. They are also rented for celebrations, birthdays, holidays, and houses in rural and mountainous areas are especially popular. The price of the houses ranges from €60 to €150 and is a cost-effective accommodation option for a large number of guests.
Log cabins: Log cabins are particularly popular in the winter centers of Jahorina, Vlašić and Bjelašnica. They are in demand among guests who want to experience the authentic ambience of mountainous Bosnia, especially during the winter period, which provides the opportunity for many winter activities and sports. The price of a log cabin ranges from €50 to €100 per night, and can be higher during the winter season.

You can view the offer of accommodation, primarily apartments and houses for rent, in Bosnia and Herzegovina at Bookaweb platforms, then Booking and AirBnB tourist platforms.

Food in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Dining in restaurants in Bosnia and Herzegovina is relatively cheap. Even tourists with a limited budget need not worry, because food can be found at reasonable prices. In the markets, it is possible to buy fresh, local goods, at a lower price than in supermarkets and of higher quality. It is estimated that you will need around €10-15 per day for food in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

If you want to save money during your vacation, you can opt for traditional Bosnian cuisine instead of tourist restaurants - be sure to try kebabs and burek. While in Bosnia and Herzegovina, make sure to try most of the regional specialties on our list. Believe that you will not regret it:

Burek: Burek is a pie filled with minced meat that is served with yogurt. It is made exclusively with meat, and you will resent the locals if you ask for it with cheese or vegetables - ask for pies instead. 🙂
Kebabs: Grilled specialty, usually made of ground beef served in a bun with onions and cream. Try the famous Sarajevo and Banja Luka kebabs.
Pies: Zeljanica, cheese, potato... Pies are made from thin homemade crusts, with different fillings.
Travnička cheese: White, salty cheese with a specific taste that is a mandatory part of breakfast or served as an appetizer.
Broths: Thick soups, such as bey soup with chicken and okra, are served at the beginning of the meal.
Lamb under the sach: Extremely juicy and soft roasted lamb meat, which is prepared by long roasting under the stove. Don't leave Bosnia unless you try it.
Herzegovina prosciutto: Dried meat smoked in the traditional way is often served with cheese and olives.
Trout: Trout is mostly grilled and is popular in restaurants by the rivers. You can be sure that you will be served fresh fish from the mountain waters.
Homemade bread and cream: Bread is traditionally baked in a wood-fired oven and served with fresh cream or cheese.
Japrak: A dish similar to sarma, only instead of cabbage, vine leaves are used, which are filled with minced meat and rice.
Sogan-dolma: Onions stewed in tomato sauce, stuffed with minced meat and spices.
Tufahije: Traditional dessert in this region - apples stuffed with nuts and sugar, topped with whipped cream.
Bosnian coffe: Strong, aromatic coffee that is brewed in a coffee pot. It is served with ratluk and a cube of sugar.

Important Phone Numbers and Information in Bosnia and Herzegovina

If you live in Bosnia and Herzegovina or call it, know that the area code for Bosnia and Herzegovina is +387. Other important phone numbers you may need during your stay here are:

Information center: 121
Police: 122
Firefighters: 123
Ambulance: 124
Roadside assistance and road conditions: 1282
SOS phone: 1209
Emergency call: 112 (international number)
Taxi: 1515
Sarajevo International Airport: 033/289-100
Tuzla International Airport: 035/302-400
Banja Luka International Airport: 051/535-210

Best Cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina for Nightlife?

Nightlife takes place primarily in the larger cities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the local population likes to socialize and have fun. A large number of catering facilities are open until late.

Sarajevo

The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is probably the best place for a night out. Performances by bands, famous solo artists, dance nights, pub quizzes and other nightly activities are held throughout the city.
Recommended places: Some of the more famous and praised places in Sarajevo are: Zlatna ribica, La cava, birtija, Vedino čoše, The brew pub, Gastro pub Vučko, Pivnica HS, Charlie Chaplin club, Trezor, rock club Underground, This is Walter klub i Sloga Cinemas Club.

Mostar

Mostar has a lively night scene with numerous bars and clubs, but it is also a suitable city for lovers of live music.
Recommended places: Black dog pub, Shankly's pub, Beer_ti&ja, Mostar pub crawl, Klub Time square, Caffe & night club Realist, Coco loco, Daleka obala.

Banja Luka:

Banja Luka is known for its rich nightlife, pubs with a traditional atmosphere and live music, but for younger visitors there is also a more modern night out in the clubs.
Recommended places: Mac tire pub, strip club Caribic, Klub K4, to your head Balkan, Downtown, Boom boom room, Prestige, Kabinet, nightclub Crystal.

Tuzla

Tuzla has a relaxed night atmosphere that is pleasant and specific because it has occasional events.
Recommended places: Coffee bar Freedom, club Palma.

Pupil

Various night events are organized in Zenica, such as DJ performances and themed evenings, as well as gatherings of bikers.
Recommended places: Bonaparte bar, Tica MC clubhouse, club Ten, Tail club.

Bijeljina

Visitors can taste drinks in local pubs, burn off energy in clubs and enjoy live music and relaxed socializing.
Recommended places: Bunker club, Night club Vertu, City pub, JIL club, pub club Hangar, Moja kafanica.

Bihac

It has a lively night scene with good music, both in clubs and in places with a relaxed pub atmosphere.
Recommended places: Svarog winter house club, Kod Hamula, The best, Deja vu, Night club Focus.

Transportation and taxis in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Transportation prices in Bosnia and Herzegovina are reasonable and affordable for most travelers. The average price of transportation during vacation is around €2-3 per person per day.

Traveling by public transport: 0,75-1,5 €
Private taxi: €0.35-0.70 per kilometer
Rent a car: €28-37 per day
Filling the tank: 56-74 €

Types of transportation in Bosnia and Herzegovina are as follows:

Public transport: It is represented in larger cities such as Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Tuzla and Mostar. Public transport is mainly bus, but there are also trolleybuses and trams in Sarajevo. Ticket prices range from €0.75 to €1.50 and can be purchased from the driver or at kiosks.
Taxi: In urban areas, taxi transportation is available to all residents and tourists. The initial price is around €0.35-0.70 per kilometer. Most cities have taxi associations, and there are also mobile applications through which transportation can be booked. We recommend that you use marked vehicles with a taximeter to avoid inconvenience.
- Bolt: Taxi application available in Sarajevo and some larger cities. Prices are lower than regular taxi transport, and can be paid in cash or by card. The application offers an estimate of the value of the ride before booking.
- My taxi: The application is active in cities such as Sarajevo, Banja Luka and Tuzla and serves to connect users with the nearest free taxi vehicle whose route can be followed via the application.
Intercity transport: The most common type of intercity transport is bus. Prices are low (€10-15), and timetables are available online and at local bus stations. Trains are less frequent and used less. In addition to buses and trains, it is possible to book minibuses and minibuses, which are much more flexible.

History of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The history of Bosnia and Herzegovina was very dynamic from its first mentions until modern times.

Prehistory: Engravings from prehistoric times were found in the Badanj cave in the period from the 12th to the 14th century. Century BC. During the Neolithic, the Mediterranean and Pannonian cultures appeared, who lived in caves and simple settlements or in wooden houses, and were influenced by the Starcevac and Adriatic cultures. Authentic Kakan and Butmir culture developed on the territory of Bosnia.
Antique: In the Bronze Age, Bosnia was inhabited by Illyrian and then Celtic tribes in the 4th century BC. In addition, various nations lived in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the evidence of the ancient period in this area is very scarce. In the 3rd century BC, Bosnia became part of Illyria, and in the 1st century BC it fell under the invasion of the Roman Empire, later became part of the Western Roman Empire (4th century), then Alans and Junos, and finally Byzantium (6th century).
The Middle Ages: After the settlement of the Slavs in the Balkans, the border of the first state bordered the river Una, and the towns of Međuriječje, Lesnik and Salines (Tuzla), as well as Katera and Desnik in the Bosna parish, were located on the territory of today's Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia and Herzegovina was the last to fall under the influence of Christianity (9th century), and only from the 10th century Bosnia is mentioned in the context of the works of the Serbian and Croatian principalities. At the beginning of the 12th century, it became a separate state ruled by the bans, first of all the Kulin ban, under whose rule Catholicism was accepted. During the 14th century, conflicts took place between the Kotromanić and Šubić families, with the victory being won by the Kotromanić dynasty, which later expanded the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina and gained control over the country. In the Middle Ages, there was an awareness of equality with Serbs.
Period of Turkish rule: Bosnia and Herzegovina fell under Turkish rule in the 16th century, which significantly affected life in this area. The kingdom was destroyed, the nobility was executed, but the Bosnian identity was preserved by retaining the name of the state and the existing territory. The newly formed Bosnian Sandžak introduced a completely different system of functioning that was maintained for four centuries. Part of the population was affected by blood tribute, and part converted to Islam under duress. Mostar and Sarajevo were founded in this period, the Gazi Husrev-beeg mosque, the Old Bridge in Mostar and the Mehmed Pasha Sokolović bridge were built. Only with the Christian uprising at the end of the 19th century, Bosnia and Herzegovina came under Austro-Hungarian rule.
Austro-Hungarian occupation: This period is characterized by mass emigration of the Islamic population and social and administrative reforms aimed at suppressing Slavic nationalism, but without success. The idea of a common state of all South Slavs dominated, and the decision to annex Bosnia and Herzegovina by Austria-Hungary was thwarted by the assassination of Franz Ferdinand in 1914 by members of Young Bosnia - Gavrila Principa. This was the reason for the beginning of the First World War.
The period of Yugoslavia: After the First World War, Bosnia and Herzegovina was united with Serbia, then merged into the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. Conflicts affected ethnic groups differently, the geographical landscape was changed, but the six entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina were preserved. After the conclusion of the Cvetković-Maček agreement, Croatia received parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina (1939), and at the beginning of the Second World War, the entire territory. During the war, Serbs, Roma and Jews were expelled from Bosnia.
As an independent state: It was only in the 1990s that the issues of its independence and exit from the Yugoslav federation were raised in Bosnia and Herzegovina, so in 1991 it was passed Memorandum on Independence, in 1992, Bosnia and Herzegovina was recognized as an independent state by the European community. Conflicts in these areas began even before that, and continued until 1994, when it ended with the Washington Agreement and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina was established. In the latter operation Storm a lot of the Serbian population was expelled from the country, and genocide was committed against a certain part of the civilians. The war finally ended in 1995 with the signing of of the Dayton Peace Agreement, and in later years, and even today, the people were left with the consequences of ethnic cleansing in this area. Since then, Bosnia has been divided into the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (51% of the territory) and the Republika Srpska (49% of the territory).

Geography and Climate of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Geography

Position: Bosnia and Herzegovina is located in Southeastern Europe, i.e. in the Western Balkans
Surface: 51.209 km² (99.98% land, 0.02% water surface)
Neighboring countries: Croatia (north, west and south), Serbia (east), Montenegro (southeast)
Exit to the sea: At Neum, Bosnia and Herzegovina opens onto the Adriatic Sea
Geographical continents: Bosnian part (north, about 82%) and Herzegovina part (south, about 18%)
Relief: Predominantly mountainous, with a smaller number of lowlands, an area rich in forests (about 50%) and cultivated land (about 42%)
Natural resources: coal, iron, manganese, bauxite, chromium, copper, zinc, wood, water mass

Climate

Most of the country: Moderate-continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters.
Mountain areas: They are characterized by cold summers and long and harsh winters.
Coast: The Mediterranean climate is represented, with warm winters and dry and hot summers.
Annual amount of precipitation: 700-1.100 l/m².
Average annual temperature: At the level of the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is around 10-12°C. The temperature can be lower in mountainous areas, and slightly higher in the southern parts during the summer period.

Demography of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Number of inhabitants: According to the last census (2022), Bosnia and Herzegovina has 3,434,000 inhabitants.
Average life span: 78.2 years (77.5 for women and 73.13 for men)
Language: Bosnia and Herzegovina does not have one official language. Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian languages are used side by side as three varieties of South Slavic languages, and the first two use the Cyrillic and Latin alphabets, while the third one uses only the Latin alphabet. These languages are used in the administration, education system and in the media depending on the entity, canton and minority. Also, the Romany, Albanian, Turkish and Hebrew languages are represented in the minority groups.
Population density: 63.14 inhabitants per square kilometer
Ethnic structure of the population: Bosniaks (50.11%), Serbs (30.78%), Croats (15.43%), Others (3.68%)
Religious affiliation: Islamic (50.70%), Orthodox (30.75%), Catholic (15.19%), other (3.37%).

Tradition and Culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The tradition and culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina go back a long way in history, they are conditioned by the coexistence of different ethnic groups in this territory and different religious traditions. Bosnia and Herzegovina combines eastern, western, Slavic and Mediterranean influences that have shaped life in these areas.

Multinational and multireligious heritage: Various peoples and religions are present in the country, and this composition is reflected in everyday life, architecture, customs, language and other aspects of life that create a specific cultural dynamic. The heritage of the three groups is reflected in the abundance of holidays such as Eid, Christmas and Easter, all of which are important for maintaining the traditions and cultural customs of the people who live here.
Language and literature: Bosnia and Herzegovina has three official languages, mutually similar, but also different. The literature of these areas goes back to the distant past and includes folk traditions, then medieval literature and monuments (Ban Kulin's charter, inscriptions on stećaks and epitaphs), all the way to modern writers, the more famous of whom are Ivo Andrić, one of the best Serbian writers and a Nobel laureate, and Mehmed Meša Selimović, who is not far behind Andrić in terms of talent and inspiration. It is also important to mention poets Jovan Dučić, Skender Kulenović, Aleksa Šantić, writers Branko Ćopić, Sima Milutinović Sarajlija, Petr Kočić, Mako Dizdarević, Miljenko Jergović and Izet Sarajlić.
Music and dance: The music in this area is very diverse and includes different genres - from traditional Sevdalinka, through folk music, to modern pop and rock music. Part of the folklore heritage is contained in lyrical and epic songs, Sevdalinka, romances and ballads. Dances such as the kolo form an important part of Bosnia and Herzegovina's cultural heritage.
Architecture: Bosnia and Herzegovina has a rich architecture that developed under Islamic, Orthodox and Catholic influences. Sarajevo is characterized by Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture, with mosques, synagogues and churches. Some of the significant architectural monuments here are the Old Bridge in Mostar, historical monuments in Jajce, Brčko and Travnik.
Customs: Customs in Bosnia and Herzegovina are also a reflection of the intertwining of different cultures, traditions and influences that have formed over the centuries. Characteristic customs of this region include weddings, customs around New Year, Christmas and Eid, celebrations, but also customs related to agricultural work, traditional music, death and burial, as well as holidays characteristic of the seasons. Customs related to hospitality are perhaps the most important customs in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Handicrafts and crafts: The tradition of handicrafts is very old, and crafts such as weaving, knitting, carpentry, blacksmithing are still present in many parts of the country. Mostar is known for its tradition of glass making.
Film art: The film began to develop only after the war in the nineties, that is, at the beginning of the 21st century. Emir Kusturica stands out as the most successful filmmaker, and it is important to mention Pjero Žalica, Srđan Vuletić, Ahmed Imamović, Jasmila Žbanić and Denis Tanović. The most famous film festival is Sarajevo Film Festival which is one of the biggest cultural events in the region and beyond.

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Welcome to Bosnia and Herzegovina