Beauty Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is located in the western Balkans, bordered by Croatia to the north, west, and southwest, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast. To the south, it has a narrow coastline along the Adriatic Sea.

Geography

Climate

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a diverse climate, with continental influences in the interior and a Mediterranean climate along the Adriatic coast. Summers are typically hot and dry, while winters can be cold and snowy, especially in mountainous areas. The country experiences four distinct seasons, with mild springs and autumns.

Fauna

The country’s diverse geography supports a variety of wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, lynxes, deer, and wild boars. Birdwatchers can spot numerous species, including eagles, owls, and falcons. Bosnia’s rivers are home to trout and other freshwater fish.

Longest Rivers

The longest river in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Sava, which forms part of the country’s northern border with Croatia. Other major rivers include the Drina, Neretva, Una, and Bosna rivers, all of which play a significant role in the country’s hydrology and ecosystems.

Highest Mountains

Bosnia and Herzegovina is characterized by rugged mountain ranges, including the Dinaric Alps, which run parallel to the Adriatic coast. The highest peak in the country is Maglić, standing at 2,386 meters (7,828 feet) above sea level. Other notable peaks include Bjelašnica, Jahorina, and Velež.

History

Prehistory

The territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of human presence dating back to the Paleolithic era. The region was inhabited by various Illyrian, Celtic, and Roman tribes before the arrival of Slavic settlers in the 7th century.

Medieval Period

During the medieval period, Bosnia emerged as an independent kingdom under the rule of the Banate of Bosnia. The kingdom reached its zenith under the Kotromanić dynasty, which embraced Christianity and fostered cultural and economic growth.

Ottoman Rule

In the 15th century, Bosnia fell under Ottoman rule after the defeat at the Battle of Kosovo. The Ottomans ruled Bosnia for over four centuries, leaving a lasting legacy in architecture, culture, and religion. Islam became the dominant religion, although Bosnia remained ethnically and religiously diverse.

Austro-Hungarian Empire

In the late 19th century, Bosnia and Herzegovina came under the control of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, marking the beginning of a period of modernization and industrialization. However, tensions between ethnic groups simmered beneath the surface, leading to the outbreak of conflicts in the 20th century.

Modern Age

Following the dissolution of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, Bosnia and Herzegovina declared independence, leading to a devastating war that lasted until 1995. The country has since made strides towards peace and reconciliation, although ethnic and political divisions remain.

Demographics

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a population of approximately 3.5 million people, with three main ethnic groups: Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats. Bosnian is the official language, although Serbian and Croatian are also widely spoken. The majority of Bosnians are Muslim, followed by Orthodox Christians and Catholics.

Administrative Divisions

Bosnia and Herzegovina is divided into two entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska. Each entity has its own government and administrative structure, with further divisions into cantons and municipalities.

Administrative Divisions and Population (2022 estimate)

Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

  • Una-Sana Canton – Population: 305,000
  • Posavina Canton – Population: 100,000
  • Tuzla Canton – Population: 513,000
  • Zenica-Doboj Canton – Population: 380,000
  • Bosnian Podrinje Canton – Population: 34,000

Republika Srpska

  • Banja Luka – Population: 185,000
  • Doboj – Population: 85,000
  • Bijeljina – Population: 100,000
  • Foča – Population: 21,000
  • Trebinje – Population: 29,000

10 Largest Cities by Population

  1. Sarajevo
  2. Banja Luka
  3. Tuzla
  4. Zenica
  5. Mostar
  6. Bihać
  7. Doboj
  8. Prijedor
  9. Brčko
  10. Bijeljina

Education Systems

Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 15, with primary and secondary education provided by the state. The country has a number of universities and higher education institutions, including the University of Sarajevo and the University of Banja Luka.

Transportation

Airports

Bosnia and Herzegovina has several international airports, including Sarajevo International Airport, Banja Luka International Airport, and Mostar International Airport. These airports serve domestic and international flights, connecting Bosnia with major cities in Europe and beyond.

Railways

The country has a railway network operated by the national railway company, ZFBH. The total length of railways in Bosnia and Herzegovina is approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), connecting major cities and towns across the country.

Highways

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a network of highways and roads, including the A1 motorway, which runs from the Croatian border to Sarajevo and beyond. Other major highways include the A2, A3, and A4, connecting major cities and regions.

Ports

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a landlocked country and does not have any major ports. However, it has access to the Adriatic Sea via neighboring Croatia, allowing for maritime trade and transportation.

Country Facts

  • Population: 3.5 million
  • Capital: Sarajevo
  • Language: Bosnian, Serbian, Croatian
  • Religion: Islam, Orthodox Christianity, Catholicism
  • Race: Bosniak, Serb, Croat
  • Currency: Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark (BAM)
  • ISO Country Code: BA
  • International Calling Code: +387
  • Top-level Domain: .ba