Beograd

Beograd (Serbian Cyrillic: Београд), also known as Belgrade, is the capital and largest city of Serbia. It is located at the confluence of the River Sava and the Danube River, where the Pannonian Plain meets the Balkan Peninsula. The city has a population of approximately 1.7 million people, making it one of the largest cities in Southeast Europe.

History

Beograd has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was inhabited by the Vinča culture in the 6th millennium BC. The city was later settled by the Celts in the 3rd century BC, who named it Singidūn. It became a significant Roman settlement in the 1st century AD. Throughout its history, Beograd has been a battleground for various empires, including the Byzantine Empire, the Frankish Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Habsburg Monarchy. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Serbia, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, and later the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

Geography

Beograd is situated in the central part of Serbia, at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. The city covers an area of 359.96 square kilometers. The highest point in Beograd is the Avala Mountain, which stands at 511 meters above sea level.

Climate

Beograd has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cold with occasional snowfall. The average annual temperature is around 12.5°C.

Economy

Beograd is the economic hub of Serbia, contributing significantly to the country's GDP. The city's economy is diverse, with key sectors including information technology, telecommunications, finance, and manufacturing. The Belgrade Stock Exchange is the primary stock exchange in Serbia.

Culture

Beograd is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous theaters, museums, and galleries. The city hosts several annual events, such as the Belgrade International Film Festival and the Belgrade Music Festival. Notable cultural institutions include the National Museum of Serbia, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra.

Education

Beograd is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including the University of Belgrade, which is one of the oldest and largest universities in the region. Other notable institutions include the Belgrade University of Arts and the Belgrade Business School.

Transportation

The city has a well-developed transportation network, including an extensive public transit system operated by GSP Belgrade. The Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport is the main international gateway to the city. Beograd is also a major railway and highway hub in the region.

Sports

Beograd has a rich sports tradition, with numerous sports clubs and facilities. The city is home to two of the most successful football clubs in Serbia, Red Star Belgrade and Partizan Belgrade. The city also hosted the 2009 Summer Universiade and the 2005 European Basketball Championship.

Notable Landmarks

• Kalemegdan Fortress
• St. Sava Temple
• Republic Square
• Ada Ciganlija
• Skadarlija

Related Pages

• Serbia
• Danube River
• Sava River
• University of Belgrade
• Red Star Belgrade
• Partizan Belgrade