Bosnia-herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Official name	Bosnia and Herzegovina
Common name	Bosnia and Herzegovina
Motto
Anthem
Flag
Coat of arms
Capital	Sarajevo
Largest city	Sarajevo
Government	Federal parliamentary republic
Legislature

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country located in Southeast Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. It is bordered by Croatia to the north and west, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast. The country has a small coastline along the Adriatic Sea in the south.

History

The history of Bosnia and Herzegovina is complex and marked by various periods of foreign rule and internal conflict. The region was part of the Roman Empire, and later the Byzantine Empire. During the Middle Ages, it became a kingdom in its own right before falling under Ottoman rule in the 15th century. The Ottomans ruled for over 400 years, leaving a significant cultural and architectural legacy.

In the late 19th century, Bosnia and Herzegovina came under the control of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After World War I, it became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Following World War II, it was one of the six republics of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

The breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s led to the Bosnian War, a conflict marked by ethnic violence and significant international intervention. The war ended with the Dayton Agreement in 1995, which established the current political structure of the country.

Geography

Bosnia and Herzegovina is characterized by its mountainous terrain, with the Dinaric Alps running through the western part of the country. The central and eastern regions are more hilly, while the north is part of the Pannonian Basin. The country has a diverse climate, with continental conditions in the interior and a Mediterranean climate along the coast.

The major rivers include the Sava River, which forms the northern border, and the Neretva River, which flows through the southern part of the country. The Una River and Drina River are also significant waterways.

Demographics

The population of Bosnia and Herzegovina is composed of three main ethnic groups: Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs. Each group has its own language, which are mutually intelligible. The country is known for its religious diversity, with Islam, Catholicism, and Eastern Orthodoxy being the predominant faiths.

The capital and largest city is Sarajevo, which is known for its cultural and historical significance. Other major cities include Banja Luka, Mostar, and Tuzla.

Politics

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a federal parliamentary republic with a complex political structure. It consists of two entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska, along with the Brčko District, which is a self-governing administrative unit.

The country has a three-member Presidency, with each member representing one of the three major ethnic groups. The Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the legislative body, and the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the executive branch.

Economy

The economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina is transitioning from a centrally planned system to a market-oriented one. Key industries include manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. The country has significant natural resources, including forests, coal, and iron ore.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark (BAM) is the national currency, and the country has been working towards integration with the European Union.

Culture

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its diverse history and ethnic composition. The country is known for its traditional music, dance, and cuisine. The Sarajevo Film Festival is a major cultural event, attracting international attention.

Traditional dishes include ćevapi, burek, and baklava. The country is also known for its coffee culture, with Bosnian coffee being a popular beverage.

See also

• History of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Geography of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Politics of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina