Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is a country in Southeast Europe, located on the Balkan Peninsula. It shares borders with Croatia to the north, west, and southwest, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast. Bosnia and Herzegovina has a small coastline along the Adriatic Sea.

History

The history of Bosnia and Herzegovina dates back to the early Middle Ages. The region was first settled by Illyrians and later by Slavs. During the medieval period, it was part of the Kingdom of Bosnia. The Ottoman Empire conquered Bosnia in the 15th century, and it remained under Ottoman rule until the late 19th century when it was annexed by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In the 20th century, Bosnia and Herzegovina became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and later the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Following the breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, Bosnia and Herzegovina declared independence, leading to the Bosnian War from 1992 to 1995. The war ended with the signing of the Dayton Agreement, 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 country. The major rivers include the Sava River, Drina River, and Neretva River. The country has a diverse climate, ranging from a continental climate in the interior to a Mediterranean climate along the coast.

Demographics

The population of Bosnia and Herzegovina is composed of three main ethnic groups: Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats. The official languages are Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian. The country is religiously diverse, with Islam, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Roman Catholicism being the major religions.

Politics

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a parliamentary republic with a complex political structure established by the Dayton Agreement. The country is divided into 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 Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a tripartite body, with one member from each of the three major ethnic groups. The Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the main legislative body, consisting of the House of Representatives and the House of Peoples.

Economy

The economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina is classified as an upper-middle-income economy. Key industries include manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. The country has significant natural resources, including coal, iron ore, and bauxite.

Culture

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its diverse history. The country is known for its traditional music, dance, and cuisine. Notable cultural sites include the Stari Most in Mostar, the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad, and the Sarajevo Film Festival.

Sports

Sports play an important role in the culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Popular sports include football (soccer), basketball, and handball. The national football team has participated in various international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup.

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
• Sport in Bosnia and Herzegovina