Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian: Federacija Bosne i Hercegovine) is one of the two political entities that compose Bosnia and Herzegovina, the other being the Republika Srpska. Established by the Washington Agreement on March 18, 1994, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina was created to end the Bosnian War between the Bosniak and Croatian forces. It is predominantly inhabited by Bosniaks and Croats, which are its two constituent peoples, while the Republika Srpska is predominantly Serb.

History

The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina was formed following intense negotiations and international intervention, aimed at halting the hostilities of the Bosnian War. The Washington Agreement, which led to its creation, marked a significant step towards peace and the eventual signing of the Dayton Agreement in 1995, which officially ended the war and outlined the constitutional framework of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Geography

The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina covers the northwestern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It borders Croatia to the north and west, the Republika Srpska to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast. The entity's diverse geography includes mountainous regions, fertile valleys, and a small Adriatic Sea coastline around the city of Neum.

Political Structure

The political structure of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is complex, reflecting the country's efforts to accommodate its ethnic diversity. It is a decentralized entity composed of 10 cantons, each with its own government and responsibilities. The Federation has its own president, government, and bicameral parliament, consisting of the House of Peoples and the House of Representatives. This structure is designed to ensure representation of the entity's constituent peoples.

Economy

The economy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is diverse, with key sectors including manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and services. The entity has seen gradual economic growth since the end of the Bosnian War, though it still faces challenges such as high unemployment rates and political instability that affect economic development.

Demographics

The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is predominantly inhabited by Bosniaks and Croats. According to the latest census, Bosniaks constitute the majority of the population, followed by Croats, and a small percentage of Serbs and other ethnic groups. The entity's population distribution has been significantly affected by the war and post-war displacement.

Culture

The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is home to a rich cultural heritage, reflecting its historical diversity and the influences of its constituent peoples. This includes traditional music, dance, art, and cuisine. The entity also hosts numerous cultural festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating its multicultural identity.

Challenges

Despite its progress since the end of the Bosnian War, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina faces ongoing challenges. These include political division along ethnic lines, economic instability, and the need for further integration with European structures. Efforts to address these issues are ongoing, with support from the international community.