Country Profile: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is located in Southeastern Europe, bordered by Croatia to the north and west, Montenegro to the southeast, and Serbia to the east. The country has a complex cultural fabric, with a population of approximately 3.65 million people, predominantly comprising Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats. It operates as a parliamentary republic with a governance structure established by the Dayton Accords, which aims to maintain peace after a tumultuous history characterized by ethnic conflict. The economy remains heavily reliant on consumption and imports, with ongoing challenges in private sector growth and high unemployment rates.
Geography
Bosnia and Herzegovina is characterized by its mountainous terrain, covering an area of 51,197 sq km. The country has a coastline of 20 km along the Adriatic Sea and features a diverse climate with hot summers and cold winters, particularly in high-elevation regions. Major natural resources include coal, iron ore, and timber, while about 42.2% of the land area is covered by forests.
- Highest Point: Maglic at 2,386 m
- Lowest Point: Adriatic Sea at 0 m
- Land Use: 21.7% agricultural land (2023 est.)
People and Society
As of 2025, Bosnia and Herzegovina has an estimated population of 3,653,499, consisting of 50.1% Bosniaks, 30.8% Serbs, and 15.4% Croats. The country is home to multiple languages, with Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian recognized as official languages. The society is marked by religious diversity, with 50.7% Muslim, 30.7% Orthodox, and 15.2% Roman Catholic populations.
- Urban Population: 50.3% (2023)
- Median Age: 45.7 years (2025 est.)
- Life Expectancy: 78.5 years (2024 est.)
- Population Growth Rate: -0.67% (2025 est.)
- Unemployment Rate: 10.8% (2024 est.)
Economy
Bosnia and Herzegovina's economy is heavily reliant on imports and consumer spending, with GDP estimated at $28.343 billion (2024 est.). The service sector is the largest contributor, accounting for 58% of GDP, while agriculture represents 4.3%. Significant challenges include a lack of private sector investment and high unemployment rates.
- GDP Growth Rate: 2.5% (2024 est.)
- Unemployment Rate: 10.8% (2024 est.)
- Public Debt: 40.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
- Remittances: 11% of GDP (2024 est.)
Government
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a parliamentary republic with a dual entity system established by the Dayton Accords. The government structure includes both a bicameral legislature and a presidency that rotates among representatives from each ethnic group. The country's capital, Sarajevo, serves as the political center.
- Capital: Sarajevo
- Government Type: Parliamentary republic
- Last Election: 2 October 2022
- Next Election: Expected in October 2026
Military and Security
The Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina consist of an army and air defense forces, with approximately 10,000 active duty personnel as of 2025. The country allocates around 0.8% of its GDP to military expenditures and aims to integrate more closely with NATO through ongoing reforms.
- Military Expenditures: 0.8% of GDP (2024 est.)
- Military Service Age: 18-27 years for voluntary service
- Military Headquarters: Located in Sarajevo
Energy
Bosnia and Herzegovina has achieved 100% electrification of its population as of 2022. The energy sector is primarily dependent on fossil fuels, with around 64% of electricity generation capacity based on these sources. The country is also pursuing renewable energy investments to meet future demands.
- Installed Electricity Capacity: 4.682 million kW (2023 est.)
- Coal Production: 12.311 million metric tons (2023 est.)
- Electricity Consumption: 12.867 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Environment
Bosnia and Herzegovina faces environmental challenges including air pollution, deforestation, and inadequate waste management. The nation is a party to several international environmental agreements, aiming to address climate change and preserve biodiversity.
- Total Water Resources: 37.5 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
- Municipal Solid Waste: 1.249 million tons generated annually (2024 est.)
- Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 24.513 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Transportation
The country features a total of 20 airports and 965 km of railways. Road transport is an important mode of travel, with ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure connectivity.
- Ports: 1 small port (Neum)
- Civil Aircraft Registration Code: T9
Communications
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a well-developed communication infrastructure, with approximately 83% of the population using the internet. Mobile phone subscriptions number around 3.84 million in 2024.
- Fixed-Line Subscriptions: 583,000 (2024 est.)
- Broadband Subscriptions: 908,000 (2023 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,653,499 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Area | 51,197 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (Official Exchange Rate) | $28.343 billion | Estimated for 2024 |
| Unemployment Rate | 10.8% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Life Expectancy | 78.5 years | Estimated for 2024 |
| Birth Rate | 6.88 births/1,000 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Energy Consumption per Capita | 91.227 million Btu/person | Estimated for 2023 |
| Military Expenditures | 0.8% of GDP | Estimated for 2024 |
| Total Water Resources | 37.5 billion cubic meters | Estimated for 2022 |
| Internet Users (%) | 83% | Estimated for 2023 |
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