Country Profile: Serbia

Serbia, located in Southeastern Europe, is a parliamentary republic with a rich historical background shaped by the tumultuous events of the 20th century. It is characterized by diverse geography, including fertile plains and ancient mountains. The population, estimated at 6.65 million in 2024, reflects a mix of ethnicities, predominantly Serbs, and a significant urban population centered in the capital, Belgrade. The economy is classified as upper middle-income, with a focus on green growth and EU candidacy, while maintaining historical ties with countries like Russia.

Geography

Serbia is situated in Southeastern Europe, bordered by Hungary to the north and Macedonia to the south. The country is landlocked, featuring a variety of terrain that includes fertile plains in the north and mountainous regions in the southeast. With a total area of 77,474 sq km, Serbia controls a strategic land route from Western Europe to Turkey.

Elevation: Highest point at 2,169 m (Midzor).
Natural Resources: Rich in oil, gas, coal, and minerals.
Climate: Continental in the north, Mediterranean in the south.
Land Use: Agricultural land constitutes 40.4% of the total area.

People and Society

As of 2024, Serbia has a total population of approximately 6.65 million, with a demographic structure influenced by its ethnic diversity. The country is predominantly Serb (83.3%), with Hungarian and Romani minorities. The official language is Serbian, and the majority adhere to the Serbian Orthodox faith.

Urbanization: 57.1% of the population lives in urban areas.
Literacy Rate: High literacy at 99.3%.
Life Expectancy: 75.3 years (2024).
Median Age: 44.1 years (2025 est.).

Economy

Serbia's economy is categorized as an upper middle-income market, with strong sectors in agriculture, industry, and services. The country aims for EU membership while focusing on green growth and economic reforms.

GDP (PPP): Estimated at $177.1 billion (2024).
Real GDP Growth Rate: Projected at 3.9% (2024).
Unemployment Rate: Expected to be 7.4% (2024).
Major Industries: Automobiles, energy, and food processing.

Government

Serbia is a parliamentary republic with a legal system based on civil law. It comprises 250 seats in a unicameral National Assembly, with the President as the chief of state.

Capital: Belgrade, coordinates 44 50 N, 20 30 E.
Current President: Aleksandar VUCIC since May 31, 2017.
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age.
Constitution: Adopted on November 8, 2006.

Military and Security

The Serbian Armed Forces consist of land and air defense forces and are tasked with national defense and international peacekeeping missions.

Active Personnel: Approximately 25,000 (2025 est.).
Military Spending: 2.5% of GDP (2024).
Military Equipment: A mix of Cold War-era and modern systems.
Deployments: Involved in peacekeeping missions, notably in Lebanon (180 troops).

Energy

Serbia's energy sector is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with efforts to increase renewable energy sources.

Electricity Generation: Total capacity at 8.202 million kW (2023).
Coal Production: 33.219 million metric tons (2023).
Natural Gas Consumption: 2.886 billion cubic meters (2023).
Electricity Access: 100% of the population has access (2022).

Environment

Serbia faces environmental challenges, including air and water pollution. It has commitments to several international environmental agreements.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions: Approximately 44.782 million metric tonnes (2023).
Land Use: 40.4% of land is agricultural, with forests also covering 40.4%.
Waste Management: Recycling rate of only 1% of municipal waste (2022).

Transportation

Serbia maintains a developed transportation network, including rail and air travel facilities.

Railways: Approximately 3,333 km of rail lines (2020).
Airports: 46 airports expected by 2025.

Communications

The telecommunications sector in Serbia has seen significant growth, with widespread mobile and internet access.

Internet Users: 85% of the population (2023).
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 8.53 million (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	6,652,212	Estimate for 2024
Area	77,474 sq km	Landlocked
GDP (PPP)	$177.093 billion	Estimate for 2024
Unemployment Rate	7.4%	Estimate for 2024
Life Expectancy	75.3 years	Estimate for 2024
Literacy Rate	99.3%	Estimate for 2022
Military Expenditures	2.5% of GDP	Estimate for 2024
Electricity Access	100%	Access for 2022
Urban Population	57.1%	Percentage of total population
Inflation Rate	4.7%	Projected for 2024