Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
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| Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina | |
|---|---|
| Name | Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Subdivision type | Entity |
| Subdivision name | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Seat type | Capital |
| Seat | Sarajevo |
| Leader title | President |
| Leader name | Lidija Bradara |
| Leader title1 | Prime Minister |
| Leader name1 | Nermin Nikšić |
| Area total km2 | 26,110.5 |
| Population estimate | 2,219,220 |
| Population estimate year | 2013 |
Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the two entities composing the sovereign state of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the other being Republika Srpska. It was established by the Washington Agreement in 1994, ending the Croat–Bosniak War, and its constitutional framework was solidified within the Dayton Agreement that concluded the Bosnian War. The entity's capital and largest city is Sarajevo, which also serves as the national capital.
History
The entity's formation was a direct result of the Bosnian War, specifically the Croat–Bosniak War within that broader conflict. The Washington Agreement, signed in March 1994, created the Bosniak-Croat Federation as a joint Bosniak and Croat force against the Army of Republika Srpska. This federation was later constitutionally embedded as one of the two entities within the Dayton Agreement, signed in December 1995 at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. Post-war history has been marked by efforts at reconstruction and international administration under the Office of the High Representative, alongside persistent political challenges related to ethnic politics and state functionality.
Government and politics
The government operates as a parliamentary system with a complex structure designed to ensure power-sharing between its constituent peoples. The executive branch is headed by a President and two Vice Presidents from different ethnic groups, alongside a Cabinet led by a Prime Minister. The legislative body is the bicameral Parliament, consisting of the House of Representatives and the House of Peoples. Major political parties include the Party of Democratic Action, the Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Social Democratic Party of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The entity's Constitutional Court adjudicates disputes, often in relation to the European Court of Human Rights.
Administrative divisions
The Federation is subdivided into ten cantons, which possess significant legislative authority. These cantons are: Una-Sana Canton, Posavina Canton, Tuzla Canton, Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnian-Podrinje Canton Goražde, Central Bosnia Canton, Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, West Herzegovina Canton, Sarajevo Canton, and Canton 10. Each canton has its own government, assembly, and prime minister. The cantons are further divided into municipalities, such as Mostar, Tuzla, and Zenica.
Demographics
According to the 2013 census, the entity has a population of approximately 2.2 million. The three constituent peoples are Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs, with Bosniaks forming the largest plurality. Major population centers include Sarajevo, Mostar, Tuzla, Zenica, Bihać, and Travnik. Religious composition largely follows ethnic lines, with predominant affiliations being Islam, Roman Catholicism, and Eastern Orthodoxy. The Brčko District is a separate administrative unit belonging to both entities.
Economy
The economy is the more industrially developed of the two entities, though it suffers from high unemployment and a large informal sector. Key industrial centers are in Sarajevo, Zenica (historically known for its steel mill), Tuzla (chemicals and energy), and Mostar (aluminum and agriculture). The Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina, headquartered in Sarajevo, issues the convertible mark. Significant economic sectors include manufacturing, energy production, agriculture, and a growing tourism industry focused on destinations like Sarajevo, Mostar's Stari Most, and Jajce.
Culture
The entity is characterized by a blend of cultural influences, reflecting its Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav heritage. Sarajevo hosts major institutions like the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Sarajevo National Theatre, and is famous for the Sarajevo Film Festival. Mostar is renowned for its reconstructed Stari Most bridge and diving tradition. The region is known for its cuisine, including dishes like ćevapi and börek, and musical traditions such as sevdalinka. Important religious sites include the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque in Sarajevo and the Franciscan monastery in Fojnica.