Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Conventional long name	Bosnia and Herzegovina
Native name	Bosna i Hercegovina
Capital	Sarajevo
Largest city	Sarajevo
Official languages	Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country located in the Balkan Peninsula, bordered by Croatia to the north, west, and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast. The country has a diverse geography, with a mix of Mediterranean and continental climates, and is home to the Dinaric Alps, the Sava River, and the Neretva River. The capital and largest city, Sarajevo, is a major cultural and economic center, hosting events such as the Sarajevo Film Festival and the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival. The country is also home to the Stećak Medieval Tombstone Graveyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Geography

Bosnia and Herzegovina's geography is characterized by its mountainous terrain, with the Dinaric Alps stretching through the center of the country, and the Pannonian Plain to the north. The country is home to several major rivers, including the Sava River, the Neretva River, and the Bosna River, which flow through the Sarajevo Valley and the Mostar Valley. The country's diverse geography has created a range of ecosystems, including the Perućica Primeval Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Hutovo Blato, a Ramsar Convention-protected wetland. The country is also home to several national parks, including the Sutjeska National Park and the Kozara National Park, which are home to a range of flora and fauna, including the European brown bear, the gray wolf, and the European lynx.

History

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a complex and varied history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Neolithic period. The country was inhabited by the Illyrians and the Celts before being conquered by the Roman Empire, which established the province of Illyricum. The country was later invaded by the Ottoman Empire, which introduced Islam and had a significant impact on the country's culture and architecture, as seen in the Gazi Husrev-bey's Mosque and the Stari Most. The country was also home to the Bosnian Church, a Christian church that existed from the 12th century to the 15th century. The country's history has been marked by conflict, including the Bosnian War, which was fought between Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs from 1992 to 1995, and the Siege of Sarajevo, which lasted for nearly four years.

Government and Politics

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a federal state, with a complex system of government that includes the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The country is divided into two entities, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska, each with its own government and parliament. The country has a number of major political parties, including the Party of Democratic Action, the Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats. The country is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the European Union, and has participated in several international missions, including the NATO-led intervention in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union Force Althea.

Economy

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a developing economy, with a mix of industry, agriculture, and services. The country is rich in natural resources, including coal, iron ore, and copper, and has a significant manufacturing sector, with companies such as Aluminij Mostar and Željezara Zenica. The country is also a major producer of agricultural products, including wheat, corn, and tobacco, and has a growing tourism industry, with attractions such as the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge and the Kravica Waterfall. The country has a number of major trade partners, including Croatia, Serbia, and Germany, and is a member of the Central European Free Trade Agreement and the World Trade Organization.

Culture

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a rich and diverse culture, with a mix of Islamic, Christian, and Jewish influences. The country is home to a number of major cultural institutions, including the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Sarajevo National Theatre, and the Bosnian National Library. The country has a thriving arts scene, with artists such as Mak Dizdar, Mehmed Meša Selimović, and Semezdin Mehmedinović, and has hosted several major cultural events, including the Sarajevo Film Festival and the Baščaršija Nights. The country is also home to a number of traditional festivals, including the Sarajevo Winter Festival and the Mostar Summer Festival.

Demographics

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a population of around 3.8 million people, with a mix of Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs. The country has a number of major cities, including Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Mostar, and has a diverse range of languages, including Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian. The country has a relatively low population density, with an average of around 69 people per square kilometer, and has a number of major ethnic groups, including the Roma and the Jews. The country has a relatively high life expectancy, with an average of around 77 years, and has a number of major universities, including the University of Sarajevo and the University of Mostar.

Category:Countries of Europe