Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the two entities that comprise Bosnia and Herzegovina, the other being Republika Srpska. The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is predominantly inhabited by Bosniaks and Croats, with its capital located in Sarajevo, the largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The entity was established by the Washington Agreement in 1994, which ended the Bosnian War between the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Croatian Defence Council. The agreement was facilitated by the United States Department of State, with key roles played by Haris Silajdžić, Franjo Tuđman, and Alija Izetbegović.

Geography

The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina covers an area of approximately 26,110.5 square kilometers, which is about 51% of the total area of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The entity borders Croatia to the north, west, and south, and Republika Srpska to the east. The terrain is characterized by mountains, such as the Dinaric Alps, and rivers, including the Sava River, Una River, and Neretva River. The region is also home to several notable lakes, including Buško Blato and Jablanica Lake, which are popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors from Mostar, Široki Brijeg, and Livno. The Vrbas River flows through the entity, passing by cities like Banja Luka and Jajce, before emptying into the Sava River.

History

The history of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is closely tied to the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the entity being formed in 1994 as a result of the Washington Agreement. The agreement was signed by the Party of Democratic Action, led by Alija Izetbegović, and the Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by Krešimir Zubak. The entity was established to bring an end to the Bosnian War, which had been ongoing since 1992, involving the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Croatian Defence Council, and the Army of Republika Srpska. Key events in the history of the entity include the Siege of Sarajevo, the Srebrenica massacre, and the Dayton Peace Accords, which were negotiated by Richard Holbrooke, Warren Christopher, and Helmut Kohl.

Government

The government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is based on a parliamentary system, with the Parliament of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina being the legislative body. The parliament is composed of two houses: the House of Representatives of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the House of Peoples of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The entity is headed by a president, who is elected by the parliament, and a prime minister, who is appointed by the president. The government is responsible for a range of areas, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure, with key institutions including the University of Sarajevo, the University of Mostar, and the University of Tuzla. The entity also has its own judicial system, with the Constitutional Court of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina being the highest court.

Economy

The economy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is primarily based on industry, agriculture, and services. The entity has significant natural resources, including coal, iron ore, and copper, which are mined in areas like Kakanj, Zenica, and Tuzla. The manufacturing sector is also well-developed, with key industries including steel production, textiles, and food processing. The entity is also home to several major companies, including Aluminij Mostar, Željeznice Federacije Bosne i Hercegovine, and Elektroprivreda HZ HB. The economy is also driven by tourism, with popular destinations like Međugorje, Počitelj, and Blagaj attracting visitors from Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb.

Demographics

The population of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is approximately 2.8 million people, which is about 62% of the total population of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The entity is predominantly inhabited by Bosniaks and Croats, with smaller communities of Serbs, Roma, and other ethnic groups. The largest cities in the entity are Sarajevo, Mostar, Tuzla, and Zenica, which are major cultural and economic centers. The entity is also home to several notable universities, including the University of Sarajevo, the University of Mostar, and the University of Tuzla, which attract students from Banja Luka, Brčko, and Trebinje.

Culture

The culture of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is rich and diverse, with a blend of Bosniak, Croat, and Serb influences. The entity is home to several notable cultural institutions, including the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Sarajevo National Theatre, and the Mostar City Museum. The entity is also known for its traditional cuisine, which includes dishes like ćevapi, burek, and sarma. The entity is also home to several notable festivals, including the Sarajevo Film Festival, the Mostar Summer Festival, and the Baščaršija Nights, which attract visitors from Belgrade, Ljubljana, and Skopje. The entity is also home to several notable historical sites, including the Stari Most, the Gazi Husrev-bey's Mosque, and the Kovači Cemetery, which are protected by UNESCO and the Council of Europe.