Bosnia and Herzegovina

1463 – Ottoman Empire conquest of Bosnia, leading to centuries of Ottoman rule

1878 – Austro-Hungarian occupation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

1914 – Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo, triggering World War I (Saturday, June 28, 1914)

1918 – Formation of Yugoslavia: Bosnia and Herzegovina becomes part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes

1992–1995 – Bosnian War: A devastating conflict resulting in the breakup of Yugoslavia and significant loss of life, followed by the Dayton Agreement in 1995

1995 – Dayton Agreement signed (Thursday, December 14, 1995): Establishes Bosnia and Herzegovina as a federal republic

2006 – EU membership application: Bosnia begins the process of European Union accession

2020 – COVID-19 pandemic: Like many other countries, Bosnia faced significant challenges in public health and economic impacts

Continent: Europe (Southeastern Europe)
Location: Located in the Balkan Peninsula, bordered by Croatia to the north, south, and west, Serbia to the east, Montenegro to the southeast, and the Adriatic Sea to the southwest
Capital: Sarajevo
Language: Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian (all official)
Currency: Bosnian convertible mark (BAM)
Population: ~3.3 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) during standard time, Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2) during daylight saving time

Borders: Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro
Landscape: Mountainous, with plains along rivers, forested regions, and a small coastline on the Adriatic Sea
Major Rivers: Neretva, Bosna, Drina
Notable Features: Dinaric Alps, Sutjeska National Park, historic towns of Mostar and Travnik

Ethnic Groups: Bosniaks (48%), Croats (37%), Serbs (14%), others (1%)
Religion: Islam (48%), Eastern Orthodox Christianity (37%), Roman Catholicism (15%)
Urban Population: ~40% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: Bosnia and Herzegovina has a diverse population, with significant ethnic and religious communities contributing to its complex social and political landscape

Famous For: Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences, rich history of religious diversity, traditional folk music, and unique cuisine
Cuisine: Ćevapi (grilled minced meat), burek (pastry), sarma (stuffed cabbage), baklava
Arts: Traditional music (Sevdalinka), literature, and architecture (Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian heritage)
Sports: Football (soccer), handball, basketball, winter sports

Economy Type: Developing, with a mix of industry, agriculture, and services
GDP: Approx. $23.6 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Energy (hydropower), metals (steel and aluminum), agriculture, tourism
Key Exports: Electrical machinery, metals, agricultural products, furniture
Unemployment Rate: ~15.5% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Sarajevo is the economic center, with manufacturing and services, while agriculture is important in the countryside

Government Type: Federal parliamentary republic
Head of State: Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (collective presidency with three members: one Bosniak, one Croat, and one Serb) (last updated: April 2025)
Head of Government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers (current: Zoran Tegeltija) (last updated: April 2025)
Legislature: Bicameral (House of Representatives & House of Peoples)
Constitution: In effect since 1995, under the Dayton Agreement

Sarajevo: Known for its Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav-era architecture, as well as its vibrant culture
Mostar: Famous for the Stari Most (Old Bridge) and historic Ottoman architecture
Jajce: Medieval town with a picturesque waterfall
Sutjeska National Park: Known for its biodiversity and the historic site of the Battle of Sutjeska during WWII
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 1 (last updated: 2023)