Country Profile: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is located in Southeastern Europe, bordered by the Adriatic Sea and Croatia. The country has a population of approximately 3.8 million, predominantly consisting of Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats. Its economy is primarily consumption-driven and heavily reliant on imports, with significant structural challenges and high unemployment rates. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Bosnia and Herzegovina has a complex political structure established by the Dayton Accords, which were put in place to resolve the ethnic conflict that occurred in the 1990s.

Geography

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a total area of 51,197 sq km, characterized by its mountainous terrain and valleys. The country experiences hot summers and cold winters, with regions of high elevation facing severe winters. The primary natural resources include coal, iron ore, and timber. The population is mostly concentrated in the northern and central areas.

Elevation: Highest point at 2,386 m (Maglic).
Land boundaries: Total 1,543 km, sharing borders with Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia.
Climate: Varied, ranging from mild coastal winters to severe winters in elevated regions.

People and Society

The population of Bosnia and Herzegovina stands at approximately 3,798,671 as of 2024, with a median age of 44.8 years. The country is ethnically diverse, primarily consisting of Bosniaks (50.1%), Serbs (30.8%), and Croats (15.4%). The predominant languages are Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian, reflecting the ethnic composition.

Urban population: 50.3% of the total population (2023).
Birth rate: 8.2 births/1,000 population (2024).
Life expectancy: 78.5 years at birth (2024).
Health expenditure: 9.6% of GDP (2021).

Economy

Bosnia and Herzegovina's economy is import-driven and heavily reliant on consumption, with a real GDP (PPP) estimated at $64.641 billion for 2024. The unemployment rate remains high at 10.8% in 2024, with youth unemployment reaching 27.3%. The country is actively working on structural reforms to boost economic growth and foreign investments.

GDP (official exchange rate): $28.343 billion (2024).
Public debt: 40.3% of GDP (2023).
Remittances: 11% of GDP (2024).
Average household expenditure on food: 32.1% (2023).

Government

Bosnia and Herzegovina functions as a parliamentary republic with a multi-ethnic government structure. It comprises two main entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska. The country has a bicameral legislature and a complex political system shaped by the Dayton Accords signed in 1995.

Capital: Sarajevo.
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years, or 16 if employed.
Parliamentary Assembly: Consists of the House of Representatives and the House of Peoples.
Most recent election: October 2, 2022.

Military and Security

Bosnia and Herzegovina has approximately 10,000 active-duty military personnel and operates under a parliamentary framework. The military is undergoing modernization to prepare for NATO integration. The country is committed to maintaining peace and stability as part of the EUFOR peacekeeping forces in the region.

Military expenditure: Estimated at 0.8% of GDP (2024).
Military service age: 18 years for voluntary service; conscription was abolished in 2005.
Participation in international missions: Contributes troops to EU, NATO, and UN missions.

Energy

The energy sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina is characterized by a significant share of fossil fuels in electricity generation. The country has made strides in achieving universal electrification, with access reported at 100% in 2022.

Installed electricity capacity: 4.682 million kW (2023).
Electricity exports: 7.104 billion kWh (2023).
Coal production: 12.311 million metric tons (2023).

Environment

Bosnia and Herzegovina faces several environmental issues, including air pollution and deforestation. The country is actively involved in international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity.

Urban population growth: Annual rate of 0.61% (2020-25).
Carbon dioxide emissions: Approximately 24.513 million metric tons (2023).
Municipal solid waste generated: 1.249 million tons annually (2024).

Transportation

The transportation network includes a variety of air, road, and rail systems. The country has 20 airports and significant railway infrastructure, although much of it dates back several decades.

Railways: 965 km total (2014).
Total ports: 1 major port (Neum) exists (2024).
Civil aircraft registration code: T9.

Communications

Bosnia and Herzegovina's communication sector is growing, with a significant increase in mobile and internet subscriptions. Approximately 83% of the population are internet users as of 2023.

Mobile cellular subscriptions: 3.87 million (2023).
Fixed broadband subscriptions: 908,000 (2023).
Telephones - fixed lines: Total 614,000 (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	3,798,671	Estimated for 2024
Area	51,197 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$64.641 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	10.8%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	8.2 births/1,000 population	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	78.5 years	Estimated for 2024
Energy Consumption per Capita	91.227 million Btu/person	Estimated for 2023
Public Debt	40.3% of GDP	Estimated for 2023
Total Fertility Rate	1.38 children born/woman	Estimated for 2024
Urban Population	50.3%	Of total population (2023)