Country Profile: Serbia

Serbia is located in Southeastern Europe, bordered by several countries and characterized by a varied geography that includes fertile plains, limestone ranges, and ancient mountains. With a population of approximately 6.65 million people, Serbia is a parliamentary republic with a rich cultural heritage and a history of complex ethnic relations. Its economy is classified as upper middle-income, currently focused on joining the European Union and achieving sustainable growth, although it faces challenges such as energy dependency and high unemployment rates.

Geography

Serbia is a landlocked country situated between Macedonia and Hungary, covering an area of 77,474 square kilometers. The landscape is diverse, featuring rich fertile plains in the north, limestone ranges in the east, and ancient mountains in the southeast. The climate varies from continental in the north to Mediterranean in other regions, contributing to an even population distribution with urban centers attracting denser populations.

2,322 km of land borders with eight neighboring countries.
40.4% of land is used for agriculture (2023 est.).
0 km of coastline, given its landlocked status.

People and Society

Serbia has a total population of about 6.65 million, with a higher proportion of females (approximately 51.2%). The country is ethnically diverse, with the majority identifying as Serb (83.3%) and a significant presence of other groups, including Hungarians and Romani. The official language is Serbian, and the population practices various religions, predominantly Orthodox Christianity.

99.3% literacy rate (2022 est.).
14.4% of the population is aged 0-14 years (2024 est.).
20% poverty rate (2021 est.).

Economy

Serbia's economy is classified as upper middle-income and is currently a candidate for EU membership. The country's GDP (PPP) is estimated at $177.1 billion for 2024, with a growth rate of 3.9%. The unemployment rate has been falling, reflecting improvements in the labor market, alongside ongoing challenges like energy dependency.

$89.1 billion GDP at official exchange rate (2024 est.).
7.4% unemployment rate (2024 est.).
52.7% of GDP from household consumption (2024 est.).

Government

The Republic of Serbia operates as a parliamentary republic, with Belgrade as its capital. The government is structured with a president and a prime minister, and governance is guided by a civil law system. The latest constitution was adopted in 2006, following a referendum that affirmed Serbia's independence from Montenegro.

250 members in the National Assembly (unicameral).
18 years is the minimum voting age.
President Aleksandar VUCIC has been in office since May 2017.

Military and Security

Serbia maintains a well-structured military with approximately 25,000 active-duty personnel. The Serbian Armed Forces consist of the Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, and various support units. Military expenditure has been rising, accounting for about 2.5% of GDP in 2024, reflecting ongoing investments in defense capabilities.

2.5% of GDP on military expenditures (2024 est.).
180 personnel deployed in Lebanon (UNIFIL) (2025).
65.1% of electricity generation from fossil fuels (2023 est.).

Energy

Serbia's energy infrastructure is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, particularly coal, which constitutes a major part of the electricity generation mix. The country has made strides in achieving full electrification, ensuring that 100% of the population has access to electricity.

8.2 million kW installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.).
33.2 million metric tons coal production (2023 est.).
91.9 million Btu/person total energy consumption per capita (2023 est.).

Environment

Serbia faces several environmental challenges, including air pollution from industrial activities and inadequate waste management. The country has ratified numerous international agreements aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity, though issues persist in local pollution control.

44.78 million metric tons of CO2 emissions (2023 est.).
40.4% of land covered by forests (2023 est.).
1% of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.).

Transportation

Serbia's transportation network includes extensive railways and a growing number of airports, enhancing connectivity within the region. The country’s rail system spans over 3,333 km, facilitating both passenger and freight transport across the nation.

46 airports (2025).
3,333 km total railway length (2020).
31 fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023 est.).

Communications

Serbia boasts a high level of mobile and internet penetration, with around 85% of the population using the internet. The telecommunications sector has seen significant growth, particularly in mobile subscriptions, which outnumber fixed lines.

8.53 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2023 est.).
2.08 million fixed broadband subscriptions (2023 est.).
37 fixed line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	6,652,212	Estimated for 2024
Area	77,474 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$177.093 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	7.4%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	8.8 births/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy at Birth	75.3 years	Estimated for 2024
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	91.884 million Btu	Estimated for 2023
Literacy Rate	99.3%	Estimated for 2022
Municipal Solid Waste Generated Annually	2.347 million tons	Estimated for 2024
Military Expenditures as % of GDP	2.5%	Estimated for 2024