Country Profile: Serbia
Serbia, located in Southeastern Europe, is a landlocked country bordered by several nations including Hungary, Romania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. With a population of approximately 6.65 million, it features a diverse ethnic landscape primarily composed of Serbs, alongside minorities such as Hungarians and Bosniaks. The Serbian economy is classified as upper middle-income, heavily reliant on agriculture, industry, and services, while its governance operates under a parliamentary republic with aspirations for European Union membership.
Geography
Serbia is situated between Macedonia and Hungary, characterized by a varied terrain, including fertile plains in the north and mountainous regions in the southeast. The country experiences a continental climate, which influences its agriculture and population distribution, with urban areas concentrating denser populations.
- Total Area: 77,474 sq km
- Land Boundaries: 2,322 km
- Highest Point: Midzor at 2,169 m
- Climate: Continental with hot, humid summers and cold winters
- Natural Hazards: Destructive earthquakes
- Irrigated Land: 550 sq km (2022)
People and Society
Serbia has a projected population of over 6.65 million in 2024, with a median age of 44.1 years. The society is predominantly Serbian, with various ethnic groups contributing to its cultural tapestry. The country maintains a high literacy rate and a moderate growth rate, though it faces challenges such as an aging population and a declining birth rate.
- Population (2024): 6,652,212
- Urbanization: 57.1% of the total population (2023)
- Literacy Rate: 99.3% (2022)
- Life Expectancy: 75.3 years (2024)
- Birth Rate: 8.72 births/1,000 population (2025)
- Unemployment Rate: 7.4% (2024)
Economy
Serbia's economy, recovering from the impacts of COVID-19, is marked by its aspirations for EU integration and a focus on green growth. The economic landscape is diverse, with agriculture constituting a significant part of the GDP. The country is energy import-dependent and has made strides in combating corruption and reducing unemployment.
- Real GDP (PPP 2024): $177.093 billion
- GDP Growth Rate (2024 est.): 3.9%
- Unemployment Rate: 7.4% (2024)
- Exports (2023): $44.352 billion
- Imports (2023): $48.158 billion
- Public Debt: 73.1% of GDP (2016)
Government
Serbia functions as a parliamentary republic with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The country engages in a broad range of international organizations and is recognized for its complex political history and ongoing relationship with the European Union.
- Capital: Belgrade
- Government Type: Parliamentary Republic
- Constitution Adopted: 30 September 2006
- Suffrage Age: 18 years, 16 if employed
- Last Election Date: 17 December 2023
Military and Security
The Serbian Armed Forces consist of the Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, and the Serbian Guard, responsible for national defense and internal security. With ongoing military modernization efforts, Serbia maintains historical military ties with Russia and is involved in various international peacekeeping missions.
- Military Expenditures (2024): 2.5% of GDP
- Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 25,000 (2025)
- Conscription Status: Abolished in 2011
- Military Equipment: Mix of Soviet-era and modern systems
- International Deployments: 180 troops in UNIFIL (2025)
Energy
Serbia's energy sector is marked by a reliance on fossil fuels, despite initiatives towards renewable energy sources. The country shows a commitment to ensuring access to electricity for its entire population.
- Electricity Access: 100% (2022)
- Installed Generating Capacity: 8.202 million kW (2023)
- Total Energy Consumption per Capita: 91.884 million Btu/person (2023)
- Coal Production: 33.219 million metric tons (2023)
Environment
Environmental challenges in Serbia include air and water pollution, often stemming from industrial activities. The country is part of several international environmental agreements, reflecting its commitment to addressing these issues.
- CO2 Emissions: 44.782 million metric tons (2023)
- Municipal Waste Generated: 2.347 million tons (2024 est.)
- Forested Area: 40.4% of total land (2023)
Transportation
Serbia has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including extensive railways and several airports, facilitating both domestic and international travel.
- Total Railways: 3,333 km (2020)
- Airports: 46 (2025)
- Civil Aircraft Registration Code: YU
Communications
The communications sector in Serbia has seen significant growth, with a high percentage of the population connected to the internet and widespread mobile phone usage.
- Internet Users: 85% of the population (2023)
- Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 8.53 million (2023)
- Fixed-line Phone Subscriptions: 2.485 million (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,652,212 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 77,474 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $177.093 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 7.4% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 8.72 births/1,000 population | 2025 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 75.3 years | 2024 estimate |
| Military Expenditures | 2.5% of GDP | 2024 estimate |
| Literacy Rate | 99.3% | 2022 estimate |
| Urban Population | 57.1% of total population | 2023 estimate |
| Electricity Access | 100% | 2022 estimate |
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