Bosnia and Herzegovina

A natural wonder, a historical place, and a culture destination to know.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a Southeast European country which stands on the crossroad of natural beauty, historic cities and diversity. Beautifully endowed with mountains and towns dating back to the medieval times with its rich cultural lifestyle, Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to be a tourist destination of those who would like to see both the rich history and the panoramic view of nature. Exploring the cobbled lanes of Sarajevo or admiring the UNESCO World heritage Sites or hiking along the Dinaric Alps, this country will ensure an experience you will never forget.

To obtain all information about Bosnia and Herzegovina, look at its Wikipedia site to see its detailed history as well as general information. To get the official resource and news visit the official site of Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Geographical Location

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a state situated in the South Eastern Europe on the Balkans Peninsula. It is neighboured by Croatia on the north, Serbia on the east and Montenegro on the southeast. To the west the country borders briefly on the Adriatic Sea.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country, which is about 51000 square kilometers in area and its land topography is mostly mountainous. This river is called the Bosna River where the country derives its name and it lies in the middle part of Bosnia, and the country is subdivided into two parts geographically where another river, called the Neretva river flows through Herzegovina.

Topography and physical features

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country famous with its mountains and variable natural picture. The Dinaric Alps run across the southern region of the country and the country is part of the Alps. The tallest mountain in Bosnia and Herzegovina is Maglić Mountain and it rises an altitude of 2386 meters (7828 feet) in the east of Canton Herzegovina at the border of Bosnia and Montenegro.

The nation is also littered with rivers, lakes, and caves and it is very suitable to go hiking, rafting and other outdoor events. The two beautiful natural features are the Pliva Lake and Jablaničko Lake and the Vjetrenica Cave, which has some of the rare underground species is one of the wonders of the country.

Climate

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the northern and central parts of the country enjoy a continental climate with the hot and dry summer and cold winters. The nation will be having considerable snowfalls in winters especially in the mountains and is the best place to go skiing, and other winter activities.

The south Herzegovina region possesses a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and the mild and rainy winters. Bosnia and Herzegovina should be visited in spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October) as the weather is comfortable then and the landscapes are at its liveliest.

Medieval History Ancient History

The history of Bosnia and Herzegovina goes back to the times immemorial, as there are numerous traces of the presence of Illyrian tribes there. Settlements by Romans were also introduced in the region and it was later incorporated in the Byzantine empire after the collapse of the Roman Empire. During the Middle Ages the region was one of the centers of the kingdom of Bosnia which was a strong state in the 14th and 15th century, until it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in the late 15th century.

Ottoman reign was of a few centuries and left a remarkable impression on the culture of the country, its architecture and religious beliefs. It was the Ottomans who brought Islam and a great number of towns (including Sarajevo) can still be found with their Ottoman-era mosques and Bazaars.

Austro Hungarian Period and Yugoslavia

When the Ottoman empire was defeated in the 19 th century, Bosnia and Herzegovina became the territory of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Austro-Hungarians have brought modernization in the infrastructure and the economy to the country but also led to increase in tensions among the various ethnic groups.

After World War I Bosnia and Herzegovina was incorporated into the new Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Following World War II, the nation joined Socialist Yugoslavia under Socialist Yugoslavian leader Josip Broz Tito. During the reign of Tito, Bosnia and Herzegovina prospered in relative peace.

The Bosnian Independence and War

In the early 1990s the fall of Yugoslavia resulted into a violent civil war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ethnic violence, ethnic cleansing, the siege of Sarajevo, characterised the war that lasted between 1992 and 1995. The war was concluded by the Dayton Agreement of 1995 that made the country a federation that was divided into two, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska.

In 1992, Bosnia and Herzegovina asserted its liberation, and since that moment, the nation has been on the way to political stability and affection. It has joined the United Nations in 1992, and the political regime in that country is centred on the power-sharing accord among the three key ethnic groups in the country, namely Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs.

Ethnic and Religious variety

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a diverse ethnically-based nation with three main ethnic groups dividing Bosniaks (Bosnian Muslims, Croats, and Serbs. This polychromaticity is noticed in the religious composition of the country that comprises Islam, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Roman Catholicism.

A mixed Ottoman, Austrian and Slavic culture has a rich and exotic culture. The urban, rural and suburban areas are strewn by assorted religious buildings such as mosques, churches and synagogues.

Traditions and Cultural Practice

Music, dance and art are rich in Bosnia and Herzegovina tradition. Sevdalinka is a traditional type of Bosnian folk music which may be presented as melancholic and soulful. Tulip is a national symbol of Bosnia and Herzegovina and it is widely presented in the traditional folk art.

There are various traditional festivals that are celebrated in the country including the BaScharcsija Nights in Sarajevo whereby people immerse them selves in the culture by listening to the traditional music, eating the traditional food and dancing to the beats. The Mostar Bridge Festival is the most important event honoring the world known Stari Most (Old Bridge) in Mostar UNESCO World Heritage.

Language

Bosnia and Herzegovina has the official languages which are Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian, which are mutually intelligible. The official alphabet is Latin but in Republika Srpska entity Cyrillic is applied. This is also the language spoken in English especially in tourist regions and bigger cities.

Religious Festivals

In Bosnia and Herzegovina Muslims celebrate Ramadan, and Eid al-Fitr, when the prayers and the gatherings of people in town turn into large communal feasts. The Orthodox and Catholic community celebrate Christmas and Easter through church services, family get-together, and conventional food.

Special Days and National Holidays

The Independence Day (March 1) is the day when Bosnia and Herzegovina announced its independence of Yugoslavia in 1992. The Statehood Day, 25 November, is to remind about the creation of the People Assembly in 1943 which preconditioned the future independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Cultural Festivals

Sarajevo Film Festival is the most important cultural event in the country, where not only country but the whole world comes with their film makers and other artistic people. Another lively attraction which attracts foreigners is the Mostar Old Bridge Jumping competition where locals jump at the well-known Stari Most, which is a challenging event as well.

Economic Development

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a combined economy which includes the mining industry, manufacturing industry and energy industry. The nation also borders on a substantial farming industry, in which it grows fruits, vegetables, wine and livestock. Bosnia and Herzegovina have got high-quality wines particularly in the Herzegovina regions.

Tourism has become another important source of income, and the famous tourist spots include Sarajevo, Mostar, and Dinaric Alps where people only go to experience historical as well as natural wonders.

Tourism

Tourist attraction in Bosnia and Herzegovina is increasing at a steady rate, and Sarajevo is among the most frequented centers. Tourists pour in at Mostar to witness the ancient structures and the Ottoman architecture at Mostar, Stari Most bridge. Nature lovers visit the national parks in the country which comprise Una National Park and Sutjeska Natural Park.

Trade and industry

Industries in Bosnia and Herzegovina are varied and the most important industries are food processing industries, textile industries and machinery industries. The Port of Ploce in Croatia near the Bosnian border is a major port of Croatia exports.

Bosnia and Herzegovina sightseeing Main attractions in Bosnia and Herzegovina

These are the six attractions in Bosnia and Herzegovina which are to be seen:

1. Sarajevo

Capital city is Sarajevo which has a strong cultural heritage that includes Baščaršija (Old Bazaar) and Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque. It also has the fusion of Ottoman, Austrian and Yugoslav.

2. Mostar

The city of Mostar is known as the home of the most popular Stari Most (Old Bridge), which was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site List, and Ottoman architecture. Another best visit is the Old Bazaar and Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque.

3. Jajce

Jajce is famous with waterfalls, medieval fortress and Pliva Lakes. The magnificent fusion of the Ottoman and the European style is reflected in the historic center of the town.

4. National Park Sutjeska

The Sutjeska River and the Tjentište Memorial have their niche in this national park as the location depicts a major battle during World War II. Nature lovers and trekkers are also spoilt in the park.

5. Visegrad

Visegrad has been known since the Andricgrad, the town created by a famous film director Emir Kusturica, and also known as the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

6. Una National Park

Una National park is one of the most exquisite parks in Bosnia and Herzegovina which has some of the best nature of waterfalls, rivers and wild life which is ideal if outdoor life is preferred.

Education and Health

Healthcare System

Bosnia and Herzegovina have a free healthcare system, and hospitals and clinics are available all over the country, both public and privately owned. The quality of medical is averagely good with healthcare in rural parts being relatively less.

Education System

Bosnia and Herzegovina provide free primary to secondary education. A number of universities are also there in the country such as University of Sarajevo, University of Banja Luka, and University of Mostar.

Transport Network

Transportation is quite well established in Bosnia and Herzegovina as the main cities are linked by railways, buses, and highways. The International Gateway is the Sarajevo International Airport.

Urban Development

Its major cities, especially Sarajevo and Mostar, are well-developed with modern infrastructure and a touch of historic surroundings, and rural places are more traditional.

Ideal Seasons

Spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November) are the best seasons to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina as weather is moderate and landscape is the best at this time.

Special Events and festivals

Festivals like the Sarajevo Film Festival, Mostar Bridge Jumping Competition and the Bascarsija Nights should be experienced.

Closure: 

Bosnia and Herzegovina is the country of great natural beauties, history and culture. With its mountains, rivers, medieval cities, as well as a multi-ethnic culture, this unique nation is a destination that every traveler needs to explore in a bid to explore the heart of the Balkans.

Common Questions

When is the best to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina?

It is preferable to go there in the spring (April-June) or in the fall (September-November), when the weather is mild and less people.

What are the best places in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

The most attractive places are Sarajevo, Mostar, Jajce, National Park Una and Visegrad.

Which are the languages that are practiced in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Bosnian and Croatian as well as Serbian are official languages.

Is there any tourist safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a safe destination to visit, according to most of the sources say that it has low levels of crime and the overall atmosphere is friendly.

Which are the cultural festivals in Bosnia and Herzegovina that I should see?

Bosnia and Herzegovina host such major cultural events as the Sarajevo Film Festival, Mostar Bridge Jumping, and Bascarsija Nights.