Serbia is the full name of the country. Serbia. Private guides in Serbia

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Republic of Serbia- a landlocked state in southeastern Europe, in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula. It borders with UN member countries Macedonia in the south, Bulgaria and Romania in the east, Hungary in the north, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the west, and Montenegro and Albania in the southwest.

According to the Constitution of Serbia, it includes the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija, the territory of which is actually controlled by the partially recognized Republic of Kosovo.

80% of the territory of Serbia is located on the Balkan Peninsula, 20% is occupied by the Pannonian Lowland.

The north of Serbia is dominated by plains. The further you go to the south of the country, the larger the mountains become. 15 mountains of Serbia have an altitude of more than 2,000 meters above sea level.

There are 4 mountain systems in Serbia. The Dinaric Highlands occupies a large area in the west, stretching from northwest to southeast. Stara Planina and the East Serbian Mountains are in the east, separated from the Dinaric Highlands by the Morava River. In the south there are ancient mountains - part of the Rilo-Rhodope system. Highest point Serbia - Mount Jeravica, 2656 m high.

Airports of Serbia

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport

Nis Constantine Airport the Great Airport)

Prishtina International Airport

Hotels in Serbia 1 - 5 stars

Serbia weather

The climate is temperate continental, on the Adriatic coast it is Mediterranean. IN central regions countries are always somewhat cooler than on the coast, and the influence of subalpine factors is more noticeable. In the coastal region, summers are usually long, hot (+23-25°C) and quite dry, winters are short and cool (+3-7°C). IN mountainous areas moderately warm summers (+19-25°C) and relatively cold winters (from +5 to -10°C), full of snow. Precipitation falls from 500 to 1500 mm per year, mainly in the form of rain; in the mountains near the sea coast, in some places over 3000 mm falls.

Language of Serbia

Official language: Serbian

Hungarian, Slovak, Croatian, Romanian and Ruthenian languages ​​are also used in Vojvodina. In Kosovo and Metohija the official languages ​​are Serbian and Albanian.

Currency of Serbia

International name: RSD

The Serbian dinar is equal to 100 para. Coins in circulation are in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 dinars; banknotes - 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 5000 dinars.

Currency exchange can be done at bank branches, official exchange offices and many licensed exchangers. In Serbia, there are currency exchange machines in public places (train stations, airports). The rate even at nearby exchange offices can vary quite significantly.

Visa

Facilitated entry regime

To visit Serbia for up to 30 days for the purpose of tourism or transit through the country, Russian citizens do not require a visa. In case of longer periods, a visa is required.

Customs restrictions

The import and export of foreign currency and securities in foreign currency is not limited, declaration is not required, however, the free export of foreign currency is limited to an amount of up to 2,000 euros (including exported dinars). Above this, it is allowed to export only what was previously imported and declared. The import and export of national currency in quantities exceeding 120 thousand dinars in banknotes with a face value of no more than 1 thousand dinars is prohibited.

Persons over the age of 16 can import duty-free personal belongings (on themselves or in luggage), as well as up to 1 liter of wine and spirits, up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, or 250 g of tobacco, up to 250 ml of cologne or 100 ml perfumes, medicines and medical equipment for personal use, scientific and fiction literature, and automobile fuel (only in the car tank).

The import of drugs, poisons, psychotropic and explosive substances, gold in raw form and in coins, weapons and ammunition, as well as pesticides is prohibited. The export of objects of cultural, historical and artistic value is permitted only with the permission of the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations of Serbia.

Mains voltage

Tips

Tips in restaurants and taxis amount to up to 10% of the bill. In a taxi, it is recommended to agree on the route of the trip and its cost in advance.

Kitchen

Modern Serbian cuisine has synthesized elements of various national cuisines. The influence of Turkish cuisine is manifested, for example, in the fact that in almost any restaurant you will certainly be offered kufte, lula kebabs, asha kebabs, all kinds of kebabs, “meso za skara” (a Balkan version of barbecue), and lamb pilaf. In the north of Serbia, the influence of Hungarian, Romanian and Bulgarian cuisine is felt, pork dishes are widespread here, and those who wish can try hominy and corn cakes. Grape vodka and red wine are prepared from alcohol in Serbia. In restaurants and cafes, visitors will certainly be offered excellent Viennese coffee and banichki - rich buns or flatbreads - in the morning.
Journal of culinary discoveries.

Purchases

Shops are usually open from 09:00 to 20:00-21:00 with a lunch break (from 12:00-13:00 to 16:00-17:00 depending on the establishment). Large department stores are often open from 06:00-07:00 to 21:00; in resort areas and large cities there are also “24-hour” stores. Numerous private retail outlets operate on their own schedule.

Office hours

Halyk Bank exchange offices are open from Monday to Friday from 7.00-8.00 to 15.00-16.00 (sometimes with a lunch break), commercial banks are open from Monday to Thursday from 08.00 to 13.00-15.00, on Fridays - from 08.00 to 13.00, on Saturdays most banks are closed.

Photo and video shooting

Photography is allowed only in places where there is no prohibiting sign (crossed out camera). It is prohibited to photograph objects transport infrastructure and energy, port facilities and military installations.

Safety

You should beware of scammers, especially active in the foreign exchange market, as well as pickpockets, who often “work” at the airport, in public institutions and in places large cluster people.

Code of the country: +381

Geographic first level domain name:.rs

Medicine

Immunization against typhus and polio is recommended, as well as preventive measures against tetanus, hepatitis B, diphtheria, rabies and encephalitis. Outbreaks of tularemia and hemorrhagic fever are common in Kosovo.

Emergency numbers

Police - 92.
Fire protection - 93.
Ambulance - 94.

Fraternal Serbia offers effective treatment at mineral resorts at very competitive prices, good skiing at an equally attractive price and interesting sights. Ancient Belgrade and the blue Danube - all about Serbia: tours, hotels, maps.

  • Tours for May to Serbia
  • Last minute tours to Serbia

Serbia can hardly be called a “promoted” destination, but in one type of tourism it can already easily give a head start to many countries. We are talking about health tours: local resorts are rightfully considered one of the best in Europe in terms of the number and combination of healing factors. At the same time, they have quite modern equipment and set extremely moderate prices for their services by “average European” standards. Other advantages of Serbia tourism: good nature, mild climate, ample opportunities for hunting and fishing and a good historical “excursion”.

Modestly peeking over the shoulders of its more popular skiing neighbors in Europe, winter Serbia attracts today's discerning tourist low prices, close flight and Slavic soul. The condition of the slopes cannot be determined unambiguously - rather, the optimistic phrase “he will try” comes to mind. And the country is really trying its best: new tracks appear every year, as well as “adult features” like night skiing. Another plus is that the prices are extremely affordable. ski schools with Russian-speaking instructors.

Regions and resorts of Serbia

Time difference from Moscow

− 2 hours in summer −1 hour

  • with Kaliningrad
  • with Samara
  • with Yekaterinburg
  • with Omsk
  • with Krasnoyarsk
  • with Irkutsk
  • with Yakutsk
  • with Vladivostok
  • from Severo-Kurilsk
  • with Kamchatka

Climate

The northern regions of Serbia are dominated by a continental climate: summers here are hot (average temperatures are +23...+25 °C, sometimes the air warms up to a barely bearable +35...+40 °C), winters are long and cold (usually In total, the thermometer drops to −1...−2 °C, but frosts down to −25 °C also occur). The climate in the southern regions is moderate continental, in the mountainous regions it is correspondingly mountainous.

The best time to travel to Serbia is late spring, early autumn and summer months. Season on ski resorts officially lasts from December 8 (in fact, you can conquer the slopes already in November) until mid-March.

The warmest month is July, the coldest month is January, the most precipitation falls in May-June. home weather feature Serbia has constant winds: in the off-season, bone-chilling Košava and dry Severac blow in the north, cold Moravac and warm southern winds blow in the Morava River valley, and humid southwestern currents from the Adriatic in the western regions.

Communications and Wi-Fi

The top 3 Serbian mobile operators are Telekom Serbia, VIP Mobile and Telenor. A SIM card can be purchased at company offices, press stands, post offices and some stores, but it should be borne in mind that it may take an hour or even more to activate it. They also sell express payment cards, which are the most convenient way to top up your balance.

The operator Telecom Serbia has a tariff for tourists Super Tourist SIM for 1800 RSD with 30 prepaid minutes of international calls.

From payphones installed on the streets major cities, you can call both within Serbia and to other countries of the world. Payphones accept Halo Kartitsa cards worth 300 RSD; calls with local subscribers cost 1.20 RSD, with Russia - 24.50 RSD per minute.

Free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, restaurants, libraries and other public places. Internet cafes are open in big cities; in Belgrade parks you can find benches marked with blue flowers and providing Free access to the network.

Hotels in Serbia

Information desk: 998, tourist information: 987, police: 92, fire department: 93, ambulance: 94

City codes: Belgrade - 11, Novi Sad - 21, Subotica - 24, Nis - 18.

Travel to Serbia

Beaches of Serbia

The swimming season in Serbia starts in mid-June, when the water in the rivers warms up to +20 °C. You can sunbathe and swim until the beginning of October, until the harsh “koshava” and “severac” blow. The most popular beaches are located right in the capital. The Ada Peninsula of Ciganlija also attracts adherents of calm family vacation, and fans of water activities. The water here, by the way, is the cleanest: dams with filters connected to the right bank of the Sava form an artificial lake surrounded by beaches with sand and pebbles. Admission is free, all amenities are on site. There are special areas with shallow water for children, and for adults there are sports grounds, cafes and bars, and equipment rental points.

The Blue Flag guarantees the cleanliness and safety of the coast of Ada Ciganliya.

The Lido beach in the Zemun area is not so crowded: swimming here is not recommended, but sunbathing, playing volleyball and relaxing in coastal bars is welcome.

Another great place to summer holiday- Novi Sad on the banks of the Danube. This is a resort with rich history, which became fashionable among European bohemians at the beginning of the last century. Today on Strand beach there is a luxurious shady garden and developed infrastructure(from showers and toilets to Balkan restaurants). You can diversify the cultural program with fun at the numerous festivals that are regularly held in the city.

Diving

Serbia is landlocked, but if you wish, you can dive in the waters of the Danube or large lakes. Almost all European fish species are found here: bream, minnows, carp, catfish, all kinds of sturgeon. At the bottom of the Danube there are wrecks from the Second World War, but diving to them can only be done under the guidance of certified instructors who know the area. Underwater caves are even more dangerous: they have been practically unexplored, and even experienced divers still do not risk swimming there. There are several diving schools open in Belgrade and other Serbian cities, where you can rent equipment, book a guided underwater excursion and get all the necessary recommendations.

Treatment in Serbia

About the health of guests Serbian resorts It is not only doctors who care, but also nature itself. About a thousand mineral springs, healing mud, clean air and mild climate - everything you need for harmony of body and spirit. Of course, doctors also work “excellently”: numerous hotels and sanatoriums offer effective physiotherapy and spa techniques developed for patients with any diagnosis. And, what’s especially nice, prices for treatment in Serbia are more than moderate compared to average European prices.

What to bring

It is better to bring handicrafts from Serbia: if you try hard, you can find truly unique items in local shops. Ceramic vases, pots and whistles, loom-woven scarves and shawls, dolls in national costumes, patterned brandy flasks, knitted sweaters and socks - Balkan craftsmen know how to surprise tourists. For fun, you can purchase items traditional costume: “opantsy” bast shoes with curved noses or “shaikachi” caps. Much more practical purchases are leather shoes and accessories self made: quality and design are beyond praise.

You can’t leave hospitable Serbia without some goodies: rakia fruit vodka, Pelinkovac wormwood liqueur, herbal tea, ajvar vegetable caviar and plum jam.

Cuisine and restaurants of Serbia

Accustomed to being at the center of European events, Serbs boldly mix the gastronomic traditions of different cultures: Slavic and German, Turkish and Mediterranean. All the treats are simple and incredibly tasty, with the addition of aromatic spices and kaymak milk - specially fermented and lightly salted.

Traditional first courses are liquid “soup” broth and rich “chorba”. For the main course, you should try pork sausages “čevapčiči”, chopped cutlets “pljeskavici”, chops “veshalitsy” and skewered pork “cookies” (not to be confused with flour products!). Ideal combinations of meat and vegetables are “Dzhuvech” stew with tomatoes and an analogue of cabbage rolls “Sarma” with minced meat and rice. The most original dishes are dried prosciutto legs, stewed kapama lamb with salad and yoghurt, and the finest steak Karadjordjeva schnitzel. The fish is used to prepare fish soup “riblya chorba”, trout with prunes and carp in cream. Instead of fast food, there are all kinds of pastries: puff “bureks” with fillings, thin “pita” pies and “priganice” donuts.

Serbs have a special passion for spicy dishes, which is why “feferoni” peppers are a side dish for almost every meal.

It is better to get acquainted with authentic Serbian cuisine in traditional kafanas - establishments with live music, simple interiors and a relaxed atmosphere. In small towns there are many family restaurants offering regional dishes based on old recipes. In Belgrade, eateries with experimental cuisine are opening more and more often: this is where the chef’s imagination can run wild. Lunch for two in a standard cafe will cost from 1200-1300 RSD, a snack in fast food - from 450-550 RSD, dinner with alcohol in a good restaurant - from 2000-3000 RSD.

Guides in Serbia

Entertainment and attractions: Art Nouveau, Romanticism, Renaissance and Academicism are mixed here, cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops are located in beautiful mansions. The most spectacular royal residences are the snow-white Median. The latter is located in the eastern part of the country, on the border with Romania, and is notable for its incredible views, the site of the Mesolithic hunters Lepenski Vir, the ancient Trajan's Bridge and the medieval Golubac Fortress. Local wildlife - bears, lynxes, wolves, black storks and many others.

Kopaonik National Park in the southwestern part of Central Serbia is home to wolves, wild boars, roe deer, foxes, hares, stoats and wolverines, and there are as many as 148 species of birds. The Tara Western Nature Reserve is home to brown bear, chamois, roe deer, lynx, otter and more than 100 species of birds, including golden eagle, griffon vulture, peregrine falcon, Eurasian eagle owl and black grouse. In the Fruska Gora National Park, under the shade of deciduous forests, deer and roe deer frolic and many birds nest, including white and black storks, imperial eagle, balaban and black kite.

Holidays and Events

January 1 - New Year, aka New Year: Serbian Father Frost Bozic Bata puts gifts for children in a special stocking hidden under the tree. January 5th is the Tutsindan folk holiday, when lambs and piglets are slaughtered for the Christmas table. The next day, on Christmas Eve Badnidan, men go to the forest for badnyak - an oak log, a mandatory attribute of the main family celebration, and women prepare “pechenitsa”, pies and other delicacies. On January 7, Christmas, all this is eaten with pleasure.

January 9 - Republic Day, February 15 - Statehood Day in honor of the country's first uprising in 1804. March 22 - Babies: time for cleaning, burning garbage, jumping over fires and exchanging honey pies. The main festivities of spring are the Annunciation and Easter: church services take place from the very morning, eggs and wine are displayed on the tables, and in the evening mass festivities begin with “kolo” round dances. May 1, like ours, is Labor Day, May 9 is Victory Day. May 6 - Djurdjevdan, honoring St. George and symbolizing the boundary between winter and summer. June 28 - Vidovdan in memory of the Great Martyr Lazar.

August 2 - Elijah's Day: by eating corn, melon, fresh honey and boiled nettle, you can ensure your health for the year ahead.

Autumn is the time for public holidays: October 20 - Belgrade Liberation Day, October 29 - Constitution Day, November 11 - Armistice Day in the First World War.

Serbia can be considered a kind of “crossroads” of Europe. The shortest roads running through this country connect Western Europe and the Middle East. A large number of national parks, mountains, rivers make Serbia great place For active rest. However, Serbia also has a large number of unique attractions and several popular balneological resorts.

Geography of Serbia

Serbia is located at the junction of Central and South-Eastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. In the north, Serbia borders with Hungary, in the east with Romania and Bulgaria, in the south with Macedonia, and in the west with Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro. total area this Balkan country– 88,361 sq. km, and the total length of the state border is 2,397 km.

The autonomous province of Vojvodina occupies the Pannonian Plain, and the rest of Serbia includes the Dinaric Alps, the East Serbian Mountains, and Carpathian mountains and Stara Planina. The most high peak in Serbia - Mount Djeravica (2,656 m).

The Danube, the longest river in this country, flows through the entire territory of Serbia. The largest tributaries of the Danube are the Sava and Tisza.

Capital

The capital of Serbia is Belgrade, which is now home to more than 1.2 million people. Historians believe that the first settlements on the site of modern Belgrade were founded by Celtic tribes.

Official language

The official language in Serbia is Serbian, which belongs to the South Slavic subgroup of the Slavic group of Indo-European languages.

Religion

More than 82% of the population of Serbia are Orthodox Christians (Greek Catholic Church). Another 5% of Serbs consider themselves Catholics, and 2% consider themselves Muslims.

State structure of Serbia

According to the 2006 Constitution, Serbia is a parliamentary republic. The President is elected by direct universal suffrage. Legislative power belongs to the unicameral Parliament, which has 250 deputies.

The main political parties in Serbia are the Serbian Progressive Party, the Democratic Party of Serbia, and the Socialist Party.

Climate and weather in Serbia

The climate of Serbia is influenced by Atlantic Ocean, Adriatic Sea, and various mountain systems. In the north of the country the climate is continental with hot, humid summers and cold winters, and in the south it is temperate continental, with elements of a Mediterranean climate. The average air temperature in July is +22C, and in January – about 0C. The average monthly precipitation is about 55 mm.

Average air temperature in Belgrade:

  • January – -3C
  • February - -2C
  • March - +2C
  • April - +7C
  • May - +12C
  • June - +15C
  • July - +17C
  • August - +17C
  • September - +13C
  • October - +8C
  • November - +4C
  • December – 0C

Rivers and lakes

The Danube, the longest river in this country, flows through the entire territory of Serbia. It has tributaries Sava, Tisa, and Begey. In addition, there are other rivers in Serbia - the Great Morava, Tamis, Western Morava, Drina, Ibar, South Morava, Timok and Radik.

There are several large natural and artificial lakes in Serbia - Lake Djerdap, White Lake, Palic, Borsko, Srebrno, Zlatarsko, etc.

History of Serbia

The Slavs settled on the territory of modern Serbia in the 17th century AD. After some time, Serbia came under the rule of the Byzantine Empire. In the middle of the 10th century, an independent Slavic principality was formed in western Serbia.

In 1170, the Nemanjić dynasty began to rule in western Serbia. In 1217, the Pope presented the crown to King Stefan Nemanjic. The heyday of the Kingdom of Serbia occurred in the 14th century, when the country was ruled by Stefan Dusan.

However, in 1389, the Serbian army was defeated by the Turks in the Battle of Kosovo, and gradually the Ottoman Empire began to conquer the lands of Serbia. Since 1459, Serbia has become a province in Ottoman Empire.

It was not until 1878 that Serbia became independent, and in 1882 the Kingdom of Serbia was proclaimed.

First World War in 1914 began after the invasion of Austrian troops into the territory of Serbia. In December 1918, the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes was formed, which then became known as Yugoslavia.

After the end of World War II, socialist Yugoslavia was formed in 1945, led by Josip Broz Tito. The 1974 Constitution was one of the reasons for the expansion of Croatian, Slovenian and Albanian nationalism.

In 1991-92, Croatia, Macedonia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina separated from Yugoslavia. For almost the entire 1990s, Yugoslavia (i.e. Serbia) was at war with its former republics. The Serbs had a particularly difficult time in the Kosovo war after NATO intervention. As a result, Kosovo separated from Serbia.

In 2003, the state of Serbia and Montenegro was formed, which existed until 2006. Now the Republic of Serbia occupies an area of ​​88,361 square meters. km, and has no access to the sea.

Culture

For many centuries, the Serbs treated their culture with care, because... in this way they maintained their identity under Ottoman rule. Until now, Serbs annually celebrate various holidays, the history of which dates back to the early Middle Ages. The most popular Serbian holiday is “Vidov Dan” (the local version of St. Vitus Day).

Cuisine of Serbia

On the formation of Serbian cuisine big influence provided by countries neighboring Serbia. The Turkish influence is especially noticeable, because Serbia was a province of the Ottoman Empire for a long time.

We definitely recommend that tourists in Serbia try “ćevapčići” (small minced meat rolls), “Pljeskavica” (cutlets), “musaka”, “podvarak” (fried meat with sauerkraut), “proja” (corn bread), “gibanica” "(cheese pie), etc.

Traditional strong Serbian alcoholic drinks are šljivovica (plum brandy) and Lozovača (grape brandy, rakia).

Sights of Serbia

Serbs have always been careful about their history, and therefore there are many interesting sights in this country. The top ten best attractions in Serbia, in our opinion, include the following:


Cities and resorts

The most big cities Serbia - Novi Sad, Nis, and, of course, Belgrade.

Serbia is landlocked, but this country has a lot of balneological resorts. The most popular of them are Soko Banja, Buyanovacka Banja, Vrnjacka Banja, Banja Koviljaca, and Niska Banja.

Souvenirs/shopping

We advise tourists from Serbia to bring heart-shaped gingerbread, folk crafts, Serbian folk hats, embroidered shirts, traditional folk trousers, traditional folk shoes, Serbian folk jewelry (bracelets, beads, necklaces), wine, slivovitz, as well as Serbian folk musical instruments (frula, gusle and dvojnice).

Office hours

General information about Serbia. Useful information for tourists visiting the country

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The Republic of Serbia is located on the Balkan Peninsula. Part of the country's territory (20%) is located in the Pannonian Lowland. It has no access to the seas and oceans.

Administratively, Serbia is divided into 3 regions, which in turn are divided into districts and communities.

Largest cities: Belgrade, Novi Sad, Pristina and Nis.

Capital of Serbia- city of Belgrade.

Borders and area

Land borders with Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Serbia covers an area of ​​88,361 square kilometers (the country ranks 111th in the world in size).

Serbia map

Timezone

Population

7,243,000 people, which places the country 98th in terms of population in the world.

Religion

The overwhelming majority of the country's believing population are Orthodox (85%). About 5.5% of residents are Catholics, and 3.2% are Muslims.

Finance

The official currency is the Serbian dinar.

Medical care and insurance

First and emergency health care turns out to be free. All further medical care will be free only if available health insurance international standard and treatment in special clinics.

Mains voltage

220 volt. Frequency – 50 Hz.

International dialing code

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Official name- Serbia and Montenegro, unites two equal states. Serbia has two autonomous regions: Vojvodina, Kosovo and Metohija. Since 1999, due to the crisis of ethnic relations, the autonomous province of Kosovo and Metohija has been transferred to the jurisdiction of the UN. Located in the southeastern part of Europe.

Area 102,173 km2, incl. Serbia 88,361 km2 (of which Kosovo and Metohija - 10,887 km2), Montenegro 13,812 km2. Population (2001) - 10.5 million people, incl. in Serbia - 9.8 million people. (of which in Kosovo and Metohija - 2.3 million people), Montenegro - approx. 660 thousand people The official language is Serbian. The administrative center is Belgrade (1.7 million people, 2002), the capital of Serbia is Belgrade, the capital of Montenegro is Podgorica. Public Holiday- Day S. and Ch. February 4. Currency unit: in Serbia (without Kosovo and Metohija) - dinar, in Montenegro - euro, in Kosovo and Metohija - euro (in Albanian areas) and dinar (in Serbian areas).

Member of the UN, OSCE, IMF, World Bank, EBRD, etc., has observer status in the WTO.

Sights of Serbia

Geography of Serbia

Serbia and Montenegro is located primarily on the Balkan Peninsula, with a small part north of the Danube and Sava included in Central Europe. It extends from north to south between 46°11' and 41°50'N latitude, from east to west between 18°26' and 23°00'E longitude.

Washed from the southwest Adriatic Sea. Coastline 293.5 km, of which 52 km are beaches. The coast is winding, the largest bay is Bokokotorskaya, which is a convenient harbor.

On the sea side it borders with Italy, its land borders are in the west with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, in the north with Hungary, in the east with Romania and Bulgaria, in the south with Macedonia and Albania.

Natural conditions are extremely diverse.

According to the nature of the relief, it is divided into two parts - the northern plain and the southern mountainous (area ratio is approximately 1:3).

The flat north occupies South part Middle Danube lowland 100-150 m above sea level. Only in two places do low crystalline massifs rise: Fruška Gora (539 m) and Vršačka Kula (640 m). The mountainous part is divided into five regions: the hilly Šumadija in the north, the East Serbian Mountains in the east, the Serbian Highlands in the center, the outskirts of the Bosnian Mountains in the west, the Dinaric Highlands and the Montenegrin Karst Plateau in the southwest. Numerous ridges alternate with small valleys mountain rivers and tectonic basins. The most extensive are Kosovo and Metohija. 45 mountain peaks have a height of more than 2000 m. The highest point in Serbia is Mount Djeravica (2656 m), in Montenegro - Mount Bobotov Kuk (2522 m). A large lake is Skadar, on the border with Albania (370 km2). From the north it is adjacent to the only vast plain of Montenegro - the Skadar Basin.

The majority of rivers belong to the Black Sea basin. The main ones are the Danube (the length of the territory and borders is 588 km), its tributaries Sava, Tisza and Morava, as well as the Drina, which forms a significant part of the western border, the Ibar and Lim. Two large canal systems were built - Banat (518 km) and Bach (421 km).

The climate in most of the territory is temperate continental. On the plains and hilly areas, the average temperature in January is from –1 to –2°C, in July +22-23°C, and precipitation is 500-1000 mm per year. In mountainous areas, summers are milder, winters are more severe, precipitation is heavy (1500-2500 mm), and snow cover lasts for several months. The climate of the Adriatic coast is Mediterranean subtropical with hot, dry, long summers and mild, rainy winters. The average temperature in January is +10°C, July is +27°C, precipitation falls up to 1500 mm per year.

The soils in the Middle Danube Lowland are represented mainly by chernozems. Brown forest soils dominate in mountainous Serbia, while mountain-meadow soils dominate in the upper mountain belt. Vast karst areas in Montenegro are devoid of soil cover, and red soils have formed in depressions and on the Adriatic coast.

The vegetation cover in the flat north is dominated by steppe grasses, in the mountainous part - forests (beech, oak). The upper belt of the mountains is covered with mountain grasses. Mediterranean oak is found in the Dinaric Highlands and on the Montenegrin karst plateau. On the Adriatic coast there are thickets of evergreen subtropical shrubs and trees (maquis, strawberry tree, myrtle, laurel, juniper), and tough grasses. Forests occupy approx. 1/4 of the country's territory.

The fauna on the plains is represented by voles, gophers, hares; The mountains are inhabited by deer, chamois, wild goat, fox, wild boar, and lynx. The world of birds is diverse. On rocky slopes there are lizards and snakes. Rivers, lakes and coastal sea waters are rich in fish (carp, pike, perch, trout, eel, sardines, etc.).

Among the mineral resources, the most important are lignite deposits, deposits of oil and natural gas, copper ore, bauxite and polymetallic ores, antimony, and magnesite. There are significant hydropower resources, especially the Danube.

An important part of the raw materials resources of Serbia and Montenegro is in the autonomous region of Kosovo and Metohija, which was removed from its jurisdiction (deposits of lead-zinc, iron-nickel ores, magnesite, lignite).

Population of Serbia

In 1948-2001, the population increased by 3.6 million people, mainly due to the high birth rate in the first post-war decades. From the end 1970s and especially during the crisis of the 1990s. the birth rate decreased significantly (2001 - 12.2‰), mortality began to rise (10.6‰) and natural increase decreased (1.6‰). It remains high (14.8‰) only in Kosovo and Metohija due to the high birth rate among the Albanian population, the share of which is constantly growing. Infant mortality is steadily decreasing (in 2001, 13.1 people per 1000 newborns).

In the population structure, 49.6% are men, 50.4% are women. Children under 15 years old make up 20%, youth 15-29 years old - 22%, people aged 30-44 years old - 21%, 45-64 years old - 23%, 65 years old and older - 13%. The average age is 37 years, the average life expectancy for men is 70 years, for women 75 years (2001). Retirement age: men 65 years, women 60 years.

The share of the urban population (1991 - 51%) is growing rapidly due to migration from villages. In addition to Belgrade, there are five large cities (over 100 thousand inhabitants) - Novi Sad, Nis, Kragujevac, Podgorica and Subotica.

According to the 1991 census, the economically active population was 44% (estimated for 2001 - 38% without data for Kosovo and Metohija), agricultural - 17%.

Significant progress has been made in raising the level of education of the population. In 1948, the proportion of illiterate people over 10 years of age was 27%, in 1991 - 7%. 30% had completed general or special secondary education, 4% of people over 15 years old had higher education.

The population of Serbia and Montenegro is multinational. The main part is made up of South Slavic peoples: Serbs (over 60%) and Montenegrins (about 4%). Among the national minorities, Albanians are the most numerous - approx. 12%, mainly in Kosovo and Metohija, and Hungarians - approx. 3%, mainly in Vojvodina. In addition, there are a significant number of Muslims (in the ethnic sense), Romanians, Gypsies, Slovaks, Croats, Bulgarians, Turks, etc.

The vast majority of the population speaks dialects of the Serbian language. National minorities in their main places of residence use their native language.

The bulk of believers are Orthodox: almost all Serbs and Montenegrins, as well as Romanians, Bulgarians, many Gypsies, etc. Most Albanians and Turks are Muslims. Catholicism and other religions are practiced by a small part of the population (mainly Hungarians and Croats).

In the 1990s. As a result of ethnic conflicts in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Metohija, many Serbs and Montenegrins living there moved to Serbia. In 2001, the number of displaced people there was 452 thousand, of which 377 thousand had refugee status.

History of Serbia

Serbian tribes appeared in the Balkans back in the 6th-7th centuries, settling on the territory of the former possessions of Ancient Rome. In the 9th century they accepted Christianity in its Orthodox form. Situated between the powerful regional powers of the time - Venice, Byzantium, Hungary and Bulgaria, the Serbs were forced to constantly fight for their freedom and independence. For this purpose, they created special territorial entities, headed by zhupans, who concentrated both military and administrative power in their hands. In the 2nd half. 12th century one of these zupans - Stefan Nemanja - became the prince of all Serbia and the founder of the first national dynasty. His son Stefan the First Crowned was crowned king.

The heyday of the Serbian state occurred in the middle. 14th century - the period of the reign of King Stefan Dusan, whose possessions were so extensive that he bore the title of “king of the Serbs and Greeks.” However, after the death of Dusan, the state he created began to disintegrate. The new conquerors of the Balkans, the Ottoman Turks, took advantage of the fragmentation of the Serbs. In the Battle of Kosovo on June 28, 1389, the Serbs suffered a crushing defeat, which led to their state disaster. Since then, the date of the Kosovo battle, which coincided with St. Vitus Day (“Vidovdan”), has become the most tragic in the entire history of the Serbian people.

The history of centuries-old Turkish domination was also the history of the struggle of the Serbs against their enslavers. However, only at the beginning of the 19th century. There was a nationwide uprising, led by Black George (Kara-Djordje), who laid the foundation for a new Serbian dynasty - the Karađorđević. In the liberated territory, the Serbs restored their statehood.

In 1820, Istanbul officially recognized Serbia as an independent principality with the rights of vassalage. Serbia gained complete independence only after the defeat of Turkey in the Russian-Turkish War of 1877-78.

At the same time, the Berlin Congress (1878) secured the status of a subject of international law for Montenegro. Until the 14th century. the history of the Montenegrin people, related to the Serbs, was inseparable from the history of Serbia, of which Montenegro was part of as one of the regions. After the Turkish enslavement of Serbia, the Zeta state formation, which included Montenegro and northern Albania, became independent. Only a century later the Turks managed to subjugate the lowland Montenegrin territories. The population entrenched in the inaccessible Black Mountains managed to maintain independence, creating a theocratic republic headed by the rulers - the metropolitans of Montenegro. One of them - Bishop Peter the First Njegos - after successful wars with the Turks, in 1798 he obtained from the Sultan the publication of a special firman recognizing the independence of Montenegro. The process of transforming the rulers into secular rulers that began after this ultimately led to the fact that in 1852 Bishop Danilo accepted the title of prince and laid the foundation for the secular Petrovich dynasty. His successor, Prince Nikola, became King of Montenegro in 1910.

The centuries-old desire of two related peoples to unite was hampered not only by territorial disunity in the form of the Turkish Sanjak that separated them, which was eliminated in 1912 as a result of the victory over Turkey in the 1st Balkan War. The main obstacle was the rivalry between the two reigning dynasties - the Petrovic and Karađorđević. Therefore, it was not the ruling royal dynasty, but the Montenegrin opposition that joined the Corfu (1917) declaration of representatives of the Yugoslav peoples on the intention to create a unified state of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes.

On November 26, 1918, the Assembly of representatives of the Montenegrin people, meeting in Podgorica, spoke in favor of the overthrow of the Petrovich dynasty and for unification with Serbia under the rule of Peter the Great Karađorđevich, and on December 1 - as a result of the unification of Serbia with the Power of Slovenes, Croats, Serbs (proclaimed in the former Yugoslav territories of Austria-Hungary ) a single Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, Slovenes was formed (since 1929 - the Kingdom of Yugoslavia). With the adoption of the Vidovdan Constitution of 1931, the country received a new Administrative division for banovins, consolidating the liquidation historical areas unitary state. At the same time, if as a result of this the territory of Serbia proper was divided between several banovinas, then Montenegro entirely became part of one Zeta banovina, thus maintaining its territorial integrity. In connection with the formation in 1939, on the basis of the Cvetkovic-Maček Agreement, of a separate Banovina Croatia, a project was developed to create a similar unified Banovina Serbian lands. However, due to the outbreak of the 2nd World War, it was not destined to be realized.

After the fascist aggression against Yugoslavia in April 1941, Serbia was occupied by German troops and the Quisling regime of General Milan Nedic was created, and Montenegro entered the Italian occupation zone. With the capitulation of Italy in September 1943, Montenegro was also subjected to German occupation. During the 2nd World War, various government projects concerning Serbia and Montenegro collided. The bearers of the Great Serbian idea of ​​unification were both the Nedić regime and the monarchical Ravnogorsk Chetnik movement of Draža Mihailović. The Great Serbian idea was opposed by the concept of the Anti-Fascist Assembly of People's Liberation of Yugoslavia, which provided for the revival of the country on a federal basis. This idea was implemented in 1945 within the framework of Democratic Federal Yugoslavia (from 1946 - Federal People's Republic Yugoslavia, since 1963 - Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia). Thus, within the framework of the federation, the statehood of both Serbia and Montenegro was restored.

At the same time, two autonomies were formed within Serbia - Kosovo and Metohija and Vojvodina, which, as a result of constitutional changes in 1974, were endowed with elements of confederality on a par with the union republics, receiving seats in the highest state body - the Presidium of the SFRY and the right of veto on issues of both regional and republican development. As a result, a situation arose where not the regions were subordinate to Serbia, but Serbia itself was subordinate to its autonomies. This situation contributed to fueling the ambitions of the Albanian national elite in Kosovo and Metohija, which began to more and more insistently demand for the region the status of a union republic with the right to secede from the federation. In order to preserve the territorial integrity of Serbia and the SFRY in 1989-90, appropriate changes were made to the Constitution at the republican and federal levels. The response from the Albanian majority in the Assembly of Kosovo and Metohija was the unilateral proclamation of the region as a republic, and then as an independent state. In 1992, illegal elections of their own “state” authorities were held in Kosovo and Metohija. In 1998, Albanian separatists in Kosovo and Metohija switched to an armed struggle to achieve their goals, provoking response actions by the Serbian authorities, which, in turn, was the reason for NATO aggression against the FRY in March 1999. In June of the same year, UN Security Council Resolution no. 1244 an international protectorate was established in Kosovo and Metohija.

In con. 1990s separatist tendencies also appeared in Montenegro. With the collapse of the SFRY in 1992, the Montenegrin leadership, like the leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Slovenia and Croatia, initially agreed with the principle developed by the international Badenter Commission of creating new independent states within the former republican borders. However, after negotiations with the Serbian leadership, a decision was made to maintain the federation consisting of two republics, and on April 27, 1992, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was formed. However, after the split in 1997 in the ruling Democratic Party of Socialists in Montenegro and the election of Milo Djukanovic as president, separatist tendencies intensified in the republic. The Montenegrin leadership ceased to recognize the federal parliament and the government of the FRY formed by it. And after the federal presidential elections in September 2000, which official Montenegro boycotted, all federal institutions began to be considered in Podgorica as purely Serbian. As a result, the federation acquired an almost nominal character.

Due to the complete incompatibility of the positions of Belgrade and Podgorica on the future of their relations, bilateral negotiations have reached a dead end. Taking advantage of the mutual desire of Serbia and Montenegro for European integration, the EU forced the authorities in both republics to agree to a compromise and sign on March 14, 2002 the Belgrade Agreement on the transformation of the FRY into the new state community of Serbia and Montenegro.

State structure and political system of Serbia

In accordance with the Constitutional Charter adopted on February 4, 2003, the state community of Serbia and Montenegro is based on the equality of both member states.

The charter provided for the formation of a unicameral parliament - the Assembly of Serbia and Montenegro from 126 deputies (91 from Serbia and 35 from Montenegro), first for a period of 2 years by delegating deputies from the republican assemblies, and subsequently for a period of 4 years through direct elections. Decisions by parliament are made by a simple majority of the list, provided that the same majority from each of the republics votes for them. For a period of 4 years, the Assembly also elects the president of the new state entity, alternately from each of the two republics. The head of parliament and the president could not be representatives of the same republic. The first president of Serbia and Montenegro was the representative of Montenegro, Svetozar Marovic. The Chairman of the Parliament is the Serbian representative Dragoljub Mičunović, who was replaced by Zoran Shami in 2004.

The President of Serbia and Montenegro proposes for approval to the Assembly candidates for the highest executive body - the Council of Ministers, which he heads ex officio. In addition to the president, the government also includes the Minister of Defense, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and their deputies, the Minister of Foreign Economic Relations, the Minister of Internal Economic Relations, as well as the Minister of Human Rights and National Minorities. At the end of the 2-year term, the Minister of Defense and the Minister of Foreign Affairs change places with their deputies.

The member republics of the community elect their own supreme bodies of state power. In Serbia, elections to the republican parliament of 250 deputies were held using a proportional system. To create parliamentary groups, a limit of 5% of the votes received in the elections was provided.

The mandate to form a government is given to the representative of the parliamentary majority. In 2004, the mandate was received by the chairman of the Democratic Party, Vojislav Kostunica (until 2003 - president of the FRY). During the formation of his coalition government, personal responsibility of each party for the ministry assigned to it was introduced for the first time. In contrast to previous practice, its leadership (ministers and deputy ministers) consisted entirely of members of one party.

The President of the Republic was elected through direct elections for a term of 5 years with the possibility of re-election for another term. Due to the failure of the republican presidential elections of 2002 and 2003 due to the failure of the required number of voters (50% of the list), the duties of the president of Serbia until the election of a new president were performed by the head of the republican assembly. In 2004, legislators lifted the threshold for voter turnout and elected Boris Tadic to the post of President of Serbia.

In Montenegro, in a similar situation, this obstacle was removed back in 2003, and Filip Vujanovic was elected as the new president in repeated elections. The former head of the republic, Milo Djukanovic, moved to the position of prime minister. Parliamentary elections in Montenegro were also held according to a proportional system. The variable values ​​in this case were the number of “playable” parliamentary mandates (from 125 in 1990 to 71 in 2002) and the electoral threshold for parties to enter parliament, fluctuating between 3-5% (in 2002 - 3%). In 2004, an agreement was reached between the authorities and the opposition to introduce differentiated electoral qualifications. If for parties independently participating in elections it remained at the level of 3%, then for multi-party coalitions a moving scale was introduced. For a two-party coalition, the threshold was set at 5%, for a three-party coalition - 7%, etc.

In the province of Kosovo and Metohija, legal parliamentary elections to the Regional Assembly were held in November 2001 on the basis of the “Charter Framework for Provisional Self-Government” approved by the International Civil Administration (UNMIK).

Of the 120 parliamentary seats in the regional parliament, 100 were allocated to all registered parties, coalitions and independent candidates, and 20 were reserved for associations of national minorities. And half of them are for Serbs.

Elections were carried out according to a proportional system with the presence of one electoral unit in the region. The term of office of the Kosovo Assembly was limited to 3 years. The regional parliament elected the presidium and the president of Kosovo.

Political parties in Serbia and Montenegro are registered only at the republican level. In Serbia in 2003 there were 274 of them. However, in fact the number of parties actively manifesting themselves in the political arena is an order of magnitude smaller. The largest were the Democratic Party (chairman Boris Tadić) and the Democratic Party of Serbia (chairman Vojislav Kostunica), which after their common victory in October 2000 over the “Milosevic regime” became the main political rivals. In addition to them, before the parliamentary elections of 2003, the most prominent role was played by such pro-government parties as the Democratic Christian Party of Serbia (Vladan Batic), the Democratic Center (Dragoljub Micunovic), the Democratic Alternative (Nebojsa Covic) and the Civil Union of Serbia (Goran Svilanovic). Local national political parties such as the Union of Hungarians of Vojvodina (József Kasa) and the Sandžak Democratic Party (Rasim Ljajic) occupied a prominent place in the republican arena among the pro-government political forces.

Along with the old opposition - the Socialist Party of Serbia (Slobodan Milosevic), the Serbian Radical Party (Vojislav Seselj), the Serbian Renewal Movement (Vuk Draskovic), the Party of Serbian Unity (Borislav Pelevich), the new democratic opposition also played an increasingly active role. In addition to the Democratic Party of Serbia, these are primarily the G 17 Plus party (Mirolyub Labus), as well as the New Serbia party, which was led by Velimir Ilic, one of the main organizers of the Serbian democratic revolution of 2000. At the end of 2003, the Social Democratic Party also went into opposition ( Slobodan Orlic), which led to the loss of the parliamentary majority by the ruling regime.

The 2003 parliamentary elections led to a new alignment of political forces. Parties representing both the new, democratic and the old, nationalist and leftist opposition achieved noticeable success. Largest number seats in the republican parliament (82) were won by the Serbian Radical Party, the Democratic Party of Serbia received 53 mandates, the G 17 Plus party - 34 (3 of which were given to the Social Democratic Party), the coalition of the Serbian Renewal Movement and the New Serbia Party - 22. The same amount was won Socialist Party of Serbia. The political positions of the former leading ruling party, the Democratic Party, have significantly weakened. Despite the fact that her electoral list received 37 parliamentary seats, she directly received 13 fewer mandates. In accordance with the strict pre-election inter-party agreement, 5 seats from the general democratic electoral list were given to the Democratic Center and the Civil Union of Serbia, and one to the Social Democratic Union. Two more parliamentary mandates were promised to representatives of the Sandjak parties. As for the representatives of the Vojvodina Hungarians, this time they did not get into the Serbian Assembly.

In Montenegro, the leading political parties were the ruling Democratic Party of Socialists (Milo Djukanovic) and the Socialist People's Party (Predrag Bulatovic), which broke away from it in 1998, and became the main opposition force. The Social Democratic Party (Ranko Krivokapić), the Liberal Union (Vesna Perović), the People's Party (Dragan Šoć), and the Serbian People's Party (Andrija Mandić) also played an important political role. In con. In 2003, part of the former members of the leadership of the latter, led by the former chairman Bozidar Bojović, formed their own - the Democratic Serbian Party.

The main players on the political scene in the province of Kosovo and Metohija were such Albanian national parties as the Democratic League (Ibrahim Rugova), the Democratic Party (Hashim Thaci), the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (Ramus Haradinaj), the New Party of Kosovo (Bujar Bukoshi), the Christian Democratic Party (Mark Krasniqi).

Of the Serbian parties, the most active role at the regional level was played by the Democratic Alternative, the Democratic Party of Serbia and the Democratic Party represented in the Kosovo Assembly.

The internal political development of the new state community in the next 3 years after the adoption of the Constitutional Charter, despite the official consensus of the overwhelming majority of the political elite, was fraught with an intensification of the struggle between centrifugal and centripetal forces, in both republics.

Montenegrin society continued to remain deeply divided on the issue of the future of relations with Serbia. If the opposition Coalition for Change (formerly the Coalition for Yugoslavia) as part of the Socialist People's Party, the People's Party and the Serbian People's Party advocated the federal development of Serbia and Montenegro, then the ruling bloc of demosocialists and social democrats did not abandon their intention to use the right in 3 years for a referendum on the independence of Montenegro. The Liberal Union also remained in an unchanged position of separatism, although it switched to cooperation with the federalists on the issue of removing the ruling regime of the DPS-SDP from power. In connection with the manifestations of a clear reluctance on the Montenegrin side to speed up the process of harmonization of the economic systems of the two member states of the community, voices in Serbia began to be heard louder and louder in favor of the independence of this republic. The Democratic Christian Party and the G 17 Plus party officially supported Serbian independence.

The foreign policy of the new state community was determined by its internal needs, both economic (providing favorable conditions for the necessary foreign financial injections and for the sale of domestic products on foreign markets) and political (ensuring international support in strengthening the ruling regime and resolving the Kosovo crisis on the basis of territorial integrity of the community). Therefore, inclusion in European structures, especially the EU, was specifically stated in the Constitutional Charter as one of the main goals of Serbia and Montenegro. At the same time, an application was made to join the North Atlantic structures and for a strategic partnership with the United States.

This desire determined the nature of military reform. Armed forces(VS) of Serbia and Montenegro, numbering 78 thousand people. as of 2003, NATO experts recommended a reduction to 50 thousand. As part of the ongoing reduction of the Armed Forces, the number of generals in command positions was halved (from 51 to 26). In order to adapt to the NATO Partnership for Peace program, the Supreme Defense Council of Serbia and Montenegro approved a new organizational chart for the Armed Forces, which was now headed by a civilian Minister of Defense.

In addition to the desire to get closer to NATO standards, radical reforms in the military sphere were also determined by simple economic calculations. The average salary of a career soldier was only 1.2 times the minimum wage established by law. Even in 2002, when 41.4 billion dinars (approx. $700 million) were allocated for military needs, the real needs of the armed forces were estimated at 140 billion dinars.

Economy of Serbia

Serbia and Montenegro is a moderately developed industrial-agrarian state with a predominance of private property. Industry and construction give St. 2/5 of social production, agriculture - 1/4. The share of the service sector is growing. In 2001, 42% of GDP was produced in the private sector, 30% in mixed enterprises, and 28% of GDP in state and public enterprises. More than 90% of GDP is created in Serbia, less than 10% in Montenegro (hereinafter, data for Kosovo and Metohija are not included since 1999 due to their absence).

In the 1990s. The economy of Serbia and Montenegro fell into decline due to the destruction of the single market of the former SFRY, military conflicts in the Balkans, international sanctions and NATO bombing. GDP in 1990-2001 decreased from 28.4 billion to 10.1 billion dollars (606.7 billion din), and per capita - from 2.7 thousand to 1.2 thousand dollars.

Industry found itself in a particularly difficult situation. In 2002, its production volume was 45% of the 1990 level, incl. in extractive industries - 57%, in manufacturing - 38%. In the metalworking industry, production of machinery and equipment, clothing and footwear, product output decreased by 82-85%. In most industries (except energy), production capacity is no more than 1/3 loaded.

Agriculture was also severely affected. In 1990-2002, the area of ​​cultivated land decreased by almost 10%, the number of cattle by 35%, pigs by 17%, sheep by 44%, and poultry by 35%. The production of most types of products has decreased.

Living standards in the 1990s sharply declined, the bulk of the population found itself on the brink of survival.

Change at the end The 2000 political regime and the normalization of relations with the world did not improve the economic situation. The average annual growth rate of GDP was 4% in 2001-02. Industrial production did not increase in 2001; in 2002 the increase was less than 2%. The dynamics of agricultural production are unstable. The volume of transport, communication services, and construction work has decreased. Only the volume of retail trade has increased significantly.

The restoration and modernization of production is proceeding slowly. Capital investments in fixed assets in 2001 amounted to RSD 65.8 billion. (11% of GDP). The number of people employed in enterprises is decreasing (2002 - 2.2 million), the number of unemployed is growing (923 thousand). Unemployment 25%. More than 1/4 of the unemployed are qualified personnel.

Among the achievements are financial stabilization and growth in household incomes. Inflation fell from 86% in 2000 to 14% in 2002. Average real wage amounted to 142 US dollars in December 2002, converted at the official exchange rate, the average old-age pension was 135 US dollars, which is slightly more than the cost of the minimum consumer basket. The population has significant foreign currency savings (46.7 billion dime in terms of official exchange rates), the bulk of which are frozen. Savings in national currency - 3.6 billion din.

The standard of living remains low, more than 50% of the population's expenses go to food.

In terms of share in industrial production, the leaders are the energy sector (16%), mechanical engineering (15%), food industry (14%) and chemical industry (11%), followed by the knitwear, textile and clothing industries (6%), non-ferrous metallurgy (4% ), production of building materials (4%). Mining and processing of non-metals, furniture, rubber, pulp and paper, leather and footwear, and printing industries also occupy a prominent place.

Energy is based mainly on the use of local reserves of lignite, large thermal power plants (Kolubara, Kostolac, the third in Kosovo and Metohija) were built near the extraction sites of which in Serbia. 1/3 of the electricity is produced at hydroelectric power stations (the largest is Djerdap on the Danube). Vojvodina produces oil and small quantities of natural gas. The oil refining industry is represented by plants in Pancevo and Novi Sad.

In 2002, 33.5 million tons of coal (mainly lignites), 682 thousand tons of oil, 107 million m3 of natural gas were produced, approx. 44 billion kWh of electricity. A significant amount of energy resources and electricity is imported. From oil refining products, 755 thousand tons of gasoline, 728 thousand tons of diesel fuel, 848 thousand tons of fuel oil, 38 thousand tons of oils and lubricants were produced.

In ferrous metallurgy, the main facility in Serbia is a large plant in Smederevo, in Montenegro - a plant in Niksic (mainly steel rolling). In 2002, 495 thousand tons of cast iron, 596 thousand tons of steel were smelted, 671 thousand tons of rolled products, 30 thousand tons of pipes, 166 thousand tons of cold-rolled thin sheet steel were produced.

Non-ferrous metallurgy stands out in scale. In Serbia, there is significant mining of copper ore (Bor, Majdanpek deposits) and copper smelting (Bor), rolling (Sevoino, Nis), rolling-cable (Svetozarevo) and cable (Zajecar, Novi Sad) are developed ) production. The main capacities of the lead-zinc industry are concentrated in Kosovo and Metohija; There are also mines in Montenegro, an electrolytic zinc plant in Serbia (Sabac). Precious and rare metals are simultaneously extracted from copper and lead-zinc ores. Bauxite is mined in Montenegro and an aluminum smelter has been built in Podgorica.

In 2002, 104 thousand tons of aluminum, 36 thousand tons of electrolytic copper, 1.5 thousand tons of zinc, 170 tons of refined lead, 6.8 tons of refined silver were smelted, 38 thousand tons of copper and 17 thousand tons of rolled aluminum were produced (without Kosovo and Metohija). A significant part of non-ferrous metallurgy products, as well as finished products made from it, is exported.

The chemical industry has developed in Serbia mainly on the basis of by-products of non-ferrous metallurgy, as well as oil and gas raw materials. In 2002, 74 thousand tons of sulfuric acid, 133 thousand tons of nitric acid, 18 thousand tons of phosphorus, 437 thousand tons of nitrogen fertilizers, 188 thousand tons of plastics were produced. The production of artificial and synthetic fibers is significant.

Diversified mechanical engineering has been developed: in Serbia and Montenegro - electrical and electronics industry; in Serbia - production of agricultural machinery, mining equipment, cars (passenger cars - in Kragujevac, trucks - in Priboj). A ship repair shipyard was built in Kotor (Montenegro).

In 2002, 15 thousand automobile engines, 595 trucks and 11 thousand passenger cars, 24.7 thousand motorcycles, 3 thousand tractors, 65 freight cars, 1.7 million transformers, 4.6 thousand televisions, 18 were produced. 4 thousand tons of cable products, 11.6 thousand tons of batteries, 10.1 thousand refrigerators, 4 thousand washing machines.

The production of building materials is based mainly on local mineral raw materials. In Serbia there are 3 large cement factories (in the cities of Beocin, Kosjerich and Novi Popovac) and several brick factories. Deposits of technical and architectural stone are being successfully developed.

The food industry, textile, leather and shoe production are developed mainly in Vojvodina, as well as in large cities. There are famous tobacco factories in Nis and Vranje.

Agriculture has favorable natural and climatic conditions for development. In the 1990s. the volume of production in it was able to be maintained at a level that made it possible to almost completely satisfy domestic needs for agricultural products and partially export them.

The industry is predominantly grain and livestock-raising. The area of ​​cultivated land is 4445 thousand hectares, of which in the private sector - 3791 thousand hectares. The main agricultural areas are located in Serbia - the Central Danube Lowland and the Morava Valley, which are almost completely ploughed. Wheat, corn, rye, sugar beets, hemp, sunflowers, potatoes, plums, and grapes are grown. Cattle, pigs, sheep, and poultry are raised. In Montenegro, the main branch of agriculture is mountain pasture husbandry (sheep, low-productive cattle). Processed approx. 6% of the land is grown mainly plums, figs, pomegranates, almonds, citrus fruits, as well as olives and grapes.

In 2002, 2.2 million tons of wheat were harvested (with a yield of 32 c/ha), 5.5 million tons of corn, 992 thousand tons of potatoes, 2.2 thousand tons of sugar beets, approx. 0.5 million tons of meat, 1.8 billion liters of milk, 1.4 billion pieces. eggs, 6.2 thousand tons of fish were caught.

The main role in transportation is played by railways. Their total length is 4.1 thousand km, incl. electrified - 1.4 thousand km. The network of highways is developed - the total length is 45 thousand km, incl. modern highways - 28 thousand km. River navigation is carried out along the Danube, Sava, Tisza and canals (limited due to the effects of NATO bombing). River ports- Belgrade, Novi Sad and Smederevo, sea - Bar and Kotor. The main airports are in Belgrade and Podgorica. Length of pipelines St. 1.5 thousand km (2001).

Tourism is developed in the seaside resorts of Montenegro and in the regions thermal springs Serbia. In 2002 tourist sites received St. 3 million people, incl. 661 thousand foreigners.

After the change of political regime in 2000, the government's main efforts were aimed at normalizing the country's international position. All sanctions have been lifted from it, membership in the UN and international economic organizations has been restored. In September 2002, the Serbian government formed the European Integration Council to prepare for accession to the EU.

Trade and economic relations with Western countries and former republics of the SFRY. During 2001-02, a significant part of the external debt, which had increased during the sanctions due to accrued interest, was written off or restructured. At the 1st donor conference in Brussels in 2001, it was decided to allocate $1.3 billion to the country in the form of non-repayable assistance and concessional loans.

There is no common economic policy in Serbia and Montenegro, since there is no unified economic system. Serbia uses national currency, Montenegro switched to the German mark in 2000, and from 2002 to the euro, has its own central bank, tax, customs and budget systems.

The People's Bank of Yugoslavia (since February 2003 - Serbia) has been pursuing a tight monetary policy since 2001, which the IMF supports with stand-by loans. In con. In 2002, the refinancing rate was 9.5%, the volume of reserve money was 34 billion din, the money supply in circulation was 94.6 billion din. The NBS foreign exchange reserves have increased significantly ($2.3 billion), and their volume is sufficient to maintain financial stability. The dinar is pegged to the euro, and its exchange rate is almost stable (at the end of 2002 - 61.52 din per 1 euro). The external debt of Serbia and Montenegro in December 2002 was $8.6 billion.

In 2002, the share of budgetary expenditures in the produced GDP of the federation was 7%, of Serbia 26%. The federal budget is balanced; Serbia's budget deficit in 2001 did not exceed 3%. The balance of all public finances amounting to approx. 50% of GDP, has a significant deficit.

Economic reform has been carried out since 2001. Administrative control over prices for almost all goods and services has been lifted, and steps have been taken to liberalize the foreign trade regime. Tax legislation has been modernized and tax collection has been increased. Decentralization of public finances has begun. A new law on foreign investment, a law on the privatization of public and state-owned enterprises in Serbia, etc. have been adopted.

Privatization is planned to be completed by 2005. All restrictions on the participation of foreign companies in it have been lifted. In 2002, more than 270 small and medium-sized enterprises were sold (at auctions) and 12 large ones (through tenders). The weak interest of investors in large facilities is explained by the reluctance to take on the solution of their debt and social problems and the poor condition of production assets.

As a result of the banking reform of 2001-02 in Serbia, the number of banks was reduced from 86 to 51, and several foreign banks were opened. The Postal Savings Bank has been transformed into a universal bank.

In 2002, the NBY obliged commercial banks to issue and transfer free of charge shares to the state in an amount equivalent to their debt to the Paris Club and frozen foreign currency deposits of citizens. As a result, the state became a co-owner of 17 commercial banks. Since 2003, the sale of state shares in their capital to strategic partners began. The issuance of licenses for independent operation of foreign banks has been stopped.

The stock market is poorly developed. The total turnover of the Belgrade Stock Exchange in 2002 was approx. $1.7 million.

In 2002, Serbia and Montenegro maintained trade and economic relations with 187 countries. Trade turnover amounted to $8.6 billion, which is twice as much as in 1995, when sanctions were lifted. Exports (2.3 billion dollars in 2002) are significantly inferior to imports (6.3 billion dollars). The bulk of the negative trade balance falls on the Russian Federation, which supplies Serbia and Montenegro mainly with natural gas and oil.

In 2002, 50% of Serbia and Montenegro's trade turnover was with developed countries, 42% with countries in transition, and 6% with developing countries. The leading foreign trade partners of Serbia and Montenegro are Germany, Italy and Russian Federation, whose shares in its turnover were 13, 11 and 10% (2002).

The main export items of Serbia and Montenegro are non-ferrous metals, clothing, vegetables and fruits, ferrous metallurgy products, rubber products (car tires, etc.), imports are oil and petroleum products, yarn and fabrics, trucks, natural gas, machine tools.

The balance of payments has a positive balance due to revenues from trade in services (mainly construction and transport), currency transfers from the diaspora, numbering St. 4 million people, transfers of foreign currency pensions to persons who worked abroad, donor assistance, income from privatization, etc.

Direct foreign investment is small (in 2002 in Serbia - $475 million). Investors buy mainly operating enterprises. The influx of capital is hampered by the difficult situation in the economy, the lack of established economic legislation, corruption, political instability and uncertainty about the future of the state.

Science and culture of Serbia

Almost half of the population of Serbia and Montenegro had only primary education or did not even receive it. Of the students admitted to primary school, every tenth person did not finish it. Up to 40% of students did not finish high school. As a result, only a third of the population had a secondary education. Higher education covered 16.5% of young people of student age, but only 6.4% of students enrolled in faculties received a diploma on time. The situation in the scientific sphere was dramatic. In 2000, only 0.22% of GDP was allocated to science (exactly an order of magnitude lower than in Germany). Funding for the scientific sector by 2010 should remain only 1.4% of GDP, while one of the conditions for admission to the EU was set at a minimum level of 3%.

The lack of funds did not allow for a quick improvement in the situation in the education sector. For example, secondary school funding should reach only half of the 1990 level in 2005.

The problem of saving and increasing wealth also required appropriate attention in Serbia and Montenegro. cultural heritage. In this regard, the undoubted national pride of the Serbian and Montenegrin peoples is the fact that they preserved their original Cyrillic writing in the vicinity of the Latinized Western European culture. The one who created it in the beginning has gone down in history forever. 19th century the founder of the national literary language, folklorist Vuk Stefanovic Karadzic. At the same time, the work of the remarkable writer Dosifej (Dmitrij) Obradovic marked the beginning of the flowering of Serbian classical literature. Subsequent contributions were made by Milovan Vidakovic, Lukijan Musicki, Simeon Milutinovic, Zmaj (Jovan) Jovanovic, Djura Jaksic, Laza Lazarevic. A special place in this series is occupied by the literary work of the Montenegrin ruler Peter the Second Petrovich Njegosh, who created one of the best works of Serbian literature - “The Mountain Crown”. A whole galaxy of literary masters made a significant contribution to Serbian literature of the 20th century. It was especially enriched by the work of such well-known writers abroad as Ivo Andrić (Nobel laureate 1961), Branislav Nusic, Milos Crnjanski, Branko Copic, Mesa Selimovic, Dobrica Cosic, Desanka Maksimovic, Antonije Isakovic, Alexander Tisma, Danilo Kis.

Serbs have also made a significant contribution to modern world art in the field of cinematography. The work of director Aleksandar Petrovich has become widely known outside Yugoslavia. Worldwide famous legend actor Velimir Bata Zivoinović became a member of Yugoslav cinema.

 

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