Bosnia and Herzegovina: general information, population, economy, science and culture. History of Bosnia and Herzegovina What you need to know about shopping in this country

Basic moments

In recent decades, Bosnia and Herzegovina has been actively developing tourism and now can offer travelers many historical attractions - ancient Christian churches, mosques and medieval castles. In addition, this European state has a luxurious nature. 90% of its territory is made up of picturesque mountains and foothills. And in winter, many ski fans come here.

In ancient times, the lands of Bosnia and Herzegovina were inhabited by Celts and Illyrians. In the 1st century AD the territory was controlled by the Roman Empire, and from the 6th century. - Byzantium. In subsequent centuries, the fertile foothill lands were inhabited by Serbs. In the 12th century, the Bosnian state was formed here. The country received its modern name and constitutional structure in the form of a parliamentary republic after the end of the Balkan War in 1995. Historically, the name “Bosnia and Herzegovina” was the result of the merger of two words: the name of the Bosna River and the German title “duke”, which was borne by the voivode Stefan Vuksic Kosaca in the 15th century.

Unfortunately, Bosnia and Herzegovina faces the 21st century with a lot of pressing problems. Today it is considered the poorest country in Europe and has a very high unemployment rate. BiH has on its territory a peacekeeping force of the European Union operating under the auspices of the UN. They provide solutions to interethnic problems and the removal of political tensions, and are also a guarantor of the prevention of ethnic conflicts.

However, these internal problems do not prevent the residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina from remaining very welcoming and hospitable to everyone who wants to get acquainted with the traditions and culture of the peoples inhabiting it. Most guests come here from neighboring countries, Germany and Turkey. The flow of tourists from Russia and the CIS countries is not yet large, but it is growing every year.

Traveling around Bosnia and Herzegovina is absolutely safe. For Russians, this country provides 30-day visa-free entry. The road here does not take much time, and in the major tourist centers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and at its ski resorts you can find a fairly high level of service. Low prices, natural attractions, excellent cuisine and interesting architectural monuments make traveling through one of the most beautiful countries in South-Eastern Europe very attractive.

Climate

Bosnia and Herzegovina is located in a temperate continental climate zone. And its south and southwest are characterized by a subtropical Mediterranean climate. The summer months here are never too hot. In mid-summer the air temperature does not rise above +27ºС. In flat areas it is always warmer, and in the mountains in summer the temperature ranges from +10ºС to +21ºС.

Winters in this country are also quite mild. Frosts below -10ºС are very rare here, and temperatures usually range from 0ºС to +5ºС. In the mountainous part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, stable snow cover lasts for several months - from November to April, that is, the ski season in this country is quite long. True, ideal conditions for skiing, as a rule, begin in December and end at the end of February. During these few months, most fans of alpine skiing come to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Precipitation occurs mainly in summer and early winter - from November to December. Moreover, on the eastern slopes of the mountains there is almost 4 times less precipitation per year than on the western slopes. The mountainous nature of the area determines other climatic features of Bosnia and Herzegovina. There are many microclimatic zones here where the weather pattern changes very quickly within one day.

Tourist opportunities

After the Balkan War, the tourism infrastructure in the country is developing quite quickly. Every year more and more travelers come to Bosnia and Herzegovina who want to get acquainted with this “intimate” unique European state.

Experts from the World Tourism Organization believe that in terms of the growth rate of the tourism industry of the economy over the next few years, Bosnia and Herzegovina will become one of the world leaders. In popular guidebooks, Lonely Planet is mentioned as one of the most attractive tourist centers in Europe, where many cultural, historical and religious monuments are concentrated, interesting for travelers from any country.

Ski resorts

In recent years, Bosnia and Herzegovina has been trying to regain its glory as a prestigious ski center and is actively developing the infrastructure of winter resorts. The largest resorts for ski lovers exist nearby. There are four of them, and all of them were Olympic venues in 1984. All ski centers in Bosnia and Herzegovina are distinguished by ease of access, affordable prices for ski passes and equipment rental, good hotels and excellent inexpensive local cuisine.

30 km from the capital of the country, on the slopes of the mountain of the same name, lies the sports center of Jahorina. The slopes here are 20 km long and equipped with four chair lifts. Some of the trails are illuminated at night. In addition to alpine skiing, people come here for cross-country skiing, snowboarding and sledding. Guests of this resort do not have to worry - there are hotels and apartments for every taste near the slopes.

The ski center Bjelašnica is a little closer to (25 km). The height difference on its slopes is quite large - about 860 m. There are slopes for night skiing and various lifts. The slopes of this resort are more suitable for intermediate skiers. In the summer months, the local slopes are explored by lovers of paragliding and hiking.

The Vlašić ski center was built at an altitude of 1260 m and is located 120 m from the capital of the country. Although this resort is considered one of the southernmost in Europe, snow cover here lasts up to five months a year. Most of the slopes at this resort are suitable for beginners and children. The slopes are served by 4 ski lifts. In addition, Vlašić has a lighted ice skating rink.

Kupres, located in the Croatian part of the country, is used as a sports center both in winter and summer. This ski resort is often called Adria-ski, and it is actively developing. Today, ski lovers will find 4 slopes here, the length of the tracks is 14 km.

What to see in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Despite the small size of the country, Bosnia and Herzegovina has many historical monuments and interesting natural sites that attract many tourists from different places. This European state is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the Old Bridge in the historical center of Mostar and the Mehmed Pasha Bridge in Visegrad. Both of these unique stone bridges were built in the mid-16th century.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, many stone medieval castles and ancient fortresses built in the 12th-18th centuries have been preserved. They served for defensive purposes and as residences for local kings and nobles. The best preserved monuments of the Middle Ages are located in (Bijela Tabija), Vares (Bobovac), Bihac (Captain's Citadel), Doboj (Doboj Fortress), Gradacac (Gradacac Castle), Jajce (Jajce Castle), Banja Luka (Kastel Castle), Cazin (Ostrožac), Livno (the citadels of Smailagić and Vujadin), Tesane (Tesan Castle) and Travnik (Travnik Castle).

Taxis can only be used in large cities. But please note that not all cars have meters, so it is better to agree on the cost of the trip in advance.

It is convenient to travel by buses, trolleybuses and trams. One trip costs about 2 VAM. And to save money, you need to purchase a one-day pass, which costs 5 VAM.

Safety

As in all Slavic countries, in Bosnia and Geozegovina tourists from Russia are treated kindly. The locals are always friendly and helpful. The crime rate here is not high. However, when traveling around the Old Town in , tourists need to be wary of pickpockets.

In addition, it is always necessary to take into account that both Christians and Muslims live in the country. The three main communities - Bosniaks (adherents of Islam), Croats and Serbs continue to live separately, so it is better not to touch on controversial political and religious issues in conversations. For example, you should not discuss the problems of the recent Balkan War with strangers or openly demonstrate your political sympathy for someone. You should also be careful when purchasing souvenirs with a “political” theme.

no, so to get to the city you need to take a taxi or rent a car.

A taxi ride from the airport to the Sarajevo bus station will cost 5-6 euros. There is another, cheaper, but rather labor-intensive option. You can walk to a public transport stop, take a tram and ride it into the city. A tram ticket will cost 1.8 VAM.

The bus and train stations are nearby. And they are easy to find based on a noticeable landmark - the tall, “twisted” tower is clearly visible from many places in the city.

Once upon a time, a long time ago, I was lucky enough to communicate with a real Serb who spoke excellent Russian. It was he who inspired me to travel to the beautiful country of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In general, the name of this state is somewhat inconsistent with its content, let’s say, because for some reason I was expecting greatness and English chic, but what I got was a rather small and provincial country. However, this country has a lot of beautiful and interesting things, so I didn’t regret my time and had a great rest.

Speaking with the Serb, I asked a lot of questions regarding the history of the country, as I had heard about its difficult fate. And when the conversation was over, only then did I realize that I had not asked a really interesting question, why Herzegovina is called that and why two countries within one state have different names. I had to find out on my own.

Origin of country names

Both countries were formed in the 15th century thanks to the conqueror Stefan Vuksic Kosac, who was a governor and was awarded the title of Duke of St. Sava, Primorye and Zakhumya. A small northeastern state was named in his honor, or rather in honor of his acquired title. Therefore, the northern part of the state was called “Herzegovina”. The southwestern part of the continent was named after the river that flows through the entire territory of Bosnia. For a long time Bosna was the only source of food in the country, since large stocks of fish were caught in the river. The southern part of the continent was named Bosnia. This is how the state and Herzegovina were formed.

Why is Herzegovina called that, but are they one state? Once upon a time, these lands belonged to different tribes and settlements, and they interacted with each other as neighbors. When the unification of the lands took place, it turned out that the ancestors of their settlements and ancestors did not want to give up their roots at all. The debate was long and in the end they decided to combine the two names in one country.

Closest neighbors of Bosnia and Herzegovina

1) The largest neighboring area is occupied by, with which the country has developed complex relations. The Serb I was talking to about states talked about Bosnia and Herzegovina as if it were one big country and

As elsewhere in the Balkans, Bosnian cuisine was formed as a result of a mixture of South Slavic, German, Turkish and Mediterranean culinary traditions. The basis of local dishes is meat and vegetables, and if the Turkish influence is clearly visible in meat products, then in terms of vegetables and herbs the Bosnians are not inferior to their neighbors in the Mediterranean region. And from the Slavic peoples they inherited an abundance of dairy products, primarily cheese, and the widespread use of bread and grains.

The most widely used meat products are beef, lamb and pork, mostly fried over an open fire or stewed. At the same time, a characteristic feature of local cuisine is long-term heat treatment of products, with the obligatory use of vegetables and herbs. The most popular dishes of this group are "Bosanski-lonas" - a kind of roast meat with the addition of paprika, cabbage, vegetables and parsley, cabbage rolls "japrak", famous sausages made from minced meat "chevapchichi", shish kebab, baked meat with vegetables " Hadzhiyski-čevap", meat stewed with rice and vegetables "dzhuvech" ("gyuvech"), grilled meat "haiduk", large chopped cutlets "pljeskavica", burek with meat or cheese and puff pastries with cheese and meat "pida" , and dozens of other original dishes. Moreover, Serbian and Bosnian dishes are not much different from each other, except that in Bosnia they use more vegetable oil, and in the Serbian regions - kajmak milk, fermented in a special way.

A special article is vegetables. They are always served here, regardless of whether it is breakfast or dinner, as independent dishes or simply as a “green snack”. Local salads for the most part consist of very coarsely chopped vegetables dressed with olive or sunflower oil, but there are also often very complex dishes made from tomatoes, paprika and hot peppers, onions and numerous varieties of greens such as “srpska salata”, stuffed peppers or “jachinia” from several types of vegetables and herbs. You should also try the Sirnitsa cheese pie and Zelyanytsia spinach pie.

Fish and seafood are rarely used here, since the narrow strip of coast does not allow regular supplies to the local table. But in the Serbian part of the country, as well as on the coast, you can often find all kinds of fried fish (including river trout), fish goulash, fish pies and seafood salads. There is always fresh bread on the table, starting with quite traditional buns and loaves, and ending with thin unleavened bread “somun”, very similar to pita bread.

But the local desserts are very good. Here you can clearly trace the heritage of Turkish cooking - baklava, halva, lokum (lokum), gurabiye made from crumbly dough, sujuk with hazelnuts, or excellent puff pastry cookies with impregnation. And at the same time, baked goods of the Slavic type are also a frequent guest on the table - the famous pie with curd filling “Gibanica”, pancakes with various fillings “Palacinke”, nuts and plums baked in cheese “Štrukli”, donuts “Priganica”, apple pie with whipped cream “tufahiya” (sounds, however, quite Turkish), open pies with jam, “alva” nuts boiled in honey, various puddings, rolls and cookies of all kinds.

All this is washed down with an incredible amount of black coffee, which is consumed here in huge quantities. Milk, herbal tea, honey and various juices are also popular.

Among the alcoholic drinks, the most popular are beer (both local and imported), a light intoxicating drink made from millet “buza”, “salep” from tubers of wild orchids and orchis (drinked hot), as well as traditional strong drinks “rakia” (both grape and so fruity) and homemade moonshine. Local wines, although poorly known on international markets, deserve close attention. Herzegovinian wines are especially distinctive, primarily Gangash and Zhilavka.

Geographical position

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a continental state located in South-Eastern Europe, in the west of the Balkan Peninsula. The country has a narrow outlet to the Adriatic Sea. This state consists of historical regions: Bosnia and Herzegovina. The total area of ​​the country is 51,129 square meters. km.

The capital is the city of Sarajevo (population about 800 thousand people). Major cities: Tuzla, Banja Luka, Mostar, Zenica, Bihac and Travnik.

Most of the country's territory is occupied by the limestone Dinaric Alps. The highest point is Mount Maglich, whose height is 2386 m. The mountains are dissected by deep river valleys.

To the north of them stretches a chain of lower Bosan ore mountains. The northern part of Bosnia is covered by the Sava Plain.
“Polyas” are common in mountainous areas; they are narrow intermountain valleys of karst origin.

Most rivers flow north. Some of them flow into the Adriatic Sea. The largest rivers of the country are: Sava in the north, Una in the west and Drina in the east. There are a large number of waterfalls on the rivers. The Studeny waterfall is the highest in the Balkans, its height is 400 meters.

The south of the country has a warm Mediterranean climate. In summer, the air temperature here rises to +30 °C. Summers are hot and dry, winters are quite warm. In the mountains (above 1700 m) the climate is alpine, on the northern plain it is temperate continental. In the north, precipitation falls 600-800 mm per year, in the mountains - up to 2500 mm. Snow in the mountains can remain until the beginning of summer.

In summer, the air in the valleys warms up to +16 - +27 C. In winter, the air temperature ranges from 0 to -7 C.
Mountainous terrain has a huge impact on the country's climatic conditions. The average annual temperature in the country is +12C. The average temperature in July reaches +21C, in January - +2C.

Visas, entry rules, customs rules

Citizens of the Russian Federation do not require a visa to visit the country.

The import and export of national and foreign currency is not limited, but a declaration is required. The same applies to the import and export of products made of gold and precious metals.
The import and export of drugs, psychotropic substances, poisons, weapons and ammunition is prohibited. You can import 1 liter of alcohol into the country duty-free, 200 pieces. cigarettes, 1 radio, 1 portable tape recorder, 1 video camera, etc. It is prohibited to export fuel from the country. When traveling by car, the spare canister should contain no more than 10 liters of fuel. Without special permission, you cannot take out of the country objects and things that are of historical and artistic value. To import animals, you need a certificate from a veterinarian and a vaccination certificate.

Population, political status

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a single state, which consists of two state entities: the Bosniak-Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska. The Federation includes 51% of the territory - west, center and south; as well as the capital - the city of Sarajevo. Republika Srpska includes 49% of the territory.

The country's population is 3989 thousand people. The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has 2,702 thousand inhabitants, and the Republika Srpska has 1,505 thousand people. The population consists of three main national-religious communities: Bosniaks - 48% (Muslims, mostly Sunnis); Serbs - 37% (Orthodox), Croats - 14% (Catholics). Albanians, Montenegrins, Gypsies, and Jews also live in the country.

Bosnia is populated predominantly by Bosniaks (south and west of the region), with the northern and southern regions populated by a Croat majority. Republika Srpska is dominated by Serbs. Herzegovina is inhabited by Croats in the west and Serbs in the east. This is the same ethnic group, the differences are only in religious affiliation.

Each entity has its own government, police, legislature, army. Both entities are subordinate to the central government - the collective presidium. The Presidium consists of three representatives from each of the main peoples of the state: Bosniaks, Serbs and Croats. The highest legislative body is the Assembly, which consists of two chambers.

The official languages ​​of the Federation are: Bosnian, Serbian, Croatian. In Republika Srpska the official language is Serbian. In fact, these languages ​​are the same Serbo-Croatian language. The Federation uses the Latin alphabet, while the Republika Srpska uses the Cyrillic alphabet. English can only be used in large cities; in the provinces no one understands it.

The country's territory is divided into 10 cantons. The Brcko region has a special status. It is located in Republika Srpska and is inhabited by Bosniaks. This district is subject to the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and is controlled by international forces for the safety of residents. Republika Srpska consists of two isolated parts, which are separated by the Brcko region: northern (the main city is Banja Luka) and eastern (the main city is Pale).

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a republic headed by a president.

The state is headed alternately by one of three presidents, who represent one of the three ethnic groups. Presidents replace each other every 8 months. In their regions, they are elected by universal secret ballot for a four-year term.

The head of the government is the Chairman of the Council of Ministers. He is nominated for this post from among the cabinet members and approved by the National House of Representatives.

Legislative power is exercised by a bicameral Assembly, in which all three ethnic groups are equally represented.

What to see

On the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, many architectural monuments of the Byzantine and Ottoman periods have been preserved. But many of them were damaged or destroyed during hostilities. The tourist infrastructure was also completely destroyed.

Sarajevo is the capital of the country. This city was founded in 1263 and was then called Bosnovar. It is surrounded by mountains and is located at an altitude of 450 m above sea level.

Before the war, Sarajevo almost completely retained its oriental appearance. The city had many mosques, markets, narrow streets, and bazaars. On the embankment, near the small bridge on Franz Joseph Street, Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated on June 28, 1914. After this, the First World War began.
In 1992, a civil war began here. The city withstood a three-year siege, but was able to almost completely recover. Although traces of the war are still visible in it. The tourism infrastructure here is gradually being restored.

The eastern part of the city is Christian. It is located on a plain and is almost completely built up with houses of various architectures. Muslim quarters are located on the slopes of the mountains and are separated by the Milyachka River. Here the houses are scattered in small groups, with gardens between them.

The city has preserved two Orthodox churches - Saints Michael and Gabriel and the cathedral church of the Holy Mother of God. Here you can see four Catholic churches. The cathedral, built in the 18th century, is the spiritual center of Bosnian Catholics.

There are 3 synagogues in Sarajevo. The Old Synagogue now houses the Jewish Museum with the famous Codex Hagada. The Town Hall ("Vecnica") is also noteworthy. It was built in 1896 and is designed in the Moorish style.

But most of all in the city are Muslim buildings, many of which are considered masterpieces of Ottoman architecture. The most famous of them are: the Tsareva-Jamia mosque (XVI century), Ali Pasha-Jamia, and Begova-Jamia (XV century), which is the largest in the country. Kursumli madrasah was built in 1537. It is famous for its library, which contains about 50 thousand manuscripts and books.

Also worthy of attention: the Barcharshiya tower (XV century), the old caravanserai (XV century) on Morika Khan, a Turkish fortress with 12 towers on a rocky ledge.

The single-span “Goat Bridge” is spanned across the Milyachka River; it is considered one of the most ancient monuments of the city. The "Latin Bridge" on the same river is famous for the fact that Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated here. Next to it is the museum of Princip, who became the killer.

Among other museums, it is worth highlighting the Bosnian Regional Museum and the Zemalski Museum of Local History. Here you can also see Olympic venues.

It is also worth visiting the Charshiya market and the Bar Charshiya shopping area. They are an entire district in the old part of the city. There are many shops and stalls, cafes, pastry shops, etc.

Here you can also visit Pigeon Square, where you can see hundreds of pigeons. Not far from here is the Gazi-Khosrov-Beg trading square with many shops and the Brusa trading square, which was once one of the major stations of the Great Silk Road.

The balneoclimatic resort of Ilidzhe (Kesheli) is located 13 km west of Sarajevo, at an altitude of 500-570 m above sea level. It lies in the Sarajevo-polje basin, surrounded by the Igman (height up to 1502 m) and Trebovich ridges. The mountains protect this place from cold winds. This thermal resort is widely known in Europe. The temperature of the thermal waters here ranges from +32 to +57.6 C. There is also sulfide silt mud, and the local climate is excellent for treatment.

The medieval town of Jajce is interesting for its colorful old houses, cobbled streets and fortified walls. It lies on the banks of the Pliva and Vrbas rivers. Until the 15th century, this city was the capital of the Christian rulers of Bosnia. During the Nazi occupation, the city served as the temporary capital of the country. The capital of independent Yugoslavia was proclaimed here and the Constitution was created.

During the war, the city managed to somehow preserve its ancient appearance, so it attracts many tourists. The main attractions of this city include: the famous complex of buildings of the Esma-Sultan Mosque, the Church of St. Luke, and old houses. On the Pliva River you can also see a cascade of small but very colorful waterfalls and a complex of ancient water mills.

Mostar is considered the unofficial capital of southern Herzegovina. It is the second largest city in the country.

Mostar is located on the rocky banks of the Neretva River. It was founded around the 15th century. This city has a military history. Unfortunately, many of its historical buildings and structures were destroyed during the recent war.
Among them are the famous "Stari Bridge" over the waters of the Neretva and several mosques from the 16th and 17th centuries. The Tabakich Mosque has now been restored.

The ancient Kuyunjiluk district has been preserved in good condition, with many monuments of Islamic architecture, medieval buildings, and colorful cobbled streets.

The main attraction of the city is Stari Most. It was built by the architect Mimar Khairuddin in 1566. This bridge rose 20 meters above the water. It is one of the main architectural monuments of the country and is included in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List. In November 1993, the bridge was destroyed by Croatian artillery fire; it was restored only in July 2004.

Also preserved (or restored) were the Halebija and Tara towers that supported the Old Bridge, the University of Mostar, the Kriva Kuprija bridge ("crooked bridge"), mosques and a monument in honor of those who fell during the struggle against fascism. A unique historical monument is the fortress in the village of Pocitelj, which is located a few kilometers southwest of Mostar. The fortress of St. Stephen is located just downstream of the Neretva.

In the town of Blagaj, 10 km south of Mostar, there is a massive fortress of the same name.

Medugorje is a small village. It lies 17 km southwest of Mostar, almost on the top of the mountain between Citluk and Ljubushki. This place gained worldwide fame on June 24, 1981. Then the Virgin Mary appeared to six local teenagers on the rocky hill of Podbrdo, 5 kilometers from the village.

After this, the village began to actively develop. It has become a very significant pilgrimage center. An extensive tourism infrastructure has been created here. The civil war reduced the number of pilgrims to a minimum. But now many believers are coming here again.

The city of Banja Luka lies on the banks of the Vrbas River, in the northwestern part of the country. Previously, it did not stand out in any way, but currently it is the capital of the Serbian Republic. The city was first mentioned in chronicles at the end of the 15th century. It was a large industrial city, where there were practically no tourists. In 1993, Serbian militias blew up all 16 mosques in the city. The only attractions in the city today are the fortress on the banks of the Vrbas, built in the 16th century, the Presidential Palace, and the recreated Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

In addition, near the city there are famous warm sulfur springs, which have become one of the most popular balneological resorts in Europe.

Trebin is the most southeastern city in the country. On its outskirts is the Hercegovac-Gracanica Church, which is the national shrine of the Serbs. The Kravice waterfall, located on the Trebižat River in Herzegovina, is worth a visit.

The Žitomislić Monastery is located in the valley of the Neretva River. In the town of Travnik, located between Jajce and Sarajevo, is the old residence of the Turkish governor.

In the 2nd-1st millennium BC. e. Illyrian tribes appeared on the territory of the country. In the 1st century BC e. the Romans came here, making these lands part of the province of Illyricum. In the 6th-7th centuries. n. e. Slavic tribes of Serbs and Croats settled here. Over time, they Slavicized the Romans as well. In 538, these lands were included in the Byzantine Empire. Missionaries Cyril and Methodius in the 9th century began to convert the local population to Christianity.

In 949, a small principality of Bosnia appeared, from 958 it began to submit to the Croatian kings, and in 1000-1180. - came into the possession of the Hungarian kings.

In 1180, the Bosnian Slavs created their own state, which was independent of Hungary. In 1326, Hum and Zakhumle were included in its composition. These lands represented the Adriatic coast, inhabited by Croats. By 1391, most of Bosnia's population had converted to Catholicism. And in Khuma and Zakhumla they professed Orthodoxy.
In 1449, the last ruler of Vukčić received the title “herceg” (duke). After this, the southern part of Bosnia (Hum and Zahumlje) was renamed Herzegovina. The eastern part of Bosnia was gradually conquered by the Turks, and the northern part by the Hungarians. In 1463-1528. Most of the fragmented Bosnia became part of the Ottoman Empire. The population was gradually converted to Islam and the local residents began to be called Bosniaks.

The Turks were tolerant of Orthodoxy. Many Catholics were forced to convert to Orthodoxy or flee the country. In 1875, a people's liberation uprising took place. It ended in 1878. The Turks left the country, but the territories of Bosnia and Herzegovina were occupied by Austrian troops. The Bosnian Serbs wanted to join Serbia. To prevent this, Austria-Hungary formally annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1908.

In August 1914, the heir to the Austrian throne was assassinated in Sarajevo. He was killed by Serbian terrorist Gavrilo Princip. This caused a political crisis that led to the outbreak of the First World War. In November 1918, Austria-Hungary collapsed. The territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina became part of the new Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. Since 1929 it was renamed Yugoslavia.

During the period 1941-1944. Most of the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina was part of Croatia, and the southern part was part of Italy. The Croatian Ustasha exterminated large numbers of Muslims and Serbs.
In 1945, the Yugoslav People's Federation was created. Later it became known as the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

The newly formed Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina became its integral part. In 1991, the Bosnian Republika Srpska was created in Serb-dominated areas. It was formally part of the Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia. In March 1992, the independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina was declared. Troops of the Bosnian Republika Srpska, supported by the Yugoslav army, began the war. The Croats also joined them. The Serbs and Croats wanted to exterminate the Muslim population (Bosniaks).

Serbian and Croatian nationalists exterminated and deported Bosniaks. The Bosniaks declared jihad against the Serbs and Croats. The country fell apart into separate parts.

At the end of 1992, about 70% of the country was occupied by Serbian troops. Many Bosniaks, Serbs and Croats fled the country. In 1994, a peace agreement was signed between the Bosniaks and Croats. They united in the fight against the Serbs.
In 1995, 7 thousand inhabitants were killed in the city of Srebrenica. After this, Serbian military positions were bombed by NATO. The war ended in the fall of 1995. Peace negotiations took place in Dayton (USA). Serbia and Croatia recognized Bosnia and Herzegovina as an independent state. Within it, the autonomy of the Serbian community was recognized.

The international community has monitored Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1996 to maintain peace in the country. There is a small NATO peacekeeping corps there.

International trade

The main export products are: electricity, bauxite and aluminum, clothing, timber. Main exporters: Italy, Croatia, Austria, Germany and Slovenia.

The shops

The best clothing stores are located in the capital. There are also large shopping centers. Many bakery stores are open 24/7 or from early morning until late at night.

Throughout the country you can find a wide variety of souvenir shops and shops. Gold jewelry, which is distinguished by its unusual beauty, will be an excellent gift. You can bring various products of local artisans from the country. There are markets in every city.

You can bring local wines - “Zhilavka” and “Gargash” or grape vodka “Rakia”. Alcoholic drinks based on millet and orchis, with the roots of wild orchids added, are also sold. They are drunk hot.

Products made from pure sheep wool: handmade carpets with Bosnian patterns, blankets, etc.

Local sweets: baklava, Turkish delight, halva, baklava, baked nuts and plums, puff pastries with nut fillings or with various impregnations.

You can buy locally produced olive oil.

Unusual souvenirs made from shell casings and bullets are sold in Sarajevo.

There are many religious souvenirs sold in the country.

A variety of cutlery made of copper, as well as hand-carved wooden products. Souvenirs with images of landmarks are also sold: T-shirts, caps. Magnets, plates, etc.

Demography

The population density is 90.3 people per km2.
The sex ratio is 0.968 men to 1 woman.

The urban population accounts for 49.0% of the country's total population. The urbanization rate is 1.1% per year. The rural population is 51.0% of the total population of the country.

The average age of the population is 40.7 years. The average age of the male population is 39.6 years, the female population is 41.9 years.

Life expectancy at birth for both sexes is 78.8 years. Life expectancy at birth for men is 75.3 years, for women - 82.6 years.

Industry

Before the war, ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy enterprises operated in the country. Such industries as forestry and woodworking, textile, leather and footwear and food are quite well developed. Enterprises in the mining, oil refining and metallurgical industries are gradually being restored.

Some industries continue to see growth in production: automobile components, textiles, aviation, and household appliances. The country produces cheap cars.

Flora and fauna

About 36% of the country's territory is occupied by forests. Beech and coniferous forests (pine, spruce) grow in the mountains and foothills. In the extreme south, subtropical vegetation (evergreen shrubs) predominates, and on the plains - steppe and forest-steppe vegetation.
Arable lands account for about 20% of the territory, and pastures - 22%. The country has national natural parks and reserves. Khutovo Blato is a place where you can watch migratory birds.
Sutjejska is a wild Peručica forest with pine trees, the height of which reaches 54 m, Kozara (coniferous forests), etc.

The soils are mostly brown. Natural vegetation is represented by beech forests. The northern third of Bosnia is covered by the fertile Sava Plain.
The most common wild animals are: deer, chamois, bears and wolves.

Banks and money

Banknotes of Bosnia and Herzegovina / Currency converter

The national currency of the country is the Bosnian mark. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 marks, coins in 5, 2 and 1 mark. It is best to change money only in official institutions - banks, exchange offices, hotels. This is due to frequent cases of fraud. The country has a low standard of living, so there are many scammers here.

Using credit cards and traveler's checks is difficult. You can withdraw money from them only in the offices of capital banks, as well as in some hotels, post offices, restaurants and shops. More and more ATM ATMs are appearing in the country, but they mainly serve only Maestro and Visa cards.

Travel checks can only be cashed at bank offices, but the procedure for verifying their authenticity is very lengthy.

The euro is virtually universally used. You can even pay in euros in regular stores and gas stations. But American dollars are accepted only in large hotels.

The country's banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8.00 to 19.00. All receipts received when exchanging money must be kept. They will be required for return exchange when leaving the country.

The country has a well-developed bus service. However, well-functioning passenger services operate only within national enclaves.

Several transit bus lines pass through the enclaves and have on-demand stops.

There are several dozen small bus companies in the country. But the frequency of messages is not always acceptable for tourists. In addition, buses may be late, and flights may be cancelled.

When driving a car, be sure to use only the most up-to-date road maps. After all, serious changes occurred after the last Balkan war of 1992-1996.

In recent years, some roads that used to be highways have completely fallen into disrepair. In addition, new roads of very good quality have appeared. But they are not marked on old maps. This needs to be taken especially seriously in mountainous areas.

The roads in the country are not very good by European standards. Even the best highways have only 2 lanes in each direction.

The country is now relatively safe for tourists in terms of crime. However, the big problem is interethnic hostility and fragmentation. The three main communities live completely separately in enclaves. In ordinary life they rarely intersect.

Local residents are friendly and hospitable, but wary of foreigners. In Muslim areas of the country, the traditional standards of decency for Islamic countries are accepted. However, women have equal rights with men and are free to wear Western-style clothing. Although they walk with their heads covered. Some Bosniaks freely drink alcohol, which is officially prohibited in Islam.

When meeting, local residents greet each other with a handshake. The ability to speak and conduct a conversation is highly valued. European clothing is accepted everywhere. There are a lot of smokers in the country.

The country has a very high level of unemployment, which leads to social tension in society.

Tourists should not visit remote areas of populated areas, especially at night.

Cases of petty fraud are common. When discussing financial issues, you need to be very careful and not trust local residents.

Until recently, there was a danger of falling into the zone of terrorist attacks. The situation is better now, but tourists should exercise caution.

You should not discuss politics with local residents, or demonstrate your political sympathies. You need to be very careful when purchasing political souvenirs.

Some border areas are controlled by the International Peacekeeping Force. At their checkpoints and outposts, document checks, searches, etc. often occur.

Photography is prohibited in many places; this is indicated by a special sign. You cannot photograph transport infrastructure and energy facilities, port facilities and military facilities.


Despite its favorable location, mild climate and many attractions, Bosnia and Herzegovina for a long time could not compete with its more famous tourist neighbors. But in recent years, this small country has been attracting more and more visitors.

Tourists from all over the world are attracted by ski resorts, wonderful beaches of Neum, picturesque landscapes and original local cuisine. Bosnia and Herzegovina is deservedly called the easternmost European state. Catholic and Orthodox churches here peacefully coexist with mosques, and medieval buildings and streets coexist with new buildings in recent years.

Fans of philosophical reflection should definitely visit the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on the Latin Bridge and the fortified bunker of Marshal Tito in a cave near Drvar.

As a souvenir of your visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, you can bring very beautiful embroidered textiles, leather clothes and shoes, as well as a variety of delicacies - baklava, sujuk cookies, strong fruit brandy or local wine.

Popular hotels and inns at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photographs and brief descriptions.

1. Old Town Mostar

In the Old Town of Mostar, many examples of medieval architecture are perfectly preserved. The Muslibegovits house-museum deserves special attention, where visitors are introduced to the way of life of a Turkish family in the 19th century. The picturesque mosques of Koski Mehmet Pasha and Karadoz Bey are open to everyone.

2. Neretva River

The unusually picturesque Neretva River flows through the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the Middle Ages, river pirates operated here, and in 1943, one of the most important Balkan battles took place on Neretva, during which partisan detachments managed to disrupt the Wehrmacht operation. The most expensive Yugoslav film, “The Battle of Neretva,” was shot about this in 1969.

3. Sutjeska National Park

The picturesque park is located on the territory of the state entity Republika Srpska. The relict forest of Peručica, Lake Trnovač, Mount Maglić, and the memorial complex “Valley of Heroes” are some of the attractions of these places. The park was formed in 1962. You can walk along the mountain paths and look at the three-hundred-year-old pine trees by coming here from the nearest town of Foča.

4. Marcale Square

The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, is located at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, so it is no wonder that its main square has always been used as a place for trade. Today, on Marcale Square there is a market where you can buy a lot of delicious goodies.

5. Latin Bridge in Sarajevo

This is perhaps the most infamous bridge in the world. Here on August 28, 1914, the event that caused the outbreak of the First World War took place. Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were killed by pistol shots from Serbian student Gavrilo Princip. In its current form, the bridge has been preserved without much change almost since the end of the 18th century. There is a museum dedicated to the bridge nearby.

6. Kravice Waterfall

The waterfall is located 40 kilometers south of Mostar on the Trebižac River. Its height is about 25 meters and its width is approximately 120 meters. Kravice is a very popular holiday destination in the spring and during the summer. During the tourist season, small cafes operate around the waterfall and picnic areas are organized. Nearby there is a beautiful grotto with stalactites; there is also an interesting old, no longer working water mill.

7. Royal Mosque in Sarajevo

The oldest mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina, named after Suleiman I, is also called the Royal Mosque. It was built in the 15th century, and upon completion of the work it was almost completely burned down in a severe fire. Work to restore the building was completed only in the 16th century. Today the Royal Mosque is open to everyone.

8. Old Bridge

The pedestrian Old Bridge over the Neretva, built by the Turks for defense back in the 16th century, connects the two parts of the city of Mostar. In 1993, the Old Bridge was destroyed. For its restoration, all the medieval elements that were recovered from the bottom of the Neretva River were used.

9. Caravanserai Moricha Khan

The perfectly preserved Moricha Khan caravanserai was built in the 16th century to provide safe accommodation for traders traveling from the country to the Adriatic and back. Today there are several cafes with national cuisine and souvenir shops, and the rooms and galleries of Moricha Khan are open to tourists.

10. Vrelo Bosne Nature Park

The picturesque Vrelo Bosne Park is located in the center of the state. It was founded during the time of the Austro-Hungarians, but the military conflict of the 20th century caused significant damage to the park. And only thanks to the caring public, Vrelo Bosne was restored in 2000. Here you can ride a horse-drawn carriage, take pictures against the backdrop of wooden bridges or visit a local open-air restaurant.

11. National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina is famous for its extensive collections of exhibits. It also houses stečki, carved tombstones that are a national treasure of the state. The building that houses the National Museum was built in 1888.

12. Jahorina

This is a mountain near Sarajevo, the slopes of which are covered with a meter-thick layer of snow from October to May. Thanks to such wonderful natural conditions, a world-famous ski resort is located here. Hotels and chalets for every taste, red slopes and nine ski lifts - Jahorina has everything you need for comfortable skiing.

13. Old town of Sarajevo

The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is called the European Jerusalem because it seamlessly combines the eastern buildings of the Old City and the western buildings of the Austro-Hungarian period. Pigeon Square with a fountain, located in the Bascarsija district, is considered the heart of Old Sarajevo.

14. Military tunnel

The private museum, created by the Kolar family, includes 20 meters of a special tunnel. It was used by residents of besieged Sarajevo for the exit of civilians and the supply of food during the recent military conflict. In the past, this military tunnel was more than 700 meters long and took about six months to build.

15. Medjugorje

The small village of Medjugorje became famous in the 20th century when six local children saw the image of the Virgin Mary on a hill. And although this phenomenon was not officially recognized by the church, more than a million pilgrims regularly visit the local Hill of the Apparition. Also noteworthy is the Church of St. James, built in the classic Balkan style, and the Park of Candles, where believers thank the Mother of God for helping them fulfill their wishes.

16. Gazi Khusrev Bey Mosque

The Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque was built in the 16th century and is a perfectly preserved example of buildings from the Ottoman period. The mosque received its name in honor of the philanthropist Gazi Husrev Bey, who actively participated in the construction and development of Sarajevo. Anyone can visit the mosque, you just need to wait until the prayer ends.

17. Bascarsija Square

The heart of Sarajevo is its main shopping area. Built in 1462, Bascarsija Square is still the cultural and historical center of the capital. There is a clock tower, the Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque, as well as a market where tourists can buy original souvenirs to remember their visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

18. Mount Maglich

Climbing Mount Maglic is a popular tourist route. Majestic landscapes, clean air and the relative simplicity of local mountain trails attract outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. The height of the mountain is 2387 meters and is the highest point in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Not far from Maglic there is a very beautiful glacial lake Trnovacko.

19. Visegrad Bridge

A famous example of Turkish engineering from the Middle Ages, the Visegrad Bridge over the Drin River was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007. This structure, which is also called the Mehmed Pasha Bridge, consists of 11 stone spans and connects both parts of the city of Visegrad. The Mehmed Pasha Bridge was immortalized in a book published in 1945 by Nobel laureate Ivo Andrić.

20. City of Kupres

From November to April, the town of Kupres, located in the northern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, becomes a center of ski tourism. If there is not enough natural snow, all four local ski slopes are maintained in excellent condition with the help of special snow cannons. Also in Kupres there are several hotels and inns to suit every taste.

22. Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The main Catholic church of Sarajevo, which is located in the central quarters of the city, was built in 1889. Architect Josip Vancas built this cathedral in the neo-Gothic style based on Notre Dame de Paris. The interior of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is decorated with elegant stained glass windows.

23. Tito's refuge in Drvar

Tito's Refuge is a famous cave near the town of Drvar, where Yugoslav Marshal Josip Broz Tito hid during World War II. To capture and destroy Tito along with the Supreme Headquarters of the Liberation Movement, the Germans carried out Operation Resselsprung, during which Tito took refuge in a cave near Drvar and then fled. In 1944, the cave was turned into a museum.

 

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