Country Profile: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is located in Southeastern Europe, bordered by Croatia to the north and west, Montenegro to the southeast, and Serbia to the east. The country has a diverse population of approximately 3.65 million people, predominantly consisting of Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats. The economy is characterized as import-dominated and consumption-heavy, grappling with high unemployment rates and a significant reliance on remittances. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Bosnia and Herzegovina is marked by a complex political structure established by the Dayton Accords, which ended the Bosnian War in 1995.

Geography

Bosnia and Herzegovina covers an area of 51,197 square kilometers and features a varied terrain of mountains and valleys. The highest point is Maglic at 2,386 meters, while the country has a small coastline of 20 kilometers along the Adriatic Sea. The climate varies, with hot summers in the lowlands and cooler conditions in the highlands, contributing to rich natural resources including coal, iron ore, and hydropower.

51,197 sq km: Total area of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
1,543 km: Total land boundaries with neighboring countries.
64%: Percentage of electricity generation capacity from fossil fuels (2023).

People and Society

The population of Bosnia and Herzegovina is estimated at 3,653,499 in 2025, with a fairly even gender distribution. Ethnically, the country is comprised of approximately 50.1% Bosniaks, 30.8% Serbs, and 15.4% Croats. The population is aging, with a median age of 45.7 years and a declining growth rate. Despite progress, social issues persist, including a high youth unemployment rate of 27.3%.

50.3%: Percentage of the population living in urban areas (2023).
6.88 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025).
78.5 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).

Economy

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a consumption-heavy economy with significant imports, and it is working to diversify and attract more private investments. The GDP is projected to be around $64.641 billion in purchasing power parity by 2024. Key industries include steel, coal, and textiles, while the tourism sector continues to recover from COVID-19 impacts. The unemployment rate stands at approximately 10.8%.

$64.641 billion: Projected GDP (PPP) for 2024.
10.8%: Unemployment rate (2024).
16.9%: Percentage of the population living below the poverty line (2015).

Government

Bosnia and Herzegovina operates as a parliamentary republic with a complex governance structure stemming from the Dayton Accords, which established two autonomous entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska. The capital, Sarajevo, is home to the three-member presidency, which rotates among Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs. The political landscape includes a variety of parties, with elections being held regularly.

18 years: Minimum voting age.
3: Number of first-order administrative divisions.
October 2026: Expected date for the next general elections.

Military and Security

The Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina consist of an army, air force, and air defense, with approximately 10,000 active personnel as of 2025. Military expenditures are steady at 0.8% of GDP, reflecting ongoing modernization efforts towards NATO integration. The country participates in international peacekeeping operations and has a military headquarters in Sarajevo under NATO oversight.

10,000: Active duty personnel in the Armed Forces (2025).
0.8%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024).
18-27 years: Age range for voluntary military service.

Energy

Bosnia and Herzegovina has an installed electricity generation capacity of 4.682 million kW, with hydropower representing a significant portion of the energy mix. The country consumes around 12.867 billion kWh of electricity annually and maintains a 100% electrification rate. Coal remains a crucial resource, underlining the reliance on fossil fuels for energy production.

100%: Electrification rate of the population (2022).
31.1%: Percentage of electricity generation from hydroelectric sources (2023).
12.311 million metric tons: Coal production (2023).

Environment

Bosnia and Herzegovina faces environmental challenges such as air pollution, deforestation, and inadequate waste management. The country has made commitments to various international environmental agreements but continues to struggle with issues stemming from the legacy of conflict, including unexploded landmines.

23.8%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022).
37.5 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022 est.).
24.513 million metric tons: CO2 emissions (2023).

Transportation

The country has a developing transportation infrastructure, including 20 airports and 965 kilometers of railway. However, its port facilities are limited, with Neum being the only small port. The government is focused on improving transport connectivity to stimulate economic growth.

20: Total number of airports (2025).
965 km: Total length of railways (2014).
1: Total port, with no large or medium ports (2024).

Communications

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a growing communications sector, with an internet penetration rate of 83% as of 2023. The country has multiple television and radio broadcasters, expanding access to media. Mobile cellular subscriptions are notably high, enhancing connectivity among the population.

3.84 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024).
908,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
583,000: Total fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2024).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	3,653,499 (2025 est.)
Area	51,197 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$64.641 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	10.8% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	6.88 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	78.5 years (2024 est.)
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	91.227 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
CO2 Emissions	24.513 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Military Expenditure	0.8% of GDP (2024 est.)
Urban Population	50.3% (2023)