Country Profile: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina, located in Southeastern Europe, is a nation marked by its mountainous terrain and rich cultural diversity. With a population of approximately 3.7 million people, it is home to three main ethnic groups: Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats. The country has transitioned from a post-war economy that heavily relies on imports to a more diversified economy that includes tourism and energy production. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to navigate its complex political landscape, stemming from the peace agreements established in the 1990s.

Geography

Bosnia and Herzegovina features a diverse landscape of mountains and valleys, with a total area of 51,197 sq km, slightly smaller than West Virginia. The country has a small coastline along the Adriatic Sea measuring just 20 km and shares borders with Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia totaling 1,543 km. Its climate varies from hot summers and cold winters in the plains to milder, rainy winters along the coast.

Highest Point: Maglic at 2,386 m
Lowest Point: Adriatic Sea at 0 m
Mean Elevation: 500 m
Land Use: 21.7% agricultural land (2023 est.), 42.2% forests

People and Society

Bosnia and Herzegovina has an estimated population of 3,653,499 as of 2025, with a notable demographic structure comprising 50.1% Bosniak, 30.8% Serb, and 15.4% Croat ethnic groups. The country is characterized by a median age of 45.7 years and a life expectancy at birth of 78.5 years. The population growth rate is currently negative at -0.67%.

Urban Population: 50.3% of total population (2023)
Birth Rate: 6.88 births/1,000 (2025 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 10.8% (2024 est.)
Child Mortality Rate: 3.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)

Economy

The economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina remains heavily consumption-driven with a low level of private investment. Its GDP (PPP) is projected to be $64.641 billion in 2024, with a GDP per capita at $20,400. Major economic sectors include services (58%), industry (22%), and agriculture (4.3%). The country has faced high unemployment, particularly among youth, and relies significantly on remittances.

Unemployment Rate: 10.8% (2024 est.)
Public Debt: 40.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Inflation Rate: 1.7% (2024 est.)
Top Exports: Footwear, electricity, garments (2023)

Government

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a parliamentary republic organized into two entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska. The government is defined by its complex structure aimed at maintaining power balance among its three main ethnic groups. The current Chairperson of the Council of Ministers is Borjana Kristo since January 2023.

Capital: Sarajevo
Legislative Assembly: Bicameral (House of Representatives and House of Peoples)
Suffrage Age: 18 years (universal)
Independence Declared: 3 March 1992

Military and Security

The Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina consist of the Army, Air Force, and Air Defense forces, totaling approximately 10,000 active duty personnel. Military expenditures are projected to be 0.8% of GDP in 2024. The country is engaged in NATO's Partnership for Peace program and is in the process of defense modernization.

Conscription: Ended in January 2006
Main Military Responsibility: Territorial defense and civil assistance during emergencies
NATO Engagement: Joined PfP in 2006

Energy

Bosnia and Herzegovina has achieved 100% electrification for its population. The country generates its electricity primarily from fossil fuels (64%) and hydroelectric power (31.1%), showcasing a significant dependency on historical energy sources.

Installed Electricity Capacity: 4.682 million kW (2023)
Coal Production: 12.311 million metric tons (2023)
Total Energy Consumption: 91.227 million Btu/person (2023)

Environment

Bosnia and Herzegovina faces various environmental challenges, including air pollution and deforestation. The country has committed to numerous international environmental agreements, focusing on climate change and biodiversity.

Urbanization Rate: 0.61% annual rate of change (2020-2025 est.)
Total Water Resources: 37.5 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
CO2 Emissions: 24.513 million metric tons (2023 est.)

Transportation

The country has a total of 20 airports and a railway network of 965 km. Its primary civil port is located in Neum, which is the only significant port in the country.

Active Railways: 965 km (2014)
Civil Aircraft Register Code: T9
Number of Heliports: 3 (2025)

Communications

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a well-developed communication sector, with 83% of the population estimated to use the internet as of 2023. There are also significant mobile and fixed-line subscriptions.

Total Mobile Subscriptions: 3.84 million (2024)
Fixed-Line Subscriptions: 583,000 (2024)
Broadband Subscriptions: 908,000 (2023)

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	(2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	78.5 years	(2024 est.)
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	91.227 million Btu/person	(2023 est.)
Military Expenditures	0.8% of GDP	(2024 est.)
Internet Users	83% of population	(2023 est.)