Country Profile: Serbia

Serbia, located in southeastern Europe, is a landlocked country bordered by several nations including Hungary and North Macedonia. With a population of approximately 6.65 million, it encompasses diverse ethnic groups, predominantly Serbs. The country operates a parliamentary republic governance structure under President Aleksandar VUCIC and is a candidate for European Union membership. Serbia's economy is classified as upper middle-income, with significant contributions from the service sector.

Geography

Serbia is situated at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, characterized by its varied landscape which includes fertile plains in the north and ancient mountains in the southeast. The country has a total area of 77,474 square kilometers and is entirely landlocked, lacking any coastline. Its climate ranges from continental in the north to Mediterranean in some regions, contributing to a diverse range of natural resources including coal, copper, and fertile agricultural land.

• Total Area: 77,474 sq km
• Land Borders: 2,322 km shared with countries including Hungary and Croatia
• Highest Point: 2,169 m at Midzor
• Climate: Continental and Mediterranean
• Natural Resources: Oil, gas, coal, and various minerals
• Agricultural Land: 40.4% of total area (2023 est.)

People and Society

As of 2024, Serbia has a population of approximately 6.65 million, with a notable majority of Serbs (83.3%). The country has a relatively even population distribution, with urban areas like Belgrade attracting larger concentrations of people. The Serbian language is the official language, and the predominant religion is Serbian Orthodox, followed by Islam and Catholicism.

• Total Population: 6,652,212 (2024 est.)
• Urban Population: 57.1% (2023)
• Life Expectancy: 75.3 years (2024 est.)
• Literacy Rate: 99.3% (2022 est.)
• Ethnic Groups: 83.3% Serb
• Mean Age at First Birth: 28.2 years (2020 est.)

Economy

Serbia’s economy, described as upper middle-income, has been improving despite the setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic. The GDP growth rate was projected to be around 3.9% in 2024, with a significant portion of the economy reliant on services. Although the country is striving towards EU accession, it remains energy import-dependent.

• Real GDP (PPP): $177.093 billion (2024 est.)
• GDP Growth Rate: 3.9% (2024 est.)
• Unemployment Rate: 7.4% (2024 est.)
• Public Debt: 73.1% of GDP (2016)
• Exports: $44.352 billion (2023 est.)
• Poverty Rate: 20% (2021 est.)

Government

Serbia is governed as a parliamentary republic with a president serving as the head of state and a prime minister leading the government. The National Assembly, the country's legislative body, consists of 250 members elected through proportional representation. Serbia declared its independence from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro in 2006 and operates under a civil law system.

• Capital: Belgrade
• Constitution: Adopted on 30 September 2006
• Voting Age: 18 years (16 if employed)
• Executive Branch: President Aleksandar VUCIC and Prime Minister Djuro MACUT (since 2025)
• Legislative Structure: Unicameral National Assembly

Military and Security

The Serbian Armed Forces consist of land forces and air defense forces and are tasked with national defense and international peacekeeping operations. Military expenditures are around 2.5% of GDP for 2024, highlighting the country’s commitment to maintaining a capable defense force.

• Active Military Personnel: Approximately 25,000 (2025)
• Military Expenditure: 2.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
• Military Service Age: 18 years
• Active Deployments: 180 in Lebanon (UNIFIL, 2025)
• Military Equipment: Mix of Soviet-era and modern systems

Energy

Serbia's energy sector is characterized by heavy reliance on fossil fuels, with significant coal and natural gas usage. The country has made strides in expanding electricity access, achieving 100% coverage.

• Installed Electricity Capacity: 8.202 million kW (2023 est.)
• Electricity Consumption: 34.413 billion kWh (2023 est.)
• Coal Production: 33.219 million metric tons (2023 est.)
• Natural Gas Consumption: 2.886 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
• Renewable Energy Sources: Hydroelectricity 30.7% of capacity (2023 est.)

Environment

Serbia faces environmental challenges including air and water pollution, particularly in industrial areas. The country is a party to several international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

• Air Pollution: Significant in urban areas
• Water Pollution: From industrial waste
• Forested Area: 40.4% of total land (2023 est.)
• Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 44.782 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
• Municipal Waste Generated: 2.347 million tons (2024 est.)

Transportation

Serbia has a well-developed transportation network that includes railways, roads, and civil aviation. The country boasts 46 airports as of 2025.

• Railway Length: 3,333 km (2020)
• Road Network: Extensive with varying conditions
• Airports: 46 (2025)
• Heliports: 11 (2025)

Communications

Serbia has a robust telecommunications infrastructure with high mobile and internet penetration rates, and significant mobile subscriptions relative to its population.

• Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 8.53 million (2023)
• Internet Users: 85% of the population (2023)
• Fixed-line Telephones: 2.485 million (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	6,652,212	2024 est.
Area	77,474 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$177.093 billion	2024 est.
Unemployment Rate	7.4%	2024 est.
Birth Rate	8.72 births/1,000 population	2025 est.
Life Expectancy	75.3 years	2024 est.
Energy Consumption per Capita	91.884 million Btu/person	2023 est.
Carbon Dioxide Emissions	44.782 million metric tonnes	2023 est.
Literacy Rate	99.3%	2022 est.
Forested Area	40.4% of total land	2023 est.