Country Profile: Serbia

Serbia is a landlocked country in Southeastern Europe with a diverse geography that includes fertile plains in the north and ancient mountains in the southeast. The population is approximately 6.65 million, primarily ethnic Serbs, and the nation is characterized by a rich cultural heritage and strong family structures. Economically, Serbia is classified as an upper middle-income country and is currently a candidate for European Union membership, focusing on green growth and improving its public services. The government is a parliamentary republic, with ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic governance and international relations.

Geography

Serbia is situated in Southeastern Europe, bordered by several countries including Hungary and Macedonia. The terrain is varied, with fertile plains in the north and mountainous regions in the southeast. The country experiences a continental climate, with cold winters and hot, humid summers.

Total Area: 77,474 sq km
Land Boundaries: 2,322 km
Natural Resources: Oil, gas, coal, iron ore, copper
Population Density: Fairly even distribution with urban areas having denser populations
Climate Zones: Continental and Mediterranean climate

People and Society

Serbia has a total population of approximately 6.65 million, with a majority identifying as ethnic Serbs. The society is diverse in terms of language and religion, with Serbian as the official language. The population has a high literacy rate and is characterized by a median age of 43.9 years.

Ethnic Composition: 83.3% Serb, 3.5% Hungarian, 2.1% Romani
Life Expectancy: 75.3 years (2024 est.)
Literacy Rate: 99% (2019 est.)
Urban Population: 57.1% of total population (2023)
Birth Rate: 8.8 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Economy

Serbia's economy is classified as upper middle-income, with a focus on green growth and sustainable development. The country has seen steady GDP growth following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a strong emphasis on EU integration.

GDP (PPP): $177.093 billion (2024 est.)
GDP per Capita: $26,900 (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 7.4% (2024 est.)
Main Industries: Automobiles, base metals, food processing
Current Account Balance: -$1.947 billion (2023 est.)

Government

Serbia operates as a parliamentary republic with a multi-party system. The President is Aleksandar VUCIC, and the Prime Minister is Djuro MACUT. The National Assembly represents the legislative branch, and the country was last updated its constitution in 2006.

Capital: Belgrade
Political Structure: Unicameral National Assembly with 250 members
Voting Age: 18 years, or 16 if employed
Latest Election: December 17, 2023

Military and Security

The Serbian Armed Forces comprise the Army, Air, and Air Defense Forces, with a focus on both national defense and international peacekeeping roles. Military expenditures are approximately 2.5% of GDP, reflecting the country's commitment to maintaining a robust defense force.

Active Duty Personnel: ~25,000 (2025)
Military Expenditures: 2.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Relationship: Close ties with Russia and increasing cooperation with NATO
Peacekeeping Missions: Approximately 180 troops deployed in Lebanon (2024)

Energy

Energy production in Serbia relies heavily on fossil fuels, though there is a growing push towards renewable energy sources. The country achieves full electrification for its population and maintains substantial coal reserves.

Electricity Access: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Coal Production: 33.219 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Installed Electricity Capacity: 8.202 million kW (2023 est.)
Natural Gas Imports: 2.471 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 44.782 million metric tons (2023 est.)

Environment

Serbia faces environmental challenges including air and water pollution, primarily due to industrial activities. The country is involved in various international environmental agreements to address these issues and promote sustainable practices.

Urban Population Affected by Pollution: Significant in industrial cities like Belgrade
Total Water Withdrawal: 680 million cubic meters (municipal, 2020 est.)
Waste Recycling Rate: 0.8% (2015 est.)
Affect of Climate Change: Participates in the Kyoto and Paris agreements

Transportation

Serbia boasts a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including numerous airports and an extensive railway system facilitating domestic and international travel.

Total Railways: 3,333 km (2020)
Airports: 46 (planned for 2025)
Civil Aircraft Registration Code: YU

Communications

The telecommunications sector is robust, with high mobile cellular usage and a significant number of internet users, indicating a digitally engaged population.

Internet Users: 85% of the population (2023 est.)
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 8.53 million (2021 est.)
Fixed-line Subscriptions: 2.485 million (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	6,652,212 (2024 est.)
Area	77,474 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$177.093 billion (2024 est.)
GDP per Capita	$26,900 (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	7.4% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	8.8 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	75.3 years (2024 est.)
Electricity Access	100% (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures	2.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Urban Population	57.1% (2023)