Country Profile: Serbia
Serbia is located in Southeastern Europe, strategically positioned between Macedonia and Hungary. The country, which has a population of approximately 6.65 million as of 2024, is characterized by a diverse geography that includes fertile plains, mountains, and significant natural resources. Serbia has an upper middle-income economy, primarily driven by the services and industrial sectors, and is an official candidate for EU membership. The governance structure is a parliamentary republic, with aspirations to enhance its political and economic integration within Europe.
Geography
Serbia is a landlocked country in Southeastern Europe, bordered by eight countries, including Hungary and Bulgaria. Its terrain features a mix of fertile plains in the north and ancient mountains in the southeast, contributing to a varied climate with continental and Mediterranean influences. The country has no coastline, controlling critical land routes to Western Europe and the Near East.
- Area: 77,474 sq km
- Elevation: Highest point at 2,169 m (Midzor)
- Natural resources: Oil, gas, coal, and various metals
- Irrigated land: 550 sq km (2022)
- Major rivers: Danube, shared with several countries
People and Society
Serbia's population is roughly 6.65 million with a unique cultural identity rooted in its ethnic majority, the Serbs, comprising 83.3% of the population. The country is home to various ethnic groups, including Hungarians and Romani. Serbian is the official language, with a literacy rate of 99.3%. The country faces demographic challenges, including a declining birth rate and increasing median age, along with a notable urbanization trend.
- Urban population: 57.1% of total (2023)
- Life expectancy at birth: 75.3 years (2024 est.)
- Birth rate: 8.72 births/1,000 population (2025)
- Total fertility rate: 1.47 children born/woman (2025)
- Median age: 44.1 years (2025 est.)
Economy
Serbia's economy is classified as upper middle-income, with a focus on transitioning toward green growth. The country has shown resilience post-COVID-19, with GDP estimated at $177.093 billion in 2024. The economy is heavily reliant on the services sector, which accounts for about 58.5% of GDP. Serbia is also pursuing EU accession, which has implications for its economic policy and market dynamics.
- Real GDP growth rate: 3.9% (2024 est.)
- GDP per capita: $26,900 (2024 est.)
- Unemployment rate: 7.4% (2024 est.)
- Exports: $44.352 billion (2023 est.)
- Imports: $48.158 billion (2023 est.)
Government
Serbia operates as a parliamentary republic with a legal system based on civil law. The capital city, Belgrade, is the political and cultural heart of the country. The government consists of an elected president, currently Aleksandar VUCIC, and a Prime Minister, with the latter role held by Djuro MACUT since April 2025. The legislative body is unicameral, with 250 members elected through proportional representation.
- Latest constitution adopted: 8 November 2006
- Suffrage: Universal at age 18, or 16 if employed
- Number of municipalities: 117
- Most recent election date: 17 December 2023
- Participation in international organizations: EU candidate, active in UN and OSCE
Military and Security
The Serbian Armed Forces consist of approximately 25,000 active-duty personnel and are responsible for national defense and internal security. Military expenditures are projected to reach 2.5% of GDP in 2024. The military is equipped with a mix of Soviet-era and modern systems, maintaining close ties with Russia while engaging in NATO cooperation through the Partnership for Peace program.
- Active-duty personnel: 25,000 (2025)
- Military expenditures: 2.5% of GDP (2024)
- Military service age: Voluntary from 18 years
- International deployments: 180 personnel in Lebanon (UNIFIL)
Energy
Serbia's energy sector is largely dependent on fossil fuels, yet it is making gradual strides toward diversification. The country has a high electricity access rate of 100% and generates energy predominantly from coal and hydroelectric sources. In 2023, Serbia produced about 33.2 million metric tons of coal.
- Installed electricity capacity: 8.202 million kW (2023)
- Electricity consumption: 34.413 billion kWh (2023)
- Natural gas consumption: 2.886 billion cubic meters (2023)
- Fossil fuels contribution: 65.1% of total electricity generation capacity (2023)
Environment
Serbia faces various environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, primarily in urban areas. The country is actively participating in multiple international environmental agreements, striving to improve its ecological policies and practices. Serbia's land use reflects a significant commitment to agriculture and forestry.
- Forest cover: 40.4% of land (2023)
- Urbanization rate: 0.04% annual change (2020-25)
- Annual CO2 emissions: 44.782 million metric tonnes (2023)
- Waste recycling rate: 1% of municipal solid waste (2022)
Transportation
Serbia has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including an extensive railway system and numerous airports. The country has 46 airports planned by 2025, supporting domestic and international travel.
- Railway length: 3,333 km (2020)
- Civil aircraft registration: Prefix YU
- Airports: 46 (2025)
- Heliports: 11 (2025)
Communications
Communication infrastructure in Serbia is robust, with a high rate of mobile and internet subscriptions. Approximately 85% of the population uses the internet as of 2023, illustrating the country's digital connectivity.
- Total mobile subscriptions: 8.53 million (2023)
- Internet users: 85% of population (2023)
- Fixed-line subscriptions: 2.485 million (2023)
- Broadband subscriptions: 2.08 million (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,652,212 (2024 est.) | |
| Area | 77,474 sq km | |
| GDP | $177.093 billion (2024) | Purchasing power parity |
| Energy Consumption | 34.413 billion kWh (2023) | Total electricity consumption |
| Birth Rate | 8.72 births/1,000 | (2025 est.) |
| Unemployment Rate | 7.4% (2024 est.) | Percentage of labor force seeking work |
| Life Expectancy | 75.3 years (2024 est.) | At birth |
| Literacy Rate | 99.3% (2022 est.) | Total population |
| Military Expenditures | 2.5% of GDP (2024) | |
| Urban Population | 57.1% (2023) | Percentage of total population |
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