Bosnia and Herzegovina lies in Southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. Its total area is about 51 000 km², and the population is around 3.2 million. The capital and largest city is Sarajevo. Official languages are Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian. The currency is the Convertible Mark (BAM). The state comprises two entities – the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska – plus the Brčko District.

History
Archaeological finds show Neolithic settlements, later inhabited by Illyrian tribes and Roman colonies. In the Middle Ages, an independent Bosnian Kingdom emerged. The Ottomans conquered the region in the 15th century and ruled for four centuries. In 1878 it passed to Austria-Hungary, and after World War I it joined the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later Yugoslavia. Independence in 1992 sparked a war until 1995 and the Siege of Sarajevo. Peace and a new constitutional order were established by the Dayton Agreement in late 1995.

Statistics
The country’s GDP is about USD 23 billion, with GDP per capita around USD 7 000. Official unemployment ranges between 15 % and 20 %. The Human Development Index is roughly 0.76. On the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (2023), Bosnia ranks about 111th out of 180 with a score near 38 out of 100.

Industry
Key sectors include metallurgy (aluminum and steel), energy production (hydroelectric power), wood processing, chemical and light industries. Food and beverage manufacturing – meat, dairy, bakery products – is significant. Major exports are electricity, aluminum, timber, meat, and textiles.

Religion
Religious affiliations break down roughly as Muslims (Bosniaks) 50.7 %, Orthodox Christians (Serbs) 30.8 %, Catholics (Croats) 15.2 %, and other faiths 3.3 %. Religious tolerance stems from centuries of multi-faith coexistence.

Standard of Living and Corruption
Living standards lag behind EU levels but are higher than in some neighboring Balkan states. GDP per capita and HDI are gradually rising thanks to service and tourism sectors. On the Corruption Perceptions Index (2023) Bosnia ranks 111th of 180, scoring 38/100. Corruption is most pronounced in the judiciary, healthcare, and traffic police.

Wars and Conflicts
The major conflict was the civil war from 1992 to 1995, driven by ethnic tensions after Yugoslavia’s breakup. Over 100 000 died, and around 2 million were displaced. Key battles occurred around Sarajevo, Mostar, and along ethnic front lines. Since 1995, relative peace persists, though political divisions still cause occasional tension.

Tourism and Attractions
Sarajevo blends Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture. The Baščaršija quarter features mosques, artisan workshops, and tea houses. The Latin Bridge marks the 1914 assassination of Archduke Ferdinand. The Tunnel of Hope Museum recalls the city’s siege.
In Mostar the 16th-century Old Bridge is a UNESCO site surrounded by cobbled streets, handicraft bazaars, and Turkish tea houses. Nearby gorges and river canyons offer rafting and kayaking on the Neretva.
Winter sports centers Jahorina and Bjelašnica host Olympic-level ski runs and modern facilities, and in summer transform into hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding zones.
Una and Sutjeska National Parks attract eco-tourists with pristine forests, wildlife hikes, and birdwatching. Waterfalls like Kravice and Skakavac invite swimming in natural pools. Vjetrenica Cave offers guided eco-tours, and Medjugorje draws Catholic pilgrims.
Neum on the Adriatic coast is Bosnia’s sole maritime access point, with beaches, diving and yachting. Pliva and Ramsko lakes provide fishing and water sports. The Travnik and Jajce regions feature medieval castles, mineral springs, and gastronomic festivals.

Why Visit
Bosnia combines rich history, a multicultural atmosphere, and varied landscapes from mountain peaks to the sea. It remains off the mainstream tourism trail, offering authentic local life, affordable prices, and warm hospitality.

Safety and Terrorism Threat
Overall crime is low, with petty theft the main risk in crowded areas. Some rural zones still have unmarked minefields, so stick to official routes. Terrorist threat is minimal. Avoid spontaneous political rallies and provocative nationalist gatherings.

Service and Hotel Standards
Major cities host international hotel chains, boutique properties, and apartment hotels with European-level service. Professional guides and tour operators are widely available. In smaller towns and countryside, service is simpler but offers traditional homey hospitality.

Types of Tourism
Cultural-historical and pilgrimage tours, adventure tourism (skiing, rafting, mountain biking), eco-tourism and trekking, culinary tours and festivals, beach holidays, and water sports on the Adriatic and inland lakes are all developed.

Entry Rules and Visas
Citizens of the EU, USA, Canada, Turkey, and Russia enjoy visa-free stays up to 90 days per six months. Others need a national or Schengen visa issued by consulates. A valid passport (at least three months beyond departure), proof of accommodation and sufficient funds are required.

Transport, Car Rental, Driving and Police Bribes
Intercity buses connect all major towns, popular with locals and tourists. Rail service is limited but the Sarajevo–Mostar line is scenic. Urban transport includes buses, minibuses, and taxis. Car hire requires an international driving permit and a credit card deposit. Plains roads are well maintained; mountain roads are narrow and winding. Traffic violations can lead to on-the-spot fines or informal “coffee” requests by police – bribes speed up resolution but are not mandatory.

Daily Budget
Budget travelers need €30–40 per day for hostels, street food, and public transport. Mid-range comfort with 3-star lodging and tours costs €50–80 daily. Active holidays with 4-star hotels and car rental demand €100–120 per day.

Climate and Best Time to Visit
Bosnia has a moderately continental climate inland and a sub-Mediterranean climate near Neum. Summers are warm and dry (25–35 °C); winters are cold and snowy (–5…+5 °C in lowlands). Best months for sightseeing are May, June, September, and October. Beach season peaks in July and August. Winter sports run from December to February.