Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Bosnia and Herzegovina
CapitalSarajevo
Population3,140,095
GDP$32.6bn
Area10 km²
RegionEurope & Central Asia
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
After four centuries of Ottoman rule over Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austria-Hungary took control in 1878 and held the region until 1918, when it was incorporated into the newly created Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. After World War II, Bosnia and Herzegovina joined the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY).
Bosnia and Herzegovina declared sovereignty in October 1991 and independence from the SFRY on 3 March 1992 after a referendum boycotted by ethnic Serbs. Bosnian Serb militias, with the support of Serbia and Croatia, then tried to take control of territories they claimed as their own. From 1992 to 1995, ethnic cleansing campaigns killed thousands and displaced more than two million people. On 21 November 1995, in Dayton, Ohio, the warring parties initialed a peace agreement, and the final agreement was signed in Paris on 14 December 1995.
The Dayton Accords retained Bosnia and Herzegovina's international boundaries and created a multiethnic and democratic government composed of two entities roughly equal in size: the predominantly Bosniak-Bosnian Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the predominantly Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska (RS). The Dayton Accords also established the Office of the High Representative to oversee the agreement's implementation. In 1996, the NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) took over responsibility for enforcing the peace. In 2004, European Union peacekeeping troops (EUFOR) replaced SFOR. As of 2022, EUFOR deploys around 1,600 troops in Bosnia in a peacekeeping capacity. Bosnia and Herzegovina became an official candidate for EU membership in 2022.
Reference: 2022, 2004, 1996, 1995Bosnia and Herzegovina declared sovereignty in October 1991 and independence from the SFRY on 3 March 1992 after a referendum boycotted by ethnic Serbs. Bosnian Serb militias, with the support of Serbia and Croatia, then tried to take control of territories they claimed as their own. From 1992 to 1995, ethnic cleansing campaigns killed thousands and displaced more than two million people. On 21 November 1995, in Dayton, Ohio, the warring parties initialed a peace agreement, and the final agreement was signed in Paris on 14 December 1995.
The Dayton Accords retained Bosnia and Herzegovina's international boundaries and created a multiethnic and democratic government composed of two entities roughly equal in size: the predominantly Bosniak-Bosnian Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the predominantly Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska (RS). The Dayton Accords also established the Office of the High Representative to oversee the agreement's implementation. In 1996, the NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) took over responsibility for enforcing the peace. In 2004, European Union peacekeeping troops (EUFOR) replaced SFOR. As of 2022, EUFOR deploys around 1,600 troops in Bosnia in a peacekeeping capacity. Bosnia and Herzegovina became an official candidate for EU membership in 2022.
Geography
Location
Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Croatia
Map references
Europe
Area
total: 51,197 sq km
land: 51,187 sq km
water: 10 sq km
land: 51,187 sq km
water: 10 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than West Virginia
Land boundaries
total: 1,543 km
border countries: Croatia 956 km; Montenegro 242 km; Serbia 345 km
border countries: Croatia 956 km; Montenegro 242 km; Serbia 345 km
Coastline
20 km
Maritime claims
NA
Climate
hot summers and cold winters; areas of high elevation have short, cool summers and long, severe winters; mild, rainy winters along coast
Terrain
mountains and valleys
Elevation
highest point: Maglic 2,386 m
lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 500 m
lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 500 m
Natural resources
coal, iron ore, antimony, bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, cobalt, manganese, nickel, clay, gypsum, salt, sand, timber, hydropower
Land use
agricultural land: 21.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 7.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 1.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 12.8% (2023 est.)
forest: 42.2% (2023 est.)
other: 36.1% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 7.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 1.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 12.8% (2023 est.)
forest: 42.2% (2023 est.)
other: 36.1% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
30 sq km (2012)
Reference: 2012Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km)
Population distribution
the northern and central areas of the country are the most densely populated
Natural hazards
destructive earthquakes
Geography - note
within Bosnia and Herzegovina's recognized borders, the country is divided into a joint Bosniak/Croat Federation (about 51% of the territory) and the Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska or RS (about 49% of the territory); the region called Herzegovina is contiguous to Croatia and Montenegro
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Bosnian(s), Herzegovinian(s)
adjective: Bosnian, Herzegovinian
adjective: Bosnian, Herzegovinian
Ethnic groups
Bosniak 50.1%, Serb 30.8%, Croat 15.4%, other 2.7%, not declared/no answer 1% (2013 est.)
note: note: Republika Srpska authorities dispute the methodology and refuse to recognize the results; Bosniak has replaced Muslim as an ethnic term in part to avoid confusion with the religious term Muslim - an adherent of Islam
Reference: 2013note: note: Republika Srpska authorities dispute the methodology and refuse to recognize the results; Bosniak has replaced Muslim as an ethnic term in part to avoid confusion with the religious term Muslim - an adherent of Islam
Languages
Languages: Bosnian (official) 52.9%, Serbian (official) 30.8%, Croatian (official) 14.6%, other 1.6%, no answer 0.2% (2013 est.)
major-language sample(s): Knjiga svjetskih činjenica, neophodan izvor osnovnih informacija. (Bosnian)
Knjiga svetskih činjenica, neophodan izvor osnovnih informacija. (Serbian)
Knjiga svjetskih činjenica, nužan izvor osnovnih informacija. (Croatian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Reference: 2013major-language sample(s): Knjiga svjetskih činjenica, neophodan izvor osnovnih informacija. (Bosnian)
Knjiga svetskih činjenica, neophodan izvor osnovnih informacija. (Serbian)
Knjiga svjetskih činjenica, nužan izvor osnovnih informacija. (Croatian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Muslim 50.7%, Orthodox 30.7%, Roman Catholic 15.2%, atheist 0.8%, agnostic 0.3%, other 1.2%, undeclared/no answer 1.1% (2013 est.)
Reference: 2013Age structure
0-14 years: 13.1% (male 257,444/female 240,209)
15-64 years: 68.3% (male 1,305,271/female 1,290,920)
65 years and over: 18.6% (2024 est.) (male 289,449/female 415,378)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 68.3% (male 1,305,271/female 1,290,920)
65 years and over: 18.6% (2024 est.) (male 289,449/female 415,378)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 43.5 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 16.8 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 26.7 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 3.7 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 16.8 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 26.7 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 3.7 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 44.8 years (2024 est.)
male: 43.1 years
female: 46.5 years
Reference: 2024male: 43.1 years
female: 46.5 years
Population growth rate
-0.25% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
8.2 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
10.3 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
the northern and central areas of the country are the most densely populated
Major urban areas - population
346,000 SARAJEVO (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
27.7 years (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Maternal mortality ratio
6 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.67 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 94.8% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 97.3% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 96.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 5.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 2.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 3.9% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 97.3% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 96.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 5.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 2.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 3.9% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 9.6% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 14.8% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 14.8% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
2.58 physicians/1,000 population (2019)
Reference: 2019Hospital bed density
2.3 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 99.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.5% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022unimproved: urban: urban: 0.5% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
17.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 5.46 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 4.19 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.47 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.62 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 4.19 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.47 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.62 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 34% (2025 est.)
male: 39.2% (2025 est.)
female: 29% (2025 est.)
male: 39.2% (2025 est.)
female: 29% (2025 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
63.8% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 14 years (2023 est.)
male: 14 years (2023 est.)
female: 15 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 14 years (2023 est.)
female: 15 years (2023 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 685 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 94,796 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 23 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 94,796 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 23 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of government | Borjana Krišto | — | 2022-12-28 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | Željko Komšić | — | 2022-11-16 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | Denis Bećirović | — | 2022-11-16 | 2026-09-20 | Reported |
| Head of state | Željka Cvijanović | — | 2022-11-16 | 2026-09-20 | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Bosnia and Herzegovina
local long form: none
local short form: Bosna i Hercegovina
former: People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Socialist Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina
abbreviation: BiH
etymology: the larger northern territory is named for the Bosna River; the smaller southern section takes its name from the Old Serbian word herceg, meaning "duke," combined with the possessive -ov and the suffix -ina, meaning "country," to denote "dukedom"
conventional short form: Bosnia and Herzegovina
local long form: none
local short form: Bosna i Hercegovina
former: People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Socialist Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina
abbreviation: BiH
etymology: the larger northern territory is named for the Bosna River; the smaller southern section takes its name from the Old Serbian word herceg, meaning "duke," combined with the possessive -ov and the suffix -ina, meaning "country," to denote "dukedom"
Capital
name: Sarajevo
geographic coordinates: 43 52 N, 18 25 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
etymology: the name derives from the Turkish word saray, meaning "palace" or "mansion"
geographic coordinates: 43 52 N, 18 25 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
etymology: the name derives from the Turkish word saray, meaning "palace" or "mansion"
Administrative divisions
3 first-order administrative divisions - Brcko District (Brcko Distrikt) (ethnically mixed), Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Federacija Bosne i Hercegovine) (predominantly Bosniak-Croat), Republika Srpska (predominantly Serb)
Legal system
civil law system; Constitutional Court review of legislative acts
Constitution
history: 14 December 1995 (constitution included as part of the Dayton Peace Accords)
amendment process: decided by the Parliamentary Assembly, including a two-thirds majority vote of members present in the House of Representatives; the constitutional article on human rights and fundamental freedoms cannot be amended
note: note: each of the political entities has its own constitution
Reference: 1995amendment process: decided by the Parliamentary Assembly, including a two-thirds majority vote of members present in the House of Representatives; the constitutional article on human rights and fundamental freedoms cannot be amended
note: note: each of the political entities has its own constitution
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina
dual citizenship recognized: yes, provided there is a bilateral agreement with the other state
residency requirement for naturalization: 8 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina
dual citizenship recognized: yes, provided there is a bilateral agreement with the other state
residency requirement for naturalization: 8 years
Suffrage
18 years of age, 16 if employed; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: Chairperson of the Presidency Zeljko KOMSIC (chairperson since 16 July 2025; presidency member since 20 November 2018 - Croat seat); Denis BECIROVIC (presidency member since 16 November 2022 - Bosniak seat); Zeljka CVIJANOVIC (presidency member since 16 November 2022 - Serb seat)
head of government: Chairperson of the Council of Ministers Borjana KRISTO (since 25 January 2023)
cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the council chairperson, approved by the state-level House of Representatives
election/appointment process: 3-member presidency (1 Bosniak and 1 Croat elected from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and 1 Serb elected from the Republika Srpska) directly elected by simple-majority popular vote for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term but then ineligible for 4 years); the presidency chairpersonship rotates every 8 months, with the new member of the presidency elected with the highest number of votes starting the new mandate as chair; the chairperson of the Council of Ministers appointed by the presidency and confirmed by the state-level House of Representatives
most recent election date: 2 October 2022
election results: 2022: percent of vote - Denis BECIROVIC - (SDP BiH) 57.4% - Bosniak seat; Zeljko KOMSIC (DF) 55.8% - Croat seat; Zeljka CVIJANOVIC (SNSD) 51.7% - Serb seat
2018: percent of vote - Milorad DODIK (SNSD) 53.9% - Serb seat; Zeljko KOMSIC (DF) 52.6% - Croat seat; Sefik DZAFEROVIC (SDA) 36.6% - Bosniak seat
expected date of next election: October 2026
note: note: President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Lidiia BRADARA (since 28 February 2023)
Reference: 2026, 2025, 2023, 2022head of government: Chairperson of the Council of Ministers Borjana KRISTO (since 25 January 2023)
cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the council chairperson, approved by the state-level House of Representatives
election/appointment process: 3-member presidency (1 Bosniak and 1 Croat elected from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and 1 Serb elected from the Republika Srpska) directly elected by simple-majority popular vote for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term but then ineligible for 4 years); the presidency chairpersonship rotates every 8 months, with the new member of the presidency elected with the highest number of votes starting the new mandate as chair; the chairperson of the Council of Ministers appointed by the presidency and confirmed by the state-level House of Representatives
most recent election date: 2 October 2022
election results: 2022: percent of vote - Denis BECIROVIC - (SDP BiH) 57.4% - Bosniak seat; Zeljko KOMSIC (DF) 55.8% - Croat seat; Zeljka CVIJANOVIC (SNSD) 51.7% - Serb seat
2018: percent of vote - Milorad DODIK (SNSD) 53.9% - Serb seat; Zeljko KOMSIC (DF) 52.6% - Croat seat; Sefik DZAFEROVIC (SDA) 36.6% - Bosniak seat
expected date of next election: October 2026
note: note: President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Lidiia BRADARA (since 28 February 2023)
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliamentary Assembly (Skupstina)
legislative structure: bicameral
legislative structure: bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name: House of Representatives (Predstavnicki dom)
number of seats: 42 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 2/16/2023
parties elected and seats per party: Party of Democratic Action (SDA) (9); Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD) (6); Social Democratic Party of Bosnia and Herzegovina (SDP) (5); HDZ BiH, HSS, HSP BiH, HKDU, HSPAS, HDU, HSPHB, HRAST (4); Democratic Front (DF) - Civic Alliance (GS) (3); People and Justice (NAROD I PRAVDA) (3); (3); Republican Party of the Social Order (PROS) (3); Other (15)
percentage of women in chamber: 19%
expected date of next election: October 2026
Reference: 2026, 2023number of seats: 42 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 2/16/2023
parties elected and seats per party: Party of Democratic Action (SDA) (9); Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD) (6); Social Democratic Party of Bosnia and Herzegovina (SDP) (5); HDZ BiH, HSS, HSP BiH, HKDU, HSPAS, HDU, HSPHB, HRAST (4); Democratic Front (DF) - Civic Alliance (GS) (3); People and Justice (NAROD I PRAVDA) (3); (3); Republican Party of the Social Order (PROS) (3); Other (15)
percentage of women in chamber: 19%
expected date of next election: October 2026
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name: House of Peoples (Dom Naroda)
number of seats: 15 (all appointed)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 10/2/2022
percentage of women in chamber: 6.7%
expected date of next election: February 2027
Reference: 2027, 2022number of seats: 15 (all appointed)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 10/2/2022
percentage of women in chamber: 6.7%
expected date of next election: February 2027
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Constitutional Court (consists of 9 members); Court of BiH (consists of 44 national judges and 7 international judges organized into 3 divisions - Administrative, Appellate, and Criminal, which includes a War Crimes Chamber)
judge selection and term of office: BiH Constitutional Court judges - 4 selected by the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina House of Representatives, 2 selected by the Republika Srpska's National Assembly, and 3 non-Bosnian judges selected by the president of the European Court of Human Rights; Court of BiH president and national judges appointed by the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council; Court of BiH president appointed for renewable 6-year term; other national judges appointed to serve until age 70; international judges recommended by the president of the Court of BiH and appointed by the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina; international judges appointed to serve until age 70
subordinate courts: the Federation has 10 cantonal courts plus a number of municipal courts; the Republika Srpska has a supreme court, 5 district courts, and a number of municipal courts
judge selection and term of office: BiH Constitutional Court judges - 4 selected by the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina House of Representatives, 2 selected by the Republika Srpska's National Assembly, and 3 non-Bosnian judges selected by the president of the European Court of Human Rights; Court of BiH president and national judges appointed by the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council; Court of BiH president appointed for renewable 6-year term; other national judges appointed to serve until age 70; international judges recommended by the president of the Court of BiH and appointed by the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina; international judges appointed to serve until age 70
subordinate courts: the Federation has 10 cantonal courts plus a number of municipal courts; the Republika Srpska has a supreme court, 5 district courts, and a number of municipal courts
Political parties
Alliance of Independent Social Democrats or SNSD
Bosnian-Herzegovinian Initiative or BHI KF
Civic Alliance or GS
Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina or HDZ-BiH
Democratic Front or DF
Democratic Union or DEMOS
For Justice and Order
Our Party or NS/HC
Party for Democratic Action or SDA
Party of Democratic Progress or PDP
People and Justice Party or NiP
People's European Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina or NES
Serb Democratic Party or SDS
Social Democratic Party or SDP
United Srpska or US
Bosnian-Herzegovinian Initiative or BHI KF
Civic Alliance or GS
Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina or HDZ-BiH
Democratic Front or DF
Democratic Union or DEMOS
For Justice and Order
Our Party or NS/HC
Party for Democratic Action or SDA
Party of Democratic Progress or PDP
People and Justice Party or NiP
People's European Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina or NES
Serb Democratic Party or SDS
Social Democratic Party or SDP
United Srpska or US
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Sven ALKALAJ (since 30 June 2023)
chancery: 2109 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
telephone: [1] (202) 337-1500
FAX: [1] (202) 337-1502
email address and website: info@bhembassy.org
http://www.bhembassy.org/index.html
consulate(s) general: Chicago
Reference: 2023chancery: 2109 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
telephone: [1] (202) 337-1500
FAX: [1] (202) 337-1502
email address and website: info@bhembassy.org
http://www.bhembassy.org/index.html
consulate(s) general: Chicago
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires John GINKEL (since September 2025)
embassy: 1 Robert C. Frasure Street, 71000 Sarajevo
mailing address: 7130 Sarajevo Place, Washington DC 20521-7130
telephone: [387] (33) 704-000
FAX: [387] (33) 659-722
email address and website: sarajevoACS@state.gov
https://ba.usembassy.gov/
branch office(s): Banja Luka, Mostar
embassy: 1 Robert C. Frasure Street, 71000 Sarajevo
mailing address: 7130 Sarajevo Place, Washington DC 20521-7130
telephone: [387] (33) 704-000
FAX: [387] (33) 659-722
email address and website: sarajevoACS@state.gov
https://ba.usembassy.gov/
branch office(s): Banja Luka, Mostar
International organization participation
BIS, CD, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), OAS (observer), OIC (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)
note: note: Bosnia-Herzegovina is an EU candidate country whose satisfactory completion of accession criteria is required before being granted full EU membership
note: note: Bosnia-Herzegovina is an EU candidate country whose satisfactory completion of accession criteria is required before being granted full EU membership
Independence
1 March 1992 (from Yugoslavia)
note: note: referendum for independence completed on 1 March 1992; independence declared on 3 March 1992
Reference: 1992note: note: referendum for independence completed on 1 March 1992; independence declared on 3 March 1992
National holiday
Independence Day, 1 March (1992) and Statehood Day, 25 November (1943) - both observed in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina entity; Victory Day, 9 May (1945) and Dayton Agreement Day, 21 November (1995) - both observed in the Republika Srpska entity
note: note: there is no national-level holiday
Reference: 1995, 1992, 1945, 1943note: note: there is no national-level holiday
Flag
description: a wide blue vertical band on the right side, with a large yellow isosceles triangle in the middle of the flag, based at the top; the rest of the flag is blue, with seven five-pointed white stars and two half-stars along the triangle's hypotenuse
meaning: the triangle approximates the country's shape, and its three points stand for the Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs; the stars represent Europe; the colors (white, blue, and yellow) are traditional and are also associated with neutrality and peace
note: note: one of four national flags that reflect the shape of the country in the flag design; the others are Brazil, Eritrea, and Vanuatu
meaning: the triangle approximates the country's shape, and its three points stand for the Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs; the stars represent Europe; the colors (white, blue, and yellow) are traditional and are also associated with neutrality and peace
note: note: one of four national flags that reflect the shape of the country in the flag design; the others are Brazil, Eritrea, and Vanuatu
National symbol(s)
golden lily
National color(s)
blue, yellow, white
National anthem(s)
title: "Drzavna himna Bosne i Hercegovine" (The National Anthem of Bosnia and Herzegovina)
lyrics/music: none officially/Dusan SESTIC
history: music adopted 1999; lyrics proposed in 2009 were accepted by a parliamentary commission but are still awaiting adoption, so the anthem remains officially wordless
Reference: 2009, 1999lyrics/music: none officially/Dusan SESTIC
history: music adopted 1999; lyrics proposed in 2009 were accepted by a parliamentary commission but are still awaiting adoption, so the anthem remains officially wordless
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 5 (3 cultural, 2 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Old Bridge Area of Mostar (c); Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad (c); Stećci Medieval Tombstones Graveyards (c); Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe - Janj Forest (n); Vjetrenica Cave, Ravno (n)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Old Bridge Area of Mostar (c); Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad (c); Stećci Medieval Tombstones Graveyards (c); Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe - Janj Forest (n); Vjetrenica Cave, Ravno (n)
Government & Official Links
No official institutional links have yet been verified for this country.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina | — | — | — |
Economy
Economic overview
import-dominated economy; remains consumption-heavy; lack of private sector investments and diversification; jointly addressing structural economic challenges; Chinese energy infrastructure investments; high unemployment; tourism industry impacted by COVID-19
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $64.641 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $63.077 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $61.843 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $63.077 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $61.843 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $20,400 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $19,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $19,300 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $19,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $19,300 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 4.3% (2024 est.)
industry: 22% (2024 est.)
services: 58% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 22% (2024 est.)
services: 58% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 68.3% (2023 est.)
government consumption: 19.1% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 23.1% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 3.2% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 43.9% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -55.7% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2023government consumption: 19.1% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 23.1% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 3.2% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 43.9% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -55.7% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
maize, milk, vegetables, potatoes, plums, wheat, apples, barley, chicken, tomatoes (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
steel, coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, manganese, bauxite, aluminum, motor vehicle assembly, textiles, tobacco products, wooden furniture, ammunition, domestic appliances, oil refining
Industrial production growth rate
-2.4% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
1.356 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 27.3% (2024 est.)
male: 25.4% (2024 est.)
female: 30.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 25.4% (2024 est.)
female: 30.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
16.9% (2015 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2015note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Average household expenditures
on food: 32.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 7.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 7.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 11% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 10.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 10.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 10.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 10.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $10.196 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $10.463 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $10.463 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2023: 40.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
19.1% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$1.176 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$638.769 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.078 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$638.769 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.078 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $12.141 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $12.126 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $11.838 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $12.126 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $11.838 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Germany 15%, Croatia 14%, Serbia 12%, Austria 10%, Slovenia 9% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
footwear, electricity, garments, plastic products, insulated wire (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $16.202 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $15.37 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $15.166 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $15.37 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $15.166 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Italy 13%, Germany 11%, Serbia 11%, China 9%, Croatia 8% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, garments, plastic products, packaged medicine (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $9.419 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $9.205 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $8.762 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $9.205 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $8.762 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $5.359 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: konvertibilna markas (BAM) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 1.808 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 1.809 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 1.859 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 1.654 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 1.717 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 1.808 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 1.809 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 1.859 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 1.654 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 1.717 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$1.176 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$638.769 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.078 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$638.769 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.078 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $12.141 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $12.126 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $11.838 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $12.126 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $11.838 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Germany 15%, Croatia 14%, Serbia 12%, Austria 10%, Slovenia 9% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
footwear, electricity, garments, plastic products, insulated wire (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $16.202 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $15.37 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $15.166 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $15.37 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $15.166 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Italy 13%, Germany 11%, Serbia 11%, China 9%, Croatia 8% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, garments, plastic products, packaged medicine (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 4.682 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 12.867 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 7.104 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 3.6 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.339 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 12.867 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 7.104 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 3.6 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.339 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 64% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 2.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 31.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 1.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 2.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 31.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 1.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
production: 12.311 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 12.304 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 1.254 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 1.327 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 2.264 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 12.304 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 1.254 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 1.327 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 2.264 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 34,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Natural gas
consumption: 228.855 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 228.855 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023imports: 228.855 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 91.227 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 614,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 19 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 19 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
6 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 9.6% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 14.8% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 14.8% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
2.58 physicians/1,000 population (2019)
Reference: 2019Hospital bed density
2.3 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Obesity - adult prevalence rate
17.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 34% (2025 est.)
male: 39.2% (2025 est.)
female: 29% (2025 est.)
male: 39.2% (2025 est.)
female: 29% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 14 years (2023 est.)
male: 14 years (2023 est.)
female: 15 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 14 years (2023 est.)
female: 15 years (2023 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
civil law system; Constitutional Court review of legislative acts
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Constitutional Court (consists of 9 members); Court of BiH (consists of 44 national judges and 7 international judges organized into 3 divisions - Administrative, Appellate, and Criminal, which includes a War Crimes Chamber)
judge selection and term of office: BiH Constitutional Court judges - 4 selected by the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina House of Representatives, 2 selected by the Republika Srpska's National Assembly, and 3 non-Bosnian judges selected by the president of the European Court of Human Rights; Court of BiH president and national judges appointed by the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council; Court of BiH president appointed for renewable 6-year term; other national judges appointed to serve until age 70; international judges recommended by the president of the Court of BiH and appointed by the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina; international judges appointed to serve until age 70
subordinate courts: the Federation has 10 cantonal courts plus a number of municipal courts; the Republika Srpska has a supreme court, 5 district courts, and a number of municipal courts
judge selection and term of office: BiH Constitutional Court judges - 4 selected by the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina House of Representatives, 2 selected by the Republika Srpska's National Assembly, and 3 non-Bosnian judges selected by the president of the European Court of Human Rights; Court of BiH president and national judges appointed by the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council; Court of BiH president appointed for renewable 6-year term; other national judges appointed to serve until age 70; international judges recommended by the president of the Court of BiH and appointed by the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina; international judges appointed to serve until age 70
subordinate courts: the Federation has 10 cantonal courts plus a number of municipal courts; the Republika Srpska has a supreme court, 5 district courts, and a number of municipal courts
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH or Oruzanih Snaga Bosne i Hercegovine, OSBiH): Army, Air, Air Defense forces organized into an Operations Command and a Support Command
Ministry of Security: Border Police (2025)
Ministry of Security: Border Police (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 0.8% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 0.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 0.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 0.9% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 0.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 0.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 0.9% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 10,000 active-duty Armed Forces (2024)
Reference: 2024Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory of weapons and equipment is a combination of material originating from the former Soviet Union/former Yugoslavia and secondhand deliveries from Western suppliers such as the UK and especially the US (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 2005 (2024)
note: note: as of 2024, women made up about 9% of the military's full-time personnel
Reference: 2024, 2005note: note: as of 2024, women made up about 9% of the military's full-time personnel
Military - note
the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH) are responsible for territorial defense, providing assistance to civil authorities during disasters or other emergencies, and participating in collective security and peace support operations; each of the AFBiH's three combat brigades are headquartered inside of their respective ethnicity territory, while its main headquarters is in Sarajevo; Bosnia and Herzegovina aspires to join NATO; Bosnia and Herzegovina joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP) program in 2006 and was invited to join NATO’s Membership Action Plan in 2010; the AFBiH is undergoing a 10-year (2017-2027) defense modernization and reform program for preparing to join and integrate with NATO; it has contributed small numbers of troops to EU, NATO, and UN missions
NATO maintains a military headquarters in Sarajevo with the mission of assisting Bosnia and Herzegovina with the PfP program and promoting closer integration with NATO, as well as providing logistics and other support to the EU Force Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR), which has operated in the country to oversee implementation of the Dayton/Paris Agreement since taking over from NATO's Stabilization Force (SFOR) in 2004 (2025)
Reference: 2027, 2025, 2017, 2010NATO maintains a military headquarters in Sarajevo with the mission of assisting Bosnia and Herzegovina with the PfP program and promoting closer integration with NATO, as well as providing logistics and other support to the EU Force Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR), which has operated in the country to oversee implementation of the Dayton/Paris Agreement since taking over from NATO's Stabilization Force (SFOR) in 2004 (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Sven ALKALAJ (since 30 June 2023)
chancery: 2109 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
telephone: [1] (202) 337-1500
FAX: [1] (202) 337-1502
email address and website: info@bhembassy.org
http://www.bhembassy.org/index.html
consulate(s) general: Chicago
Reference: 2023chancery: 2109 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
telephone: [1] (202) 337-1500
FAX: [1] (202) 337-1502
email address and website: info@bhembassy.org
http://www.bhembassy.org/index.html
consulate(s) general: Chicago
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires John GINKEL (since September 2025)
embassy: 1 Robert C. Frasure Street, 71000 Sarajevo
mailing address: 7130 Sarajevo Place, Washington DC 20521-7130
telephone: [387] (33) 704-000
FAX: [387] (33) 659-722
email address and website: sarajevoACS@state.gov
https://ba.usembassy.gov/
branch office(s): Banja Luka, Mostar
embassy: 1 Robert C. Frasure Street, 71000 Sarajevo
mailing address: 7130 Sarajevo Place, Washington DC 20521-7130
telephone: [387] (33) 704-000
FAX: [387] (33) 659-722
email address and website: sarajevoACS@state.gov
https://ba.usembassy.gov/
branch office(s): Banja Luka, Mostar
International organization participation
BIS, CD, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), OAS (observer), OIC (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)
note: note: Bosnia-Herzegovina is an EU candidate country whose satisfactory completion of accession criteria is required before being granted full EU membership
note: note: Bosnia-Herzegovina is an EU candidate country whose satisfactory completion of accession criteria is required before being granted full EU membership
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) | member | 1992-04-30 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1992-05-22 |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
BIS, CD, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), OAS (observer), OIC (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)
note: note: Bosnia-Herzegovina is an EU candidate country whose satisfactory completion of accession criteria is required before being granted full EU membership
note: note: Bosnia-Herzegovina is an EU candidate country whose satisfactory completion of accession criteria is required before being granted full EU membership
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 685 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 94,796 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 23 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 94,796 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 23 (2024 est.)
Terrorist group(s)
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps/Qods Force
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
T9
Airports
20 (2025)
Heliports
3 (2025)
Railways
total: 965 km (2014)
standard gauge: 965 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge (565 km electrified)
Reference: 2014standard gauge: 965 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge (565 km electrified)
Ports
total ports: 1 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 1
very small: 0
ports with oil terminals: 0
key ports: Neum
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 0
small: 1
very small: 0
ports with oil terminals: 0
key ports: Neum
Environment
Environmental issues
air pollution; deforestation and illegal logging; inadequate wastewater treatment and flood management facilities; urban waste disposal; uncleared land mines from the 1990s
International environmental agreements
party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
hot summers and cold winters; areas of high elevation have short, cool summers and long, severe winters; mild, rainy winters along coast
Land use
agricultural land: 21.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 7.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 1.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 12.8% (2023 est.)
forest: 42.2% (2023 est.)
other: 36.1% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 7.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 1.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 12.8% (2023 est.)
forest: 42.2% (2023 est.)
other: 36.1% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 50.3% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.61% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 0.61% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 24.513 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 19.292 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 4.785 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 436,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 19.292 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 4.785 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 436,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
26.2 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 1.249 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 23.8% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 23.8% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 320 million cubic meters (2022)
industrial: 475 million cubic meters (2022)
Reference: 2022industrial: 475 million cubic meters (2022)
Total renewable water resources
37.5 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 614,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 19 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 19 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
3 public TV broadcasters: Radio and TV of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federation TV (operating 2 networks), and Republika Srpska Radio-TV; a local commercial network of 5 TV stations; 3 private, near-national TV stations and dozens of small independent TV stations; 3 large public radio broadcasters and many private radio stations (2019)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.ba
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3,473,003 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 3,428,682 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 3,387,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 3,345,533 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 3,299,349 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 3,244,907 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 3,204,802 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 3,185,073 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 3,164,253 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 3,140,095 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $17,116,926,554 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $18,326,373,136 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $20,484,058,033 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $20,482,608,984 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $20,226,038,370 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $23,672,712,121 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $24,534,663,636 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $27,592,361,498 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $29,737,363,103 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $32,599,982,936 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 36,042 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 34,120 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 1,108,999 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 1,705,561 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 1,624,537 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 1,494,812 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 1,481,062 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 1,477,261 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 1,542,552 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 1,608,324 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -32,173 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -30,650 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -29,147 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -27,841 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -26,840 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -25,865 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -485 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -485 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -4,497 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -6,994 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,140,095 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 3,114,242 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 3,816,459 | 2022 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 34,120 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 1.1% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 1,608,324 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -6,994 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 24,653 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 712 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.653 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 0.510 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 0.319 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 0.652 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 1.314 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 0.758 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | -0.066 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 1996 in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Republika Srpska since 1998, and in Brčko District since 2003; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Yes | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes Requires surgery for change | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $32,599,982,936 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $10,382 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 2.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 6.1% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 11.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Upper middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 78.0 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.5 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 52.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 86.1% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 41.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 54.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 95.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 97.0% | 2013 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 87.9% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 3.2% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 3,677 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 36.6% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 8.9% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 5.5 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 42.7% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 121.2 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 29.4 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 5,554 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 43.8607° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 18.4214° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 44.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 18.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | Central European Time, UTC+01:00, UTC+02:00, Europe/Sarajevo | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | federal parliamentary republic | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:12