Bosnia and Herzegovina is a dual nation that’s absolutely gorgeous to behold. Once part of Yugoslavia, there are plenty of great reasons to get to know the country better. Here are some fun facts about Bosnia and Herzegovina you’ll want to remember!
1. Why does this country have two names?
Don’t be fooled by the name, Bosnia and Herzegovina is definitely one entity! In fact, it is a country in southeastern Europe that is commonly referred to as B&H, or simply Bosnia for short.
2. They split from Yugoslavia some time ago.
Bosnia and Herzegovina were once states of the former federation of Yugoslavia. However, the country declared its independence back in March 1992 and has been B&H ever since!
3. Everybody needs good neighbours!
Bosnia and Herzegovina is surrounded by Croatia to the southwest, west and north, Montenegro to the southeast, and Serbia to the east. And, if you ask us, that’s pretty good company to keep!
4. Time to go climbing!
If you’re looking to take a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina, remember to bring your walking boots! The terrain here is mostly mountainous, with the Maglić mountain being the tallest of its kind in the country. At its peak, it reaches 2,386m high!
5. There’s a coastline, but is there much of a beach…?
However, if you were planning on exploring vast beaches, you may have to pick a different country! Bosnia and Herzegovina has a coastline of only 12.4 miles long! That makes it one of the shortest coastlines in all of Europe.
6. In fact, the country’s pretty small, period!
And, the country itself isn’t too big either! It covers an area of 51,209 square km. This makes it slightly smaller than its border neighbour, Croatia. To give you a better perspective on that size, Bosnia and Herzegovina is smaller than Scotland!
7. How many people live here?
As of 2021, 3.271 million people were living in Bosnia and Herzegovina. And the people from Bosnia and Herzegovina commonly call themselves Bosniaks or Bosnians – who knows if they change their minds from day to day!
8. Head to the capital!
The capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina is Sarajevo. The city covers an area of 141.5 square km, and is the biggest city in the whole country! It also happens to be a pretty popular capital, with people coming from all over the world to see the wonders, history, and culture of the area.
9. It’s tricky to work out what to wear when visiting Bosnia.
The climate in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be a little difficult to describe! The country has more of a temperate continental climate in the northern area, an alpine climate in the mountainous regions, and a Mediterranean climate on the coastal front. On the bright side, whether you like it cooler or warmer, you’re pretty much bound to find what you want all in one small country!
10. Yes, there’s even a rainforest.
Although many of us probably don’t tend to think of Europe when we think of rainforests, you’ll find the biggest one in the continent in Bosnia and Herzegovina! The Perucica Rainforest is indeed the biggest one in Europe, and it is a stunning place!
FAQs about Bosnia and Herzegovina
Why is Bosnia called Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Although many commonly refer to the country as Bosnia, Herzegovina is part of a dual region. This is because the country is made up of two separate regions, Bosnia and Herzegovina, which are separated by a faint border between them.
What languages do people speak in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
There are three legitimate, official languages in Bosnia and Herzegovina - Serbian, Croatian, and Bosnian. However, English is also pretty commonly spoken across the country.
Is Bosnia safe to travel to?
Sadly, some may recall Bosnia most for the conflicts that occurred during the 1990s. To this day, travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina is advised only with caution, as there are both terrorism risks and land mines operating in rural areas.
Further reading
https://facts.uk/tag/Balkans
https://www.theguardian.com/world/bosnia-and-herzegovina
https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/bosnia-and-herzegovina/
Do you know any fun facts about Bosnia and Herzegovina? Share them in the comments below!