About BA
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country located in southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. Here are some basic facts about Bosnia and Herzegovina:
Population: As of 2021, the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina is estimated to be around 3.3 million people.
Language: The official languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina are Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian.
Currency: The official currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Convertible Mark (BAM).
Government: Bosnia and Herzegovina has a federal parliamentary republic system of government, with a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government.
Economy: Bosnia and Herzegovina has a transitional economy, with major industries including mining, metal processing, and agriculture. It is a member of the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the Central European Free Trade Agreement.
Geography: Bosnia and Herzegovina has a land area of approximately 51,000 square kilometers and shares borders with Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro. It has access to the Adriatic Sea through the city of Neum.
Climate: Bosnia and Herzegovina has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters.
Culture: Bosnia and Herzegovina has a diverse cultural heritage, with influences from Slavic, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian traditions. Traditional Bosnian cuisine includes dishes such as cevapi, a grilled meat dish, and burek, a pastry filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. The country is known for its music, including traditional folk music and the sevdalinka, a genre of music that originated in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The country is also home to several historic sites, including the old bridge in Mostar, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
National Culture Objects
Stari Most (Old Bridge)
Located in Mostar, the Stari Most is a 16th-century Ottoman bridge and a symbol of Bosnia and Herzegovina's historical and cultural heritage. It represents the country's architectural beauty and the resilience of its people.
Stećci (Medieval Tombstones)
Stećci are medieval tombstones found throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. They are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and symbolize the country's rich medieval history and the unique art and traditions of the region.
Sevdalinka Music
Sevdalinka is a traditional genre of folk music that originated in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Known for its emotional and melancholic melodies, it symbolizes the cultural and musical heritage of the country.
Coffee Set (Džezva and Fildžan)
The traditional Bosnian coffee set, including the džezva (coffee pot) and fildžan (small cup), symbolizes the country's coffee culture. Coffee drinking is a significant social ritual in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Pomegranate
The pomegranate fruit is often associated with Bosnia and Herzegovina, symbolizing fertility, life, and vitality. It is a common motif in the region's art and folklore.
The Bosnian Lily
The Bosnian lily, or "Zlatni Ljiljan," is a historical symbol associated with the medieval Bosnian state and the Bosniak identity. It represents purity and the historical continuity of the nation.
Traditional Dance (Kolo)
Kolo is a traditional folk dance in Bosnia and Herzegovina, performed in a circle. It symbolizes community, tradition, and the cultural unity of the people.
The national anthem of Bosnia and Herzegovina is called "Državna himna Bosne i Hercegovine" (The National Anthem of Bosnia and Herzegovina). The lyrics were written by Dušan Šestić, and the music was composed by him and Ranko Rihtman. It was adopted as the national anthem in 1999.
Here are the lyrics in Bosnian:
Jedna si jedina,
moja domovina,
u srcu te nosim,
svaki dan sve ti više fali.
Tebi pripadam,
ja, tvoj sin,
Bosno moja,
gdje si rođen ja.
Here is a rough translation in English:
You are the only one,
My homeland,
I carry you in my heart,
Every day I miss you more.
I belong to you,
I, your son,
My Bosnia,
Where I was born.
