Serbia, officially known as the Republic of Serbia, is a landlocked country located in Southeast Europe, in the central and western part of the Balkan Peninsula. It is bordered by Hungary to the north, Romania to the northeast, Bulgaria to the southeast, North Macedonia to the south, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the west, and Montenegro to the southwest. Its central location in the Balkans has historically made it a crossroads of different cultures and civilizations.
Geography
Climate
Serbia has a diverse climate, with continental influences in the north and Mediterranean influences in the south. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold with significant snowfall, especially in the mountainous regions.
Fauna
The fauna of Serbia includes various species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The country’s diverse habitats, including forests, rivers, and wetlands, support a rich biodiversity. Common wildlife includes brown bears, wolves, deer, wild boars, eagles, and storks.
Longest Rivers
The Danube River is the longest river in Serbia, flowing for 588 kilometers (365 miles) through the northern part of the country. The second-longest river is the Sava, a tributary of the Danube, which forms part of Serbia’s border with Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Highest Mountains
The highest mountain in Serbia is Midžor, part of the Stara Planina (Balkan) mountain range, reaching an elevation of 2,169 meters (7,116 feet) above sea level. Other notable peaks include Mount Kopaonik and Mount Tara.
History
Prehistory
The territory of present-day Serbia has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of Neanderthal and early human settlements dating back to the Paleolithic era. The Vinča culture, one of the earliest known prehistoric cultures in Europe, flourished in the region during the Neolithic period.
Ancient Period
Serbia was part of various ancient civilizations, including the Thracians, Illyrians, and Celts. The region later came under Roman rule, with the establishment of the province of Moesia. Important Roman sites in Serbia include the city of Sirmium (modern-day Sremska Mitrovica) and the Gamzigrad-Romuliana archaeological complex.
Medieval Serbia
The medieval history of Serbia is marked by the rise of the Serbian Principality and the subsequent Serbian Kingdom under the Nemanjić dynasty. Stefan Nemanja, founder of the dynasty, established the Serbian Orthodox Church and laid the foundations for a powerful medieval state.
Ottoman Rule
Serbia came under Ottoman rule in the 15th century following the Battle of Kosovo in 1389. The period of Ottoman rule lasted for nearly 500 years and had a profound impact on Serbian society, culture, and identity. Serbian uprisings against Ottoman rule eventually led to independence in the 19th century.
Modern Age
In the 20th century, Serbia was part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, which was established after World War I. Following the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, Serbia became an independent country. The country experienced political instability and conflict during the Yugoslav Wars but has since made progress in rebuilding and reforming its economy and institutions.
Demographics
Population
Serbia has a population of approximately 7 million people, with a diverse mix of ethnic groups. The largest ethnic group is the Serbs, followed by Hungarians, Bosniaks, Croats, and Roma.
Ethnicity and Language
Serbian is the official language of Serbia, spoken by the majority of the population. Other languages spoken in the country include Hungarian, Bosnian, Croatian, and Romani.
Religion
The majority of Serbians adhere to Eastern Orthodox Christianity, with the Serbian Orthodox Church being the dominant religious institution. There are also significant Muslim and Roman Catholic minority communities in the country.
Administrative Divisions and Population
Serbia is divided into administrative regions known as districts (okruzi), which are further subdivided into municipalities (opštine). Here are the first-level administrative divisions along with their populations:
- Belgrade District – Population: 1.7 million
- Vojvodina – Population: 1.9 million
- Šumadija and Western Serbia – Population: 2.0 million
- Southern and Eastern Serbia – Population: 1.4 million
10 Largest Cities by Population
- Belgrade
- Novi Sad
- Niš
- Kragujevac
- Subotica
- Zrenjanin
- Pančevo
- Čačak
- Novi Pazar
- Kraljevo
Education Systems
Free Education
Education in Serbia is free and compulsory for children aged 7 to 15. The country has a well-established education system, with both public and private schools offering primary, secondary, and tertiary education.
Top Universities
Serbia is home to several universities and higher education institutions, including the University of Belgrade, which is the oldest and largest university in the country. Other notable institutions include the University of Novi Sad and the University of Niš.
Transportation
Airports
Serbia has several airports, with the largest and busiest being Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. Other major airports include Niš Constantine the Great Airport, Novi Sad Airport, and Vršac International Airport.
Railways
Serbia has an extensive railway network, with Belgrade serving as the main hub. The country’s railways connect major cities and towns, as well as neighboring countries such as Hungary, Croatia, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia.
Highways
Serbia has a well-developed network of highways and roads, including the E75 and E70 European routes. The country’s highways connect major cities and regions, facilitating transportation and trade within Serbia and with neighboring countries.
Country Facts
- Population: 7 million
- Capital: Belgrade
- Official Language: Serbian
- Religion: Eastern Orthodox Christianity
- Currency: Serbian dinar (RSD)
- ISO Country Codes: RS, SRB
- International Calling Code: +381
- Top-Level Domain: .rs