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Hotels in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Getting to Know Bosnia and Herzegovina

Located in the Balkan Peninsula on the southern part of Europe, Bosnia and Herzegovina, or more commonly, Bosnia, is a small country that has been through a lot. It has survived centuries of constant struggle for independence from different ruling nations. It was formerly part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia before it declared its independence in 1992. It has a federal democratic republic form of government and is currently undergoing a transition into a market-oriented economy from its former socialist framework. While political and ethnic discord is still prevalent in the country, its government’s current efforts as well as that of the international community are bound to arrive at a proper resolution to their issues.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is composed of two ruling states: the Serb Republic and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina which is controlled by the Bosniaks and Croats. The country’s capital and largest city is Sarajevo.

People and culture

There are three major ethnic groups in Bosnia: Bosniaks, Croats and Serbs. Each of these groups has its own religious affiliation. Bosniaks are predominantly Muslim while the Serbs are Orthodox Christians. Croats belong to the Catholic faith. Interestingly, these three groups share the same genetic legacy of the Balkans in spite of the fact that they have a lot of differences among themselves.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is especially proud of its rich culture that has been greatly influenced by the different religious affiliations that are dominant in the area. The country has produced many award-winning literary geniuses including Nobel Prize for Literature winner Ivo Andric. The country also has a National Theatre that frequently produces musical plays, dramas and ballet recitals for the entertainment of both locals and tourists.

During your stay in the country, you will want to try Bosnia’s local delicacies. Bosnian cuisine mainly consists of an elaborate fare that contains a lot of spices. The dishes are light, consisting of practically just the juice of the vegetables and meat. The local food in Bosnia and Herzegovina brings together the Eastern and Western way of cooking and preparation. Most meals are made of beef and lamb as pork is not widely used. Local specialties include goulash, ajvar, burek and sarma. The country is also especially proud of its local wines such as the plum or apple rakia.

Tourism

Curiously, in spite of the ongoing socio-political discord in the country, Bosnia and Herzegovina has still managed to attract a steady stream of tourists into its territories. In fact, according to the World Tourism Organization, the country is expected to have one of the highest tourism growth rates in fifteen years from 1995 to 2020. These days, it is one of the most popular skiing destinations in the world.

Sarajevo is the most popular travel destination in the Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its tourism is mainly concerned with historical, religious and cultural aspects of the place. Cultural and historic tours showcasing local traditions and offering a glimpse of the works of local talents are quite popular. Because of its scenic natural environment, Bosnia is also being developed as an ecotourism site.

Hotels in Bosnia and Herzegovina