Bosnia and Herzegovina Culture
Bosnia and Herzegovina culture is a patchwork of different ethnic groups with a history of rule by external governments. The constituent peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina (usually referred to simply as Bosnians, as Herzegovina has no expressly-defined borders) are the Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats. The area was self-governing during the Middle Ages, then conquered by the Ottoman Empire, then taken over by Austo-Hungary. The region fell under socialist rule after World War II until bloodshed erupted in the form of the Bosnia War in the early 1990's. Each major political change left a lasting effect on Bosnia, most visible in the motley architecture of the country. Since the Bosnian War however, the country has seen a huge rebuilding effort and a cultural renaissance.
Bosnia is a rapidly-growing destination spot for travelers, especially its capital of Sarajevo, which hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics. Unsurprisingly, the city attracts a number of skiers, snowboarders, and other winter sport enthusiasts. Sarajevo is an incredibly diverse city, in modernity and historically: adherents to Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and other faiths have coexisted there peacefully for centuries, netting Sarajevo the nickname "The Jerusalem of Europe". The city is a mecca for the arts as well, featuring many excellent museums, music (including the Sarajevo School of Pop Rock), film festivals, and arenas for sporting events. The cuisine of Bosnia is highly influenced by its previous Ottoman rule. Expect vegetable- and spice-laden meals which tend to be quite lite; sauces usually amount to little more than the food's natural juices.
Travelers, especially ecotourists, should be reminded that although Bosnia is a fairly peaceful country, there are still many landmines in less trafficked areas left over from the Bosnian War. Keeping to urbanized areas is a surefire way to stay safe though.
Quick Info:
Capital: Sarajevo
Language(s): Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
Religion(s): Islam, Serb Orthadox, Roman Catholic
Currency: Convertible Mark (BAM)
Electricity Voltage: 220V
Calling Code: 387
Popular Travel Destinations:
- Banja Luka
- The Neretva river
- Stari Most in Mostar
Official Website: www.bhtourism.ba
Travel Forums:
- Lonely Planet Bosnia and Herzegovina Forum
- Trip Advisor Bosnia and Herzegovina Forum
- Virtual Tourist Bosnia and Herzegovina Forum
*Note* - Some of the graphics on this page were taken from the CIA World Factbook which contains a wealth of information on every country in the world. I highly recommend it.