The Dayton Agreement of 1995 brought an end to the ethnically-driven war in Bosnia and Herzegovina and created a single Bosnian state divided into two autonomous entities: Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republica Srpska. The Brcko District (on the border with Croatia in the northeast of the country) is treated as a separate area of local government under the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Armed conflict during the 1992-1995 war decimated the physical infrastructure of the country and the ethnic cleansing campaigns adopted by all sides fomented intense ethnic hatred which continues today. The NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) maintains a security presence in the country.
The capital of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is Sarajevo; the capital of the Republica Srpska is Banja Luka. Sarajevo is best known for two things: the 1984 Winter Olympics and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, which precipitated World War I. While the country has beautiful mountain scenery, health spas and excellent skiing, only journalists have been visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina of late (although this is changing as Bosnia and Herzegovina becomes more stable).
Bosnia and Herzegovina has hot summers and cold winters and the weather reflects these extremes. The mountainous areas have short, cool summers and long, harsh winters. Areas near the coast have mild, rainy winters. Bosnia and Herzegovina experiences occasional destructive earthquakes.
The population of Bosnia and Herzegovina is about 31 percent Serb, 44 percent Bosnian and 17 percent Croat, speaking Serbian, Bosnian and Croatian, respectively, all official languages. English and German are spoken by those who deal regularly with tourists. Bosnia and Herzegovina is similarly split along religious lines; 40 percent Muslim, 31 percent Eastern Orthodox and 15 percent Roman Catholic.
Flying to Sarajevo is the best way to get into Bosnia and Herzegovina, with links to most European capitals; road conditions are poor, but many roads are being restored. Driving is on the right.
The phone system is fairly reliable and works mostly with pre-paid cards. ATMs, however, are nowhere to be found in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and credit cards are accepted only at the most upscale establishments in larger cities; cash remains the most accepted form of payment.
Food in Bosnia and Herzegovina has roots in Turkish cuisine; it is generally appetizing and safe, with no surprises. Upscale hotel and restaurant prices, especially in Sarajevo, can be almost as expensive as in the West. However, bargains can be had by travelers wishing to explore.
The iJET® Intelligence Center
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