Serbia

World Book Index

Introduction

Serbia, a nation with a rich historical tapestry, emerged from the dissolution of Yugoslavia in the late 20th century. The formation of Yugoslavia in 1918 brought together various ethnic groups, including Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes, under a single kingdom. This union evolved into the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1945. However, the late 1980s and 1990s saw the country fracture along ethnic lines, leading to significant conflicts that persisted until NATO's intervention in 1999. Today, Serbia stands as a candidate for European Union membership, navigating its path towards integration while grappling with its complex past and regional dynamics.

Neighboring countries

Albania - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Bulgaria - Croatia - Hungary - Montenegro - North Macedonia - Romania

Geography

Area
Total: 77,474 sq km
Land: 77,474 sq km
Water: 0 sq km

Climate
Serbia's climate is characterized by a diverse range of conditions. In the northern regions, a continental climate prevails, marked by cold winters and hot, humid summers, accompanied by well-distributed rainfall throughout the year. In contrast, other parts of the country experience a blend of continental and Mediterranean climates, featuring relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall and hot, dry summers and autumns. This climatic diversity contributes to the rich agricultural potential and varied ecosystems found within Serbia.

Natural resources
Serbia is endowed with a wealth of natural resources that play a crucial role in its economy. The country possesses significant reserves of oil, gas, coal, iron ore, copper, zinc, antimony, chromite, gold, silver, magnesium, pyrite, limestone, marble, salt, and arable land. These resources not only support domestic industries but also position Serbia as a potential player in regional energy and mineral markets.

People and Society

Population
Total: 6,652,212 (2024 estimated)

Ethnic groups
The demographic landscape of Serbia is predominantly composed of Serbs, who make up 83.3% of the population. Other significant ethnic groups include Hungarians at 3.5%, Romani at 2.1%, and Bosniaks at 2%. The remaining 5.7% consists of various other ethnicities, with 3.4% of the population being undeclared or unknown. This ethnic diversity reflects the historical complexities and cultural richness of the region, influencing social dynamics and political discourse.

Languages
The official language of Serbia is Serbian, spoken by 88.1% of the population. Other languages include Hungarian at 3.4%, Bosnian at 1.9%, and Romani at 1.4%. Additionally, 3.4% of the population speaks various other languages, while 1.8% remains undeclared or unknown. This linguistic diversity is a testament to the country's multicultural fabric and the coexistence of different communities.

Religions
Religious affiliation in Serbia is predominantly Orthodox Christian, accounting for 84.6% of the population. Other religious groups include Catholics at 5%, Muslims at 3.1%, and Protestants at 1%. A small percentage of the population identifies as atheist (1.1%) or adheres to other beliefs (0.8%), which includes agnostics and various Christian denominations. The remaining 4.5% of the population is undeclared or unknown. This religious landscape plays a significant role in shaping cultural identity and societal values within Serbia.

Population growth rate
-0.61% (2024 estimated)

Government

Government type
Serbia operates as a parliamentary republic, where the government is elected by the people and accountable to the parliament.

Capital
Name: Belgrade (Beograd)

Executive branch
The chief of state is President Aleksandar VUCIC, who has been in office since 31 May 2017. The head of government is Prime Minister Djuro MACUT, who took office on 16 April 2025. This leadership structure reflects a political system that emphasizes both executive authority and parliamentary oversight.

Diplomatic representation in the US
The chief of mission is Ambassador Dragan ŠUTANOVAC, who has been serving since 24 July 2025.

Diplomatic representation from the US
The chief of mission is currently vacant; however, Chargé d’Affaires Alexander TITOLO has been in position since January 2025.

Economy

Economic overview
Serbia's economy is classified as an upper middle-income Balkan economy, currently positioned as a candidate for European Union accession. The nation faced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic but is actively pursuing green growth development initiatives. With a manageable public debt and ongoing anticorruption efforts, Serbia has seen a decline in unemployment rates. Historically, the country has maintained strong relations with Russia, yet it remains heavily dependent on energy imports, which poses both opportunities and vulnerabilities for its economic future.

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$177.093 billion (2024 estimated)
$170.482 billion (2023 estimated)
$164.166 billion (2022 estimated)

Real GDP per capita
$26,900 (2024 estimated)
$25,700 (2023 estimated)
$24,600 (2022 estimated)

Exports
$44.352 billion (2023 estimated)
$39.905 billion (2022 estimated)
$34.035 billion (2021 estimated)

Exports - partners
Germany 15%, Hungary 7%, Bosnia & Herzegovina 5%, Italy 5%, Romania 5% (2023)

Exports - commodities
The primary commodities exported by Serbia include insulated wire, electricity, copper ore, plastic products, and electric motors (2023). These exports reflect the country's industrial capabilities and resource endowments.

Imports
$48.158 billion (2023 estimated)
$47.395 billion (2022 estimated)
$39.476 billion (2021 estimated)

Imports - partners
The main sources of imports for Serbia are Germany at 12%, China at 10%, Italy at 7%, Turkey at 5%, and Hungary at 5% (2023). This import profile highlights Serbia's integration into global supply chains and its reliance on foreign goods.

Imports - commodities
Serbia's imports primarily consist of crude petroleum, natural gas, packaged medicine, plastic products, and cars (2023). This dependency on imported commodities underscores the importance of energy security and trade relationships in shaping the country's economic landscape.

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.833, ranking it 62nd out of 193 countries tested. (more information)

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report ranked the country 4th out of 158 countries tested with a score of 7.658. (more information)