Serbia Facts and Culture

What is Serbia famous for?

• Cultural Attributes: People in Serbia and Montenegro are incredibly patriotic and highly value family and kinship networks. As the turbulent recent history... More
• Family: The extended family is still strong, but young people prefer to move into their own apartment. The normal size of... More
• Personal Apperance: In Serbia, clothing styles vary depending on region, occasion, personal preference, and individual lifestyle. Modern Western Clothing: Modern Western clothing... More
• Recreation: Recreational activities vary depending on personal interests, location, and available resources. Sports: Football (soccer) is immensely popular in Serbia, with... More
• Diet: The Serbian staple diet relies on bread, fruit, meat, and dairy products, including yogurt and cottage cheese. Peppers are also... More
• Food and Recipes: People in Serbia and Montenegro eat in continental style, with a fork in the left hand and knife in the... More
• Visiting: Serbians frequently visit one another, and it is an important part of the culture to keep close ties with family... More
• Dating: Teenagers may meet at school, church activities, or with family outings. In their late teens, they can go out to... More

What is the capital of Serbia?

Capital	Belgrade (Beograd)
Government Type	parliamentary republic
Currency	Serbia Dinar (CSD)
Total Area	29,913 Square Miles 77,474 Square Kilometers
Location	Southeastern Europe, between Macedonia and Hungary
Language	Serbian 95%, Albanian 5%
GDP - real growth rate	0.5%
GDP - per capita (PPP)	$13,600.00 (USD)

What is the population of Serbia?

Ethnic Groups	Serb 62.6%, Albanian 16.5%, Montenegrin 5%, Hungarian 3.3%, other 12.6%
Nationality Noun	Serb(s); Montenegrin(s)
Population	7,012,165
Population - note	note: does not include the population of Kosovo
Population Growth Rate	-0.46%
Population in Major Urban Areas	BELGRADE (capital) 1.135 million
Urban Population	56.400000

What type of government does Serbia have?

Executive Branch	chief of state: President Aleksandar VUCIC (since 31 May 2017) head of government: Acting Prime Minister Ivica DACIC (since 20 March 2024); note - former Prime Minister Ana BRNABIC stepped down on 20 March 2024 after her election as parliament speaker; Ivica DACIC will be acting prime minister until the next election (date not yet set) cabinet: Cabinet elected by the National Assembly elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 17 December 2023 (next to be held in 2028); prime minister elected by the National Assembly; note - on 1 November 2023 President VUCIC dissolved parliament and called for snap elections on 17 December 2023 election results: 2022: Aleksandar VUCIC reelected in first round; percent of vote - Aleksandar VUCIC (SNS) 60%, Zdravko PONOS (US) 18.9%, Milos JOVANOVIC (NADA) 6.1%, Bosko OBRADOVIC (Dveri-POKS) 4.5%, Milica DJURDJEVIC STAMENKOVSKI (SSZ) 4.3%, other 6.2% 2017: Aleksandar VUCIC elected president in first round; percent of vote - Aleksandar VUCIC (SNS) 55.1%, Sasa JANKOVIC (independent) 16.4%, Luka MAKSIMOVIC (independent) 9.4%, Vuk JEREMIC (independent) 5.7%, Vojislav SESELJ (SRS) 4.5%, other 7.3%, invalid/blank 1.6%; Prime Minister Ana BRNABIC reelected by the National Assembly on 5 October 2020; National Assembly vote - NA
Suffrage	18 years of age, 16 if employed; universal
Citizenship	citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Serbia dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 3 years
National Holiday	Statehood Day, 15 February (1835), the day the first constitution of the country was adopted
Constitution	history: many previous; latest adopted 30 September 2006, approved by referendum 28-29 October 2006, effective 8 November 2006 amendments: proposed by at least one third of deputies in the National Assembly, by the president of the republic, by the government, or by petition of at least 150,000 voters; passage of proposals and draft amendments each requires at least two-thirds majority vote in the Assembly; amendments to constitutional articles including the preamble, constitutional principles, and human and minority rights and freedoms also require passage by simple majority vote in a referendum
Independence	5 June 2006 (from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro); notable earlier dates: 1217 (Serbian Kingdom established); 16 April 1346 (Serbian Empire established); 13 July 1878 (Congress of Berlin recognizes Serbian independence); 1 December 1918 (Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (Yugoslavia) established)

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What environmental issues does Serbia have?

Overview	Serbia and Montenegro is located in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula and occupies 102,173 square kilometers. Serbia and Montenegro's many waterway, road, rail, and telecommunications networks serve to link Europe, Asia, and even Africa at a strategic intersection in southeastern Europe. Endowed with natural beauty, Serbia and Montenegro is rich in varied topography and climate. Three major rivers that pass through Serbia, the Danube, Sava and Tisa, are navigable. The longest river in the country is the Danube, which flows for 588 of its 2,857-kilometer course through Serbia and meanders around its capital, Belgrade on its way to Romania and the Black Sea. The larger of Serbia and Montenegro's two constituent republics, Serbia, is landlocked, whereas the other, Montenegro, has an Adriatic coastline of 294 kilometers. The countryside in the north is characterized by the fertile flatlands of the Panonian Plain, while there are limestone ranges and basins in the east. Three mountain ranges, the Rodope, Carpatho-Balkan and Dinaric meet in the south of Serbia, where Mount Djeravica (2,656m/ 8,714ft) is the highest point of elevation in the country. Belgrade is hilly and sits at an average elevation of 116.75m/383ft above sea level. Montenegro, in the southwest, is dominated by rocky, mountainous terrain with canyons, lakes, rivers, and a dramatic coast where, in many places, cliffs descend sharply to the shoreline. Serbia and Montenegro is renowned for its greenery. In fact, 182 trees in Belgrade alone have been listed as natural monuments and protected by law. Such green treasures cover an area of over 4,000 hectares (10,000 acres) in the capital city and include many parks. The forests in the outskirts of Belgrade are home to dozens of rare bird species along with other exceptional flora and fauna.
Climate	A continental climate predominates in Serbia with cold winters and warm summers. Montenegro is largely the same, but with alpine conditions in the mountains and a Mediterranean climate on the Adriatic coast. The Belgrade climate is moderate continental with four, distinct seasons. Autumn is longer than spring, with lengthy sunny and warm periods. Winter is not particularly harsh, and averages 21 days with below freezing temperatures. January is the coldest month of the year with an average temperature of -0.2°C/31.6°F. Spring is rather short and rainy. Summer starts abruptly. The average daily temperature in the hottest month of July is 34.2°C/93°F, but it is not uncommon for highs to reach the upper 30s and lower 40s Celsius (90s, 100s Fahrenheit) in the summertime. Average humidity is 70%. Belgrade has a characteristic southeastern and eastern wind called "košava," which brings fair and dry weather. It is most frequent in the fall and winter, lasting for 2-3 days. The average košava speed is 25-43 km/h. The capital has an annual average of 139 days with precipitation, including 27 days of snow. The most intense precipitation occurs in May and June, when 1-day rains are most frequent. February is the driest month. The annual average precipitation is 701mm / 27.6.''
Border Countries	Albania 287 km, Bosnia and Herzegovina 527 km, Bulgaria 318 km, Croatia (north) 241 km, Croatia (south) 25 km, Hungary 151 km, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 221 km, Romania 476 km
Environment - Current Issues	pollution of coastal waters from sewage outlets, especially in tourist-related areas such as Kotor; air pollution around Belgrade and other industrial cities; water pollution from industrial wastes dumped into the Sava which flows into the Danube
Environment - International Agreements	party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Terrain	extremely varied; to the north, rich fertile plains; to the east, limestone ranges and basins; to the southeast, ancient mountains and hills; to the southwest, extremely high shoreline with no islands off the coast

How big is the Serbia economy?

Economic Overview	GDP and Growth: Serbia has a mixed economy, with various sectors contributing to its GDP. In recent years, Serbia has experienced moderate economic growth, with GDP growth rates typically ranging from 3% to 5% annually. The COVID-19 pandemic has had some impact on the economy, causing a temporary contraction in 2020, but the economy has shown signs of recovery since then. Industry and Services: Serbia's economy is diversified, with key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, mining, energy, information technology, tourism, and services. The automotive industry, particularly vehicle manufacturing, is a significant contributor to Serbia's exports and industrial output. The services sector, including finance, telecommunications, and tourism, also plays an important role in the economy. Foreign Trade: Serbia has a relatively open economy and actively engages in foreign trade. The European Union (EU) is Serbia's largest trading partner, with significant exports of manufactured goods, agricultural products, and raw materials. Serbia's trade relations with other countries, including China and Russia, also contribute to its foreign trade. Investment Climate: Serbia has been working to improve its business environment and attract foreign investment. The government has implemented various reforms to streamline business regulations, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance investor confidence. Foreign direct investment (FDI) has been increasing in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, and services. Infrastructure Development: Serbia has been investing in infrastructure projects to improve transportation, energy, telecommunications, and other key sectors. Infrastructure development is seen as crucial for economic growth, attracting investment, and enhancing regional connectivity. Projects such as highway construction, railway modernization, and energy infrastructure upgrades are underway. Challenges: Despite progress, Serbia faces several economic challenges. Unemployment remains relatively high, particularly among youth and long-term unemployed. Income inequality and poverty are also significant issues. Additionally, Serbia's economy is vulnerable to external factors such as global economic trends, geopolitical tensions, and natural disasters. EU Accession: Serbia has been pursuing closer ties with the European Union and aims to eventually join the EU. Accession to the EU could bring benefits such as increased trade, investment, and access to EU funding programs. However, the accession process also involves implementing reforms, meeting EU standards, and addressing various economic and political criteria.
Industries	machine building (aircraft, trucks, and automobiles; tanks and weapons; electrical equipment; agricultural machinery); metallurgy (steel, aluminum, copper, lead, zinc, chromium, antimony, bismuth, cadmium); mining (coal, bauxite, nonferrous ore, iron ore, limestone); consumer goods (textiles, footwear, foodstuffs, appliances); electronics, petroleum products, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals
Currency Name and Code	Serbia Dinar (CSD)
Export Partners	Italy 31.3%, Germany 19.7%, Greece 6.9%, Austria 5.9%, France 4.5%, Hungary 4.3%
Import Partners	Germany 18.9%, Italy 17.1%, Austria 8%, Slovenia 7.6%, Hungary 5.2%, Greece 4.1%, France 4.1%, Bulgaria 4%

What current events are happening in Serbia?
Source: Google News

What makes Serbia a unique country to travel to?

Country Description

Serbia is strengthening its democratic, economic, and social institutions, but it still faces many challenges. In 2008, Kosovo, which used to be part of Serbia, declared itself an independent country and was recognized as such by the United States. You should be aware that Serbia does not recognize Kosovo’s independence; the dispute will only affect foreign travelers who plan to visit Kosovo.

Serbia has many tourist and travel facilities like hotels, restaurants, campgrounds, and gas stations, but the quality varies significantly from place to place. Some facilities are not up to Western standards.

Crime

Belgrade does not have high levels of street crime, but pick-pocketing and purse snatchings do occasionally occur. People traveling to Serbia should take the same precautions in Belgrade as they would in any large city in the United States. Most crimes happen because people let their guard down. Unlocked cars, items left in plain sight in a car, open gates, and open garage doors make attractive targets for thieves. Car thefts or break-ins can happen any time, day or night, in all sections of Belgrade and other parts of the country. Using security devices such as auto alarms, fuel-line interrupter switches, or steering-wheel locking devices may discourage or frustrate auto theft, but no device can guarantee one hundred percent protection against determined thieves. In Serbia, difficult economic conditions have sparked the growth of an organized criminal class, and violent crime is most often associated with organized crime activities. Tourists are almost never the targets of violent crime, but Mafia-style reprisals have occurred, including in places where tourists gather such as hotels, restaurants, shops, and busy streets. When those kinds of crimes happen, innocent bystanders may become victims of crime. You should be especially vigilant in Serbian city centers, just as you would anywhere else in the world.

When taking taxicabs in Serbia, travelers should pay attention to cab meters and listed fares as taxi drivers sometimes try to charge foreigners higher rates.

Do not buy counterfeit or pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While traveling in Serbia, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you do not have your passport with you. Also, it may be illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In Belgrade, you are not permitted to take pictures of the old annex of the Ministry of Defense building or the old Ministry of the Interior building. Insome places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. . There are also some activities that might be legal in Serbia, but still illegal in the United States., You can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

You should try to remain aware of local laws and their implications. If you break local laws in Serbia, your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. .If you are arrested in Serbia, Serbian authorities are required to notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest. If you are concerned the Department of State may not be aware of your situation, you should request the police or prison officials to notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest.

Medical Facilities and Health Information

Many doctors and other health care providers in Serbia are highly trained, but the equipment and hygiene in hospitals, clinics, and ambulances are usually not up to Western standards. You can get many medicines and basic medical supplies at private pharmacies, but you should not expect to find the same kinds or brands of medication or medical supplies in Serbia as in the United States. Hospitals usually require payment in cash for all services, and do not accept U.S. health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid as payment.

Safety and Security

Public demonstrations by political parties, unions, and other groups are held in Serbia from time to time. Violent demonstrations have occurred as recently as August 2011. You should know that even demonstrations that start out peacefully can quickly turn violent. U.S. citizens traveling or living in Serbia should avoid demonstrations if possible, and maintain caution if within the area of demonstrations. There is often a heavier than usual police presence in areas where demonstrations occur and traffic may slow or stop until well after the demonstration ends.

Anti-U.S. sentiments are strongest in Serbia surrounding the anniversary dates of certain events and on some national holidays. These dates and holidays include March 24 (the beginning of the 1999 NATO bombing campaign), February 17 (the date of the 2008 independence of Kosovo), and ethnic Serb holidays such as St. Vitus’s Day (Vidovdan, celebrated June 28).

Wins or losses in sporting events can also trigger violence. U.S. citizens were not targets of any recent sports-related violence, but in a few isolated cases, soccer hooligans and petty criminals singled out and attacked citizens of other Western countries. We urge U.S. citizens to be vigilant if attending, or in the vicinity of, sporting events in Serbia.

Any Serbian-Kosovo border crossing or area within five kilometers of the border between Serbia and Kosovo, as well as the western Preševo Valley,which include all areas south of Vranje and west of the E75 highway stretching south to the Macedonian border, are still considered Restricted Travel areas by the U.S. Embassy. U.S. government employees are restricted from entering these areas except on official business. If you are traveling near the Kosovo border or in the western Preševo Valley, you should enroll with the U.S. Embassy and check in with the Embassy regularly for the latest security updates.

Belgrade nightclubs are increasingly popular with foreign tourists. If you decide to go to a nightclub, you should know that they can be crowded and may not be up to Western standards for maximum occupancy and fire safety.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions

While in Serbia, you may encounter road conditions that significantly differ from those in the United States.

Roads in Serbia are not always well-maintained, especially in rural areas. During winter months, fog can significantly reduce visibility. Winter fog is extremely heavy in the Vojvodina region between Belgrade and the Hungarian border.

You must wear a seat belt while driving or riding in a car in Serbia. According to Serbian law, a driver with a blood alcohol level higher than 0.05% is considered intoxicated. Serbian traffic police do carry portable breathalyzers to test drivers. Roadside assistance is available by dialing 1987. Metered taxi service is safe and reasonably priced; however, travelers should pay attention to cab meters and listed fares as taxi drivers sometimes try to charge foreigners higher rates. Belgrade and some other large cities in Serbia have local public transportation networks, and a nationwide network covers most major cities, but public transportation is often crowded and some lines and vehicles are poorly maintained.

You may use a foreign or U.S. driver’s license in Serbia for up to 180 days after your arrival.