Serbia

Serbia, officially the Republic of Serbia, is a landlocked country in Southeast and Central Europe. It is located in the Balkans and is bordered by Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Serbia also claims a border with Albania through the disputed territory of Kosovo. With about 6.6 million inhabitants, Belgrade is both the capital and the largest city.

The area of modern-day Serbia has been inhabited since ancient times. It was part of the Roman Empire and later saw Slavic migrations in the 6th century. Over the centuries, various regional states formed and were influenced by the Byzantine, Frankish, and Hungarian kingdoms. The Serbian Kingdom was recognized in 1217 and reached its peak as the Serbian Empire in 1346. By the mid-16th century, the Ottoman Empire took control, though their rule was sometimes interrupted by the Habsburg Empire.

In 1918, following World War I, Serbia united with Vojvodina and joined other South Slavic nations to form Yugoslavia. This union lasted in various forms until the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s. Serbia then formed a union with Montenegro, which peacefully ended in 2006, restoring Serbia’s independence. In 2008, representatives of Kosovo declared independence, though Serbia still considers it part of its territory.

Today, Serbia is an upper-middle-income economy that offers universal health care and free primary and secondary education. It is a parliamentary constitutional republic and a member of the United Nations and other international organizations. Since 2014, Serbia has been negotiating to join the European Union, with the possibility of becoming a member by 2030. The country maintains a policy of military neutrality.

Etymology

See also: Names of the Serbs and Serbia and Origin hypotheses of the Serbs

The name "Serbia" has an unclear origin. Over time, people have used many different names to refer to the Serbs and a related group called the Sorbs. Some of these names include Triballi, Cervetiis, Sorabi, and Sarbin, among others. These names were used in places where Serbs and Sorbs lived, such as the Balkans and Lusatia.

There are two main ideas about where the name *Sŕbъ comes from. One idea is that it comes from an old Slavic language and means something like a "family group." Another idea is that it comes from an old Iranian language with different meanings. A writer named Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus wrote that the Serbs came from a place called White Serbia near Francia.

Serbia has had different official names over time. From 1815 to 1882, it was called the Principality of Serbia. From 1882 to 1918, it was the Kingdom of Serbia. From 1945 to 1963, it was called the People's Republic of Serbia, and from 1963 to 1990, it was the Socialist Republic of Serbia. Since 1990, the country has been known as the Republic of Serbia.

History

Main article: History of Serbia

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Serbian history.

Prehistory and antiquity

Archaeological evidence of settlements on the territory of present-day Serbia from very old times is limited. A fragment of a jaw found in Sićevo (Mala Balanica) is believed to be very old.

Around 6,500 BC, during older times, certain cultures existed in the region of modern-day Belgrade. They dominated much of Southeast Europe as well as parts of Central Europe and Anatolia. Several important archaeological sites from this era still exist near the Danube.

During later times, local tribes were encountered by the Ancient Greeks during their expansion into the region. The Celtic tribe settled throughout the area, building several fortifications, including their capital at Singidunum (present-day Belgrade) and Naissos (present-day Niš).

The Romans conquered much of the territory. In 167 BC, the Roman province of Illyricum was established; the remainder was conquered around 75 BC, forming the Roman province of Moesia Superior; the modern-day Srem region was conquered in 9 BC; and Bačka and Banat in 106 AD after the Dacian Wars. As a result of this, contemporary Serbia extends fully or partially over several former Roman provinces. Seventeen Roman Emperors were born in the area of modern-day Serbia, second only to contemporary Italy. The most famous of these was Constantine the Great, the first Christian Emperor, who issued an edict ordering religious tolerance throughout the Empire.

When the Roman Empire was divided, most of Serbia remained under the Byzantine Empire, and its northwestern parts were included in the Western Roman Empire. By the 6th century, South Slavs migrated into the Byzantine territory in large numbers. They merged with the local Romanised population.

Middle Ages

White Serbs, an early Slavic tribe, eventually settled in an area between the Sava river and the Dinaric Alps. By the beginning of the 9th century, Serbia achieved a level of statehood. Christianisation of Serbia was a gradual process, finalised by the middle of the 9th century. In the mid-10th-century, the Serbian state experienced a fall. During the 11th and 12th century, Serbian state frequently fought with the neighbouring Byzantine Empire. Between 1166 and 1371, Serbia was ruled by the Nemanjić dynasty, under whom the state was elevated to a kingdom in 1217, and an empire in 1346, under Stefan Dušan. The Serbian Orthodox Church was organised as an archbishopric, and in 1346 it was raised to the Patriarchate. Monuments of the Nemanjić period survive in many monasteries and fortifications.

During these centuries the Serbian state expanded significantly. The northern part (modern Vojvodina), was ruled by the Kingdom of Hungary. The period after 1371 saw the once-powerful state fragmented into several principalities, culminating in the Battle of Kosovo against the rising Ottoman Empire. By the end of the 14th century, the Turks had conquered and ruled the territories south of the Šar Mountains. The political stronghold of Serbia shifted northwards, when the capital of the newly established Serbian Despotate was transferred to Belgrade, before moving to Smederevo in 1430. The Despotate was then under the double vassalage of Hungary and the Ottoman Empire. The fall of Smederevo in 1459 marked the full conquest of the Serbian Despotate by the Ottomans.

Ottoman and Habsburg rule

Main articles: Ottoman Serbia and Great Migrations of the Serbs

In all Serbian lands conquered by the Ottomans, the native nobility was eliminated and the peasantry was enserfed to Ottoman rulers, while much of the clergy fled or were confined to the isolated monasteries. Under the Ottoman system, Serbs and Christians were considered an inferior class and subjected to heavy taxes, and a portion of the Serbian population experienced Islamisation. Many Serbs were recruited during the devshirme system, in which boys from Balkan Christian families were forcibly converted to serve in infantry units of the Ottoman army known as the Janissaries. The Serbian Patriarchate of Peć was extinguished in 1463, but reestablished in 1557, providing for limited continuation of Serbian cultural traditions within the Ottoman Empire.

After the loss of statehood to the Ottoman Empire, Serbian resistance continued in northern regions (modern Vojvodina), under popular leaders. From 1521 to 1552, Ottomans conquered Belgrade and regions of Syrmia, Bačka, and Banat. Wars and rebellions constantly challenged Ottoman rule. The area of modern Vojvodina endured a century-long Ottoman occupation before being ceded to the Habsburg monarchy.

During the Habsburg-Ottoman war, much of Serbia switched from Ottoman rule to Habsburg control. However, the Ottoman army reconquered a large part of Serbia, leading to a massacre of the civilian population. As a result of the persecutions, several tens of thousands of Serbs fled northwards to settle in Hungary, an event known as the Great Migration of 1690. In August 1690, following several petitions, the Emperor Leopold I formally granted Serbs from the Habsburg monarchy a first set of "privileges", primarily to guarantee them freedom of religion. As a consequence, the ecclesiastical centre of the Serbs also moved northwards.

In 1718–39, the Habsburg monarchy occupied much of Central Serbia and established the Kingdom of Serbia as crownland. Those gains were lost by the Treaty of Belgrade in 1739, when the Ottomans retook the region. Apart from territory of modern-day Vojvodina which remained under the Habsburg Empire, central regions of Serbia were occupied once again by the Habsburgs in 1788–1792.

Revolution and independence

The Serbian Revolution for independence from the Ottoman Empire lasted eleven years, from 1804 until 1815. During the First Serbian Uprising (1804–1813), led by Karađorđe Petrović, Serbia was independent for almost a decade before the Ottoman army was able to reoccupy the country. The Second Serbian Uprising began in 1815, led by Miloš Obrenović; it ended with a compromise between Serbian revolutionaries and Ottoman authorities. Serbia was one of the first nations in the Balkans to abolish feudalism. The Akkerman Convention in 1826, the Treaty of Adrianople in 1829 and finally, the Hatt-i Sharif, recognised the suzerainty of Serbia. The First Serbian Constitution was adopted on 15 February 1835, making the country one of the first to adopt a democratic constitution in Europe. 15 February is now commemorated as Statehood Day, a public holiday.

Following the clashes between the Ottoman army and Serbs in Belgrade in 1862, and under pressure from the Great Powers, by 1867 the last Turkish soldiers left the Principality, making the country de facto independent. By enacting a new constitution in 1869, without consulting the Porte, Serbian diplomats confirmed the de facto independence of the country. In 1876, Serbia declared war on the Ottoman Empire, siding with the ongoing Christian uprisings in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Bulgaria.

The formal independence of the country was internationally recognised at the Congress of Berlin in 1878, which ended the Russo-Turkish War; this treaty, however, prohibited Serbia from uniting with other Serbian regions by placing Bosnia and Herzegovina under Austro-Hungarian occupation, alongside the occupation of the region of Raška. From 1815 to 1903, the principality was ruled by the House of Obrenović, save for the rule of Prince Aleksandar Karađorđević between 1842 and 1858. In 1882, Principality of Serbia became the Kingdom of Serbia, ruled by King Milan I. The House of Karađorđević assumed power in 1903 following the May Overthrow. The 1848 revolution in Austria led to the establishment of the autonomous territory of Serbian Vojvodina; by 1849, the region was transformed into the Voivodeship of Serbia and Banat of Temeschwar.

Balkan Wars and World War I

In the First Balkan War in 1912, the Balkan League defeated the Ottoman Empire and captured its European territories, which enabled territorial expansion of the Kingdom of Serbia into regions of Raška, Kosovo, Metohija, and Vardarian Macedonia. The Second Balkan War soon ensued when Bulgaria turned on its former allies, but was defeated, resulting in the Treaty of Bucharest. In two years, Serbia enlarged its territory by 80% and its population by 50%, it also suffered high casualties on the eve of World War I.

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria on 28 June 1914 in Sarajevo by a member of the Young Bosnia organisation led to Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia, on 28 July 1914, setting off World War I.

Serbia won the first major battles of the war, including the Battle of Cer, and the Battle of Kolubara. Despite initial success, it was eventually overpowered by the Central Powers in 1915 and Austro-Hungarian occupation of Serbia followed. Most of its army and some people retreated to Greece and Corfu, suffering immense losses on the way. After the Central Powers' military situation on other fronts worsened, the remains of the Serb army returned east and led a final breakthrough through enemy lines on 15 September 1918, liberating Serbia and defeating Bulgaria and Austria-Hungary. Serbia's casualties accounted for 8% of the total Entente military deaths.

Kingdom of Yugoslavia

Main articles: Creation of Yugoslavia and Kingdom of Yugoslavia

The Corfu Declaration was a formal agreement between the government-in-exile of the Kingdom of Serbia and the Yugoslav Committee that pledged to unify Kingdom of Serbia and Kingdom of Montenegro with Austria-Hungary's South Slav autonomous crown lands in a post-war Yugoslav state. It was signed on 20 July 1917 on Corfu.

As the Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed, the territory of Syrmia united with Serbia on 24 November 1918. Just a day later, the Great People's Assembly of Serbs, Bunjevci and other Slavs in Banat, Bačka and Baranja declared the unification of these regions with Serbia.

On 26 November 1918, the Podgorica Assembly deposed the House of Petrović-Njegoš and united Montenegro with Serbia. On 1 December 1918, in Belgrade, Serbian Prince Regent Alexander Karađorđević proclaimed the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, under King Peter I of Serbia. King Peter was succeeded by his son, Alexander, in August 1921. Serb centralists and Croat autonomists clashed in the parliament, and most governments were fragile and short-lived. Nikola Pašić, a conservative prime minister, headed or dominated most governments until his death. King Alexander established a dictatorship in 1929 with the aim of establishing the Yugoslav ideology and single Yugoslav nation, changed the name of the country to Yugoslavia.

Alexander was assassinated in Marseille, during an official visit in 1934. Alexander was succeeded by his eleven-year-old son Peter II. In August 1939 the Cvetković–Maček Agreement established an autonomous Banate of Croatia as a solution to Croatian concerns.

World War II

Main articles: World War II in Yugoslavia, The Holocaust in German-occupied Serbia, and Genocide of Serbs in the Independent State of Croatia

In 1941, in spite of Yugoslav attempts to remain neutral, the Axis powers invaded Yugoslavia. The territory of modern Serbia was divided between Hungary, Bulgaria, the Independent State of Croatia, Greater Albania and Montenegro, while the remainder was placed under the military administration of Nazi Germany, with Serbian puppet governments assisted by a fascist organisation.

The Yugoslav territory was the scene of a civil war between royalist Chetniks commanded by Draža Mihailović and communist partisans commanded by Josip Broz Tito. Axis auxiliary units fought against both these forces. The siege of Kraljevo was a major battle of the uprising in Serbia, led by Chetnik forces against the Nazis. Several days after the battle began the German forces committed a massacre of approximately 2,000 civilians in an event known as the Kraljevo massacre, in a reprisal for the attack.

Hundreds of thousands of ethnic Serbs fled the Axis puppet state known as the Independent State of Croatia and sought refuge in German-occupied Serbia, seeking to escape the large-scale persecution and genocide being committed. The number of Serb victims was approximately 300,000 to 350,000.

The Republic of Užice was a short-lived liberated territory established by the Partisans and the first liberated territory in World War II Europe, organised as a military mini-state that existed in the autumn of 1941 in the west of occupied Serbia. By late 1944, the Belgrade Offensive swung in favour of the partisans in the civil war; the partisans subsequently gained control of Yugoslavia. Following the Belgrade Offensive, the Syrmian Front was the last major military action of World War II in Serbia.

Socialist Yugoslavia

Main articles: Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Communist purges in Serbia in 1944–45

The victory of the Communist Partisans resulted in the abolition of the monarchy and a subsequent constitutional referendum. A one-party state was soon established in Yugoslavia by the Communist Party of Yugoslavia. Serbia became a constituent republic within the Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia known as the People's Republic of Serbia, and had a republic-branch of the federal communist party, the League of Communists of Serbia. Serbia's most powerful and influential politician in Tito-era Yugoslavia was Aleksandar Ranković, one of the "big four" Yugoslav leaders. Ranković was later removed from the office because of the disagreements regarding Kosovo's nomenklatura and the unity of Serbia.

Belgrade, the capital of FPR Yugoslavia and PR Serbia, hosted the first Non-Aligned Movement Summit in September 1961, as well as the first major gathering of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) with the aim of implementing the Helsinki Accords from October 1977 to March 1978. The 1972 smallpox outbreak in SAP Kosovo and other parts of SR Serbia was the last major outbreak of smallpox in Europe since World War II.

Breakup of Yugoslavia and political transition

In 1989, Slobodan Milošević rose to power in Serbia. Milošević promised a reduction of powers for the autonomous provinces of Kosovo and Vojvodina, where his allies subsequently took over power, which ignited tensions and conflict with the communist leadership of the other republics. Yugoslavia subsequently broke up, with Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Macedonia declaring independence during 1991 and 1992. Serbia and Montenegro remained together as the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY). However, according to the Badinter Commission, the country was not legally considered a continuation of the former SFRY, but a new state.

Fuelled by ethnic tensions, the Yugoslav Wars (1991–2001) erupted, with the most severe conflicts taking place in Croatia and Bosnia. The FRY remained outside the conflicts, but provided logistic, military and financial support to Serb forces in the wars. In response, the UN imposed sanctions against Serbia and Montenegro which led to political isolation and the collapse of the economy.

Multi-party democracy was introduced in Serbia in 1990, officially dismantling the one-party system. Despite constitutional changes, Milošević maintained strong political influence over the state media and security apparatus. When the ruling Socialist Party of Serbia refused to accept its defeat in municipal elections in 1996, Serbians engaged in large protests against the government.

In 1998, continued clashes between the Kosovo Liberation Army and Yugoslav security forces led to the short Kosovo War (1998–99), in which NATO intervened, leading to the withdrawal of Serbian forces and the establishment of UN administration in the province. After the Yugoslav Wars, Serbia became home to highest number of refugees and internally displaced persons in Europe.

Slobodan Milošević was a key politician in the 1990s, criticised for authoritarian rule amid the Kosovo war, controversial NATO bombing, hyperinflation, sanctions, refugee crisis.

Zoran Đinđić was a leading figure in the revolution against Milošević's regime and became Serbia's first democratically elected prime minister (2001) and a pro-reform leader.

After presidential elections in September 2000, opposition parties accused Milošević of electoral fraud. A campaign of civil resistance followed, led by the Democratic Opposition of Serbia (DOS), a broad coalition of anti-Milošević parties. This culminated on 5 October when half a million people from all over the country congregated in Belgrade, compelling Milošević to concede defeat. The fall of Milošević ended Yugoslavia's international isolation. Milošević was sent to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. The DOS announced that FR Yugoslavia would seek to join the European Union. In 2003, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was renamed Serbia and Montenegro; the EU opened negotiations with the country for the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.

Serbia's political climate remained tense and in 2003, Prime Minister Zoran Đinđić was assassinated as result of a plot originating from organised crime and former security officials. In 2004 unrest in Kosovo took place, leaving 19 people dead and a number of Serbian Orthodox churches and monasteries destroyed or damaged.

Contemporary period

On 21 May 2006, Montenegro held a referendum which showed 55.4% of voters in favour of independence, just above the 55% required by the referendum. This was followed on 5 June 2006 by Serbia's declaration of independence, marking the re-emergence of Serbia as an independent state. The National Assembly of Serbia declared Serbia to be the legal successor to the former state union.

The Assembly of Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008. Serbia immediately condemned the declaration and continues to deny any statehood to Kosovo. The declaration has sparked varied responses from the international community. Status-neutral talks between Serbia and Kosovo-Albanian authorities are held in Brussels, mediated by the EU.

Serbia officially applied for membership in the European Union on 22 December 2009, and received candidate status on 1 March 2012, following a delay in December 2011. Following a positive recommendation of the European Commission and European Council in June 2013, negotiations to join the EU commenced in January 2014.

In 2012 Aleksandar Vučić and his Serbian Progressive Party came to power. According to a number of international analysts, Serbia has suffered from democratic backsliding into authoritarianism, followed by a decline in media freedom and civil liberties. After the COVID-19 pandemic spread to Serbia in March 2020, a state of emergency was declared and a curfew was introduced for the first time in Serbia since World War II. In April 2022, President Aleksandar Vučić was re-elected. In December 2023, President Vučić won a snap parliamentary election. The election resulted in protests, with opposition supporters claiming that the election result was fraudulent. On 16 January 2022, a Serbian constitutional referendum took place in which citizens chose to amend the Constitution concerning the judiciary. The changes were presented as a step towards reducing political influence in the judicial system. The country was chosen to host international specialised exposition Expo 2027. The Serbian government is working with Rio Tinto corporation on a project which aims to develop Europe's biggest lithium mine. Mining lithium became a matter of debate in the society and several protests against mining took place. In 2024–2025, large-scale anti-corruption protests, some violent, erupted.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Serbia

Serbia is a country without seas, sitting where Central and Southeastern Europe meet. It lies in the Balkan peninsula and the Pannonian Plain. Serbia stretches between latitudes 41° and 47° N, and longitudes 18° and 23° E. The country covers 88,499 km² (34,170 sq mi); if we leave out Kosovo, it is 77,589 km² (29,957 sq mi). Serbia shares borders with Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and also claims a border with Albania through Kosovo.

The Pannonian Plain covers the northern part of Serbia, while mountains dominate the south. The Danube River, one of Europe’s largest, flows through Serbia, providing important water resources. The country’s highest point is Midžor peak at 2,169 metres (7,116 feet), and the lowest point is near the Danube River at just 17 metres (56 feet) above sea level. Đerdap Lake is the largest lake in Serbia.

Main article: Climate of Serbia

Serbia’s climate is influenced by the landmass of Eurasia and the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Winters are cold, and summers are warm, with temperatures ranging from around 0 °C (32 °F) in January to 22 °C (72 °F) in July. The north has more continental climate with cold winters and hot, humid summers. The south is drier, especially in summer, with cold winters and heavy snow in the mountains. The Košava wind, a cold southeastern wind, can bring strong storms to the area.

Almost all of Serbia’s rivers flow into the Black Sea through the Danube River. The Danube is the longest river passing through the country. Other important rivers include the Great Morava, Sava, and Tisza. Natural lakes are few and small, but there are many artificial lakes created by dams, with Đerdap Lake being the largest. The country has many sources of mineral and thermal water.

Serbia has rich wildlife and many protected areas. It is home to many species of birds, mammals, and plants. There are forests covering about 29% of the land, with common trees like oak and beech. Some areas face problems with air and water pollution, especially near industrial regions. Managing waste and protecting the environment remain important challenges for the country.

Government and politics

Main article: Politics of Serbia

Serbia is a parliamentary republic, with the government divided into legislative, executive, and judiciary branches. The current constitution was adopted in 2006. The Constitutional Court rules on matters regarding the constitution.

The President of the Republic is the head of state, elected by popular vote to a five-year term. The president helps appoint the prime minister and has some influence on foreign policy. Aleksandar Vučić is the current president. The government is led by the prime minister and cabinet ministers, responsible for proposing laws and guiding policies. The current prime minister is Đuro Macut.

The National Assembly is Serbia's legislative body with 250 members elected for four-year terms. It makes laws, approves the budget, and selects the prime minister.

Serbia has a three-tiered judicial system, with the Supreme Court as the highest court. Law enforcement is handled by the Serbian Police.

Serbia has diplomatic relations with many countries and aims to join the European Union. It applied for membership in 2009 and began accession talks in 2014.

The Serbian Armed Forces include an Army and Air Force. They participate in peacekeeping missions and produce military equipment. Conscription was abolished in 2011 but may be reintroduced in 2026.

Serbia is divided into municipalities, cities, and districts, with two autonomous provinces: Vojvodina and Kosovo and Metohija. The government of Serbia does not recognise Kosovo's independence declared in 2008.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Serbia

Serbia has a growing market economy that is considered upper-middle income. According to the International Monetary Fund, Serbia's nominal GDP in 2025 is officially estimated at $100.048 billion, or about $15,322 for each person. When considering the ability to buy goods and services, or purchasing power parity GDP, it stood at $213.8 billion, or about $32,741 for each person. The economy is mostly made up of services, which make up 67.9% of GDP. Industry follows with 26.1%, and agriculture makes up 6%.

Serbia makes and sells weapons, a tradition from the Cold War country of Yugoslavia. It is a leading weapons maker in the Western Balkans and ranks 25th worldwide in weapons sales. The official money used in Serbia is the Serbian dinar, and the main bank is the National Bank of Serbia. The Belgrade Stock Exchange is the only stock market in the country.

Agriculture

Main article: Agriculture in Serbia

Serbia has great land and weather for growing many different foods. It has land for farming that totals 5,056,000 hectares, with each person having about 0.7 hectares. In 2016, Serbia sold about $3.2 billion worth of farm and food products. Serbia grows a lot of frozen fruit, especially for France and Germany.

Farming is strongest in an area called Vojvodina, known for its rich Pannonian Plain. Other farming areas include Mačva, Pomoravlje, Tamnava, Rasina, and Jablanica.

Most farming comes from growing crops, making up 70%, while the rest is from animals. Serbia is a big grower of plums, raspberries, corn, and wheat. It also grows sunflower, sugar beet, soybean, potatoes, apples, and raises pigs, cows, poultry, and makes dairy products.

Serbia has a long history of making wine, with special kinds of grapes still grown today. There are about 20,000 hectares of vineyards, with many families making wine. The main wine areas are in Vojvodina and Šumadija.

Industry

See also: Automotive industry in Serbia

The industry in Serbia was greatly affected by difficulties in the 1990s and changes in the 2000s. Today, main industries include making cars, mining, metals, food, electronics, medicines, and clothes. Serbia has special areas for businesses, where many foreign companies have invested.

The car industry is strong around Kragujevac and helps bring in about $2 billion in sales. Serbia makes a lot of steel, mainly from a big factory in Smederevo. The country also mines coal and copper, and makes smartphones.

Serbia's food industry is well-known, with big names like PepsiCo and Nestlé making products there. The electronics industry, though smaller than in the past, is growing again with companies like Siemens and Panasonic. The medicine industry makes generic drugs, with two big companies making most of the products.

Energy

Main article: Energy in Serbia

Energy is very important to Serbia. The country makes its own electricity but needs to import fuels like oil and gas.

Serbia has lots of coal and some oil and gas. The coal is mainly found in two big places: Kolubara and Kostolac. In 2015, Serbia made about 36.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, mostly from power plants using coal and some from water power.

The main electricity company is Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS). Oil is partly made in Serbia, with a big refinery in Pančevo. Natural gas mostly comes from other countries, mainly Russia.

Transport

Main article: Transport in Serbia

Serbia is in a good spot for travel, with easy routes to many parts of Europe and beyond.

The country's roads carry most travel. There are over 45,000 km of roads, including almost 1,000 km of motorways. New motorways have been built, and more are being worked on. Buses connect almost every place in the country, and there are also buses to other countries. As of 2025, there were over 2.4 million cars on the roads.

Serbia has about 3,800 km of railway tracks, with some parts using electricity and others with two tracks for faster travel. The main train station is in Belgrade. Trains go to places like Hungary, Montenegro, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Greece. Work is happening to connect Belgrade with Budapest, Hungary, by 2026, and to connect to Niš by the end of the decade.

There are three airports with regular flights, serving over 6 million passengers in 2022. Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport is the biggest, and the airline Air Serbia flies to many places around the world.

Serbia has many rivers that can be used for travel, mainly the Danube. Other rivers include Sava, Tisza, Begej, and Timiş Rivers. Big river ports include Novi Sad, Belgrade, Pančevo, Smederevo, Prahovo, and Šabac.

Telecommunications

Main article: Telecommunications in Serbia

Most homes in Serbia have fixed telephone lines, and there are more mobile phones than people. The biggest mobile company is Telekom Srbija, followed by Yettel and A1. Almost all homes have broadband Internet, and many have pay television services. Digital television started in 2015.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Serbia

Serbia is not a very big place for tourists, but it has many things to see. In 2025, over 4 million tourists visited, half from other countries. Tourism brings in about $1.5 billion.

Tourists mostly visit mountains and spas, like Kopaonik, Stara Planina, and Zlatibor. Big spas include Vrnjačka Banja, Soko Banja, and Banja Koviljača. Many tourists also visit Belgrade and Novi Sad. Other attractions include natural wonders like Đavolja varoš, Orthodox monasteries, and river cruises on the Danube. Popular music festivals include EXIT and the Guča trumpet festival.

Demographics

Main articles: Demographics of Serbia and Serbs

Serbia has a population of about 6.6 million people, not including Kosovo. The country has a medium number of people living in each area, with about 86 people for every square kilometre. Serbia's population is getting smaller and older. Many people left the country during the 1990s, and the average age is about 43 years. Most people live in cities, with Belgrade being the largest city, having over a million people.

Serbia is home to many different ethnic groups. The largest group is Serbs, making up most of the population. Other groups include Hungarians, Roma, Bosniaks, and many more. The country also has people from Russia and Ukraine who moved there recently.

Language

The main language in Serbia is Serbian, spoken by most people. Serbian uses two alphabets: Cyrillic, which is the official one, and Latin. Many people prefer the Latin alphabet, but both are used.

Religion

Serbia is a country where people can practice any religion freely. Most people are Orthodox Christians, and the Serbian Orthodox Church is the biggest church. There are also Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, and a small number of Jews and people who do not follow any religion.

Education

Main article: Education in Serbia

Most people in Serbia can read and write. Schools start when children are seven years old and last for eight years. After that, students can go to gymnasiums or vocational schools. Serbia has many universities, with the University of Belgrade being the largest. The country also has strong skills in science and technology.

Health

Main article: Health in Serbia

See also: Healthcare in Serbia

Serbia’s healthcare is managed by the Ministry of Health and the Institute of Public Health. The system is based on health insurance, and there are both public and private healthcare services. The University Clinical Centre of Serbia in Belgrade is one of the biggest hospitals in Europe.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Serbia

Serbia's culture is shaped by its history, sitting between East and West. Influences from the Roman Empire, Byzantium, the Kingdom of Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and the Habsburg Empire have created a rich cultural mix. The north feels more connected to Central Europe, while the south has ties to the Balkans and the Mediterranean. The Republic of Venice also played a role through trade, literature, and architecture.

Serbia has five important cultural sites recognized by UNESCO, including ancient monasteries and historic buildings. There are also four important literary works on UNESCO's list. Traditional practices like folk dancing, singing with special instruments, and making crafts are also protected. The Ministry of Culture works to preserve and promote Serbia's heritage.

Art and architecture

Serbia has many examples of ancient Roman and Byzantine architecture, such as old cities and palaces. Serbian monasteries, influenced by Byzantine art, include famous sites like Studenica and Mileševa. Over time, Serbia developed its own styles, like the Morava style in the 14th and 15th centuries. The country also has many well-preserved castles and fortresses, like Smederevo Fortress and Belgrade Fortress.

Serbian art grew under different influences, including Baroque, Biedermeier, and Neoclassicism. Famous painters include Paja Jovanović, Uroš Predić, and Sava Šumanović. Photography, performance art, and traditional crafts like Pirot carpet are also part of Serbia's artistic heritage. There are many museums, including the National Museum of Serbia, which houses a large collection of art.

Literature

Serbian literature uses the Cyrillic alphabet, developed by Saint Cyril and Methodius. Old Serbian books date back to the 12th century. The Miroslav Gospels, from 1186, is a key historic book. There are many public libraries, with the National Library of Serbia being the largest. The Belgrade Book Fair is a big annual event, and the NIN Prize is awarded for the best new novel each year.

Medieval writers include Saint Sava and Jefimija. During Ottoman rule, oral storytelling and epic poetry were important. Baroque literature appeared in the late 17th century. The 19th century saw the work of Vuk Stefanović Karadžić, who reformed the Serbian language. Romantic, Realist, and Modernist writers followed. In the 20th century, writers like Meša Selimović, Miloš Crnjanski, and Danilo Kiš made their mark. Ivo Andrić won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1961 for The Bridge on the Drina.

Music

Main article: Music of Serbia

Stevan Stojanović Mokranjac is known as the father of modern Serbian music. Famous composers include Petar Konjović, Stevan Hristić, and Miloje Milojević. Serbia has three opera houses and several symphony orchestras. Traditional Serbian music uses bagpipes, flutes, horns, trumpets, and other instruments. The kolo dance is a popular folk dance with many regional styles.

Balkan Brass music is well-known, especially from Western and Southern Serbia. Boban Marković is a famous brass band leader. Popular music festivals include the Guča Trumpet Festival and the Exit Festival. Pop singers like Željko Joksimović and Marija Šerifović have represented Serbia in international contests. Serbian rock has a long history with many famous bands. Folk music has been popular since World War I, with artists like Sofka Nikolić and Silvana Armenulić. Turbo-folk, a mix of folk, pop, and dance music, became very popular in the late 1980s and 1990s with stars like Ceca and Lepa Brena.

Theatre and cinema

Main articles: Theater of Serbia and Cinema of Serbia

Serbia has a strong tradition of theatre, with Joakim Vujić considered the founder of modern Serbian theatre. There are many professional theatres, including the National Theatre in Belgrade and the Serbian National Theatre in Novi Sad. The Belgrade International Theatre Festival (BITEF) is one of the oldest in the world. Famous playwrights include Jovan Sterija Popović and Branislav Nušić.

Serbia has a vibrant film industry, supported by government grants. There are many cinemas, and a good number of tickets are sold for Serbian films. Emir Kusturica has won major international awards, including two Palme d'Or prizes at the Cannes Film Festival. Other notable directors include Dušan Makavejev and Želimir Žilnik. Famous actors include Zoran Radmilović and Milena Dravić.

Media

Main article: Media of Serbia

Freedom of the press and speech is protected by Serbia's constitution. Serbia ranks 96th in the Press Freedom Index. People in Serbia watch a lot of television, with seven national channels and many regional and local ones. There are over 300 radio stations and many newspapers, including daily papers like Politika and Danas. There are also many magazines and news websites.

Cuisine

Serbian food is diverse, influenced by the Balkans and Central Europe. Important meals are enjoyed during holidays like Christmas and Easter. Common foods include bread, meat, fruits, vegetables, and dairy. Bread is very important, often given to guests as a welcome. Meat and fish are popular, and Leskovac is famous for its barbecue festival.

Serbian dishes include Ćevapčići (grilled sausages), Pljeskavica (meat patties), Gibanica (cheese pie), and Burek (stuffed pastry). Rakia, a strong fruit alcohol, is popular, with Slivovitz (plum brandy) being the national drink. Serbian wines and beer are also enjoyed. Coffee, especially a local version of Turkish coffee, is a common non-alcoholic drink.

Sports

Main article: Sport in Serbia

Serbia has hosted many big sports events, like the Belgrade Marathon and the Tour de Serbie cycling race.

Football is the most popular sport, with many talented players and strong clubs like Red Star Belgrade and Partizan. The national team has played in several World Cups.

Basketball is also very popular, with the national team winning many championships and many players in the NBA, including Nikola Jokić. Water polo, tennis, volleyball, and chess are also strong in Serbia. Notable athletes include tennis star Novak Djokovic, who has won many Grand Slam titles, and many others in various sports.