What is Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is a country located in Southeast Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. It is known for its stunning landscapes, medieval history, and a blend of Eastern and Western cultural influences. Sarajevo, the capital, is often called the “Jerusalem of Europe” for its historical religious diversity.
Administrative Divisions
Bosnia and Herzegovina consists of three main regions:
- Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (51% of the territory)
- Republika Srpska (49% of the territory)
- Brčko District (An autonomous administrative unit)
Each region has its own governmental structure.
Currency Details
- Currency Name: Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark (BAM)
- Symbol: KM
- Subunit: Fening (1 BAM = 100 Feninga)
- Pegged to: Euro (€)
Type of Government
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a federal parliamentary representative democratic republic with a unique and complex political structure, rooted in the Dayton Agreement of 1995.
Detailed Hierarchy of Government Roles
Executive Branch Hierarchy
| Position | Role Description | Power & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Presidency (Tripartite) | Rotating Heads of State | Includes three members: Bosniak, Croat, and Serb. They represent their ethnic groups and rotate every 8 months. |
| Chairperson of the Council of Ministers | Equivalent to Prime Minister | Oversees the Council of Ministers and implements policies. |
| Ministers | Heads of Various Ministries | Manage portfolios such as defense, foreign affairs, and finance. |
Legislative Branch Hierarchy
| Position | Role Description | Power & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Parliamentary Assembly | Bicameral Legislature | Composed of the House of Representatives and the House of Peoples. |
| House of Representatives | 42 Elected Members | Drafts and approves legislation. |
| House of Peoples | 15 Members Representing Ethnic Groups | Protects ethnic group interests and reviews laws. |
Judicial Branch Hierarchy
| Position | Role Description | Power & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Court | Supreme Authority on Constitutional Issues | Resolves disputes between entities and ensures laws comply with the Constitution. |
| State Court | Handles Serious Crimes and Appeals | Includes appellate, criminal, and administrative sections. |
| Entity-Level Courts | Operate within Federation and Republika Srpska | Handle cases under regional jurisdictions. |
International Memberships
- United Nations (UN)
- Council of Europe (CoE)
- Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
- Partnership for Peace (PfP) (NATO Initiative)
- Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA)
Military Structure
- Unified Armed Forces: Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina (OSBiH)
- Branches: Infantry, Air Force, and Support Units
- Special Forces: Trained for counterterrorism and peacekeeping operations
- Conscription: Abolished; the military is composed of professional soldiers.
Secret Agencies
- Intelligence-Security Agency (OSA): Responsible for domestic and foreign intelligence.
Stock Markets
- Major Stock Exchange: Sarajevo Stock Exchange (SASE) and Banja Luka Stock Exchange (BLSE)
- Key Indexes: SASX-10, BIRS
- Analyzed by: Financial analysts, economists, and statisticians.
Emergency Numbers
- General Emergency: 112
- Police: 122
- Fire: 123
- Ambulance: 124
- Tourist Assistance: +387-33-123456
SWOT Analysis of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Strengths
- Rich cultural and historical heritage
- Strategic location in the Balkans
- Potential for tourism and natural resource development
Weaknesses
- Complex political system causing inefficiency
- High unemployment and brain drain
Opportunities
- EU integration prospects
- Development of hydropower and renewable energy
Threats
- Political instability and ethnic tensions
- Vulnerability to global economic changes
Additional Information
- Official Languages: Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET, UTC +1)
- National Anthem: “Državna himna Bosne i Hercegovine” (Instrumental, no lyrics)