Geography

Bosnia and Herzegovina lies at the heart of the Balkans. It shares its northern, western and southern borders with the Republic of Croatia and borders Montenegro and Serbia to the east. It covers the territory of 51,197 square kilometers, out of which 20 is Adriatic coastline. It’s population of approximately 3.8 million. The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is Sarajevo.

Green rugged plateaus and mountains cover over 50% of the territory and form rich flora and fauna and significant number of endemic species. The tallest point, reaching 2,386 meters, is Maglic Mt. The south and southwest feature the Karst which contains numerous caves (Vjetrenica Cave). The coastline (Neum), covering 20 kilometers, spreads along the Adriatic Sea and creates strong influence of the Mediterranean climate to the country.

Mountains are often adequate for both beginner and advanced skiers, and are also attractive to hikers and nature lovers. Olympic Mountains – Jahorina, Bjelasnica and Igman are ultimate holiday resorts only 30 min drive from Sarajevo.

Apart from mountain tourism popular throughout a year, visitors are lured by rafting and camping on the rivers of Una, Vrbas, Neretva and Tara, fishing in crystal clear lakes and rivers, hiking through canyons (Rakitnica) and natural and national parks (Sutjeska, Kozara, Una) or hunting in the Posavina region. Tuzla, city of salt, is the only European city that has artificial salt lakes in the centre of the city, nested around Archaeological Neolithic park.

Location:
Southeast Europe

Geographic Coordinates:  
44 00 N, 18 00 E

Area:
51,197 sq km

Land boundaries:
1,543 km

Border countries:
Croatia 956 km
Montenegro 242 km
Serbia 345 km

Terrain:
Mountains and valleys with mean elevation at 500 meters above sea level surrounded by several high mountain ranges with elevations of 1,500 to 2,300 m

Elevation extremes:
Lowest point: Adriatic Sea, 0 m
Highest point: Maglić Mountain, 2386 m

Natural resources:
coal, iron ore, bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, cobalt, manganese, nickel, clay, gypsum, salt, sand, timber, hydropower

 

Climate in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In general, the climate is continental, with severe winters and hot summers, whereas the southern parts of the country have a Mediterranean climate. Summer temperatures in the mountainous areas are notably cooler, whereas winters along coast are mild and rainy. May and September are usually the best times to visit climate-wise, unless you are coming for skiing (January and February are the best times for winter sports).