Bosnia and Herzegovina: Updated Population, Ethnic Composition, and Religious Landscape

Population Overview

As of April 2025, Bosnia and Herzegovina has an estimated population of 3,798,671, ranking it 132nd globally in terms of population size . This reflects a slight decrease from the 2017 estimate of 3,856,181, attributed to factors such as emigration and low birth rates.

Ethnic Composition

Based on the 2013 census, the ethnic distribution in Bosnia and Herzegovina is as follows:

• Bosniaks: 50.1%

• Serbs: 30.8%

• Croats: 15.4%

• Others (including Jews, Roma, and other minorities): 2.7%

• Not declared/no answer: 1%

Religious Landscape

Bosnia and Herzegovina is renowned for its rich tapestry of religious traditions, reflecting centuries of diverse cultural influences:

• Islam: 50.7% (predominantly Sunni)

• Orthodox Christianity: 30.7%

• Roman Catholicism: 15.2%

• Other religions (including Judaism): 1.2%

• Atheist: 0.8%

• Agnostic: 0.3%

• Undeclared/no answer: 1.1%

Historical and Cultural Context

The religious and cultural fabric of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been shaped by various historical influences:

• Ancient Beliefs: The pagan traditions of the Illyrians and early Slavic settlers intertwined with the introduction of Christianity in the 10th century.

• Bosnian Church: A unique form of Christianity, the Bosnian Church, flourished for centuries before the spread of Orthodox and Catholic institutions.

• Franciscan Order: In 1291, the Franciscan Order established its presence in Srebrenica, aiming to counter the Bosnian Church’s influence. The Franciscans have remained in the region, preserving historical manuscripts and cultural heritage.

• Ottoman Influence: The Ottoman conquest introduced Islam, leading to the construction of numerous mosques and Islamic schools.

• Orthodox and Catholic Heritage: The country boasts a rich Orthodox Christian heritage, with monasteries dating from the 14th to 16th centuries. The Catholic presence was notably reinforced during Austro-Hungarian rule, evident in the construction of cathedrals and the establishment of pilgrimage sites like Medjugorje.

Despite historical challenges, Bosnia and Herzegovina remains a testament to religious coexistence, with communities striving for harmony and mutual respect.