Serbia

Region
🌍 Europe
Population
👥 6
Currency
💱 Serbian dinar
Languages
🗣️ Serbian
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Serbia, a vibrant nation nestled in the heart of the Balkans, offers a captivating blend of rich history, stunning natural beauty, and warm hospitality. This country is best known for its lively capital city, Belgrade, perched at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, and its deep cultural heritage influenced by centuries of empires. Visitors can explore diverse landscapes, from the rolling plains of Vojvodina in the north to the dramatic mountain ranges and picturesque gorges in the south, such as the renowned Tara National Park. A first-time visitor can expect an authentic European experience, with delicious traditional cuisine, a thriving arts scene, and a palpable sense of resilience and zest for life. Discover ancient fortresses, serene monasteries, and a burgeoning wine region, all within easy reach. Serbia promises an unforgettable journey for those seeking a less-traveled but incredibly rewarding destination.

Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of Serbia
Continent
Europe
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Serbian
Independence
February 15, 1804 (First Serbian Uprising)
Top-Level Domain
.rs
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+381
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+01:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Belgrade
ISO Alpha-2
RS
ISO Alpha-3
SRB
UN Code
688
Geographic Coordinates
44,21
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
88,361#113 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
6,532,019#109 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
78.76
Highest Point (m)
2,169 meters (Mount Daravica)
Lowest Point (m)
35 meters
Land Use
Primarily agricultural land and forests.
Irrigated Land
Around 500 square kilometers.
Coastline Length
This landlocked country has no coastline.
Climate
Continental, with hot summers and cold winters.
Natural Resources
Oil, gas, coal, iron ore, copper, zinc, antimony, chromite, gold, silver, talc, limestone, marble, salt, arable land.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania
Major Rivers
Danube, Sava, and Morava.
Major Lakes
Lake Skadar (shared with Montenegro), Lake Palić.
Government Type
Parliamentary Republic
Administrative Divisions
Provinces (2) and districts (29).
Chief of State
President Aleksandar Vučić
Head of Government
Prime Minister Ana Brnabić
Cabinet
Council of Ministers.
Elections
Presidential elections are held every five years; parliamentary elections are held at least every four years.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court of Cassation.
Legislative Branch
Unicameral National Assembly.
Major Political Parties
Serbian Progressive Party, Socialist Party of Serbia.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Serbian dinar
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
99.95#77 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
222.08#78 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
15,262.05#84 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.29
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
22.31
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
59.73
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.89#67 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3,321,043
7.12#60 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Approximately 55% of GDP.
Budget
Serbia's budget includes revenues from taxes and expenditures on public services.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
54.29#62 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
58.58#63 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Significant foreign reserves held by the National Bank of Serbia.
GDP by Sector
Services, industry, and agriculture contribute to GDP.
Major Industries
Automotive, machinery, food processing, and chemicals.
Major Export Partners
Germany, Italy, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Major Import Partners
Germany, Italy, and Russia.

Society

99.34#24 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
9.2
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
14.9
Net Migration Rate
Negative net migration.
Median Age
Approximately 44 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
62.64#118 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Relatively low urbanization rate.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
76#97 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Low prevalence of HIV/AIDS.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
8.03
Ethnic Groups
Serbs, Hungarians, Roma, and others.
Religions
Predominantly Eastern Orthodox Christian.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Serbian

Education

Education System
The Serbian education system includes primary, secondary, and higher education, with a mix of public and private institutions.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2019)Checked September 29, 2026
14.7
Government Education Spending
Serbia allocates a significant portion of its budget to education.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Major universities in Serbia include the University of Belgrade and the University of Novi Sad.

Culture

Cultural Overview
Serbian culture is rich and diverse, influenced by its Slavic heritage and history at the crossroads of Europe.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
  • Nova Godina (2026-01-01)
  • Nova Godina (2026-01-02)
  • Božić (2026-01-07)
  • Dan državnosti Srbije (2026-02-16)
  • Dan državnosti Srbije (2026-02-17)
  • Veliki petak (2026-04-10)
  • Vaskrs (Uskrs) (2026-04-12)
  • Vaskrsni (Uskrsni) ponedeljak (2026-04-13)
  • Praznik rada (2026-05-01)
  • Praznik rada (2026-05-02)
  • Dan primirja (2026-11-11)
Popular Music
Popular music genres in Serbia include pop, rock, folk, and turbo-folk.
Traditional Food
Traditional Serbian food includes dishes like ćevapi, sarma, and gibanica.
Sports
Popular sports in Serbia include football (soccer), basketball, and tennis.
Major Festivals
Major festivals in Serbia include the Exit Festival and the Belgrade Film Festival.
Famous People
Famous Serbians include Nikola Tesla, Novak Djokovic, and Emir Kusturica.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Serbia is home to numerous cultural heritage sites, showcasing its rich history.
UNESCO Sites
Serbia has several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including monasteries and medieval monuments.
Annual Tourist Visits
Millions of tourist visits annually.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is a growing sector, with historical sites, mountains, and spas.
Top Tourist Attractions
Belgrade Fortress, Kopaonik ski resort, Đavolja Varoš (Devil's Town).
Famous Cities
Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš.
National Parks
Several national parks, including Kopaonik and Tara.
Protected Areas
Significant areas under protection.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Serbia largely depends on your interests. For city breaks and exploring Belgrade's vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) is ideal for enjoying outdoor festivals and river activities, though it can be quite warm. Hikers and nature enthusiasts will find the summer months and early autumn (June-October) perfect for exploring the country's numerous national parks and mountain trails. Wine lovers might prefer September for the grape harvest season. Winter (December-February) can be charming for those who enjoy cozy city breaks with Christmas markets, but outdoor activities will be limited by colder weather and potential snow.
Tourist Visa Info
Visa-free entry for many nationalities.
Visa Requirements Overview
Visa requirements for Serbia vary significantly depending on your nationality. Citizens of many European countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can typically enter Serbia for short stays (usually up to 90 days within a 180-day period) without a visa for tourism purposes. However, it is crucial to verify the specific requirements for your country of origin well in advance of your travel. Some nationalities will require a visa obtained from a Serbian embassy or consulate prior to arrival. Always check the official immigration or foreign affairs website of Serbia for the most up-to-date and accurate information pertaining to your specific situation.
Travel Advisory
Exercise normal precautions; some areas near Kosovo border may have higher risk.

Healthcare

Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index varies; improvements are ongoing.
Medical Cost
Medical costs can vary based on the type of service and insurance coverage.
Number of Hospitals
Serbia has several hospitals, public and private.
Universal Healthcare
Serbia has a public healthcare system offering universal coverage, though private healthcare options are also available.
Medical Services Overview
Serbia offers a range of medical services, including public and private healthcare.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available.

Emergency & Safety

Emergency Number (Police)
The emergency number for the police in Serbia is 192.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
The emergency number for an ambulance in Serbia is 194.
Emergency Number (Fire)
The emergency number for the fire department in Serbia is 193.
Crime Rate
Serbia has a moderate crime rate index.
Safety Index
Serbia has a moderate safety index.
Military Expenditure
Serbia's military expenditure accounts for a percentage of its GDP.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services in Serbia are readily available and provide a range of responses.
Safety Overview
Serbia is generally a safe country for tourists, with petty crime being the most common concern. Travelers should be aware of their surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transport, where pickpocketing can occur. While serious crime against tourists is rare, it's always wise to exercise common sense precautions. Be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or trying to engage you in lengthy conversations, as this can sometimes be a precursor to scams like rigged taxi rides or inflated prices. It's advisable to use official taxis or ride-sharing apps. General awareness and avoiding displaying large amounts of cash will significantly enhance your safety. Stick to well-lit and populated areas at night, particularly in larger cities.
Military Branches
Serbia's military branches include the Army, Air Force and Air Defence.

Infrastructure

Electricity Access
Electricity access is almost universal in Serbia.
Water Access
Access to clean water is widely available in Serbia.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation access is generally good in Serbia.
Railways
Serbia has a railway network connecting major cities and towns.
Roadways
Serbia has a well-developed road network, including highways and local roads.
Transportation System
Serbia's transportation system includes roads, railways, airports, and public transit.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG), Niš Constantine the Great Airport (INI), Batajnica Air Base (BJY), Morava Airport (KVO), Ponikve Airport (UZC)
Ports
Serbia has river ports on the Danube, Sava, and Tisa rivers.
Public Transit
Public transit is available in major cities, including buses and trams.

Technology & Communication

Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
87.69#75 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Approx. 110 per 100 people.
Tech Startups
Growing tech startup scene, particularly in Belgrade.
Innovation Index
Moderate innovation performance.
ICT Development Index
Moderate ICT development.
TV Broadcast Stations
Numerous TV broadcast stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Numerous radio broadcast stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
Type C and F plugs, 230V, 50Hz
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)
Relatively low per capita CO2 emissions.
Air Quality Index
Air quality is a concern, with high levels of particulate matter and pollutants in urban areas, especially during winter.
Water Pollution Level
Water pollution is a significant issue due to industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and inadequate wastewater treatment.
Renewable Energy Usage
Renewable energy usage is growing, primarily from hydropower, with increasing investments in solar and wind power.
Environmental Issues
Major environmental issues include air and water pollution, deforestation, soil degradation, and waste management challenges.
Natural Hazards
Natural hazards include earthquakes, floods, and droughts.
Waste Management
Waste management faces challenges, including illegal dumping, insufficient recycling, and limited landfill capacity. Efforts are underway to improve the system.
Environmental Agreements
Participates in international environmental agreements on climate change, biodiversity, and pollution control.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Maintains diplomatic missions globally.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Member of the Council of Europe, OSCE, and other international bodies.
Major Treaties
Signatory to various international treaties related to human rights, trade, and environmental protection.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens can travel visa-free to numerous countries, including those in the Schengen Area.

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