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{{Infobox_Country|
{{Infobox_Country|
|native_name = <big><big>'''Република Србија'''<br>'''Republika Srbija'''</big><br/>Republic of Serbia<br>
|native_name = <big><big>'''Република Србија'''<br>'''Republika Srbija'''</big><br/>Republic of Serbia<br>
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|image_flag = Flag of Serbia (state).svg
|image_flag = Flag of Serbia (state).svg
|image_coat = Obrgrb.jpg
|image_coat = Obrgrb.jpg
|image_map = LocationSerbia.jpg
|image_map = -
|national_motto = None
|national_motto = None
|national_anthem = [[Bože Pravde]]
|national_anthem = [[Bože Pravde]]
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|calling_code = 381
|calling_code = 381
}}
}}
The '''Republic of Serbia''' ([[Serbian language|Serbian]]: ''Република Србија'' or ''Republika Srbija'') is a [[republic]] in southeastern and central [[Europe]], which is united with [[Montenegro]] in a loose [[commonwealth]] known as the State Union of [[Serbia and Montenegro]]. The capital is [[Belgrade]]. Serbia borders [[Hungary]] to the north; [[Romania]] and [[Bulgaria]] to the east; the [[Republic of Macedonia]] and [[Albania]] to the south; and [[Montenegro]], [[Croatia]], and [[Bosnia-Herzegovina]] to the west.
The '''Republic of Serbia''' ([[Serbian language|Serbian]]: ''Република Србија'' or ''Republika Srbija'') is a [[republic]] in southeastern and central [[Europe]], which is united with [[Montenegro]] in a loose [[commonwealth]] known as the State Union of [[Serbia and Montenegro]]. The capital is [[Belgrade]]. Serbia borders [[Hungary]] to the north; [[Romania]] and [[Bulgaria]] to the east; the [[Republic of Macedonia]] and UN proctectet provice of [[Kosovo]] to the south; and [[Montenegro]], [[Croatia]], and [[Bosnia-Herzegovina]] to the west.
== History ==
== History ==
{{History of Serbia}}
{{History of Serbia}}
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The renewal of the medieval Serbian state in the [[Raška]] region was performed by [[Stefan Nemanja]], the Serbian [[Župan|Grand Župan]] who lived in the [[12th century]]. In [[1220]], under [[Stefan the First Crowned]], Serbia became a kingdom, and in [[1346]], an [[Serbian Empire|empire]] under [[Stefan Dušan]] was established. The Empire was disintegrated and fell to the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman Turks]], after the historic Serbian defeat at the [[Battle of Kosovo]] in [[1389]], and the northern Serbian territories (the [[Serbian Despotate]]) were conquered by [[1459]], when [[Smederevo]] fell. [[Bosnia (region)|Bosnia]] fell a few years after Smederevo, and [[Herzegovina]] followed in [[1482]].
The renewal of the medieval Serbian state in the [[Raška]] region was performed by [[Stefan Nemanja]], the Serbian [[Župan|Grand Župan]] who lived in the [[12th century]]. In [[1220]], under [[Stefan the First Crowned]], Serbia became a kingdom, and in [[1346]], an [[Serbian Empire|empire]] under [[Stefan Dušan]] was established. The Empire was disintegrated and fell to the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman Turks]], after the historic Serbian defeat at the [[Battle of Kosovo]] in [[1389]], and the northern Serbian territories (the [[Serbian Despotate]]) were conquered by [[1459]], when [[Smederevo]] fell. [[Bosnia (region)|Bosnia]] fell a few years after Smederevo, and [[Herzegovina]] followed in [[1482]].


In the period between [[1459]] and [[1804]], Serbia remained under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, despite three [[Austria]]n invasions and numerous rebellions. [[Islam]] expanded during this time, and many [[Serbs]] converted to this new religion.
In the period between [[1459]] and [[1804]], Serbia remained under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, despite three [[Austria]]n invasions and numerous rebellions. [[Islam]] expanded during this time, and some [[Serbs]] converted to this new religion.


[[Image:CarDusan.jpg|thumb|right|[[Tsar]] [[Stefan Dušan]] The Great of [[Serbian Empire]]]]
[[Image:CarDusan.jpg|thumb|right|[[Tsar]] [[Stefan Dušan]] The Great of [[Serbian Empire]]]]
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After 1918, Serbia, along with [[Montenegro]], was a founding member of the [[Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes]], later known as the [[Kingdom of Yugoslavia]]. During [[World War II]], from 1941 to 1944, Serbia was a Nazi-occupied puppet state. In 1945, after World War II, Serbia was established as one of the federal units of the [[SFRJ|second Yugoslavia]], the Socialist Federative Republic of Yugoslavia.
After 1918, Serbia, along with [[Montenegro]], was a founding member of the [[Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes]], later known as the [[Kingdom of Yugoslavia]]. During [[World War II]], from 1941 to 1944, Serbia was a Nazi-occupied puppet state. In 1945, after World War II, Serbia was established as one of the federal units of the [[SFRJ|second Yugoslavia]], the Socialist Federative Republic of Yugoslavia.


From [[1992]], after the collapse of the second Yugoslavia, to [[2003]], Serbia, together with Montenegro, was part of the [[Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]]. Despite remaining relatively peaceful itself until 1998, Serbia participated in the wars in neighbouring [[Croatia]] and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] by arming, supporting and directing Serbian troops which fought in the two countries.
From [[1992]], after the collapse of the second [[Yugoslavia]], to [[2003]], Serbia, together with Montenegro, was part of the [[Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]]. Despite remaining relatively peaceful itself until 1998, Serbia participated in the wars in neighbouring [[Croatia]] and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] by arming, supporting and directing Serbian troops which fought in the two countries.
<ref>"[http://www.cij.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewReport&reportID=237&tribunalID=1 Captain Dragan Implicates Serbia in Croatian War]", Coalition For International Justice, 19 February 2003</ref>
<ref>"[http://www.cij.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewReport&reportID=237&tribunalID=1 Captain Dragan Implicates Serbia in Croatian War]", Coalition For International Justice, 19 February 2003</ref>
<ref>"[http://www.cij.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewReport&reportID=174&tribunalID=1 Super Tiger Testifies: Serbia trained paramilitaries to fight in Bosnia]", Coalition For International Justice, 22 October 2002</ref>
<ref>"[http://www.cij.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewReport&reportID=174&tribunalID=1 Super Tiger Testifies: Serbia trained paramilitaries to fight in Bosnia]", Coalition For International Justice, 22 October 2002</ref>
Line 85: Line 87:
Between 1998 and 1999, continued reported clashes in Kosovo between Serbian and Yugoslav security forces and the K.L.A in most of the western media led to [[Operation Allied Force|NATO aerial bombardment]], which would last for 78 days. The attacks were stopped following an agreement, where president of Yugoslavia, [[Slobodan Milošević]], agreed to remove all of country security forces including the military and the police, and have them replaced by a body of international police, in return for which, Kosovo would formally remain within the Yugoslav Federation (See: [[Kosovo War]]).
Between 1998 and 1999, continued reported clashes in Kosovo between Serbian and Yugoslav security forces and the K.L.A in most of the western media led to [[Operation Allied Force|NATO aerial bombardment]], which would last for 78 days. The attacks were stopped following an agreement, where president of Yugoslavia, [[Slobodan Milošević]], agreed to remove all of country security forces including the military and the police, and have them replaced by a body of international police, in return for which, Kosovo would formally remain within the Yugoslav Federation (See: [[Kosovo War]]).


Since 2003, Serbia has been part of the [[State Union of Serbia & Montenegro]], into which the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was transformed.
Since 2003, Serbia has been part of the [[State Union of Serbia & Montenegro]], into which the [[Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]] was transformed.


== Geography ==
== Geography ==
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[[Image:ZlatiborZimi.jpg|thumb|[[Zlatibor]] tourist center]]
[[Image:ZlatiborZimi.jpg|thumb|[[Zlatibor]] tourist center]]
Serbia is located in the [[Balkans]] (a historically and geographically distinct region of southeastern [[Europe]]) and in the [[Pannonian Plain]] (a region of central Europe). It shares borders with [[Albania]], [[Montenegro]], [[Bosnia-Herzegovina]], [[Bulgaria]], [[Croatia]], [[Hungary]], the [[Republic of Macedonia]], and [[Romania]]. Serbia is [[landlocked]], although access to the [[Adriatic]] is available through neighbouring [[Montenegro]], and the [[Danube River]] provides shipping access to inland Europe and the [[Black Sea]].
Serbia is located in the [[Balkans]] (a historically and geographically distinct region of southeastern [[Europe]]) and in the [[Pannonian Plain]] (a region of central Europe). It shares borders with UN protectet provice of[[Kosovo]], [[Montenegro]], [[Bosnia-Herzegovina]], [[Bulgaria]], [[Croatia]], [[Hungary]], the [[Republic of Macedonia]], and [[Romania]]. Serbia is [[landlocked]], although access to the [[Adriatic]] is available through neighbouring [[Montenegro]], and the [[Danube River]] provides shipping access to inland Europe and the [[Black Sea]].


Serbia's terrain ranges from the rich, fertile plains of the northern [[Vojvodina]] region, limestone ranges and basins in the east, and, in the southeast, ancient mountains and hills. The north is dominated by the Danube River. A tributary, the Morava River, flows through the more mountainous southern regions.
Serbia's terrain ranges from the rich, fertile plains of the northern [[Vojvodina]] region, limestone ranges and basins in the east, and, in the southeast, ancient mountains and hills. The north is dominated by the Danube River. A tributary, the Morava River, flows through the more mountainous southern regions.
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==Administrative subdivisions==
==Administrative subdivisions==

[[Image:Serbia01.png|thumb|right|Serbia map]]
{{main|Subdivisions of Serbia}}
{{main|Subdivisions of Serbia}}
{{see also|Regions of Serbia|Districts of Serbia|}}
{{see also|Regions of Serbia|Districts of Serbia|}}


Serbia is divided into 29 districts (5 of which are in Kosovo, outside of administration of central government) and the city of Belgrade. The districts are further divided into 108 municipalities. It has two autonomous provinces: [[Kosovo and Metohija]]* in the south (with 30 municipalities), which is presently under the administration of the [[UNMIK|United Nations]], and [[Vojvodina]] in the north (with 54 municipalities).
Serbia is divided into 24 districts and the city of Belgrade. The districts are further divided into 108 municipalities. It has two one provinces: [[Vojvodina]] in the north (with 54 municipalities)


The part of Serbia that is neither in Kosovo nor in Vojvodina is called [[Central Serbia]]. Central Serbia is not an administrative division (unlike the two autonomous provinces), and it has no regional government of its own. In [[English language|English]] this region is often called "[[Serbia proper]]" to denote "the part of the Republic of Serbia not including the provinces of Vojvodina and Kosovo", as the [[Library of Congress]] puts it [http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/yugoslavia/yu_glos.html]. This usage was apparently also employed in [[Serbo-Croatian]] during the Yugoslav era (in the form of "uža Srbija" literally: narrow Serbia). Its use in English is purely geographical without any particular political meaning being implied.
The part of Serbia that is in Vojvodina is called [[Central Serbia]]. Central Serbia is not an administrative division (unlike the two autonomous provinces), and it has no regional government of its own. In [[English language|English]] this region is often called "[[Serbia proper]]" to denote "the part of the Republic of Serbia not including the provinces of Vojvodina", as the [[Library of Congress]] puts it [http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/yugoslavia/yu_glos.html].


== Politics ==
== Politics ==
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| Industrial production growth rate: 7.1% (2004), 1.3% (2005)
| Industrial production growth rate: 7.1% (2004), 1.3% (2005)
|-
|-
| Unemployment rate: 20.0% (2005) (31.6% with Kosovo)
| Unemployment rate: 20.0% (2005)
|-
|-
| Inflation: 15.5% (2005)
| Inflation: 15.5% (2005)
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The [[Danube]] River, [[central Europe]]'s connection to the [[Black Sea]], flows through Serbia.
The [[Danube]] River, [[central Europe]]'s connection to the [[Black Sea]], flows through Serbia.


There are three international airports in Serbia: [[Belgrade]], [[Priština]], and the newly rebuilt [[Niš]] airport.
There are two international airports in Serbia: [[Belgrade]], and the newly rebuilt [[Niš]] airport.


The national carrier is [[Jat Airways]] and the railway system is operated by [[Beovoz]] in [[Belgrade]] and by [[ZTP Yugoslavia]] on the national level.
The national carrier is [[Jat Airways]] and the railway system is operated by [[Beovoz]] in [[Belgrade]] and by [[ZTP Yugoslavia]] on the national level.
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{{see also|Demographic history of Serbia}}
{{see also|Demographic history of Serbia}}


Serbia is populated mostly by [[Serbs]]. Significant [[minority|minorities]] include [[Albanians]] (who are a majority in the province of [[Kosovo-Metohia]]), [[Magyars|Hungarians]], [[Muslims by nationality|Muslims]] (as a nationality), [[Bosniaks]], [[Roma (people)|Roma]], [[Croats]], [[Slovaks]], [[Bulgarians]], [[Romanians]], etc. Serbia consists of three territories: the province of [[Kosovo and Metohia]], the province of [[Vojvodina]] and [[Central Serbia]] ([[Serbian Cyrillic]]: Централна Србија, [[Serbian Latin]]: Centralna Srbija, [[English language|English]]: Central Serbia. Note: The English language sometimes uses the varieties such are "Serbia proper" or "Narrower Serbia"). The two provinces are ethnically diverse, which is a result of the division of the country between the [[Muslim]] [[Ottoman Empire]] in the south and [[Catholic]] [[Austro-Hungarian Empire]] in the north.
Serbia is populated mostly by [[Serbs]]. Significant [[minority|minorities]] include [[Albanians]], [[Magyars|Hungarians]], [[Muslims by nationality|Muslims]] (as a nationality), [[Bosniaks]], [[Roma (people)|Roma]], [[Croats]], [[Slovaks]], [[Bulgarians]], [[Romanians]], etc. Serbia consists of three territories: the province of [[Vojvodina]] and [[Central Serbia]] ([[Serbian Cyrillic]]: Централна Србија, [[Serbian Latin]]: Centralna Srbija, [[English language|English]]: Central Serbia. Note: The English language sometimes uses the varieties such are "Serbia proper" or "Narrower Serbia"). The province is ethnically diverse, which is a result of the division of the country between the [[Catholic]] [[Austro-Hungarian Empire]] in the north.


The northern province of [[Vojvodina]] is the most developed part of the country in terms of economic strength. Together with the [[Former Yugoslavia|former Yugoslav republics]] of [[Slovenia]], [[Croatia]] and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], Vojvodina was under the administration of [[Austria-Hungary]] before the First World War. Vojvodina is one of the most ethnically diverse territories in Europe, with more than 25 different national communities. According to the last completed census ([[2002]]), the province has a population of about 2 million, of which: [[Serbs]] 65%, [[Magyars|Hungarians]] 14.3%, [[Slovaks]] 2.79%, [[Croats]] 2.78%, undeclared 2.71%, [[Yugoslavs]] 2.45%, [[Montenegrins]] 1.75%, [[Romanians]] 1.50%, [[Roma people|Roma]] 1.43%, [[Bunjevci]] 0.97%, [[Pannonian Rusyns|Ruthenians]] 0.77%, [[Macedonians (ethnic group)|Macedonians]] 0.58%, regional affiliation 0.50%, [[Ukrainians]] 0.23%, others ([[Albanians]], [[Slovenians]], [[German people|Germans]], [[Poles]], [[Chinese people|Chinese]] etc).
The northern province of [[Vojvodina]] is the most developed part of the country in terms of economic strength. Together with the [[Former Yugoslavia|former Yugoslav republics]] of [[Slovenia]], [[Croatia]] and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], Vojvodina was under the administration of [[Austria-Hungary]] before the First World War. Vojvodina is one of the most ethnically diverse territories in Europe, with more than 25 different national communities. According to the last completed census ([[2002]]), the province has a population of about 2 million, of which: [[Serbs]] 65%, [[Magyars|Hungarians]] 14.3%, [[Slovaks]] 2.79%, [[Croats]] 2.78%, undeclared 2.71%, [[Yugoslavs]] 2.45%, [[Montenegrins]] 1.75%, [[Romanians]] 1.50%, [[Roma people|Roma]] 1.43%, [[Bunjevci]] 0.97%, [[Pannonian Rusyns|Ruthenians]] 0.77%, [[Macedonians (ethnic group)|Macedonians]] 0.58%, regional affiliation 0.50%, [[Ukrainians]] 0.23%, others ([[Albanians]], [[Slovenians]], [[German people|Germans]], [[Poles]], [[Chinese people|Chinese]] etc).
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**[[Vojvodina]]: 2,116,725
**[[Vojvodina]]: 2,116,725
**[[Central Serbia]]: 5,479,686
**[[Central Serbia]]: 5,479,686

**[[Kosovo and Metohija]]: 1,800,000


== Cities ==
== Cities ==
{{main|Serbian cities}}
{{main|Serbian cities}}

{{see also|List of cities in Serbia and Montenegro}}
{{see also|List of cities in Serbia and Montenegro}}
[[Image:Belgrade04 150.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Serbian Rulers Avenue, [[Belgrade]]]]
[[Image:Belgrade04 150.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Serbian Rulers Avenue, [[Belgrade]]]]
[[Image:Subotica_city_hall.jpg|250px|thumb|right|[[Subotica]] city hall, [[Vojvodina]]]]
[[Image:Subotica_city_hall.jpg|250px|thumb|right|[[Subotica]] city hall, [[Vojvodina]]]]


Major cities (over 100,000 inhabitants) - 2002 data, for [[Kosovo and Metohija]] current UNMIK estimates (unofficial) :
Major cities (over 100,000 inhabitants) - 2002 data:


*[[Beograd]] (Belgrade): 1,119,642 (inner city area); 1,576,124 (wider city area)
*[[Beograd]] (Belgrade): 1,119,642 (inner city area); 1,576,124 (wider city area)
*[[Novi Sad]]: 216,583 (299,294 metro)
*[[Novi Sad]]: 216,583 (299,294 metro)
*[[Priština]]: 200,000 (2002 estimation)
*[[Niš]]: 173,724 (235,159 metro)
*[[Niš]]: 173,724 (235,159 metro)
*[[Kragujevac]]: 146,373 (175,802 metro)
*[[Kragujevac]]: 146,373 (175,802 metro)
*[[Prizren]]: 121,000 (2002 estimation)
*[[Subotica]]: 99,981 (148,401 metro)
*[[Subotica]]: 99,981 (148,401 metro)


Revision as of 20:27, 17 April 2006

Република Србија
Republika Srbija
Republic of Serbia
Motto: None
Anthem: Bože Pravde
Location of Serbia
Capital
and largest city
Belgrade
Official languagesSerbian
GovernmentRepublic
Independence
• Water (%)
N/A
Population
• 2005 estimate
9,396,411 (84th if ranked)
GDP (PPP)2005 estimate
• Total
$28.37 billion (95th if ranked)
• Per capita
$3,200 (123rd if ranked)
HDI (N/A)N/A
Error: Invalid HDI value (N/A)
CurrencyDinar (CSD)
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)
UTC+2 (CEST)
Calling code381
ISO 3166 codeRS
Internet TLD.yu

The Republic of Serbia (Serbian: Република Србија or Republika Srbija) is a republic in southeastern and central Europe, which is united with Montenegro in a loose commonwealth known as the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. The capital is Belgrade. Serbia borders Hungary to the north; Romania and Bulgaria to the east; the Republic of Macedonia and UN proctectet provice of Kosovo to the south; and Montenegro, Croatia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina to the west.

History

Part of a series on the
History of Serbia
Map of Balkans, Byzantine Empire and Anatolia, 1355. -- Velhagen & Klasing atlas of history, Berlin 1931 (english version)
By century
Prehistory
Pre-Roman
Early Roman
Late Roman
Early Middle Ages
White Serbia around 600 AD
Principality of Serbia 7th–10th century
Catepanate of Ras around 969–976
High Middle Ages
Duklja (Zeta) 11th–12th century
Theme of Sirmium 1018–1071
Grand Principality 1071–1217
Kingdom of Serbia 1217–1346
King Dragutin's realm 1282–1325
 1346–1371
Lordship of Prilep 1371–1395
Prince Lazar's Serbia 1371–1402
Vuk's Land 1371–1412
Despotate of Serbia 1402–1537
Early Modern
Ottoman-ruled Serbia 1459–1804
Jovan Nenad / Radoslav Čelnik 1526–1530
Banate of Lugoj and Caransebeș 16th–17th
Habsburg occupation 1686–1699
Great Serb Migrations 1690 and
1737–1739
Military Frontier 1702–1882
Habsburg-ruled Serbia 1718–1739
Koča's frontier 1788–1791
Serbia 1804–1918
Serbian Revolution 1804–1815
Principality of Serbia 1815–1882
Serbian Vojvodina 1848–1849
Serbia and Banat 1849–1860
Kingdom of Serbia 1882–1918
Serbia since 1918
Kingdom of Yugoslavia 1918–1941
Axis occupation 1941–1944
Federal unit of Socialist Yugoslavia 1944–1992
Constituent state with Montenegro 1992–2006
Republic of Serbia 2006–present
flag Serbia portal
Main article: History of Serbia
See also: List of Serbian monarchs and History of Yugoslavia

The roots of the Serbian state reach back to the 7th century and the House of Vlastimirović. The Serbian kingdom (centered around Duklja) was established in the 11th century. Marked by a disintegration and crises, it lasted until the end of 12th century.

The renewal of the medieval Serbian state in the Raška region was performed by Stefan Nemanja, the Serbian Grand Župan who lived in the 12th century. In 1220, under Stefan the First Crowned, Serbia became a kingdom, and in 1346, an empire under Stefan Dušan was established. The Empire was disintegrated and fell to the Ottoman Turks, after the historic Serbian defeat at the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, and the northern Serbian territories (the Serbian Despotate) were conquered by 1459, when Smederevo fell. Bosnia fell a few years after Smederevo, and Herzegovina followed in 1482.

In the period between 1459 and 1804, Serbia remained under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, despite three Austrian invasions and numerous rebellions. Islam expanded during this time, and some Serbs converted to this new religion.

Tsar Stefan Dušan The Great of Serbian Empire
File:Karadjordje.jpg
Karađorđe Petrović, leader of the First Serbian uprising in 1804
Church on Karađorđe's mansion in Topola

The First Serbian Uprising of 1804-1813, lead by Đorđe Petrović (also known as Karađorđe or Black George), and the Second Serbian Uprising of 1815 resulted in the establishment of the Principality of Serbia which was semi-independent from the Ottoman Empire, and the formation of modern Serbia.

From 1815 to 1903, the Serbian state was ruled by the House of Obrenović, with a break in the period from 1842 to 1858, when Serbia was ruled by Prince Aleksandar Karađorđević. In 1903, the House of Obrenović was permanently replaced by the House of Karađorđević, descended from Đorđe Petrović.

The struggle for a modern society, human rights and a nation state lasted almost three decades and was completed with the adoption of the constitution on 15th February 1835. In 1876, Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia declared war against the Ottoman Empire and proclaimed their unification. However, the Treaty of Berlin of 1878, which was agreed at the Congress of Berlin by the Great Powers, granted complete independence only to Serbia and Montenegro, leaving Bosnia and Raška to Austria-Hungary, which blocked their unification until the Balkan Wars of 1912 and 1913, and WWI (1914-1918).

The June 28, 1914 assassination of Austrian Crown Prince Franz Ferdinand at Sarejevo by Serbian Nationalist within the Austria-Hungary Empire served as a pretext for Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia. This started a chain of events where Russia started to mobilise its troops in defence of its ally Serbia and then Germany declaring war on Russia in support of its ally Austria-Hungary. This culminated eventually into all the major European powers going to war. The Serbian Army won several major victories during World War I, but it was finally overpowered by the joint forces of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Bulgaria. In World War I, Serbia had 1,264,000 casualties — 28% of its population, which also represented 58% of its male population.

After 1918, Serbia, along with Montenegro, was a founding member of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later known as the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. During World War II, from 1941 to 1944, Serbia was a Nazi-occupied puppet state. In 1945, after World War II, Serbia was established as one of the federal units of the second Yugoslavia, the Socialist Federative Republic of Yugoslavia.

From 1992, after the collapse of the second Yugoslavia, to 2003, Serbia, together with Montenegro, was part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Despite remaining relatively peaceful itself until 1998, Serbia participated in the wars in neighbouring Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina by arming, supporting and directing Serbian troops which fought in the two countries. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] In 1998 the clashes between Serbian security forces and the Kosovo Liberation Army began.

Between 1998 and 1999, continued reported clashes in Kosovo between Serbian and Yugoslav security forces and the K.L.A in most of the western media led to NATO aerial bombardment, which would last for 78 days. The attacks were stopped following an agreement, where president of Yugoslavia, Slobodan Milošević, agreed to remove all of country security forces including the military and the police, and have them replaced by a body of international police, in return for which, Kosovo would formally remain within the Yugoslav Federation (See: Kosovo War).

Since 2003, Serbia has been part of the State Union of Serbia & Montenegro, into which the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was transformed.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Serbia
File:ZlatiborZimi.jpg
Zlatibor tourist center

Serbia is located in the Balkans (a historically and geographically distinct region of southeastern Europe) and in the Pannonian Plain (a region of central Europe). It shares borders with UN protectet provice ofKosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, the Republic of Macedonia, and Romania. Serbia is landlocked, although access to the Adriatic is available through neighbouring Montenegro, and the Danube River provides shipping access to inland Europe and the Black Sea.

Serbia's terrain ranges from the rich, fertile plains of the northern Vojvodina region, limestone ranges and basins in the east, and, in the southeast, ancient mountains and hills. The north is dominated by the Danube River. A tributary, the Morava River, flows through the more mountainous southern regions.

The Serbian climate varies between a continental climate in the north, with cold winters, and hot, humid summers with well distributed rainfall patterns, and a more Adriatic climate in the south with hot, dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall inland.

Administrative subdivisions

Main article: Subdivisions of Serbia
See also: Regions of Serbia and Districts of Serbia

Serbia is divided into 24 districts and the city of Belgrade. The districts are further divided into 108 municipalities. It has two one provinces: Vojvodina in the north (with 54 municipalities)

The part of Serbia that is in Vojvodina is called Central Serbia. Central Serbia is not an administrative division (unlike the two autonomous provinces), and it has no regional government of its own. In English this region is often called "Serbia proper" to denote "the part of the Republic of Serbia not including the provinces of Vojvodina", as the Library of Congress puts it [1].

Politics

Main article: Politics of Serbia
See also: Politics of Serbia and Montenegro, Politics of Vojvodina, Elections in Serbia, and Human rights in Serbia

On 4 February 2003 the parliament of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia agreed to a weaker form of cooperation between Serbia and Montenegro within a commonwealth called Serbia and Montenegro.

After the fall of Slobodan Milošević on 5 October 2000, the country was governed by the Democratic Opposition of Serbia. Tensions gradually increased within the coalition until the Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS) left the government, leaving the Democratic Party (DS) in overall control. Nevertheless, in 2004 the DSS gathered enough support to form the new Government of Serbia, together with G17 Plus and coalition SPO-NS, and the support of the Socialist Party of Serbia. The Prime Minister of Serbia is Vojislav Koštunica, leader of the Democratic Party of Serbia.

The current President of Serbia is Boris Tadić, leader of the Democratic Party (DS). He was elected with 53% of the vote in the second round of the Serbian presidential election held on 27 June 2004, following several unsuccessful elections since 2002.

The current Prime Minister of the Government of Serbia, as of March 2004, is the former Yugoslav president, Vojislav Koštunica, who replaced Slobodan Milošević as Yugoslav president in October of 2000. The government is formed around the of national conservative party DSS, with G17Plus, SPO-NS and is supported by the Milosevic Socialists (SPS), who do not take part in the government, but in exchange for the support hold minor government and justice positions and influence policies.

Laws concerning the state union must be approved by the Parliament of Serbia and Montenegro, while bills concerning only Serbia are submitted to the National Assembly of Serbia.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Serbia
  • Central Serbia and Vojvodina
Gross Domestic Product
Real GDP PPP: $28.37 Billion (2005)
Real GDP Per Capita - PPP: $2600 (2005) (Source: CIA [2])
Real GDP - exchange rate conversion: $22.73 Billion (2005)*
Real GDP Per Capita - nominal: 3200 (2005)
Real GDP growth rate 2005: 6.3% (Source: Serbian Government [3])
Other statistics (in detail on economy page)
Industrial production growth rate: 7.1% (2004), 1.3% (2005)
Unemployment rate: 20.0% (2005)
Inflation: 15.5% (2005)
Foreign debt: $15.43 Billion (2005)
Direct foreign investment received for 2005: $1 481 Million (Source: NBS [4])

Communications

Main article: Communications in Serbia

Transportation

Main article: Transportation in Serbia
See also: Transportation in Serbia and Montenegro

Serbia, in particular the valley of the Morava, is often described as "the crossroads between East and West", which is one of the primary reasons for its turbulent history. The Morava valley route, which avoids mountainous regions, is by far the easiest way of travelling overland from continental Europe to Greece and Asia Minor.

European routes E65, E70, E75 and E80, as well as the E662, E761, E762, E763, E771, and E851 pass through the country. The E70 westwards from Belgrade and most of the E75 are modern highways of motorway / autobahn standard or close to that.

The Danube River, central Europe's connection to the Black Sea, flows through Serbia.

There are two international airports in Serbia: Belgrade, and the newly rebuilt Niš airport.

The national carrier is Jat Airways and the railway system is operated by Beovoz in Belgrade and by ZTP Yugoslavia on the national level.

Demographics

File:Slovaci u Srbiji.jpg
Slovaks in Serbia during a traditional dance
Main article: Demographics of Serbia
See also: Demographic history of Serbia

Serbia is populated mostly by Serbs. Significant minorities include Albanians, Hungarians, Muslims (as a nationality), Bosniaks, Roma, Croats, Slovaks, Bulgarians, Romanians, etc. Serbia consists of three territories: the province of Vojvodina and Central Serbia (Serbian Cyrillic: Централна Србија, Serbian Latin: Centralna Srbija, English: Central Serbia. Note: The English language sometimes uses the varieties such are "Serbia proper" or "Narrower Serbia"). The province is ethnically diverse, which is a result of the division of the country between the Catholic Austro-Hungarian Empire in the north.

The northern province of Vojvodina is the most developed part of the country in terms of economic strength. Together with the former Yugoslav republics of Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Vojvodina was under the administration of Austria-Hungary before the First World War. Vojvodina is one of the most ethnically diverse territories in Europe, with more than 25 different national communities. According to the last completed census (2002), the province has a population of about 2 million, of which: Serbs 65%, Hungarians 14.3%, Slovaks 2.79%, Croats 2.78%, undeclared 2.71%, Yugoslavs 2.45%, Montenegrins 1.75%, Romanians 1.50%, Roma 1.43%, Bunjevci 0.97%, Ruthenians 0.77%, Macedonians 0.58%, regional affiliation 0.50%, Ukrainians 0.23%, others (Albanians, Slovenians, Germans, Poles, Chinese etc).

See also: Demographic history of Vojvodina and Ethnic groups of Vojvodina
Population statistics of Serbia (Estimate May 2005)


Cities

Main article: Serbian cities
See also: List of cities in Serbia and Montenegro
Serbian Rulers Avenue, Belgrade
File:Subotica city hall.jpg
Subotica city hall, Vojvodina

Major cities (over 100,000 inhabitants) - 2002 data:

  • Beograd (Belgrade): 1,119,642 (inner city area); 1,576,124 (wider city area)
  • Novi Sad: 216,583 (299,294 metro)
  • Niš: 173,724 (235,159 metro)
  • Kragujevac: 146,373 (175,802 metro)
  • Subotica: 99,981 (148,401 metro)

Serbian holidays

Holidays
Date Name Notes
January 1 New Year's Day
January 7 Orthodox Christmas
January 14 National Holiday (Orthodox New Year) "Српска Нова Година"
"Srpska Nova Godina"
January 27 Saint Sava's feast Day - Day of Spirituality
February 15 Sretenje - Serbian National Day
April 21 Orthodox Good Friday Date for 2006 only
April 23 Orthodox Easter Date for 2006 only
April 24 Orthodox Easter Monday Date for 2006 only
April 27 Constitution Day
May 1 Labour Day
May 9 Victory Day
June 28 Vidovdan (Martyr's Day) In memory of soldiers fallen at the Battle of Kosovo

Culture

Main article: Serbian culture

See also

Categories

Sport

Main article: Sport in Serbia
See also: Category:Serbian sportspeople

Miscellaneous

  • On August 17 2004 the National Assembly of Serbia adopted Bože Pravde as the country's anthem.
  • In addition, the Obrenović royal coat of arms now replaces the Coat of Arms of Serbia adopted after World War II. It was first used in the 19th century. The arms are those of the royal Obrenović dynasty; they are used in two versions, the large (pictured) and small (just the central shield with eagle and crown surmounting). Use of these arms is 'recommended' which means that the coat of arms is not yet official. It will become so if adoption of the Obrenović arms is approved by more than 50% of the voters in a constitutional referendum.
  • 1564 Srbija Asteroid is discovered by Milorad B. Protić and named after Serbia.
  • Serbia grows about one-third of the world's raspberries.
  • Serbian industries: machine building (aircraft, trucks, and automobiles; tanks and weapons; electrical equipment; agricultural machinery); metallurgy (steel, aluminum, copper, lead, zinc, chromium, antimony, bismuth, cadmium); mining (coal, bauxite, nonferrous ore, iron ore, limestone); consumer goods (textiles, footwear, foodstuffs, appliances); electronics, petroleum products, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals (CIA Fact Book 2006)

See also

Notes

  1. ^ "Captain Dragan Implicates Serbia in Croatian War", Coalition For International Justice, 19 February 2003
  2. ^ "Super Tiger Testifies: Serbia trained paramilitaries to fight in Bosnia", Coalition For International Justice, 22 October 2002
  3. ^ "Bosnian Serb Official Says Serbia Actively Participated in Bosnian War", Coalition For International Justice, 27 November 2003
  4. ^ "Milosevic Directs Events in Eastern Slavonia, Admits Support", Coalition For International Justice, 15 October 2003
  5. ^ "Serb Journalist Links Serbia to Crimes: Serbian forces involved in massacre at Vukovar", Coalition For International Justice, 16 October 2002
  6. ^ "Secretary's Testimony May Prove Key to Milosevic Conviction", Coalition For International Justice, 16 April 2003

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