The heart-shaped country is trying hard to put aside the remnants of war and devastation that ended many years ago and turn heads to a gorgeous country dotted with magnificent landscapes, mountains, rivers and their canyons, waterfalls, traditional rural areas and a fast developing capital of Sarajevo. It is not exaggeration to say that the country is one of Europe’s wildest and most beautiful travel destinations.
Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar and Mehmed Pasha Sokolovic Bridge in Visegrad; three national parks: Sutjeska, Kozara, and Una; and three nature parks: Hutovo Blato, Blidinje and Bardaca will provide food for your soul.
The richest heritage of the country lies in the mixture of histories, religions and traditions that have co-existed in the area for centuries and that can clearly be seen in architecture and still living customs of the people. It is nearly impossible to decipher the multitude mystical influences that have merged within this tiny Balkan country.
What is known is that man has settled these pristine lands for over 10,000 years, from the indigenous pagan Illyrian and Thracian tribes, to Romans, Byzantines, Slavs, and later Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian invaders. All of these cultures have left a remarkable piece of their beliefs and rituals that formed this country into one of the most religiously diverse nations in Europe.
Electricity
The plug of choice is 220 Volts, AC, 50 Hz, two-pin socket supply.
Money
The official currency is convertible marks divided into 100 fenings. In December 1998, coins were introduced in denominations of 10, 20 and 50 fenings. Coins of 1, 2 and 5 marka were introduced later. In 1998, notes were introduced in denominations of 50 fenings, 1 mark, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 marks. 200-mark notes were added in 2002, whilst the 50-fening, 1 and 5 mark notes were later withdrawn from circulation. All current notes are valid throughout the country.
Credit cards
Larger cities will take credit cards, especially MasterCard and Visa but make sure to have enough change when travelling to smaller towns and countryside.
Religion
Muslims constitute 45% of the population, Christian 52%, and other groups 2%.
Safety
Walking the streets of any town or city at any time is relatively safe, however, the best advice may be to employ your common sense.
Smoking
The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina within the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has banned smoking in public buildings since 1 September 2007. There is no ban on smoking in the Republika Srpska (Serbian Republic).
Visas
Bosnia and Herzegovina can only be entered with a valid passport. EU, American and Canadian citizens do not require a visa to enter the country.
National holidays
| January 1 | New Year’s Day |
| January 2 | New Year’s Day 2 |
| March 1 | Independence Day |
| May 1 | International Workers' Day |
| May 2 | International Worker’s Day 2 |
| May 9 | Victory Day |
| November 25 | Statehood Day |
Optional holidays
| January 7 | Orthodox Christmas |
| --- | Orthodox Good Friday |
| --- | Good Friday |
| --- | Orthodox Easter |
| --- | Easter |
| --- | Orthodox Easter Monday |
| --- | Easter Monday |
| --- | End of Ramadan |
| --- | Feast of Sacrifice |
| November 1 | All Saints’ Day |
| November 21 | Dayton Peace Agreement Day |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
