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Population
At the
start of 2001 the population is estimated at 3.8 million,
with about 2.3 million in the Federation and 1.5 million
in the Republika Srpska.
Capital
City
Sarajevo.
Population 384 400
Language
The country
has three official languages, all derived from Serbo-Croat.
They are Croatian, Serbian and Bosnian. In some parts
of the country, German is a more common foreign language
than English but the latter is fast becoming understood
throughout the country's business community.
Principal
Religions
The population
is largely Christian (Catholic and Orthodox) and Muslim.
There is a small Jewish community. The proportions are
estimated to be Muslim 40%, Orthodox 31%, Roman Catholic
15%
International
dialling code from UK
00387
Local
currency
Konvertible
Marka (KM). The Bosnian currency has a fixed exchange
of 1KM=0.51 €.
Weights
and measures
Metric
measures are used throughout the country
Public
holidays
Each
of the three main communities of Bosnia and Herzegovina
have their own religious holidays which are often subject
to change. Visitors are advised to check this information
with the Embassy.
Passports
/ Visas
British
Nationals do not require a visa for BiH. They are advised
to report their presence at the Consular Section of
the British Embassy.
Health
advice / risks
There
are no unusual health hazards. Medical advice for travellers
is readily available in the UK.
As
in other countries that have experienced armed conflict,
the menace of land mines is a major factor in Bosnia
and Herzegovina. It is difficult to set out guidance
in a document of this nature but, in general, when travelling
anywhere in the country it is important to stay on tarmac
surface. In no circumstances, should derelict buildings
be approached unless there is authoritative advice that
it is safe to do so.
Travel
routes to Bosnia-Herzegovina
There
are numerous road crossings with Croatia, Serbia and
Montenegro, and regular commercial coach services between
main cities. The country’s main airport is Sarajevo,
with regular flights to Zagreb, Ljubljana, Vienna, Zurich,
Istanbul, Copenhagen, Rome, Budapest, Oslo, Frankfurt,
Amsterdam, Belgrade. There are smaller airports with
limited international services in Mostar and Banja Luka.
Severe
weather conditions in Sarajevo and in the main European
airports that serve it (Zurich and Vienna) can cause
serious disruption to schedule services during the winter
months.
Rail
services linking Sarajevo, Mostar, Doboj and Banja Luka
to Zagreb Belgrade, Ljubljana and Ploce are now available
but slow.
How
to get to & from the airport
Taxis
from Sarajevo airport to the city centre are inexpensive
and plentiful.
Travelling
in Bosnia-Herzegovina
Car hire
is available. There are few dual carriageways, but the
main roads are satisfactory. Link roads are poorly maintained
and in bad condition. Due to the mountainous nature
of BiH, it is advisable to allow plenty of time for
journeys. Rail, bus and taxi are readily available for
transport throughout BiH, although the rail network
remains limited and slow.
Hotels
A
reasonable choice of hotels in Sarajevo. The charge
for a 3 or 4 star single room ranges from KM 150 to
KM 250. Most international credit cards are accepted
in business hotels.
In
other towns, hotels are poor by European standards but
inexpensive.
Restaurants
Sarajevo
now has a reasonable range of restaurants to suit most
tastes. Credit card acceptance is growing. Tipping is
optional.
Electricity
supply
Adapters required. 240v
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