Bosnia and Herzegovina
Capital: Sarajevo
Location:
Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Croatia (slightly smaller than West Virginia)
Registration Embassy and Consulate:
U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Bosnia are encouraged to register at the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo and obtain updated information on travel and security within Bosnia and Herzegovina. The consular section is located at Alipasina 43, tel. (387)(33) 445-700, fax: (387)(33) 659-722; internet address: http://www.usis.com.ba. On weekends, holidays, and after hours, an Embassy duty officer can be reached at (387)(33) 445-700.
Background:
Bosnia and Herzegovina's declaration of sovereignty in October 1991, was followed by a referendum for independence from the former Yugoslavia in February 1992. The Bosnian Serbs - supported by neighboring Serbia - responded with armed resistance aimed at partitioning the republic along ethnic lines and joining Serb-held areas to form a "greater Serbia." In March 1994, Bosniaks and Croats reduced the number of warring factions from three to two by signing an agreement creating a joint Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On 21 November 1995, in Dayton, Ohio, the warring parties signed a peace agreement that brought to a halt the three years of interethnic civil strife (the final agreement was signed in Paris on 14 December 1995). The Dayton Agreement retained Bosnia and Herzegovina's international boundaries and created a joint multi-ethnic and democratic government. This national government is charged with conducting foreign, economic, and fiscal policy. Also recognized was a second tier of government comprised of two entities roughly equal in size: the Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska (RS). The Federation and RS governments are charged with overseeing internal functions. In 1995-96, a NATO-led international peacekeeping force (IFOR) of 60,000 troops served in Bosnia to implement and monitor the military aspects of the agreement. IFOR was succeeded by a smaller, NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) whose mission is to deter renewed hostilities. SFOR remains in place at a level of approximately 21,000 troops.
Ethnic Groups:
Serb 31%, Bosniak 44%, Croat 17%, Yugoslav 5.5%, other 2.5% (1991)
note: Bosniak has replaced muslim as an ethnic term in part to avoid confusion with the religious term Muslim - an adherent of Islam
Language:
Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian
Currency:
BAM
marka (BAM)
marka per US dollar - 2.086 (January 2001), 2.124 (2000), 1.837 (1999), 1.760 (1998), 1.734 (1997), 0.015 (1996)
Climate:
Hot summers and cold winters; areas of high elevation have short, cool summers and long, severe winters; mild, rainy winters along coast
Population:
3,922,205
note: all data dealing with population are subject to considerable error because of the dislocations caused by military action and ethnic cleansing (July 2001 est.)
Religion:
Muslim 40%, Orthodox 31%, Roman Catholic 15%, Protestant 4%, other 10%
Medical:
The lack of adequate medical facilities, especially outside Sarajevo, may cause problems for visitors. The blood supply is not screened for HIV or AIDS. Because many medicines are not obtainable, travelers should bring their own supply of prescription drugs and preventive medicines. Private medical practitioners are rare, but the number of private dentists is increasing.
The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
Safety:
An estimated one million unmarked landmines and other unexploded ordnance remained throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina after the war, and many people have been killed or injured by these devices. Special care should be taken when near former confrontation lines and the former Serb-held suburbs of Sarajevo. To minimize dangers and difficulties, automobile travel should be limited to hard-surface roads because of landmines. Pedestrians should avoid unpaved surfaces. Travelers should use extreme caution, especially in regions away from major urban centers, because of inadequate control by local authorities. Localized political difficulties continue with occasional inter-ethnic violence and bombings. As firearms are readily available, random violence may occur with little or no warning. U.S. citizens must take precautions regarding their personal security. While most Bosnian citizens appreciate the assistance of the international community, outbreaks of anti-foreign sentiment sometimes occur.
Traffic Safety:
While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Bosnia and Herzegovina is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation:
Fair
Urban Road Condition/Maintenance:
Fair
Rural Road Condition/Maintenance:
Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance:
Fair
Road travel is possible throughout most of the country, although some roads are still impassable due to war damage and landslides. Bosnia-Herzegovina is among the rare countries in Europe that has fewer than ten kilometers of four lane highway. The existing, two-lane roads between major cities are quite narrow at places, lack guardrails, and are full of curves. Travel by road should be considered risky, as roads are not well maintained, particularly in winter. Driving in winter is hazardous due to fog, heavy snow, and ice.
The driving habits of local drivers are poor, and many vehicles are in bad condition. Many accidents occur when drivers exceed safe speeds along winding mountain roads. Accidents involving drunk driving are an increasing problem. Driving after dark is especially dangerous. Except for Sarajevo, street lighting is not widespread, road construction may be poorly marked, and heavy vehicles move slowly on hills. Travelers are encouraged to convoy with other vehicles, if possible, and to plan their trip to ensure they travel only during daylight hours.
Although the number of service stations outside major cities has increased in recent years, many do not offer mechanical or other services. The emergency number for vehicle assistance and towing service is 987; ambulances can be called at 94, and police at 92.
Speed limit traffic signs are not always obvious or clear. The speed limit on the majority of roads is 60 km/h, and on straight stretches of road it is generally 80 km/h. Wearing seat belts is mandatory. Talking on a cell phone while driving is prohibited. The tolerated percentage of alcohol in the blood is .05.
In order to drive legally in Bosnia-Herzegovina, you must have an international driving permit in addition to your U.S. one. The national authority responsible for traffic information and safety is the Automobile Association of Bosnia-Herzegovina, known as "BIHAMK." Their website, which also offers information in English, is http://www.bihamk.ba.
For additional information about road safety, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page road safety overseas feature at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html.
