Bosnia and Herzegovina: Geography, History, and Independence

Geography of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Located in the Balkan Peninsula of southeastern Europe, Bosnia and Herzegovina is bordered by Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro. The country also has a narrow extension of coastline along the Adriatic Sea.

Bosnia, the larger region, occupies the country's northern and central parts. Herzegovina, on the other hand, is located in the south and southwest.

History of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a rich and complex history.

Early History

The region has been inhabited since prehistoric times. In the Middle Ages, it was part of the Bosnian Kingdom, which flourished in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Ottoman Empire

In the 15th century, Bosnia and Herzegovina was conquered by the Ottoman Empire and remained under Ottoman rule for over 400 years. During this period, the region was heavily influenced by Islamic culture.

Austro-Hungarian Empire

In 1878, Bosnia and Herzegovina was occupied by Austria-Hungary. The region remained under Austro-Hungarian rule until the outbreak of World War I.

Independence

Following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire after World War I, Bosnia and Herzegovina became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. After World War II, it became a republic within the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

In 1991, Bosnia and Herzegovina declared sovereignty from Yugoslavia. The following year, it declared independence, triggering a bloody war that lasted until 1995.

International Oversight

The Dayton Peace Accords, signed in 1995, ended the war and established a peace settlement for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The country is now an independent state but remains under international oversight.

The Office of the High Representative (OHR) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Dayton Peace Accords. The OHR also monitors human rights and helps promote economic development in Bosnia and Herzegovina.