Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: -0.62%
Situated in Southeast Europe, Bosnia and Herzegovina has a population of approximately 3.42 million—a modestly sized nation in population terms. The country extends across 51,209 km², translating to a density of 67 people per km². Its capital is Sarajevo, and official languages include Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian, while the Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark serves as the national currency.
Population
3,422,000
Area
51,209 km²
Density
67/km²
World Rank
#135
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
The population is currently contracting at a rate of -0% per year, pointing to deep structural challenges such as low birth rates and emigration. Deaths (13.5 per thousand) now equal or exceed births (7.7 per thousand), resulting in natural population decline. The population skews older, with 22.2% aged 65 or above and 13% under 15, signaling rising dependency ratios.
General Information
- Capital
- Sarajevo
- Region
- Europe
- Subregion
- Southeast Europe
- Continent
- Europe
- Languages
- Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
- Currencies
- Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark (KM)
- Calling Code
- +387
- Top-Level Domain
- .ba
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+01:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 3,422,000
- Land Area
- 51,209 km²
- Population Density
- 67 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- -0.62%
- Annual Growth
- -21,216 people
- Daily Growth
- -58 people
- World Population Share
- 0.04%
- Coordinates
- 44.00°, 18.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $9.4k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 11%, well above the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 33.0 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
77.8 years
GDP per Capita
$9,359
Birth Rate
7.7 per 1,000
Death Rate
13.5 per 1,000
Urban Population
52.1%
Fertility Rate
1.49 births/woman
Infant Mortality
5.3 per 1,000
Unemployment
11.0%
Literacy Rate
97.0%
Internet Users
86.1%
Under 15
13.0%
Over 65
22.2%
Health Spending
8.9% GDP
Gini Index
33.0
Age Distribution
0-14 years
446K
15-64 years
2.2M
65+ years
761K
Urbanization
About 52.1% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. Sarajevo serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net emigration of 6994.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
1.8M
52.1%
1.6M
47.9%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 77.8 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 5.3 per thousand live births, significantly higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 97% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina has 5 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
If current trends persist, Bosnia and Herzegovina's population will continue to shrink, intensifying labor shortages and increasing the burden on pension and healthcare systems. With 22.2% of the population already over 65, the aging challenge is likely to deepen in the decades ahead. As a United Nations member state, Bosnia and Herzegovina participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 3,422,000 |
| 2030 | 3,342,029 |
| 2035 | 3,252,818 |
| 2040 | 3,173,632 |
| 2045 | 3,102,791 |
| 2050 | 3,038,925 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Largest Cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Bosnia and Herzegovina by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The population of Bosnia and Herzegovina is approximately 3.4 million as of 2026, making it #135 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is Sarajevo.
What languages are spoken in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The main languages spoken in Bosnia and Herzegovina are Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian.
How big is Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Bosnia and Herzegovina covers an area of 51,209 km² with a population density of 67 people per km².
Is Bosnia and Herzegovina growing or shrinking?
Bosnia and Herzegovina's population is declining at a rate of -0.62% per year.
What is the life expectancy in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The average life expectancy in Bosnia and Herzegovina is 77.8 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The GDP per capita of Bosnia and Herzegovina is $9,359.