What Is The Population Of Bosnia Herzegovina

What Is the Population of Bosnia Herzegovina?

As of the most recent estimates from the Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and Herzegovina (2023), the country’s total population is approximately 3.3 million people. This figure represents a slight decline from the 2013 census, which recorded 3.53 million residents. The decrease is primarily driven by a low birth rate, an aging population, and continued emigration to Western Europe and North America.

Key Demographic Highlights

Ethnic Composition

The population of Bosnia Herzegovina is ethnically diverse, reflecting the country’s complex history. The three main constituent peoples are:

Bosniaks – roughly 50 % of the total population.
Serbs – about 30 %.
Croats – approximately 15 %.
Others (including Yugoslavs, Jews, Roma, and individuals who identify simply as “Bosnian”) make up the remaining 5 %.

Age Structure

Bosnia Herzegovina has an aging demographic profile:

0‑14 years: 14 % of the population.
15‑64 years: 68 %.
65 years and older: 18 %.

The median age is now around 44 years, up from 38 years a decade earlier.

Urban vs. Rural Distribution

Approximately 55 % of residents live in urban areas, while the remaining 45 % are in rural municipalities. The capital city, Sarajevo, is the largest urban center, followed by Banja Luka, Tuzla, and Mostar.

Population Trends and Influencing Factors

Low Birth Rate

Since the early 2000s, the total fertility rate has hovered around 1.5 children per woman—well below the replacement level of 2.1. This trend contributes directly to the natural decrease in population.

Emigration

Economic challenges and limited job opportunities have prompted many Bosnians, especially young adults, to seek work abroad. The diaspora is estimated at 1.5 million people, primarily in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United States, and Canada.