The geographical location of Bosnia and Herzegovina located between two regions - the mountainous area in the north and the coastal region in the south. The majestic mountains arrest the atmospheric masses from the Mediterranean, creating favourable climatic conditions in the country. This is the reason for delicious organic vegetables and fruits that Herzegovina produces.

The country has just 20 km of coastline on the Adriatic Sea which makes the weather tip slightly to the extremes. Like inland Europe, Bosnia too has cold winters and warm summers. With much of the country on a mountainous terrain - highest point being 2386 m above sea level - the snow stays on for longer periods in the mountains.

Click here to view the current weather in sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The international dialling code for Bosnia-Herzegovina is 387. To dial internationally when in the country, you need to dial 011 plus the relevant country code and number.

Emergency numbers in the country are 112 for all GSM phones, as well as 124 for hospital, 122 for police, and 123 for fire.

Communication via mobile phones and internet is very much on. The mobile operators have roaming agreements with other international operators; however, the coverage is just average due to the non-uniformity in terrain. Internet cafes are there in few towns and now some hotels have begun to provide net connectivity as well.

As with many other less developed countries, internet connectivity can be scarce in some parts, but not hard to find in all the major towns and tourist destinations. The country is rebuilding well from the recent war, so decent coverage should be too far down the track.

Postal service is slow compared to the West, with normal post taking about one week to reach its destination. Heavier packages take up to 10 days. Coins, bank notes, narcotics, alcohol, precious metals and stones, firearms and ammunition are strictly not allowed via mail.

The official currency is Bosnia and Herzegovina Konvertibilna Marka or BAM. 1 BAM equals 100 pfeninga. Notes are in denominations of BAM 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and pfenings of 1, 50. Coins are available in denominations of BAM 2, 1, and pfenings of 50, 20 and 10.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is still an economy in which cash is the preferred medium of transaction. Credit cards are generally not accepted and traveller's cheques are accepted only at select banks. This gives you little choice but to carry hard cash. While Euro and US Dollar are the preferred foreign currencies, Pound Sterling is rarely used. ATMs are not a common site and are available only in some cities like Sarajevo and Mostar.

Business hours for banks are usually 0800-1900 (Monday through Friday).

Click here to view the latest exchange rate from OANDA.com.

To view a list of Bosnian embassies around the world, as well as foreign embassies within Bosnia-Herzegovina, check out EmbassyWorld.com.

Population: 4,552,198 (July 2007 est.)
Total Area: 51,129 sq km
Capital: Sarajevo
Time Zone: UTC +1 hour

Click here to view the current time in Sarajevo.

There are three main languages spoken throughout the country: Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian.

Click here to view the public holidays for Bosnia-Herzegovina.

There are a variety of ethnic groups and religions in the country.

The population is made up of Bosniaks 48%, Serbs 37.1%, Croats 14.3%, and other 0.6% (2000). However the term Bosniak has replaced Muslim as an ethnic term in part to avoid confusion with the religious term Muslim - an adherent of Islam.

The religious breakdowns are: Muslim 40%, Orthodox 31%, Roman Catholic 15%, and other 14%.

Bosnia has been the play field for many empires over the years. It was ruled by different groups till in 1463 after which the Ottoman or Turkish army conquered it. At this time many Bosnians converted to Islam and became Muslims. The Ottoman Empire ruled till 1878, after which Austria-Hungary gained control.

World War I was sparked when a young Serbian student assassinated the Archduke Francis Ferdinand in Sarajevo. From here on it was a steep downhill journey for Bosnia. After the war, the region of Bosnia-Herzegovina became a part of the country that was renamed Yugoslavia.

Soon World War II broke out and Germany and Italy invaded Yugoslavia. Bosnian patriots led by a young communist, Josip Broz Tito, fought heroically. The end of the war saw Bosnia-Herzegovina become one of six republics in the new communist state led by Tito.

Communism and Tito held the different ethnic groups together, but when Tito died in 1980, the country fell apart and old conflicts re-emerged. In 1990, the communist party lost control and Croats and Muslims in Bosnia voted for independence. Most Serbs opposed this move and wished to remain a part of Yugoslavia. Due to the clash in political interests a fierce civil war broke out in April 1992. The war ended with about two thirds of Bosnia falling under the control of the Bosnian Serbs.

The civil war and the ethnic cleansing that followed killed more than 200,000 people and rendered more than 2 million people homeless. Needless to say, the atrocities committed in the name of ‘ethnic cleansing' were inhumane.

In 1995, Bosnia was divided into two - a Muslim-Croat federation and a Bosnian Serb republic. The Muslim-Croat controlled 51 per cent of the country and the Bosnian Serb controlled the balance 49 per cent. A peace agreement was signed which allowed refugees to return home.

Since then Bosnian refugees have been returning, but to destroyed homes and sometimes no home at all. The country is slowly limping back to normalcy but it will be a while for wounds to heal and trust to set in.

In the meanwhile the government is doing its bit by promoting the country as a tourist destination. Efforts are being made to revive its past glory and give the country a face lift. This is indeed filling the coffers right now and will in future if the new found peace continues.

Tourists are strongly advised to equip themselves with travel and medical insurance before arriving at Bosnia. Inoculation regulations can change at short notice so immunising against hepatitis B, tuberculosis, tick-borne encephalitis and rabies is recommended.

As far as food hygiene goes, local vegetables, fruits, meat and poultry are safe. It is advisable though to wash and peel vegetables and fruits before consumption. Stick to eating cooked meat and fish only. Water is generally safe to drink but unpasteurised milk must be boiled before drinking. It is better to avoid dairy products as they are mostly made from unboiled milk.

Medical facility at arm's length is limited especially outside major towns, so stock up your medical kit.

The Balkan region has always been a simmering volcano, sometimes spewing too, because of its volatile internal and external relations. Bosnia, however, has been politically correct and managed to appease all. The three main ethnic groups are managing a peaceful co-existence. Before 1990, inter community marriages were quite common. However, all was not hunky dory when Milosevic rose to power in Yugoslavia in 1989. His government declared ‘ethnic cleansing' that left millions dead, wounded and homeless. Milosevic's shrewd and extremist political game resulted only in further distrust among the ethnic groups.

Bosnians are otherwise known for their warmth and hospitality. Visiting each other's home and hosting lunches and dinners are their favourite pastime.

Clothing

In winter heavy clothing and an overcoat are recommended. In summer light clothing will suffice but it is advisable to carry a raincoat just in case the clouds give way.

Traditions

It is customary to remove one's shoes and put on a pair of slippers once you enter a Muslim home. Three kisses on alternating cheeks is a customary form of greeting for both men and women. While visiting, the hosts are expected to serve a meal or refreshment.