Bosnia-Hercegovina Country

Introduction
High mountains, furious rivers, charming old towns and a dynamic capital. More than a decade after Bosnia-Hercegovina was only heard of in international news as a conflict area, this 'most easterly point of the west and the most westerly point of the east' is now trying to get itself back on the world's travel maps.

Destination Facts
Capital: Sarajevo
Chairman, Council of Ministers: Nikola Š piri ć
President (Serb Member): Igor Radojicic
President (Bosniak Member): Haris Silajd ž i ć
President (Croat Member): Ž eljko Kom š i ć
Government: Emerging federal democratic republic
Time zone: GMT +1
Area: 51129
Population: 4359800
Languages: The people of Bosnia-Hercegovina speak the same language, though that language is called 'Bosnian' in areas of Bosniak majority, 'Croatian' in Croat-controlled parts and 'Serbian' in the Republika Srpska. Muslim (40%), Orthodox (31%), Catholic (15%), Protestant (4%), other (10%)
Currency: Convertible Marks (KM)
Country Dialing Code: 387

Getting there
The best time to visit is spring or summer; skiers should come between December and February. The weather is a mix of Mediterranean and Central European and is more or less agreeable year round, though both summer and winter extremes can sometimes be daunting. You needn't worry about any seasonal crush of tourists just yet.

Getting there and away
There are airports at Sarajevo, Mostar and Banja Luka but commercial service is limited to Sarajevo and Mostar. British Airways, Adria Airlines, Croatia Airlines and AlItalia are among the major airlines flying into Sarajevo. Croatia Airlines flies to Mostar, via Zagreb. There is a departure tax from Sarajevo airport of about 15.00. The railways run from Sarajevo to Croatia's coast, via Mostar and to Republika Srpska; plus there are trains from Sarajevo to Budapest. Buses leave Sarajevo daily for many eastern and central European cities as well as Zagreb and Belgrade.

Getting around
Travelling by car is a decent option throughout Bosnia-Hercegovina, although the locals aren't the world's most cautious drivers. Car rental can be quite expensive; make sure you get a comprehensive insurance policy if you do rent. Inter-city trains run between Sarajevo and Mostar and onto the Croatian coast at Ploce, and taxis serve the cities and are generally reliable. Inter-city bus travel is widely available.

Visa:
Citizens of most developed and most EU nations currently need only a passport to enter Bosnia-Hercegovina. However, it is recommended to carry onward/return tickets, all documents required for the next destination and sufficient funds.

Weather
Typical to the region, Bosnia has hot summers and chilly winters. Winters average a daily high around 3° C (37° F) and snow tends to linger at higher altitudes. In summer rainfall is slightly heavier but the sunny, 26° C (79° F) July days are a treat. Hercegovina has warmer winters, and hot summers, with July and August temperatures reaching 40° C at times. Springtime (April and May) is the best time to come to get a glimpse of the country's rich flora and fauna, though upland areas may still be under snow.

Places of Interest
More than a decade after Bosnia-Hercegovina was only heard of in international news as a conflict area, this 'most easterly point of the west and the most westerly point of the east' is now trying to get itself back on the world's travel maps.