2012 Edition

Background

The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes was formed in 1918; its name was changed to Yugoslavia in 1929. Various paramilitary bands resisted Nazi Germany's occupation and division of Yugoslavia from 1941 to 1945, but fought each other and ethnic opponents as much as the invaders. The military and political movement headed by Josip "TITO" Broz (Partisans) took full control of Yugoslavia when German and Croatian separatist forces were defeated in 1945. Although Communist, TITO's new government and his successors (he died in 1980) managed to steer their own path between the Warsaw Pact nations and the West for the next four and a half decades. In 1989, Slobodan MILOSEVIC became president of the Republic of Serbia and his ultranationalist calls for Serbian domination led to the violent breakup of Yugoslavia along ethnic lines. In 1991, Croatia, Slovenia, and Macedonia declared independence, followed by Bosnia in 1992. The remaining republics of Serbia and Montenegro declared a new Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) in April 1992 and under MILOSEVIC's leadership, Serbia led various military campaigns to unite ethnic Serbs in neighboring republics into a "Greater Serbia." These actions were ultimately unsuccessful and led to the signing of the Dayton Peace Accords in 1995. MILOSEVIC retained control over Serbia and eventually became president of the FRY in 1997. In 1998, an ethnic Albanian insurgency in the formerly autonomous Serbian province of Kosovo provoked a Serbian counterinsurgency campaign that resulted in massacres and massive expulsions of ethnic Albanians living in Kosovo. The MILOSEVIC government's rejection of a proposed international settlement led to NATO's bombing of Serbia in the spring of 1999, to the withdrawal of Serbian military and police forces from Kosovo in June 1999, and to the stationing of a NATO-led force in Kosovo to provide a safe and secure environment for the region's ethnic communities. FRY elections in late 2000 led to the ouster of MILOSEVIC and the installation of democratic government. In 2003, the FRY became Serbia and Montenegro, a loose federation of the two republics. Widespread violence predominantly targeting ethnic Serbs in Kosovo in March 2004 caused the international community to open negotiations on the future status of Kosovo in January 2006. In June 2006, Montenegro seceded from the federation and declared itself an independent nation. Serbia subsequently gave notice that it was the successor state to the union of Serbia and Montenegro. In February 2008, after nearly two years of inconclusive negotiations, the UN-administered province of Kosovo declared itself independent of Serbia - an action Serbia refuses to recognize. At Serbia's request, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in October 2008 sought an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on whether Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence was in accordance with international law. In a ruling considered unfavorable to Serbia, the ICJ issued an advisory opinion in July 2010 stating that international law did not prohibit declarations of independence. In late 2010, Serbia agreed to an EU-drafted UNGA Resolution acknowledging the ICJ's decision and calling for a new round of talks between Serbia and Kosovo, this time on practical issues rather than Kosovo's status. The EU began a new round of dialogue with Belgrade and Pristina in October 2012.

Area

77,474 sq km 77,474 sq km 0 sq km

total

77,474 sq km

water

0 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Climate

in the north, continental climate (cold winters and hot, humid summers with well distributed rainfall); in other parts, continental and Mediterranean climate (relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall and hot, dry summers and autumns)

Coastline

0 km (landlocked)

Elevation extremes

Danube and Timok Rivers 35 m Midzor 2,169 m

highest point

Midzor 2,169 m

lowest point

Danube and Timok Rivers 35 m

Environment - current issues

air pollution around Belgrade and other industrial cities; water pollution from industrial wastes dumped into the Sava which flows into the Danube

Environment - international agreements

Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands none of the selected agreements

party to

Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Geographic coordinates

44 00 N, 21 00 E

Geography - note

controls one of the major land routes from Western Europe to Turkey and the Near East

Irrigated land

890 sq km

Land boundaries

2,026 km Bosnia and Herzegovina 302 km, Bulgaria 318 km, Croatia 241 km, Hungary 151 km, Kosovo 352 km, Macedonia 62 km, Montenegro 124 km, Romania 476 km

border countries

Bosnia and Herzegovina 302 km, Bulgaria 318 km, Croatia 241 km, Hungary 151 km, Kosovo 352 km, Macedonia 62 km, Montenegro 124 km, Romania 476 km

total

2,026 km

Land use

NA NA NA

arable land

NA

other

NA

permanent crops

NA

Location

Southeastern Europe, between Macedonia and Hungary

Map references

Europe

Maritime claims

none (landlocked)

Natural hazards

destructive earthquakes

Natural resources

oil, gas, coal, iron ore, copper, zinc, antimony, chromite, gold, silver, magnesium, pyrite, limestone, marble, salt, arable land

Terrain

extremely varied; to the north, rich fertile plains; to the east, limestone ranges and basins; to the southeast, ancient mountains and hills

Total renewable water resources

208.5 cu km (note - includes Kosovo) (2003)

Age structure

14.9% (male 560,264/ female 525,710) 68.4% (male 2,492,163/ female 2,487,331) 16.6% (male 495,544/ female 715,592) (2012 est.)

0-14 years

14.9% (male 560,264/ female 525,710)

15-64 years

68.4% (male 2,492,163/ female 2,487,331)

65 years and over

16.6% (male 495,544/ female 715,592) (2012 est.)

Birth rate

9.17 births/1,000 population (2012 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

1.8% (2006)

Death rate

13.81 deaths/1,000 population (July 2012 est.)

Education expenditures

4.7% of GDP (2008)

Ethnic groups

Serb 82.9%, Hungarian 3.9%, Romany (Gypsy) 1.4%, Yugoslavs 1.1%, Bosniaks 1.8%, Montenegrin 0.9%, other 8% (2002 census)

Health expenditures

9.9% of GDP (2009)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.1% (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

fewer than 100 (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

6,400 (2009 est.)

Hospital bed density

5.4 beds/1,000 population (2007)

Infant mortality rate

6.4 deaths/1,000 live births 7.38 deaths/1,000 live births 5.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.)

female

5.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.)

total

6.4 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Serbian (official) 88.3%, Hungarian 3.8%, Bosniak 1.8%, Romany (Gypsy) 1.1%, other 4.1%, unknown 0.9% (2002 census) Romanian, Hungarian, Slovak, Ukrainian, and Croatian all official in Vojvodina

Life expectancy at birth

74.56 years 71.71 years 77.58 years (2012 est.)

female

77.58 years (2012 est.)

total population

74.56 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 97.9% 99.2% 96.7% (2010 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

96.7% (2010 est.)

male

99.2%

total population

97.9%

Major cities - population

BELGRADE (capital) 1.115 million (2009)

Major infectious diseases

intermediate bacterial diarrhea Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

degree of risk

intermediate

food or waterborne diseases

bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne disease

Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever

Maternal mortality rate

12 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)

Median age

41.5 years 39.8 years 43.2 years (2012 est.)

female

43.2 years (2012 est.)

male

39.8 years

total

41.5 years

Nationality

Serb(s) Serbian

adjective

Serbian

noun

Serb(s)

Net migration rate

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2012 est.)

Physicians density

2.035 physicians/1,000 population (2007)

Population

7,276,604 (July 2012 est.) does not include the population of Kosovo

Population growth rate

-0.464% (2012 est.)

Religions

Serbian Orthodox 85%, Catholic 5.5%, Protestant 1.1%, Muslim 3.2%, unspecified 2.6%, other, unknown, or atheist 2.6% (2002 census)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 96% of population rural: 88% of population total: 92% of population urban: 4% of population rural: 12% of population total: 8% of population

rural

12% of population

total

8% of population

urban

4% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

14 years 13 years 14 years (2009)

female

14 years (2009)

male

13 years

total

14 years

Sex ratio

1.06 male(s)/female 1.07 male(s)/female 1 male(s)/female 0.69 male(s)/female 0.95 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

15-64 years

1 male(s)/female

65 years and above

0.69 male(s)/female

at birth

1.06 male(s)/female

total population

0.95 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

under 15 years

1.07 male(s)/female

Total fertility rate

1.4 children born/woman (2012 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

42.5% (2009)

total

42.5% (2009)

Urbanization

56% of total population (2010) 0.6% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

0.6% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

56% of total population (2010)

Administrative divisions

167 municipalities (opstine, singular - opstina) Belgrade City (Beograd): Barajevo, Cukarica, Grocka, Lazarevac, Mladenovac, Novi Beograd, Obrenovac, Palilula, Rakovica, Savski Venac, Sopot, Stari Grad, Surcin, Vozdovac, Vracar, Zemun, Zvezdara; Bor: Bor, Kladovo, Majdanpek, Negotin; Branicevo: Golubac, Kucevo, Malo Crnice, Petrovac, Pozarevac, Veliko Gradiste, Zabari, Zagubica; Grad Nis: Crveni Krst, Mediana, Niska Banja, Palilula, Pantelej; Jablanica: Bojnik, Crna Trava, Lebane, Leskovac, Medveda, Vlasotince; Kolubara: Lajkovac, Ljig, Mionica, Osecina, Ub, Valjevo; Macva: Bogatic, Koceljeva, Krupanj, Ljubovija, Loznica, Mali Zvornik, Sabac, Vladimirci; Moravica: Cacak, Gornkji Milanovac, Ivanjica, Lucani; Nisava: Aleksinac, Doljevac, Gadzin Han, Merosina, Nis, Razanj, Svrljig; Pcinja: Bosilegrad, Bujanovac, Presevo, Surdulica, Trgoviste, Vladicin Han, Vranje; Pirot: Babusnica, Bela Palanka, Dimitrovgrad, Pirot; Podunavlje: Smederevo, Smederevskia Palanka, Velika Plana; Pomoravlje: Cuprija, Despotovac, Jagodina, Paracin, Rekovac, Svilajnac; Rasina: Aleksandrovac, Brus, Cicevac, Krusevac, Trstenik, Varvarin; Raska: Kraljevo, Novi Pazar, Raska, Tutin, Vrnjacka Banja; Sumadija: Arandelovac, Batocina, Knic, Kragujevac, Lapovo, Raca, Topola; Toplica: Blace, Kursumlija, Prokuplje, Zitorada; Zajecar: Boljevac, Knjazevac, Sokobanja, Zajecar; Zlatibor: Arilje, Bajina Basta, Cajetina, Kosjeric, Nova Varos, Pozega, Priboj, Prijepolje, Sjenica, Uzice South Backa: Bac, Backa Palanka, Backi Petrovac, Becej, Beocin, Novi Sad, Sremski Karlovci, Srobobran, Temerin, Titel, Vrbas, Zabalj; South Banat: Alibunar, Bela Crkva, Kovacica, Kovin, Opovo, Pancevo, Plandiste, Vrsac; North Backa: Backa Topola, Mali Idjos, Subotica; North Banat: Ada, Coka, Kanjiza, Kikinda, Novi Knezevac, Senta; Central Banat: Nova Crnja, Novi Becej, Secanj, Zitiste, Zrenjanin; Srem: Indija, Irig, Pecinci, Ruma, Sid, Sremska Mitrovica, Stara Pazova; West Backa: Apatin, Kula, Odzaci, Sombor

Serbia Proper

Belgrade City (Beograd): Barajevo, Cukarica, Grocka, Lazarevac, Mladenovac, Novi Beograd, Obrenovac, Palilula, Rakovica, Savski Venac, Sopot, Stari Grad, Surcin, Vozdovac, Vracar, Zemun, Zvezdara; Bor: Bor, Kladovo, Majdanpek, Negotin; Branicevo: Golubac, Kucevo, Malo Crnice, Petrovac, Pozarevac, Veliko Gradiste, Zabari, Zagubica; Grad Nis: Crveni Krst, Mediana, Niska Banja, Palilula, Pantelej; Jablanica: Bojnik, Crna Trava, Lebane, Leskovac, Medveda, Vlasotince; Kolubara: Lajkovac, Ljig, Mionica, Osecina, Ub, Valjevo; Macva: Bogatic, Koceljeva, Krupanj, Ljubovija, Loznica, Mali Zvornik, Sabac, Vladimirci; Moravica: Cacak, Gornkji Milanovac, Ivanjica, Lucani; Nisava: Aleksinac, Doljevac, Gadzin Han, Merosina, Nis, Razanj, Svrljig; Pcinja: Bosilegrad, Bujanovac, Presevo, Surdulica, Trgoviste, Vladicin Han, Vranje; Pirot: Babusnica, Bela Palanka, Dimitrovgrad, Pirot; Podunavlje: Smederevo, Smederevskia Palanka, Velika Plana; Pomoravlje: Cuprija, Despotovac, Jagodina, Paracin, Rekovac, Svilajnac; Rasina: Aleksandrovac, Brus, Cicevac, Krusevac, Trstenik, Varvarin; Raska: Kraljevo, Novi Pazar, Raska, Tutin, Vrnjacka Banja; Sumadija: Arandelovac, Batocina, Knic, Kragujevac, Lapovo, Raca, Topola; Toplica: Blace, Kursumlija, Prokuplje, Zitorada; Zajecar: Boljevac, Knjazevac, Sokobanja, Zajecar; Zlatibor: Arilje, Bajina Basta, Cajetina, Kosjeric, Nova Varos, Pozega, Priboj, Prijepolje, Sjenica, Uzice

Vojvodina Autonomous Province

South Backa: Bac, Backa Palanka, Backi Petrovac, Becej, Beocin, Novi Sad, Sremski Karlovci, Srobobran, Temerin, Titel, Vrbas, Zabalj; South Banat: Alibunar, Bela Crkva, Kovacica, Kovin, Opovo, Pancevo, Plandiste, Vrsac; North Backa: Backa Topola, Mali Idjos, Subotica; North Banat: Ada, Coka, Kanjiza, Kikinda, Novi Knezevac, Senta; Central Banat: Nova Crnja, Novi Becej, Secanj, Zitiste, Zrenjanin; Srem: Indija, Irig, Pecinci, Ruma, Sid, Sremska Mitrovica, Stara Pazova; West Backa: Apatin, Kula, Odzaci, Sombor

Capital

Belgrade (Beograd) 44 50 N, 20 30 E UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

daylight saving time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

geographic coordinates

44 50 N, 20 30 E

name

Belgrade (Beograd)

time difference

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

adopted 8 November 2006; effective 10 November 2006

Country name

Republic of Serbia Serbia Republika Srbija Srbija People's Republic of Serbia, Socialist Republic of Serbia

conventional long form

Republic of Serbia

conventional short form

Serbia

former

People's Republic of Serbia, Socialist Republic of Serbia

local long form

Republika Srbija

local short form

Srbija

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Michael KIRBY Kneza Milosa 50, 11000 Belgrade 5070 Belgrade Place, Washington, DC 20521-5070 [381] (11) 361-9344 [381] (11) 361-8230

chief of mission

Ambassador Michael KIRBY

embassy

Kneza Milosa 50, 11000 Belgrade

FAX

[381] (11) 361-8230

mailing address

5070 Belgrade Place, Washington, DC 20521-5070

telephone

[381] (11) 361-9344

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Vladimir PETROVIC 2134 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 332-0333 [1] (202) 332-3933 Chicago, New York

chancery

2134 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008

chief of mission

Ambassador Vladimir PETROVIC

consulate(s) general

Chicago, New York

FAX

[1] (202) 332-3933

telephone

[1] (202) 332-0333

Executive branch

President Tomislav NIKOLIC (since 31 May 2012) Prime Minister Ivica DACIC (since 23 July 2012) Republican Ministries act as cabinet president elected by direct vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 20 May 2012 (next to be held in 2017); prime minister elected by the National Assembly Tomislav NIKOLIC elected president in runoff election; NIKOLIC 51.2% of the vote, Boris TADIC 48.8% of the vote

cabinet

Republican Ministries act as cabinet

chief of state

President Tomislav NIKOLIC (since 31 May 2012)

election results

Tomislav NIKOLIC elected president in runoff election; NIKOLIC 51.2% of the vote, Boris TADIC 48.8% of the vote

elections

president elected by direct vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 20 May 2012 (next to be held in 2017); prime minister elected by the National Assembly

head of government

Prime Minister Ivica DACIC (since 23 July 2012)

Flag description

three equal horizontal stripes of red (top), blue, and white - the Pan-Slav colors representing freedom and revolutionary ideals; charged with the coat of arms of Serbia shifted slightly to the hoist side; the principal field of the coat of arms represents the Serbian state and displays a white two-headed eagle on a red shield; a smaller red shield on the eagle represents the Serbian nation, and is divided into four quarters by a white cross; a white Cyrillic "C" in each quarter stands for the phrase "Only Unity Saves the Serbs"; a royal crown surmounts the coat of arms the Pan-Slav colors were inspired by the 19th-century flag of Russia

Government type

republic

Independence

5 June 2006 (from Serbia and Montenegro)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

BIS, BSEC, CD, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, EU (candidate country), FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Judicial branch

courts of general jurisdiction (municipal courts, district courts, Appellate Courts, the Supreme Court of Cassation); courts of special jurisdiction (commercial courts, the High Commercial Court, the High Magistrates Court, the Administrative Court)

Legal system

civil law system

Legislative branch

unicameral National Assembly (250 seats; deputies elected according to party lists to serve four-year terms) last held on 6 May 2012 (next to be held by May 2016) percent of vote by party - Let's Get Serbia Moving 24.04%, Choice for a Better Life 22.11%, SPS/PUPS/US 14.53%, DS 7.00%, Turnover 6.52%, United Regions of Serbia 5.49%, Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians 1.77%, other 18.54%; seats by party - Let's Get Serbia Moving 73, Choice for a Better Life 67, SPS/PUPS/US 44, DS 21, Turnover 19, United Regions of Serbia 16, Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians 5, other 5 current composition - For European Serbia coalition 78, SRS 57, United Region of Serbia 24, Forward Serbia 21, DS 20, SPS-JS 15, LDP 12, NS 9, PUPS 5, others 9

election results

percent of vote by party - Let's Get Serbia Moving 24.04%, Choice for a Better Life 22.11%, SPS/PUPS/US 14.53%, DS 7.00%, Turnover 6.52%, United Regions of Serbia 5.49%, Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians 1.77%, other 18.54%; seats by party - Let's Get Serbia Moving 73, Choice for a Better Life 67, SPS/PUPS/US 44, DS 21, Turnover 19, United Regions of Serbia 16, Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians 5, other 5

elections

last held on 6 May 2012 (next to be held by May 2016)

National anthem

"Boze pravde" (God of Justice) Jovan DORDEVIC/Davorin JENKO adopted 1904; the song was originally written as part of a play in 1872 and has been used as an anthem by the Serbian people throughout the 20th and 21st centuries

lyrics/music

Jovan DORDEVIC/Davorin JENKO

name

"Boze pravde" (God of Justice)

National holiday

National Day, 15 February

National symbol(s)

double-headed eagle

Political parties and leaders

Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians or SVM [Istvan PASZTOR]; Bosniak Democratic Union or BDU [Elmir ELFIC]; Democratic Alliance of Croats in Vojvodina or DSHV [Petar KUNTIC]; Democratic Party or DS [Dragan DJILAS]; The Greens of Serbia or ZS [Ivan KARIC]; Christian Democratic Party of Serbia or DHSS [Olgica BATIC]; Democratic Party of Serbia or DSS [Vojislav KOSTUNICA]; Serbian Progressive Party [Aleksandar VUCIC]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDP [Cedomir JOVANOVIC]; New Serbia or NS [Velimir ILIC]; Albanian Coalition of Presevo Valley [Riza HALIMI]; Party of United Pensioners of Serbia or PUPS [Jovan KRKOBABIC]; Serbian Renewal Movement or SPO [Vuk DRASKOVIC]; League of Social Democrats of Vojvodina or LSV [Nenad CANAK]; Socialist Party of Serbia or SPS [Ivica DACIC]; United Regions of Serbia [Mladan DINKIC]; United Serbia or JS [Dragan "Palma" MARKOVIC]; None of the Offered Options or NOPO [Nikola TULIMIROVIC]; Social Democratic Party of Serbia or SDPS [Rasim LJAJIC]; Party of Democratic Action of the Sandzak or SDA [Sulejman UGLJANIN]; Rich Serbia [Zaharije TRNAVCEVIC]; People's Party [Maja GOJKOVIC]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Obraz (Orthodox clero-fascist organization); 1389 (Serbian nationalist movement); Dveri (Movement for the Life of Serbia)

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

wheat, maize, sugar beets, sunflower, raspberries; beef, pork, milk

Budget

$15.24 billion $17.75 billion (2012 est.)

expenditures

$17.75 billion (2012 est.)

revenues

$15.24 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-6.7% of GDP (2012 est.)

Central bank discount rate

9.75% (15 December 2011) 12% (17 January 2011)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

15% (31 December 2012 est.) 17.2% (31 December 2011 est.)

Current account balance

-$4.336 billion (2012 est.) -$4.122 billion (2011 est.)

Debt - external

$32.6 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $31.53 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

28.2 (2008) 30 (2003)

Economy - overview

Serbia has a transitional economy mostly dominated by market forces, but the state sector remains large and many institutional reforms are needed. The economy relies on manufacturing and exports, driven largely by foreign investment. MILOSEVIC-era mismanagement of the economy, an extended period of international economic sanctions, civil war, and the damage to Yugoslavia's infrastructure and industry during the NATO airstrikes in 1999 left the economy only half the size it was in 1990. After the ousting of former Federal Yugoslav President MILOSEVIC in September 2000, the Democratic Opposition of Serbia (DOS) coalition government implemented stabilization measures and embarked on a market reform program. After renewing its membership in the IMF in December 2000, Serbia continued to reintegrate into the international community by rejoining the World Bank (IBRD) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Serbia has made progress in trade liberalization and enterprise restructuring and privatization, but many large enterprises - including the power utilities, telecommunications company, natural gas company, national air carrier, and others - remain in state hands. Serbia has made some progress towards EU membership, signing a Stabilization and Association Agreement with Brussels in May 2008, and with full implementation of the Interim Trade Agreement with the EU in February 2010, gained candidate status in March 2012. Serbia is also pursuing membership in the World Trade Organization, and accession negotiations are at an advanced stage. Structural economic reforms needed to ensure the country's long-term prosperity have largely stalled since the onset of the global financial crisis. Serbia, however, is slowly recovering from the crisis. The economy slipped 0.5% in 2012, following growth of 2.0 % in 2011, 1.0% in 2010 and a 3.5% contraction in 2009. High unemployment and stagnant household incomes are ongoing political and economic problems. Serbia signed a new $1.3 billion Precautionary Stand By Arrangement with the IMF in September 2011 that was set to expire in March 2013, but the program was frozen in early 2012 because the 2012 budget approved by parliament deviates from the program parameters. Growing deficits constrain the use of stimulus efforts to revive the economy, while Serbia's concerns about inflation and exchange rate stability preclude the use of expansionary monetary policy. Serbia adopted a new long-term economic growth plan in 2010 that calls for a quadrupling of exports over ten years and heavy investments in basic infrastructure. Since the plan was adopted, Serbia has increased its exports significantly. Major challenges ahead include: high unemployment rates and the need for job creation; high government expenditures for salaries, pensions and unemployment benefits; a growing need for new government borrowing; rising public and private foreign debt; attracting new foreign direct investment; and getting the IMF program back on track. Other serious challenges include an inefficient judicial system, high levels of corruption, and an aging population. Factors favorable to Serbia's economic growth include a strategic location, a relatively inexpensive and skilled labor force, and free trade agreements with the EU, Russia, Turkey, and countries that are members of the Central European Free Trade agreement.

Serbia has a transitional economy mostly dominated by market forces, but the state sector remains large and many institutional reforms are needed. The economy relies on manufacturing and exports, driven largely by foreign investment. MILOSEVIC-era mismana

high unemployment rates and the need for job creation; high government expenditures for salaries, pensions and unemployment benefits; a growing need for new government borrowing; rising public and private foreign debt; attracting new foreign direct investment; and getting the IMF program back on track. Other serious challenges include an inefficient judicial system, high levels of corruption, and an aging population. Factors favorable to Serbia's economic growth include a strategic location, a relatively inexpensive and skilled labor force, and free trade agreements with the EU, Russia, Turkey, and countries that are members of the Central European Free Trade agreement.

Exchange rates

Serbian dinars (RSD) per US dollar - 90.35 (2012 est.) 72.455 (2011 est.) 77.729 (2010 est.) 67.634 (2009) 62.9 (2008)

Exports

$12.25 billion (2012 est.) $11.78 billion (2011 est.)

Exports - commodities

iron and steel, rubber, clothes, wheat, fruit and vegetables, nonferrous metals, electric appliances, metal products, weapons and ammunition

GDP - composition by sector

10.6% 18.6% 70.8% (2012 est.)

agriculture

10.6%

industry

18.6%

services

70.8% (2012 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$10,500 (2012 est.) $10,600 (2011 est.) $10,500 (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

-0.5% (2012 est.) 1.6% (2011 est.) 1% (2010 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$37.2 billion (2012 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$79.65 billion (2012 est.) $80.04 billion (2011 est.) $78.76 billion (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

Imports

$20.42 billion (2012 est.) $19.45 billion (2011 est.)

Industrial production growth rate

2.1% (2011 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

6.2% (2012 est.) 11.2% (2011 est.)

Investment (gross fixed)

18.4% of GDP (2012 est.)

Labor force

3.17 million (2012 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

21.9% 19.5% 58.6% (2010)

agriculture

21.9%

industry

19.5%

services

58.6% (2010)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$8.365 billion (31 December 2011) $9.69 billion (31 December 2010) $11.52 billion (31 December 2009)

Population below poverty line

9.2% (2010 est.)

Public debt

60% of GDP (2012 est.) 45.1% of GDP (2011 est.) data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment. Debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions.

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$16.2 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $15.6 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of broad money

$17.31 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $18.55 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$27 billion (31 December 2009 est.) $11.95 billion (2006 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$19.8 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $21.43 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$5.783 billion (31 December 2011 est.) $5.002 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

41% of GDP (2012 est.)

Unemployment rate

25.9% (2012 est.) 23.7% (2011 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

49.92 million Mt (2010 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Crude oil - imports

45,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Crude oil - production

13,160 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

77.5 million bbl (1 January 2012 est.)

Electricity - consumption

35.5 billion kWh (2011)

Electricity - exports

2.017 billion kWh (2011 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

66.1% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

26.6% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

0% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports

1.9 billion kWh (2011)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

8.359 million kW (2009 est.)

Electricity - production

36.06 billion kWh (2011)

Natural gas - consumption

2.51 billion cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - imports

2.15 billion cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - production

517 million cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

48.14 billion cu m (1 January 2012 est.)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

81,440 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

3,981 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

27,330 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

55,960 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Internet country code

.rs

Internet hosts

1.102 million (2012)

Internet users

4.107 million (2009)

Telephone system

replacements of, and upgrades to, telecommunications equipment damaged during the 1999 war has resulted in a modern digitalized telecommunications system wireless service, available through multiple providers with national coverage, is growing very rapidly; best telecommunications services are centered in urban centers; 3G mobile network launched in 2007 country code - 381

domestic

wireless service, available through multiple providers with national coverage, is growing very rapidly; best telecommunications services are centered in urban centers; 3G mobile network launched in 2007

general assessment

replacements of, and upgrades to, telecommunications equipment damaged during the 1999 war has resulted in a modern digitalized telecommunications system

international

country code - 381

Telephones - main lines in use

3.03 million (2011)

Telephones - mobile cellular

10.182 million (2011)

Airports

30 (2012)

Airports - with paved runways

3 (2012)

1,524 to 2,437 m

3

2,438 to 3,047 m

3

914 to 1,523 m

3 (2012)

over 3,047 m

2

total

11

Airports - with unpaved runways

8 (2012)

1,524 to 2,437 m

1

914 to 1,523 m

10

total

19

under 914 m

8 (2012)

Heliports

2 (2012)

Railways

3,379 km 3,379 km 1.435-m gauge (1,196 km electrified) (2006)

total

3,379 km

Roadways

41,913 km 26,007 km 15,906 km (2007)

total

41,913 km

unpaved

15,906 km (2007)

Waterways

587 km (primarily on the Danube and Sava rivers) (2009)

Manpower fit for military service

1,395,426 1,356,415 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

1,356,415 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

1,395,426

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

43,945 41,080 (2010 est.)

female

41,080 (2010 est.)

male

43,945

Military branches

Serbian Armed Forces (Vojska Srbije, VS): Land Forces Command (includes Riverine Component, consisting of a river flotilla on the Danube), Air and Air Defense Forces Command (2010)

Serbian Armed Forces (Vojska Srbije, VS)

Land Forces Command (includes Riverine Component, consisting of a river flotilla on the Danube), Air and Air Defense Forces Command (2010)

Military service age and obligation

18 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished effective December 2010; service obligation - 6 months, with reserve obligation to age 60 for men and age 50 for women (2010)

Disputes - international

Serbia with several other states protest the U.S. and other states' recognition of Kosovo's declaration of its status as a sovereign and independent state in February 2008; ethnic Serbian municipalities along Kosovo's northern border challenge final status of Kosovo-Serbia boundary; several thousand NATO-led Kosovo Force peacekeepers under United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo authority continue to keep the peace within Kosovo between the ethnic Albanian majority and the Serb minority in Kosovo; Serbia delimited about half of the boundary with Bosnia and Herzegovina, but sections along the Drina River remain in dispute

Illicit drugs

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin moving to Western Europe on the Balkan route; economy vulnerable to money laundering

Refugees and internally displaced persons

49,946 (Croatia); 20,673 (Bosnia and Herzegovina) (2011) about 225,000 (most are Kosovar Serbs some are Roma, Ashkalis, and Egyptian (RAE); some RAE IDPs are unregistered) (2011)

IDPs

about 225,000 (most are Kosovar Serbs some are Roma, Ashkalis, and Egyptian (RAE); some RAE IDPs are unregistered) (2011)

refugees (country of origin)

49,946 (Croatia); 20,673 (Bosnia and Herzegovina) (2011)