2011 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.

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 (2008)

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

15.1% (male 567,757/female 532,604) 68.5% (male 2,503,490/female 2,500,949) 16.5% (male 493,436/female 712,319) (2011 est.)

0-14 years

15.1% (male 567,757/female 532,604)

15-64 years

68.5% (male 2,503,490/female 2,500,949)

65 years and over

16.5% (male 493,436/female 712,319) (2011 est.)

Birth rate

9.19 births/1,000 population (2011 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

1.8% (2006)

Death rate

13.85 deaths/1,000 population (July 2011 est.)

Drinking water source

urban: 99% of population rural: 98% of population total: 99% of population urban: 1% of population rural: 2% of population total: 1% of population (2008)

rural

2% of population

total

1% of population (2008)

urban

1% of population

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

6.52 deaths/1,000 live births 7.53 deaths/1,000 live births 5.45 deaths/1,000 live births (2011 est.)

female

5.45 deaths/1,000 live births (2011 est.)

total

6.52 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

74.32 years 71.49 years 77.34 years (2011 est.)

female

77.34 years (2011 est.)

total population

74.32 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 96.4% 98.9% 94.1% (2003 census) includes Montenegro

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

94.1% (2003 census)

male

98.9%

total population

96.4%

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

8 deaths/100,000 live births (2008)

Median age

41.3 years 39.6 years 43.1 years (2011 est.)

female

43.1 years (2011 est.)

male

39.6 years

total

41.3 years

Nationality

Serb(s) Serbian

adjective

Serbian

noun

Serb(s)

Net migration rate

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2011 est.)

Physicians density

2.035 physicians/1,000 population (2007)

Population

7,310,555 (July 2011 est.) does not include the population of Kosovo

Population growth rate

-0.467% (2011 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 (2008)

rural

12% of population

total

8% of population (2008)

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

1.065 male(s)/female 1.07 male(s)/female 1 male(s)/female 0.7 male(s)/female 0.95 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

15-64 years

1 male(s)/female

65 years and above

0.7 male(s)/female

at birth

1.065 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 (2011 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

42.5% 31% 41.3% (2008)

female

41.3% (2008)

total

42.5%

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 (opcstine, singular - opcstina) 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 Mary WARLICK Kneza Milosa 50, 11000 Belgrade 5070 Belgrade Place, Washington, DC 20521-5070 [381] (11) 361-9344 [381] (11) 361-8230

chief of mission

Ambassador Mary WARLICK

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 Boris TADIC (since 11 July 2004) Prime Minister Mirko CVETKOVIC (since 7 July 2008) Republican Ministries act as cabinet president elected by direct vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 3 February 2008 (next to be held in 2013); prime minister elected by the National Assembly Boris TADIC elected president in the second round of voting; Boris TADIC received 51.2% of the vote and Tomislav NIKOLIC 48.8%

cabinet

Republican Ministries act as cabinet

chief of state

President Boris TADIC (since 11 July 2004)

election results

Boris TADIC elected president in the second round of voting; Boris TADIC received 51.2% of the vote and Tomislav NIKOLIC 48.8%

elections

president elected by direct vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 3 February 2008 (next to be held in 2013); prime minister elected by the National Assembly

head of government

Prime Minister Mirko CVETKOVIC (since 7 July 2008)

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, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SECI, 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 11 May 2008 (next to be held in May 2012) percent of vote by party - For a European Serbia coalition 38.4%, SRS 29.5%, DSS-NS 11.6%, SPS-led coalition 7.6%, LPD 5.2%, other 7.7%; seats by party - For a European Serbia coalition 102, SRS 57, DSS-NS 30, SNS 21, SPS-led coalition 20, LDP 13, other 7

election results

percent of vote by party - For a European Serbia coalition 38.4%, SRS 29.5%, DSS-NS 11.6%, SPS-led coalition 7.6%, LPD 5.2%, other 7.7%; seats by party - For a European Serbia coalition 102, SRS 57, DSS-NS 30, SNS 21, SPS-led coalition 20, LDP 13, other 7

elections

last held on 11 May 2008 (next to be held in May 2012)

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

Coalition for Sandzak or KZS [Sulejman UGLJANIN]; Democratic Party or DS [Boris TADIC]; Democratic Party of Albanians or PDSh [Ragmi MUSTAFA]; Democratic Party of Serbia or DSS [Vojislav KOSTUNICA]; Democratic Union of the Valley or BDL [Skender DESTANI]; Force of Serbia Movement or PSS [Bogoljub KARIC]; G17 Plus [Mladjan DINKIC]; League of Social Democrats of Vojvodina or LSV [Nenad CANAK]; League of Vojvodina Hungarians or SVM [Istvan PASTOR]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDP [Cedomir JOVANOVIC]; Movement for Democratic Progress or LPD [Jonuz MUSLIU]; New Serbia or NS [Velimir ILIC]; Party of Democratic Action or PVD [Riza HALIMI]; Party of United Pensioners of Serbia or PUPS [Jovan KRKOBABIC]; People's Party or NS [Maja GOJKOVIC]; Roma Party or RP [Srdjan SAJN]; Sandzak Democratic Party or SDP [Resad HODZIC]; Serbian Progressive Party or SNS [Tomislav NIKOLIC]; Serbian Radical Party or SRS [Vojislav SESELJ (currently on trial at The Hague), with Dragan TODOROVIC as acting leader]; Serbian Renewal Movement or SPO [Vuk DRASKOVIC]; Social Democratic Party of Serbia or SDPS [Rasim LJAJIC]; Socialist Party of Serbia or SPS [Ivica DACIC]; Union of Roma of Serbia or URS [Rajko DJURIC]; United Serbia or JS [Dragan "Palma" MARKOVIC]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Obraz (Orthodox clero-fascist organization); 1389 (Serbian nationalist movement)

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

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

Budget

$17.16 billion $19.07 billion (2010 est.)

expenditures

$19.07 billion (2010 est.)

revenues

$17.16 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-4.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Central bank discount rate

12% (17 January 2011) 9.92% (31 December 2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

12.43% (31 December 2010 est.) 11.8% (31 December 2009 est.)

Current account balance

-$2.791 billion (2010 est.) -$2.412 billion (2009 est.)

Debt - external

$33.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $33.38 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

28.2 (2008) 30 (2003)

Economy - overview

MILOSEVIC-era mismanagement of the economy, an extended period of international economic sanctions, 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, Yugoslavia continued to reintegrate into the international community by rejoining the World Bank (IBRD) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Belgrade has made progress in trade liberalization and enterprise restructuring and privatization, including telecommunications and small- and medium-size firms. It 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. Serbia is also pursuing membership in the World Trade Organization. Structural economic reforms needed to ensure the country's long-term viability have largely stalled since the onset of the global financial crisis. Serbia, however, is slowly recovering from the crisis. Economic growth in 2010 was a modest 1.7%, following a 3.1% contraction in 2009, but exports rose by over 16% and manufacturing output increased 3.2%. High unemployment and stagnant household incomes are ongoing political and economic problems. Serbia signed an augmented $4 billion Stand By Arrangement with the IMF in May 2009 that expires in April 2011. IMF conditions on Serbia 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. Serbia is still a transitional economy with unfinished privatization and incomplete structural reforms. Major challenges ahead include: high government expenditures for salaries, pensions and unemployment; a growing need for new government borrowing; rising public and private foreign debt; and stagnant levels of foreign direct investment. Privatization revenues have fallen precipitously in recent years, while a high percentage of economic activity remains in the hands of the state. 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 a generous package of incentives for foreign investments.

MILOSEVIC-era mismanagement of the economy, an extended period of international economic sanctions, 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

high government expenditures for salaries, pensions and unemployment; a growing need for new government borrowing; rising public and private foreign debt; and stagnant levels of foreign direct investment. Privatization revenues have fallen precipitously in recent years, while a high percentage of economic activity remains in the hands of the state. 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 a generous package of incentives for foreign investments.

Electricity - consumption

34.1 billion kWh (2010)

Electricity - exports

1.3 billion kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - imports

770 million kWh (2010)

Electricity - production

35.9 billion kWh (2010)

Exchange rates

Serbian dinars (RSD) per US dollar - 79.979 (2010) 67.634 (2009) 62.9 (2008) 54.5 (2007) 59.98 (2006)

Exports

$9.809 billion (2010 est.) $8.368 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities

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

Exports - partners

Italy 11.5%, Bosnia and Herzegovina 11.2%, Germany 10.5%, Montenegro 8.4%, Romania 6.3%, Russia 5.4%, Macedonia 4.9%, Slovenia 4.4% (2010 est.)

GDP - composition by sector

12.3% 22.5% 65.2% (2010 est.)

agriculture

12.3%

industry

22.5%

services

65.2% (2010 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$10,900 (2010 est.) $10,700 (2009 est.) $11,000 (2008 est.) data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

1.8% (2010 est.) -3.1% (2009 est.) 5.5% (2008 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$38.71 billion (2010 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$80.1 billion (2010 est.) $78.72 billion (2009 est.) $81.26 billion (2008 est.) data are in 2010 US dollars

Imports

$16.14 billion (2010 est.) $15.03 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - partners

Russia 12.8%, Germany 10.6%, Italy 8.5%, China 7.2%, Hungary 4.9% (2010 est.)

Industrial production growth rate

2.4% (2010 est.)

Industries

base metals, furniture, food processing, machinery, chemicals, sugar, tires, clothes, pharmaceuticals

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

6.3% (2010 est.) 8.4% (2009 est.)

Investment (gross fixed)

19.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Labor force

3.25 million (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

23.9% 20.5% 55.6% (October 2009)

agriculture

23.9%

industry

20.5%

services

55.6% (October 2009)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$12.37 billion (24 January 2011) $11.52 billion (31 December 2009) $12.17 billion (31 December 2008)

Natural gas - consumption

2.35 billion cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - imports

2 billion cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - production

356 million cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

48.14 billion cu m (1 January 2011 est.)

Oil - consumption

88,000 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Oil - exports

4,815 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - imports

78,600 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Oil - production

14,310 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Oil - proved reserves

77.5 million bbl (1 January 2011 est.)

Population below poverty line

8.8% (2010 est.)

Public debt

42.9% of GDP (2010 est.) 34.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$13.31 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $15.22 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of broad money

$17.16 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $18.07 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$22.42 billion (31 December 2009 est.) $11.95 billion (2006 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$21.79 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $19.51 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$3.195 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $3.873 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

44.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

Unemployment rate

17.2% (2010 est.) 16.6% (2009 est.)

Internet country code

.rs

Internet hosts

528,253 (2010)

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 telecommunications system more than 95% digitalized in 2009 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 (2009)

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 telecommunications system more than 95% digitalized in 2009

international

country code - 381 (2009)

Telephones - main lines in use

3.11 million (2010)

Telephones - mobile cellular

9.915 million (2010)

Airports

29 (2010)

Airports - with paved runways

3 (2010)

1,524 to 2,437 m

3

2,438 to 3,047 m

3

914 to 1,523 m

3 (2010)

over 3,047 m

2

total

11

Airports - with unpaved runways

8 (2010)

1,524 to 2,437 m

1

914 to 1,523 m

9

total

18

under 914 m

8 (2010)

Heliports

2 (2010)

Railways

3,379 km 3,379 km 1.435-m gauge (1,196 km electrified) (2010)

total

3,379 km

Roadways

41,913 km 26,007 km 15,906 km (2009)

total

41,913 km

unpaved

15,906 km (2009)

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 December 2010; 6-month service obligation, with a reserve obligation to age 60 for men and 50 for women (2011)

Disputes - international

Serbia with several other states protest the U.S. and other states' recognition of Kosovo's declaring itself 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 KFOR peacekeepers under UNMIK 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

71,111 (Croatia); 27,414 (Bosnia and Herzegovina); 206,000 (Kosovo), note - mostly ethnic Serbs and Roma who fled Kosovo in 1999 (2007)

refugees (country of origin)

71,111 (Croatia); 27,414 (Bosnia and Herzegovina); 206,000 (Kosovo), note - mostly ethnic Serbs and Roma who fled Kosovo in 1999 (2007)