Serbia is a large European country located at the junction of Central and Southeastern parts of the subcontinent. The country shares its northern border with Hungary, the northeastern border with Romania, the southeastern border with Bulgaria, and the western border with Croatia and Bosnia. More than 6.9 million people live in Serbia. Although people belonging to 9 or more ethnic groups live in the country, Serbs and Hungarians make more than 80% of the total population. The major practiced religion in Serbia is Orthodox Christianity. It has a unitary parliamentary constitutional system. Serbia is a very high human development index and per capita GDP of more than $7,900. In this article, we will discuss some interesting facts about Serbia.
Serbia Facts
1. It is a Landlocked Country
Like many other European countries, Serbia is also a land-locked country sharing none of its borders with an ocean or a sea. However, due to free travel across the European countries, Serbian people can travel to the neighboring countries to enjoy beach parties and splendid landscapes of an ocean.
2. Serbia is a big Raspberry exporter
Because of the large number of raspberry gardens in the country, Serbia is the world’s biggest raspberry exporter. An interesting fact about Serbia is that in the year 2012, around 95% of the total raspberry in the world came from this country.
3. The first mechanical clock was made by a Serb
The idea that the first mechanical clock was made by a Swiss person is not true. Contrary to this, a Serb known as ‘Lazar the Serb’ invented and built the first mechanical clock in Russia in 1404, around 200 years before it was made in Switzerland.
4. Serbia has a stone village known as Gostusa
Gostusa is a stone village located in Pirot, Serbia. It is made up of only natural products such as mud and stones and is therefore called the stone village of Serbia. This small village has a population of around 139 people and is a major tourism site in the country attracting tourists from all over the world, a fun Serbia fact.
5. It had an important role in the history of the Roman Empire
The land known as Serbia today had an important role in the history of the Roman Empire. It had been a birth-place of more than 18 Roman Emperors the most important of which was Constantine, the Great. Constantine is famous for being the Emperor who declared Christianity as the official religion of the Empire. Also, Sermiska Motivica in Serbia (also known as the ancient Roman city, Sirmium) had been one of the four Capitals of the Roman Empire.
6. Serbia is home to one of the oldest cities of Europe
Belgrade, the capital and largest city in Serbia is located at the junction of the Sava and Danube rivers. An interesting fact about Serbia is that it is known as one of the oldest cities in Europe with archaeological expeditions confirming the existence of human settlements some 7,000 years ago. In the outskirts of Belgrade existed the two important cities of Bronze culture who were pioneers in the trade of volcanic glass, obsidian, throughout the Continent.
7. The history of this country with the Ottoman Empire is worth-mentioning
Serbia had been an important country throughout the history of the Ottoman Empire. Serbian language had been one of the official languages in the Ottoman Empire. Several notable ministers and generals of the Ottoman Empire came from Serbia. However, Serbian rulers in Russia and Austria were one of the greatest enemies of the Ottoman Empire.
8. Serbia contributed a lot to the advancement of technology in the world
The world owes a lot to Serbia for the present-day advancements in the technology. Nikola Tesla, the most famous scientist from Serbia, made wonderful inventions in the field of electricity including induction motor, plasma globe, Tesla coil, Tesla turbine, and many more. Project Apollo, the third US human spaceflight program, was successful due to Serbo-7, a team of seven Serb Engineers and scientists. Serbia also made great contributions to the field of medicine such as the creation of antibiotic Azithromycin, research in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, work on hypothermia, and so on.
9. This country might be your Travel Destination
Serbia might be your next destination if you love splendid landscapes, fancy nightlife, forests, and national parks. More than 5 natural parks and an ancient forest in Serbia provide a chance to enjoy wonderful greenery. The bloom of the Tisa river in June is also worth watching. An interesting fact about Serbia is that the capital city Belgrade offers wonderful scenes of cheerful nightlife and many more.
10. Serbia is famous for its hospitality
Serbs are famous for their kindness and hospitality worldwide. This is not only a proverb but a fact. The Serbs believe that they will have no favor from God if they do not treat their guests well.
11. The tallest stone gates of Europe are located in Serbia
Serbia is home to the three natural tallest stone gates of Europe knowns as Prerasts. The three gates include Little Prerast which is 15 meters long, Big Prerast which is 45 meters long, and Dry Prerast that is 34 meters long, all present in Vranta. An interesting fact about Serbia is that these gates and the hiking trails leading to them are covered by greenery offering wonderful natural scenery that pleases the eyes.
12. This country donated $5.4 million to a Bosnian Town
The Bosnian town of Srebrenica faced a massacre of around 8,000 Muslims by Serbians around 20 years ago. To uplift the economy of this town and its inhabitants, the Serbian Government recently donated a huge amount of $5.4 million as a goodwill gesture and compensation for the loss of life and economy.
Conclusion
Serbia is a large landlocked European country located in the neighborhood of Romania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, and Hungary. Tourism in the country is growing every year because of the beautiful natural parks, forests, and ancient tourism sites located in it. You will enjoy your tour to Serbia as it is an inexpensive country with a population that always regards its guests and tries to serve them in the best way they can.
I hope that this article on Serbia facts was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Country Facts Page!