planning a trip to
Serbia
Here is what you need to know:
Serbia is a country with a rich history, deeply rooted in both Slavic and Ottoman influences. Tina, hailing from Serbia, introduced me to this gem of the Balkans, which remains largely unknown to Western Europe.
The country boasts stunning natural landscapes, from its rugged mountains to its wild, untouched areas. In winter, the country is blanketed in snow, while in summer, the skies are clear and blue, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
The food is hearty, with meat being a central component of many traditional dishes. From savory ćevapi to sarma, the local cuisine is flavorful and satisfying.
If you’re seeking a destination full of culture, history, and breathtaking nature, Serbia is a hidden treasure that deserves to be discovered.
About
Serbia is a landlocked country located in Southeast Europe, in the Balkans.
The country spans 88,361 km² (with Kosovo) and has a population of around 9 million people (including Kosovo). It ranks as the 99th most populous country in the world. Its capital, Belgrade, is one of the oldest cities in Europe with a rich historical and cultural significance.
As for Kosovo, it declared independence but remains disputed. It claims full sovereignty, but its status is still partially recognized internationally.
The red in the flag represents the blood shed during the struggle for freedom, blue signifies the clear sky, and white denotes the dazzling bright light.
The symbol in the flag represents the country coat of arms, which features a double-headed eagle, a symbol of the sovereignty and strength of the Serbian people.
Like, like most Eastern European countries, it is predominantly Orthodox Christian, a faith that has been practiced since the 9th century.
During Ottoman rule, Sunni Islam established a presence in the region, but today Orthodox Christians make up about 85% of the population, while Islam represents around 3%. Catholics also have a presence in the country, accounting for about 5% of the population.
The coat of arms of Serbia is inspired by the royal coat of arms of the Kingdom of Serbia.
It features two key heraldic symbols that represent Serbia’s national identity across centuries: the Serbian eagle (a white double-headed eagle adopted from the Nemanjić dynasty) and the Serbian cross (also known as the cross with fire steels), which is another important symbol of Serbian heritage and history.
Yugoslavia was a country formed after World War I in 1918 under the name of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. It was created from territories of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Kingdom of Serbia, marking the first union of South Slavic peoples into one state after centuries of Ottoman and Austria-Hungary rule.
However, following an economic crisis in the 1980s, Yugoslavia eventually broke up into the independent nations we know today: Slovenia, Croatia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro.
What to expect?
Language: The official language in Serbia is Serbian. While English is widely understood in Belgrade, in rural areas, a translator and body language will be helpful to communicate.
Food: Serbian cuisine is influenced by Byzantine-Greek, Mediterranean, and Ottoman (Turkish) cuisines. National dishes include Gibanica (egg and cheese pie), pljeskavica (ground meat patty), ćevapi (grilled ground meat), and Karađorđeva šnicla (schnitzel). The national drink is rakia.
Transportation: Flying to Belgrade is the best option to enter the country. Once in the city, you can rely on trams or buses. For getting to rural areas, buses are the most convenient option.
Money: The currency in Serbia is the Serbian Dinar (RSD). As of now, 1€ is worth about 117 Dinars. Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are easily found.
Plugs: The plugs in Serbia are Type C (Euro standard). The standard voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz.
Safety: Serbia is a safe destination. The war is long behind, and in most towns, people often leave their cars unlocked. However, be cautious of petty theft, especially in larger cities.
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