Key Economic Insights: The economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina generates an estimated GDP of $32.6 billion ($10,382 per capita) supporting a population of 3.14 million. Productive output is anchored by 57.7% services, 21.5% industry and manufacturing, and 4.4% agriculture and natural resource extraction.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a population of approximately 3.14 million (2025), is located in Southeastern Europe. It covers a total area of 51,210 square kilometers.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s GDP reached approximately $32.6 billion in 2025, according to the World Bank. The GDP per capita stood at approximately $10,382 in 2025, after steady economic growth in recent years.
This data shows Bosnia and Herzegovina’s economic standing improving, with room for further growth.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Economic Structure & Sector Analysis
| Economic Dimension | Figure | Authoritative Source |
|---|---|---|
| GDP & Macro Output | Nominal GDP: $32.6 billion | Per Capita: $10,382 | World Bank WDI / IMF |
| Sector Breakdown | Services: 57.7% | Industry: 21.5% | Agriculture: 4.4% | World Bank National Accounts |
| Demographics & Labor | Population: 3.14 million | ILO / UN Population Division |
- Primary activities: 4.4% of GDP (2025, World Bank).
- Secondary activities: 21.5% of GDP (2025, World Bank).
- Tertiary activities: 57.7% of GDP (2025, World Bank).
Primary Sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina
With a significant share of the country’s land dedicated to agriculture, the sector plays a meaningful role in the economy. The main agricultural products include maize, milk, vegetables, potatoes, plums, wheat, apples, barley, chicken, and pears.
Agriculture contributed around 4.3% to GDP as of 2024, and it produces a diverse range of crops and animal products. The variety of agricultural products provides employment opportunities and contributes to the country’s food security and self-sufficiency.
The country’s geological diversity contributes to a rich array of natural resources. Coal, iron ore, antimony, bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, and more, along with hydropower, timber, and other resources, support the economy’s growth and development.
Secondary Sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, main industrial products include steel, motor vehicle assembly, textiles, tobacco products, wooden furniture, ammunition, domestic appliances, and oil refining.
Manufactures accounted for 73.09% of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s total exports in 2023. This highlights the significance of the manufacturing sector in driving the country’s economy and trade growth.
Tertiary sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The tertiary sector, also known as the service sector, encompasses the ‘soft’ parts of the economy where knowledge and time are offered to enhance productivity and meet needs. It involves intangible goods like attention, advice, and expertise, both for consumers and businesses. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the main tertiary activities include healthcare and medical care, education and training, banking and finance, tourism and hospitality, transportation and logistics, and security and protection.
Of particular importance, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s tourism industry has seen strong growth in recent years. The country recorded approximately 1.73 million international tourist arrivals in 2023, up significantly from prior years, according to the Bosnia and Herzegovina Agency for Statistics (BHAS). This growth reflects increasing interest in the country’s cultural and natural heritage.
Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular sector, which boasts approximately 3.8 million subscriptions, equating to 118 per 100 inhabitants. This extensive connectivity supports technological growth and innovation.
Military Activities and Economic Sectors of Bosnia and Herzegovina
It involves the primary sector, like resource extraction for military use, and the secondary sector, which includes manufacturing military equipment. The tertiary sector covers the services provided by the military, while the quaternary sector focuses on military research and development. Finally, the quinary sector involves high-level decision-making and strategy in the military.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the most recent annual military expenditure is approximately $216 million (2024), which represents around 0.81% of the country’s GDP. The active military force consists of 10,500 personnel.
International Trade of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Import Activities of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s import activities accounted for approximately 57% of GDP in 2024, according to the World Bank.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s main import activities include refined petroleum, aluminum, garments, coal, and cars. Its key import partners in 2024 are Italy (12.9%), Germany (11.8%), Serbia (10.4%), China (9.6%), and Croatia (7.5%), according to Lloyd’s Bank Trade.
Exports Activities of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s export activities accounted for approximately 42.8% of GDP in 2024, according to the World Bank. Total goods exports in 2024 were approximately $8.9 billion.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s export activities are diversified, with key partners including Croatia, Germany, Serbia, Italy, and Austria. The country exports aluminum, electricity, footwear, garments, and plastic products.
Bosnia and Herzegovina economy challenges in 2024
Bosnia and Herzegovina faces economic challenges in 2024. Its import-heavy economy lacks diversification and private investments. High unemployment persists, worsened by COVID-19’s impact on tourism. Chinese energy investments bring hope but structural issues remain.
Sources
- World Bank: Bosnia and Herzegovina
- IMF: Bosnia and Herzegovina
- UN Comtrade Plus: Trade Flow
- Lloyd’s Bank Trade: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Last updated: October 2026
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