Economic Activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary

Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a population of approximately 3.16 million (2024), is located in Southeastern Europe. It covers a total area of 51,210 square kilometers.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s GDP reached approximately $29.6 billion in 2024, according to the World Bank. The GDP per capita stood at approximately $8,957 in 2024, reflecting steady economic growth in recent years.

This data showcases Bosnia and Herzegovina’s improving economic standing compared to its global counterparts, with continued room for growth and development in the coming years.

What are the economic activities of Bosnia and Herzegovina?

• Primary activities: 4.3% of GDP (2024, World Bank).
• Secondary activities: 22.4% of GDP (2024, World Bank).
• Tertiary activities: 56.6% of GDP (2024, 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.

Despite contributing around 4.3% to GDP as of 2024, the diverse range of crops and animal products underscores the sector’s significance. The variety of agricultural products not only sustains the sector but also 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 play a vital role in the economy, alongside hydropower, timber, and other resources, driving growth and development.

Secondary Sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina

What is the secondary sector or what are secondary activities?

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, main industrial products include steel, motor vehicle assembly, textiles, tobacco products, wooden furniture, ammunition, domestic appliances, and oil refining.

Manufactures play a crucial role in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s total exports, accounting for 73.09% 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

What is the tertiary sector or what are tertiary activities?

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 fosters 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, reflecting the country’s reliance on international trade for economic growth.

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
• CIA World Factbook: Bosnia and Herzegovina
• UN Comtrade Plus: Trade Flow
• Lloyd’s Bank Trade: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Last updated: June 20, 2026