Countries of the Former Yugoslavia
These Southeastern European Nations are Now Politically Independent
Sep 26, 2007
Yugoslavia was made up of several different countries, and its composition changed several times over the course of its existence. The countries of the former Yugoslavia have sometimes formed necessary political alliances with neighboring countries despite cultural, religious, or other differences. Yugoslavia's political history is short, but complicated. Yugoslavia as a nation no longer exists, but the countries that created the former Yugoslavia still do.
Countries of the Former Yugoslavia – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina, known as BiH for short, is a country in Southeastern Europe. The people who inhabit Bosnia and Herzegovina are generally referred to as “Bosnian.” However, Croats and Serbs also make up the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The three majority ethnic groups of Bosnia and Herzegovina are specifically named in the country's constitution. Since the Bosnian war, this country has been associated with regional unrest. However, Bosnia and Herzegovina is, for now, fairly calm.
Countries of the Former Yugoslavia – Croatia
While most of Croatia lies inland, including the capital city of Zagreb, Croatia's Adriatic Coast is a popular vacation spot for Europeans and Eastern Europeans. While Croatia still shows signs of past political distress, the region of Dalmatia is especially attractive for travelers. Parts of Croatia have been coveted by Italy, and the northern Istrian Peninsula shows evidence of this influence. At other times, Croatia and Hungary had close ties.
Countries of the Former Yugoslavia – Macedonia
Macedonia, or the Republic of Macedonia, or the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia should not be confused with Greek Macedonia. The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has long been populated by Slavs. Albanians, Turks, and other ethnic groups also inhabit the Republic of Macedonia.
Countries of the Former Yugosloavia – Montenegro
Having recently declared its independence from Serbia, Montenegro has a majority population of Montenegrins. Illyrians first inhabited what is now Montenegro, but Slav tribes started making an appearance in the region during medieval times. Montenegro is also home to Serbs, Albanians, Bosniaks, and members of other ethnic groups.
Countries of the Former Yugoslavia – Serbia
Serbia, a country recently split from Montenegro, is famous for having been the epicenter for the beginning of WWI. When Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was shot in 1914, world powers began to mobilize their forces for the war that was to follow.
Countries of the Former Yugoslavia – Slovenia
Slovenia is the western-most country a part of the former Yugoslavia. While some members of other ethnic groups inhabit Slovenia, Slovenia is populated in the largest part by Roman Catholic Slovenes. Slovenia's capital city is Ljubljana, which is famous for its place in the legend of Jason and the Argonauts. Supposedly, the Argonauts fought a dragon in the general area of what is now Ljubljana – this dragon is now the city's main symbol.
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