Bosnia - People and Society
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Bosanska Krupa was divided between Bosnian Muslims and
Serbs during the war. Returning to the town with their posessions
are a Muslim family. Catholic, Orthodox and Muslim communities
have co-existed here for centuries |
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In Bosnia today, Muslim Slavs make up about 44 per cent of the
population; Serbs, most of whom belong to the Christian Orthodox
church, make up 33 per cent; and Croats, most of whom are Roman
Catholic, account for 17 per cent. A variety of languages are spoken
in Bosnia, but almost everyone speaks Serbo-Croat (often called
Bosnian), which is the official language. Many Muslims also speak
Turkish or Albanian.
The impact of war
Before the war, life in Bosnia’s cities, such as Sarajevo,
was very similar to that of other industrialised countries. Almost
two-thirds of Bosnia’s people lived in small rural villages,
where farming was a way of life.
The war severely disrupted people’s lives, and its effects
continue. Most people lost their source of income, as factories
and mines closed down. Landmines littered the countryside, making
farming impossible. Unemployment became a huge problem, and people
were forced to sell whatever they had so that they could buy food.
Sport and leisure
Just like children in other countries, young Bosnians like to watch
television, listen to music, play games, and go to the cinema after
school. Football is very popular too.
Bosnia’s mountains provide plenty of opportunity to relax.
The lakes provide places to swim and fish. Hiking is popular, and
many people ski in the winter. Bosnia has world-class ski slopes,
and Sarajevo hosted the 1984 Winter Olympic Games.
Food and Drink
Bosnian cooking reflects Turkish and Muslim influences. Mousakka
(roasted meat with aubergine) and kapama (stewed lamb with
onions and spinach) are popular dishes. Bosnians also enjoy plenty
of sweet, sticky pastries such as baclava.
Photos: Peter Maxwell and Bill Stevenson/Oxfam
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