What was once part of the former Yugoslavia, Bosnia and Herzegovina has a chaotic and interesting history of ethnic and racial tensions along with tragedies, the effects of which are still felt today. The country is situated in Southeastern Europe, with borders to Croatia in the West and North and Serbia and Montenegro in the East, as well as 20km of coastline on the Adriatic. A nation of mountain ranges and deep valleys, the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina have had a lot to contend with in recent history, yet still remain some of the friendliest and well-spirited individuals around. Recovering from civil war has tarred the country with an image of decay and fear, but regeneration efforts and stability are at the forefront of most peoples minds these days – this attitude just needs to catch on with the world of tourism, as pointed out by former MP Paddy Ashdown, who was the High Representative for the Dayton Peace Agreement and has been living in the country for a number of years.

The history of Bosnia and Herzegovina stretches back to the time of the Roman Empire, but the modern state did not really exist in the way it does today until the country was taken in as a part of Yugoslavia at the end of the First World War. After a few years of fascist rule during World War II, Yugoslavia fell under Communist rule, which is how things stayed until 1990, when the fall of Communism and the break up of Yugoslavia came about, leaving Bosnia and Herzegovina as an independent state. The new found independence was not a pleasant one, however, as tensions between Croats and Serbs reached boiling point, leading to the civil war from 1992 to 1995. More than 200,000 people lost their lives in this war and numerous atrocities were allegedly committed by both sides. An uneasy peace was restored in 1995 thanks to UN intervention in the region, and the Dayton Peace Agreement was soon signed by all factions. A great deal of international involvement has helped the country stay on a peaceful road, and EU peacekeeping forces are still present in the country to this day – though they are slowly being phased out and the government – split almost equally between two sides, with the Federation of Bosnia & Herzegovina and the Serbian Republic – is being given more power with each passing year, leading to a truly independent and peaceful nation. War criminals from the region are being handed in by both sides of the government and tried in The Hague on a regular basis, and the entire region is managing to recover from this dark and tragic period.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has recently started incentives to encourage tourism to the country and help shake off the negative connotations that many attach to the region. Though it is understandable that many people would be wary of the country with its recent history, there are many people – ion both official and unofficial capacities – who have recommended the country as one of the most beautiful around, with friendly people, interesting cuisine and a number of attractions for visitors, and as was pointed out, the history of countries such as Vietnam and Croatia has not stopped them from becoming tourist hotspots, so what is to stop Bosnia and Herzegovina?

The standards of healthcare in Bosnia and Herzegovina were at one point very high, with many teaching hospitals and one of the highest concentrations of excellent surgeons and doctors of any country in the region. Unfortunately, the civil war meant hospitals were targeted and many were destroyed, leaving facilities generally poor through the country. A process of rebuilding is underway and facilities are getting better by the year, but as of the time of writing it is recommended that full medical insurance is taken out, necessary drugs are taken with visitors entering the country and in cases of serious injury or illness it is recommended that treatment is obtained elsewhere.

Mobile phone coverage is reasonable in major cities and towns, though it cannot be guaranteed in rural areas. Landlines are widespread and of varying quality, though usually they are more than serviceable. Internet cafes are available through Sarajevo and other major towns, and a few internet providers offer services in the home.

General banking hours in most areas are from 0800 to 1900 Mondays to Fridays. Shopping hours are normally from 0800 to 2000, the days of opening vary from area to area.

In general normal business etiquette applies for meetings, though special care should be taken to appease the different ethnic groups in the country – drinking alcohol, for example, could be considered offensive by a Muslim host.

Tips of around ten percent are customary in taxis, and bills in hotels and restaurants are usually rounded up.