Geography
The Republic of Serbia is a landlocked country in South East Europe. It is bordered by Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Kosovo.

Belgrade is the capital city. Vojvodina (with Novi Sad its administrative centre) is an Autonomous Province. The Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija unilaterally declared independence on 17 February 2008.

The country's terrain is diverse with plains, mountains and valleys. Rivers include the Danube and the Sava.

Summers are hot and winters are cold.

Environment
National Parks in Serbia are Djerdap National Park, Kopaonik National Park and Tara National Park. Other protected areas are the Nature Reserve of Deliblatska Pescara and the Zasivica Wildlife Preserve.

Architecture
Belgrade, the capital city, began as a fortress on the Sava River. Throughout the centuries the fortress was rebuilt and became one of the major strongholds of Europe. Today the fortress is a museum covering the Upper and Lower Towns and Kalemegdan Park.

Like many capital cities, Belgrade has its old town as well as its modern office blocks and hotels. Architectural styles in Belgrade include nineteenth century Neo-Classical, Neo-Renaissance and early twentieth century Art Nouveau.

World Heritage sites include the Orthodox Studenica Monastery that dates back to the twelfth century.

Population
The population of Serbia was estimated at 8,697,550 in 2021. (The Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija declared independence on 17 February 2008)

Languages
Serbian is the official language nationwide. Croatian, Hungarian, Romanian, Slovak and Ukrainian are official in Vojvodina.

Religion
Religions in Serbia are Serbian Orthodox, Muslim, Roman Catholic and Protestant. The majority of the people are Serbian Orthodox.

Food
The cuisine of Serbia is influenced by its Balkan neighbours. Traditional food includes soups, stews, smoked meats, minced meat (cevapcici and meatballs), stuffed vegetables (peppers and leaves) and kebabs. A dish of mixed grilled meat is a speciality.

Bread and side salads are eaten with starters and main courses. Salads are made from a variety of fresh and pickled vegetables such as beans, cucumbers, onions, peppers, tomatoes and sauerkraut.

Fruit and nuts are used in desserts, for example, strudels, pancakes and pastries.

Alcoholic drinks are wine, beer and plum brandy (Slivovica). Coffee is usually Turkish or espresso. Fruit juices are produced locally.

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