FAQ · History 39

The history of wine-making in Serbia dates back to prehistory. Viticulture was particularly rich during the Roman period. Wine has remained a part of Serbian culture since the establishment of statehood. This was especially true during the reign of the Nemanjić dynasty between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries. During this time, the dynasty encouraged and promoted viticulture throughout the region.

The Paleo-Balkan tribes formed in the 2nd and 1st millennia BC. In 279 BC, the Celtic Scordisci tribe conquered most of Serbia and built many forts throughout the region. The Roman Empire conquered the area between the 2nd century BC and the 1st century AD. During this time, the Romans continued the expansion of Singidunum, Sirmium, and Nai. Additionally, the northernmost Ancient Macedonian city was located in south Serbia at Kale-Krševica.

Medieval Serbian literature, also known as Old Serbian literature, was highly influenced by various models of Byzantine literature. The main works were written in the Serbian Church Slavic language, which served as both a liturgical and literary language. This literary tradition emerged in several stages and was shaped by the work of Clement of Ohrid and the Ohrid Literary School. Common ritual genres included hagiographies, homiletics, and hymnography, which encompassed prose, rhetoric, and poetry. While the ritual language was used for formal works, vernacular forms were used for practical literacy like letters and documents. The oldest known original work from this period is the Legend of Vladimir and Kosara.

The territory of present-day Vojvodina has been part of several historical entities. It was once included in the State of the Scordisci and the Roman Empire. Other historical rulers of the region include the Hun Empire, the Ostrogoth Kingdom, and the Gepid Kingdom. The area was also part of the Byzantine Empire and the Bulgarian Empire. Additionally, the Kingdom of Hungary held control over the territory from the 10th to the 16th century.

Serbia sought support for its independence and territorial expansion from many different countries. Following the Peace Agreement of San Stefano, the Congress of Berlin was called to revise the previous war plans. The Serbian government specifically sent Dimitrije Matić to Rome to secure Italian support for their cause. In 1878, the National Assembly of Serbia accepted the provisions of the Treaty of Berlin, which officially recognized the country's independence. Through this process, Serbia also acquired territory on its southeastern frontier. The nation remained a principality until it eventually became a kingdom in 1882.

During the first decades of the 19th century, the new technique of lithography experienced a boom and was gradually introduced to Serbian national arts. While early attempts were modest, lithography became an important branch of art with the emergence of Anastas Jovanović. This medium was particularly suitable for spreading political ideas through national-historical themes. Many Serbian painters created sketch portraits and templates for lithography, though the technical work was often performed in Pest and Vienna. By the end of the century, popular oleographs appeared as a way to reproduce works featuring historical events and folklife motifs.

By 1912, the Jewish community in the Kingdom of Serbia consisted of 5,000 people. During World War I, Serbian-Jewish relations reached a high level of cooperation as both groups fought together against the Central Powers. Following the war, Serbia joined with other regions to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. In this new Kingdom of Yugoslavia, the Jewish communities flourished during the interwar period. The Vidovdan Constitution guaranteed equality to Jews and regulated their status as a religious community.

After the liberation of Serbia in 1944, the Russian diaspora faced significant danger as many active emigrants fled to avoid SMERSH. The community ceased to exist as a single socio-cultural organism following the Tito-Stalin split in 1948. During the period from 1948 to 1953, Russian emigrants were detained, beaten, and fired from their jobs by Yugoslav law enforcement. This led to a second exodus that fundamentally changed the fate of the remaining emigrants. Most descendants born after 1953 have since assimilated, typically not speaking Russian or declaring themselves Russian.

The overthrow of Slobodan Milošević in 2000 ended the international isolation of Serbia and Montenegro. Following this event, the country began a process of democratization and economic reforms that led to strong economic growth. However, the political climate remained tense due to the legacy of the 1990s and legal proceedings involving the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. This period also saw the assassination of reformist prime minister Zoran Đinđić in 2003. Eventually, the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro was dissolved in 2006, restoring Serbia as an independent state.

Serbia was a pioneer in constitutionalism in Central and Eastern Europe, adopting its first modern constitution in 1835. This document is also known as the Candlemas Constitution. Throughout its history, the country has utilized several different frameworks, including the Turkish Constitution of 1838 and the Radical Constitution of 1888. Between 1918 and 1945, Serbia was part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia rather than a distinct territorial unit. The most recent framework mentioned is the 2006 Constitution, also called the Saint Demetrius Day Constitution.

While Serbia and Croatia never declared war on each other, Serbia was involved through various direct and indirect activities. Serbia provided the bulk of manpower and funding to the war effort through its control of the Yugoslav presidency and the federal defense ministry. The country actively supported various paramilitary volunteer units and provided weapons and material support to Bosnian and Croatian Serbs. Evidence from the ICTY showed that Belgrade financed more than 90 percent of the Krajina budget in 1993. Additionally, Serbia maintained prison camps where war crimes were committed, even though no actual fighting occurred on Serbian soil.

Serbia's early foreign relations were defined by its quest for independence from the Ottoman Empire and its reliance on Russian support. The country had to cautiously navigate the influence of Austria while cultivating alliances with Montenegro and Greece. Driven by the goal of South Slavic unification, Serbia sought to unite territories with Serb populations. This ambition often led to conflicts with the Ottoman Empire and Austria-Hungary over regions like Bosnia and Vojvodina. Through the Balkan Wars, Serbia successfully gained territories such as Kosovo and parts of Macedonia. However, its small size and economic dependence on external markets often limited its diplomatic leverage.

Serbia has more than a dozen recognized minority languages spoken by the country's ethnic minorities. These include Hungarian, Bosnian, Romani, Albanian, Slovak, Romanian, Vlach, Croatian, Rusyn, Macedonian, Bulgarian, Montenegrin, Bunjevac, and Czech. Some of these languages, such as Bosnian, Croatian, Montenegrin, and Bunjevac, are practically indistinguishable from Serbian. Recognized minority languages are in official use in 54 municipalities where the respective ethnic minority makes up more than 15% of the population. Additionally, five minority languages are used by the provincial administration in Vojvodina. Complete education cycles in minority languages are available for several groups, including Hungarian, Bosnian, Albanian, Slovak, Romanian, Croatian, Bulgarian, and Rusyn.

The Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts was founded as the Serbian Royal Academy on 1 November 1886. King Milan was responsible for appointing the first academic, who then selected other members. The first names of the academics were officially announced by the King on 5 April 1887. Originally, the academy consisted of four specialized sections including Natural Sciences, Philosophy, Social Sciences, and Arts. While the institution was once located at 15 Brankova Street, it moved to its current magnificent building at 35 Knez Mihailova Street. This central location has housed the highest scientific institution in Serbia for many years.

In the decades before World War I, Serbia experienced a 0.28% annual GDP growth rate driven primarily by its dominant agricultural sector. While industrial and service sectors remained small, the country later faced severe challenges during the 1990s due to wars, sanctions, and extreme hyperinflation. Following the political changes in 2000, Serbia transitioned to a market-based economy and saw sustained annual growth of 4–5%. Although the Great Recession caused a decline in 2009, the economy eventually reached pre-crisis GDP levels by 2016. Currently, the country has been involved in accession negotiations to join the European Union since 2014.

The May Coup was a coup d'état that took place in the Kingdom of Serbia on the night of 10–11 June 1903. During this event, a group of Serbian army officers led by Captain Dragutin Dimitrijević assassinated King Alexander I and Queen Draga inside the Stari Dvor in Belgrade. This act resulted in the end of the Obrenović dynasty, which had ruled Serbia since the mid-19th century. Following the coup, the throne passed to King Peter I of the Karađorđević dynasty. This transition significantly shifted Serbia's foreign relations from an alliance with Austria-Hungary toward closer ties with Russia and France.

Large population movements of Albanians to Central, Western, and Northern Europe were set in motion by the conflicts in the Balkans and the Kosovo War during the end of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st centuries. Additionally, the gradual collapse of communism in Albania triggered a new wave of migration. This contributed to the emergence of a new diaspora, mainly located in Southern European countries such as Greece and Italy. These historical events have shaped the current distribution of the Albanian population across the continent.

Some national heritage sites in Serbia are also recognized as World Heritage Sites. To be included on such lists, properties must meet specific criteria. They may embody special significance regarding the social, historical, and cultural development of peoples. Additionally, these sites might testify to crucial historical events and personalities. This recognition is part of the broader classification of Serbia's cultural goods.

In certain Orthodox regions, Saint Charalambos provides a Christian calendrical focus for protection against the plague. His feast day falls on 10 February and is often depicted in icons where he subdues a personified plague. In some areas, local traditions include specific commemorations or offerings such as fasting breads, eggs, and cooked dishes. These offerings might be placed near water or at crossroads. Some villages also observe specific days like Plague Friday between 20 July and 14 October.

The Kosovo Myth was used to create a Serbian victimization narrative and a sense of superior Serbdom. This myth was utilized as an ideological instrument to justify violent actions and legitimize the reign of the Milošević government. It often portrayed Albanians as treacherous people who collaborated with Ottoman occupiers to terrorize Christian Serbs. Serbian writers used this myth to claim that Serbs had faced a centuries-long genocide. While these claims lacked statistical support, the myth helped fuel policies that led to the Kosovo War.

Slavic traditions such as dragons, fairies, and Vila are present in the local folklore. Fairies are frequently mentioned in epics, poetry, and folk songs. A well-known type is the gorske vile, which are mountain fairies that dance on very green meadows. Additionally, the cult of the pagan god Perun survived through the celebration of Ilijevdan, also known as the day of Elijah the Thunderer. These traditions show how ancient pagan practices were carried over into later religious customs.

In early 1989, the Assembly of Serbia proposed constitutional amendments to significantly reduce the autonomous status of SAP Kosovo. The 47th amendment changed the constitution so that the Assembly of Serbia only needed to seek the opinion of autonomous province assemblies rather than their approval. Other controversial amendments allowed the Constitutional Court of Serbia to intervene in the courts of autonomous provinces before proceedings concluded. Following the detention of prominent Kosovo Albanians, representatives were pressured to vote in favor of these changes. The amendments were declared passed in the Assembly of Kosovo on March 23 and approved by the Serbian parliament on March 28.

The current crisis is described by Minister of Education Stanković as the greatest educational crisis in the history of Serbia. This situation was started by anti-corruption protests and led to significant opposition from students and professors. Protests were staged in front of the Ministry of Education building by faculty members who opposed the minister's nomination. The crisis has involved conflicts within the University of Belgrade staff and discussions regarding the Law on Higher Education. Efforts to resolve the situation included meetings between government officials and the rector of the University of Belgrade.

The government postponed the parliamentary election on 16 March due to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Serbia. The election was initially supposed to be held on 26 April but was postponed to 21 June 2020. Additionally, anti-government protests that had been occurring since December 2018 formally ended in March 2020 because of the pandemic. These changes occurred as the SNS-led ballot list was being processed by the Republic Electoral Commission. The pandemic significantly altered the political timeline during this period.

The year 2024 in Serbia features several significant political and sporting events. Belgrade hosts the 2024 IIHF U20 World Championship Division II B in January and the World Athletics Cross Country Championships on 30 March. Political changes include a rerun of the Belgrade City Assembly election in March and local elections on 2 June. Notable incidents include the discovery of a 1999 NATO bomb in Niš in April and a surprise visit from Ukrainian officials in May. Additionally, the National Assembly passed a bill on foreign agents in May.

In 2025, several recipients will be honored with the Sretenje Order, which is the fourth highest state order of Serbia. This order is awarded by the decree of the President of the Republic on special occasions, typically during Statehood Day ceremonies. Notable 2025 recipients include the Roman Catholic Diocese of Subotica and the Hilandar Monastery. Other honors will be bestowed upon Sima Avramović, the National Bank of Serbia, Pošta Srbije, and the Volleyball Federation of Serbia. These awards recognize merits in various fields such as public, economic, cultural, educational, sports, and humanitarian activities.

The name Serbia is derived from the ethnonym Serb, though its exact origin remains unclear. During the medieval period, the land was known as the Serbian Kingdom, the Serbian Empire, and the Serbian Despotate. In the modern era, it was called the Principality of Serbia and later the Kingdom of Serbia. The contemporary period saw names such as the People's Republic of Serbia and the Socialist Republic of Serbia. Since 1990, the official name of the country has been the Republic of Serbia.

The territorial shape of the Belgrade metropolitan area was formed over 27 years between 1944 and 1971. After World War II, the city underwent many changes where municipalities were created, abolished, or merged. In 1955, the City of Belgrade merged with parts of the Zemun, Vračar, and Podunavlje districts to enlarge the area. Further reorganizations occurred in 1957, 1960, and 1965 to adjust the number of municipalities. The present territory was finally shaped in 1971 when Lazarevac and Mladenovac were annexed. Since then, the outer borders have remained intact despite some internal reorganization.

There are two different views regarding whether the conflict was a civil or an international war. The government of Serbia often states that the conflict was entirely a civil war. However, the prevailing view held by most international law experts and the ICTY is that it was an international conflict. This view suggests the war was between the rump Yugoslavia and Serbia against Croatia, supported by Serbs in Croatia. Neither Croatia nor Yugoslavia ever formally declared war on each other during this period.

The Serbian Revolution between 1804 and 1817 served as the first successful national uprising against Ottoman rule in Europe. This period included the First Serbian Uprising, which established an independent state for nearly a decade, and the decisive Second Serbian Uprising. Following these movements, the Ottomans granted Serbia substantial autonomy in the years 1815 to 1816. The last Ottoman troops eventually withdrew in 1867. Full international recognition of Serbian independence was finally achieved at the Congress of Berlin in 1878.

The Bosniak National Council issued the Declaration on Status of the Bosniaks of Sandžak in the Republic of Serbia on 27 June 2009. In this document, the council warned the Serbian state authorities about an alleged halt in the process of the consummation of collective rights for the Bosniak ethnic minority. This council serves as the highest representative body for the Bosniak ethnic minority in Serbia. It holds jurisdiction over matters including language, script, education, culture, and media. The council has also worked to improve protection mechanisms for ethnic minorities through legislative drafts.

Human rights in Serbia reflect the country's social norms, political processes, and relations with parties like the European Union. While there has been the adoption of progressively inclusive legislation and national strategies for gender equality, several areas of concern remain. Reports highlight the persistent exclusion of the Roma minority and discrimination against LGBTI and HIV+ persons. Additionally, there are issues regarding the lack of legal protection for people with disabilities and insufficient access to identity documents for refugees. Efforts to improve these rights include the ratification of international conventions and new laws promoting social inclusion.

In January 2009, Serbia requested a new Stand-By Arrangement as the effects of the 2008 financial crisis expanded. This 15-month program was intended to be precautionary with funds only drawn if necessary. As the crisis deepened, the program was extended and augmented to address contracting GDP and rising inflation. Later, in February 2015, Serbia began a new 36-month program to address a large deficit and rising spending. This second program focused on macroeconomic rebalancing and fiscal sustainability through structural reforms. The implementation was successful, resulting in a budget surplus in 2017.

The official name of the country has changed several times throughout the contemporary period. From 1945 to 1963, the official name was the People's Republic of Serbia. This was followed by the Socialist Republic of Serbia from 1963 to 1990. Since 1990, the country has been known as the Republic of Serbia. This is the official name used in the modern era.

Islam began to spread rapidly in Serbia following the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century. The Muslim community was largely formed through the Islamization of the local Slavic population and some immigration from Anatolia. Under the Ottoman system, religious communities were organized into independent entities known as millets that retained their own laws and traditions. While Islam held a privileged position, other faiths like Christianity and Judaism were tolerated with a degree of autonomy. The Muslim population in certain areas like Belgrade was once quite large before declining during the period of liberation from Ottoman rule.

The president of Serbia is elected on the basis of universal suffrage through a secret ballot. This election is held for a five-year term of office. If no candidate manages to secure more than 50% of all votes cast, a runoff election is conducted. This runoff takes place between the top two candidates from the first round. The Constitution establishes a limit of a maximum of two terms in office for the president.

In the National Assembly traced to the Saint Andrew's Day Assembly of 1858, suffrage belonged to every native or naturalised male citizen over 21 who paid tax on property, labour or income, and women could not vote. Until 1888, voting was public, and each voter declared his choice aloud at the polling station. One deputy was first elected for every 500 taxpayers, a ratio later raised to 1,000, then 2,000 and finally 4,500, so the ordinary Assembly had between 120 and 160 deputies. Sessions were at first held every three years and later each year. The Assembly could also meet as a Great Assembly, convened to elect the prince and later the king or to adopt or amend the constitution, and those gatherings could exceed 600 members.

Serbia joined the United Nations on 1 November 2000 as the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The earlier Yugoslav state had been one of the original 51 members, but the Federal Republic, formed on 28 April 1992 by Serbia and Montenegro, was not accepted as the automatic successor. Security Council Resolution 757, adopted on 30 May 1992, imposed sanctions because of the Yugoslav wars and noted that the claim to continue the old membership had not been generally accepted. On 22 September 1992 the General Assembly decided that the Federal Republic could not continue that membership automatically, should apply for membership, and should not take part in the work of the General Assembly. After refusing for years, it applied once Slobodan Milošević was removed from office and was admitted on 1 November 2000.

In the 2026 parliamentary election the Serbian Progressive Party list Aleksandar Vučić – United Serbia lost to the Student List. The Republic Electoral Commission recorded 39 point 0 percent of the votes and 103 seats, 26 fewer than in 2023, and Aleksandar Vučić, the list's candidate for prime minister, conceded on election night. That group's name in the 14th National Assembly, dissolved in September 2026, had been Aleksandar Vučić – Serbia Must Not Stop. Serbia also took part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest with Kraj mene, written and performed by the band Lavina and chosen by Radio Television of Serbia through Pesma za Evroviziju '26. The broadcaster has represented Serbia seventeen times since 2007 and won on its debut with Molitva, sung by Marija Šerifović. Its latest miss before 2026 was 2025, when Mila by Princ finished 14th in the semi-final, described as Serbia's worst result to date.