Bosnia and Herzegovina
The consequences of the war that took place almost 30 years ago can still be clearly seen and felt in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Minorities like the Roma are among the most marginalised and poverty-stricken groups in the country. They face unemployment and social exclusion. Poverty and a lack of prospects in life lead to great pressure on people to emigrate.
Caritas Switzerland has been active in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1993. Projects to develop the local economy and increase incomes improve the population’s future prospects. Social inclusion is an important aspect of the projects, because social exclusion and unequal treatment contribute to the poverty of entire population groups. Migrants stranded in the country are helped to integrate into the labour market.
Overview in figures
Sources: Human Development Report, UNESCO, UNFPA (as of 2023)
- Total population: 3.2 million
- Poverty index (proportion of people affected by poverty): 2.2%
- Prosperity indicator (total 193 states): rank 80
- Gross National Income per capita USD 16'571
- Life expectancy at birth: 75.3 years
- Child mortality: 0.6%
- Literacy rate (age 15 and over): 98.3%
- CO2 emissions per capita: 6.3 tons
Caritas Switzerland on site
Header image: Education is an important pillar of the social and economic integration of disadvantaged groups. © Cat Norman Tahirović