Republika Srpska

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Board of Republika Srpska

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Republika Srpska (Serbian: Република Српска, pronounced [rɛpǔblika sr̩̂pskaː]) is one of the two entities that make up Bosnia and Herzegovina, the other being the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is located in the northern and eastern parts of the country. Republika Srpska was formed in 1992, following the outbreak of the Bosnian War, and its existence was formalized through the Dayton Agreement in 1995. The entity covers 49% of the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with its government seated in Banja Luka, the largest city and administrative center of Republika Srpska.

History

The origins of Republika Srpska can be traced back to the disintegration of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s. Amidst rising ethnic tensions, the Bosnian Serbs proclaimed the creation of Republika Srpska in 1992, seeking to remain in a common state with Serbia and Montenegro, which later formed the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The ensuing Bosnian War saw intense fighting and tragic events, including the Siege of Sarajevo and the Srebrenica massacre, which was later classified as a genocide by international courts.

Following the war, the Dayton Agreement recognized Republika Srpska as one of the two constitutional and legal entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, alongside the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This agreement ended the war but also cemented the division of the country along ethnic lines.

Geography

Republika Srpska is characterized by its diverse geography, which includes mountainous regions in the east, the central part of the Dinaric Alps, and fertile plains in the north, along the Sava River. The entity also encompasses part of the Drina River, which forms a natural border with Serbia.

Demographics

The population of Republika Srpska is predominantly Serb, with minorities including Bosniaks, Croats, and others. The entity's demographic composition was significantly altered by the war in the 1990s, which led to large population displacements.

Politics

Republika Srpska operates as a parliamentary democracy. Its political structure is defined by its own constitution, which stipulates a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The National Assembly of Republika Srpska is the legislative body. While it has significant autonomy in various policy areas, foreign policy, defense, and fiscal policy are largely managed at the state level by the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Economy

The economy of Republika Srpska is diverse, with key sectors including energy, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. The entity possesses significant natural resources, including coal, bauxite, and iron ore. However, economic development has been hampered by the legacy of the war, political instability, and a lack of investment.

Culture

Republika Srpska shares much of its cultural heritage with Serbia, including language, religion (predominantly Serbian Orthodoxy), and traditions. The entity is home to several cultural and historical sites, including medieval fortresses, monasteries, and churches.

Controversies

Republika Srpska has been the subject of various controversies, particularly regarding its political leadership's nationalist rhetoric and actions, which have often been criticized by international observers and the central government of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Issues such as the denial of war crimes and the glorification of war criminals have strained relations within Bosnia and Herzegovina and with the international community.

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