Serbia is a landlocked country in Southeast Europe’s Balkans region, covering about 88,000 square kilometers and home to roughly 6.6 million people. The capital, Belgrade, is one of Europe’s oldest cities, with a rich mix of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Slavic heritage.

The landscape varies from fertile plains in the north to mountains and river valleys in the south. Serbia has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Its history includes Roman rule, medieval kingdoms, Ottoman domination, and Yugoslav unification, with independence restored in the 2000s.

Serbia is not a member of the EU but is an official candidate for accession. The official language is Serbian, and the currency is the Serbian dinar (RSD). The economy relies on agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and growing IT services. Serbian cuisine features grilled meats, bread, and pastries, with strong coffee culture.