Serbia is a country within the Balkan Peninsula in southeast Europe. Basic facts about Serbia, the country has vast plateaus and mountains to the north and some nice ski resorts in the south. The capital of Serbia is Belgrade, Belgrade is the site of a number of ancient fortresses held successfully by the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires.
Distinctive parts of the nightlife of Serbia, especially the capital city of Belgrade, are the floating nightclubs on the Danube and Sava rivers.
Capital: Belgrade
Currency: Serbian dinar
Prime minister: Aleksandar Vučić
President: Tomislav Nikolić
Official language: Serbian
Government: Unitary Parliamentary Constitutional Republic
Population: 7.2 (2016 estimate)
Random Facts About Serbia
Here now are 11 more random facts about Serbia which you will love to read.
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1. NATIONALISTIC GIFTS
When honouring an invitation to a Serbian home, make sure you take along a gift as a token of appreciation. The gift could be anything from flowers to chocolates. But it would be more appreciated if it is something representative of your country.
2. SHOES OFF
When entering the home of a Serbian, make sure you take off your shoes. You are expected to do this, unless the host expressly insists you should enter with your shoes on. To make sure he/she is the one who insists, decline at first when asked to enter with your shoes on.
3. ASK FOR NOTHING
When you arrive the home of a Serbian on invitation, you are a guest, an honored one. Do not spoil it by asking for anything. It is bad manners to ask, except for water. You would be giving the impression that they do not know how to be hospitable. Just relax…they will give what you need.
4. OFFER SEATS ON BUSES/TRAINS
Most buses and trains have seats reserved for the elderly or pregnant women. But these may be occupied and other such persons are left standing. It is considered good and respectable manners in Serbia to offer yours to one such person for the ride.
5. AVOID THE 1990’s
It is the course of wisdom to avoid discussions bordering on the 1990’s. Those years were painful and still bring painful memories to most Serbians today. And if someone else broaches on anything about those years, Serbians will love you to stay away from voicing any strong opinions.
6. AVOID KOSOVO TALKS
Stay away from any discussions concerning the independence of Kosovo. Serbians do not recognize it; though they maintain relations with Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, and Macedonia. You would be hurting a Serbian if you voice support for independence of Kosovo.
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7. SPEAK THEIR LANGUAGE
Serbians would draw close to you faster if you make attempt to say a few things in their native tongue. One of those things is when making a toast. When toasting in Serbia, maintain eye contact and make the toast in native Serbian.
8. GET DRUNK; DON’T BE SEEN DRUNK
The plum spirit rakija has 53% alcohol content; and you are expected to drink gallons of booze especially on social occasions. But you are expected to be able to keep it down and not be seen as drunk. Being “obviously” seen as drunk is considered bad manners and lack of character.
9. DO NOT POINT AT PEOPLE
One particular thing you must learn to do when you are in Serbia is the correct use of your hand. This is especially so when indicating someone else. It is considered rude to point your fingers at someone. Learn other respective and polite ways to do it.
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10. LEARN THE MAGIC WORD
In Serbian, the word molim is a magic word. It literally means please. But it means more than that, or is used to mean more than please. Molim could mean you’re welcome and I beg your pardon. So if you intend to visit Serbia, learn to use molim.
11. STILL A BIT CONSERVATIVE
The Serbian society is all becoming westernized. This is especially so with the younger generation. But the older generation (65 and above) are still conservative and would still view a couple of things as odd. Such things include: addressing people with first names and public display of affection.
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