Serbia, a landlocked nation in southeastern Europe, lies at the heart of the Balkans and Pannonian Plain. Surrounded by Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and the disputed territory of Kosovo, it boasts a population exceeding 6.6 million, excluding Kosovo. Belgrade, its capital, reigns as the largest city.
1903: The House of Karađorđević takes power in Serbia
The House of Karađorđević, descendants of revolutionary leader Karađorđe Petrović, assumed power in 1903 following the May Overthrow.
1904: Founding of Politika Newspaper
The newspaper Politika, considered Serbia's paper of record and the oldest in the Balkans, was founded in 1904.
June 1914: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
On June 28, 1914, Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Young Bosnia organization, assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in Sarajevo.
1915: Serbia occupied by Austria-Hungary
After initial victories, Serbia was overpowered by the Central Powers in 1915, leading to the Austro-Hungarian occupation of the country.
July 1917: Corfu Declaration signed
The Corfu Declaration, signed on July 20, 1917, was a formal agreement between the Serbian government-in-exile and the Yugoslav Committee to unify Serbia, Montenegro, and Austria-Hungary's South Slav territories into a postwar Yugoslav state.
September 1918: Serbian army leads breakthrough, liberating Serbia
On September 15, 1918, the Serbian army led a final breakthrough against enemy lines, liberating Serbia and defeating Bulgaria and Austria-Hungary.
November 1918: Allied victory in the Balkans
Serbia played a crucial role in the Allied victory in the Balkans in November 1918, particularly by aiding France in forcing Bulgaria's surrender.
November 1918: Montenegro unites with Serbia
On November 26, 1918, the Podgorica Assembly deposed the House of Petrović-Njegoš and united Montenegro with Serbia.
November 1918: Syrmia and regions of Banat, Bačka, and Baranja unite with Serbia
As the Austro-Hungarian Empire dissolved, the territory of Syrmia united with Serbia on November 24, 1918. A day later, the regions of Banat, Bačka, and Baranja also declared unification with Serbia.
December 1918: Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes proclaimed
On December 1, 1918, in Belgrade, Serbian Prince Regent Alexander Karađorđević proclaimed the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, under King Peter I of Serbia.
1918: Kingdom of Serbia unites with Vojvodina and forms Yugoslavia
In 1918, following World War I, the Kingdom of Serbia united with the former Habsburg crownland of Vojvodina and then joined other South Slavic nations to form Yugoslavia.
1918: Kingdom of Serbia becomes part of Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes
From 1882 to 1918, Serbia was known as the Kingdom of Serbia. In 1918 it became part of the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes.
August 1921: Alexander I becomes King
King Peter I of Serbia died in August 1921 and was succeeded by his son, Alexander I.
1929: Alexander I establishes a dictatorship and renames the country Yugoslavia
King Alexander I established a dictatorship in 1929, changed the name of the country to Yugoslavia, and aimed to establish a unified Yugoslav ideology and nation.
1934: King Alexander I assassinated
King Alexander I was assassinated in Marseille in 1934 during an official visit by Vlado Chernozemski, a member of the IMRO. His eleven-year-old son, Peter II, succeeded him.
August 1939: Cvetković–Maček Agreement establishes an autonomous Banate of Croatia
The Cvetković–Maček Agreement in August 1939 established an autonomous Banate of Croatia within Yugoslavia to address Croatian concerns.
1941: Axis Invasion and Occupation
In 1941, despite Yugoslavia's efforts to remain neutral, the Axis powers invaded the country. Serbia was divided among Hungary, Bulgaria, the Independent State of Croatia, Greater Albania, and Montenegro, while the rest was placed under Nazi Germany's military administration. Puppet governments led by Milan Aćimović and Milan Nedić, supported by Dimitrije Ljotić's fascist Yugoslav National Movement (Zbor), were installed.
1941: Establishment of the Republic of Užice
In the autumn of 1941, the Partisans established the Republic of Užice in western Serbia. This short-lived entity marked the first liberated territory in World War II Europe, organized as a military mini-state.
1941: Massacres and the Holocaust in Serbia
The year 1941 witnessed the horrific Draginac and Loznica massacre, where 2,950 villagers in Western Serbia were executed by German forces. This marked the first large-scale execution of civilians in occupied Serbia. Other atrocities included the Kragujevac massacre and the Novi Sad Raid, where Hungarian fascists killed over 3,000 Serbs and Jews in each instance. During the Holocaust in Serbia, around 16,000 Serbian Jews, representing 90% of the pre-war Jewish population, were murdered. Numerous concentration camps were established, including Banjica, the largest, run jointly by the German army and Nedić's regime, primarily targeting Serbian Jews, Roma, and Serb political prisoners.
1944: Communist Victory and Establishment of Socialist Yugoslavia
The Communist Partisans' victory led to the abolition of the monarchy and a constitutional referendum that established a one-party state under the Communist Party of Yugoslavia. Serbia became the People's Republic of Serbia, a constituent republic within the Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia, with the League of Communists of Serbia as the republic-branch of the federal communist party. Between 60,000 and 70,000 people are estimated to have died in the 1944–45 communist purge in Serbia.
1944: Belgrade Offensive and End of World War II
By late 1944, the Belgrade Offensive turned the tide of the civil war in favor of the Partisans, who gained control of Yugoslavia. The Syrmian Front marked the last major military action of World War II in Serbia. An estimated 273,000 people died in Serbia during the war, out of a total of 1,027,000 war-related deaths in Yugoslavia.
1945: Serbia becomes the People's Republic of Serbia
After World War II, in 1945, Serbia became the People's Republic of Serbia.
1954: NIN Prize Establishment 1954
Since 1954, the NIN Prize has been awarded every January for the best newly published novel in Serbian.
September 1961: First Non-Aligned Movement Summit
Belgrade, the capital of FPR Yugoslavia and PR Serbia, hosted the first Non-Aligned Movement Summit in September 1961.
1961: Ivo Andrić Nobel Prize 1961
In 1961, Serbian author Ivo Andrić won the Nobel Prize in Literature for his work 'The Bridge on the Drina'.
1963: People's Republic of Serbia becomes the Socialist Republic of Serbia.
In 1963, the People's Republic of Serbia was renamed the Socialist Republic of Serbia.
1966: Partizan Belgrade Reaches European Cup Final
Partizan Belgrade, another leading Serbian football club, made a notable achievement in 1966 by reaching the final of the European Cup.
1967: BITEF Festival Establishment 1967
The Belgrade International Theatre Festival (BITEF) was founded in 1967. It is one of the oldest theatre festivals in the world and has become one of the five biggest European festivals.
October 1977: First Major OSCE Gathering
From October 1977 to March 1978, Belgrade hosted the first major gathering of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), aimed at implementing the Helsinki Accords.
March 1978: End of the First Major OSCE Gathering
This date marked the end of the first major gathering of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Belgrade.
1979: Steve Tesich Academy Award 1979
In 1979, Serbian-American screenwriter Steve Tesich won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for 'Breaking Away'.
1980: Milena Dravić Best Actress Award 1980
In 1980, Milena Dravić, a celebrated Serbian actress, won the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival.
January 1985: Record Low Temperature in Serbia
The lowest temperature ever recorded in Serbia was −39.5 °C (−39.1 °F), measured in Karajukića Bunari in Pešter in January 1985.
1985: Emir Kusturica Palme d'Or 1985
In 1985, Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica won the Palme d'Or for Best Feature Film at the Cannes Film Festival for 'When Father Was Away on Business'.
1989: Peak of Serbian Industrial Output
Serbia's industrial output reached its peak in 1989, serving as a benchmark for later economic comparisons.
1989: Rise of Slobodan Milošević
Slobodan Milošević's rise to power in Serbia in 1989 marked a significant turning point. He promised to curtail the autonomy of Kosovo and Vojvodina, where his allies subsequently seized control during the Anti-bureaucratic revolution. This ignited ethnic nationalism and tensions across Yugoslavia, ultimately leading to its breakup.
1990: Economic Decline Due to UN Sanctions
In 1990, Serbia's GDP stood at $24 billion. However, in response to the FRY's support for Serb forces in the Yugoslav Wars, the UN imposed sanctions that led to Serbia's political isolation and economic collapse.
1990: Introduction of Multi-party Democracy
Serbia transitioned to multi-party democracy in 1990, officially dismantling the one-party system. Despite constitutional changes, Milošević retained significant political control through state media and the security apparatus.
1990: Serbia becomes the Republic of Serbia
Since 1990, the official name of the country has been the Republic of Serbia.
1991: Breakup of Yugoslavia
In 1991, fueled by ethnic tensions, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Macedonia declared independence from Yugoslavia.
1991: Red Star Belgrade Wins European Cup
Red Star Belgrade, one of Serbia's top football clubs, achieved a historic victory in 1991 by winning the European Cup.
1991: Outbreak of the Yugoslav Wars
The Yugoslav Wars erupted in 1991, fueled by ethnic tensions, with the most intense conflicts occurring in Croatia and Bosnia, where large ethnic Serb communities resisted independence from Yugoslavia. The FRY, while not directly participating in the conflicts, provided logistical, military, and financial support to Serb forces.
1992: Formation of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
Following the secession of four republics, Serbia and Montenegro remained together in 1992, forming the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY). However, the Badinter Commission clarified that the FRY was not a legal continuation of the former SFRY but a new state.
1992: KK Partizan Wins European Championship
KK Partizan, a prominent Serbian basketball club, achieved European glory in 1992 by winning the European Championship.
1993: Economic Collapse
By 1993, Serbia's GDP had plummeted to under $10 billion due to UN sanctions imposed in response to its role in the Yugoslav Wars.
1995: Emir Kusturica Palme d'Or 1995
In 1995, Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica won his second Palme d'Or for Best Feature Film at the Cannes Film Festival for 'Underground'.
1995: Serbia Wins EuroBasket Championship
In 1995, the Serbian men's national basketball team triumphed at the EuroBasket Championship.
1996: Serbia Wins Olympic Silver Medal in Basketball
The Serbian men's national basketball team secured an Olympic silver medal at the 1996 Olympic Games.
1996: Protests Against Election Results
When the ruling Socialist Party of Serbia, led by Milošević, refused to acknowledge its defeat in the 1996 municipal elections, large-scale protests erupted across Serbia.
1997: Serbia Wins EuroBasket Championship
The Serbian men's national basketball team continued their success with another win at the EuroBasket Championship in 1997.
1998: Kosovo War
The Kosovo War, a short but intense conflict, erupted in 1998 due to ongoing clashes between the Albanian guerrilla group Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) and Yugoslav security forces. NATO's intervention forced the withdrawal of Serbian forces, leading to the establishment of UN administration in Kosovo.
1998: Serbia Wins FIBA Basketball World Cup
The Serbian men's national basketball team emerged victorious at the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 1998.
1999: NATO Bombing of Yugoslavia
The NATO bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999 left a significant legacy, leading to popular rejection of Serbia joining NATO.
1999: Environmental Damage from NATO Bombing
The NATO bombing in 1999 resulted in significant environmental damage in Serbia, with the release of thousands of tons of hazardous chemicals into the soil and water systems from targeted industrial facilities.
September 2000: Overthrow of Slobodan Milošević
Following the September 2000 presidential elections, opposition parties accused Milošević of electoral fraud. The Democratic Opposition of Serbia (DOS), a broad coalition of anti-Milošević parties, led a civil resistance campaign. On October 5, 2000, half a million protesters in Belgrade forced Milošević to concede defeat, marking the end of Yugoslavia's international isolation and paving the way for Serbia to seek EU membership.
2000: Foreign Direct Investment in Serbia
Since 2000, Serbia attracted over $40 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), with investments from prominent companies like Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Siemens, Bosch, and others, indicating growing investor confidence in the Serbian economy.
2000: Serbia Wins Olympic Gold in Men's Volleyball
The Serbia men's national volleyball team achieved Olympic glory by winning the gold medal at the 2000 Olympic Games.
2001: Serbia Wins EuroBasket Championship
Serbia's men's national basketball team achieved a hat-trick by winning their third consecutive EuroBasket Championship in 2001.
2001: Serbia Wins European Water Polo Championship
The Serbia men's national water polo team claimed the title at the European Water Polo Championship in 2001.
2001: End of the Yugoslav Wars
The Yugoslav Wars, which had ravaged the region for a decade, came to an end in 2001. Serbia, in the aftermath of the wars, became home to the largest number of refugees and internally displaced persons in Europe.
2002: Serbia Wins FIBA Basketball World Cup
The Serbian men's national basketball team secured another victory at the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2002.
2003: Serbia and Montenegro, and EU Negotiations
In 2003, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was renamed Serbia and Montenegro. The EU initiated negotiations with the country for the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.
2003: Serbia Wins European Water Polo Championship
Serbia's men's national water polo team defended their title successfully at the European Water Polo Championship in 2003.
2003: Assassination of Zoran Đinđić
Serbia's political climate remained volatile, and in 2003, Prime Minister Zoran Đinđić was assassinated in a conspiracy involving organized crime and former security officials.
2004: Unrest in Kosovo
In 2004, unrest erupted in Kosovo, resulting in 19 deaths and significant damage to numerous Serbian Orthodox churches and monasteries.
2004: Željko Joksimović Eurovision 2004
In 2004, pop music artist Željko Joksimović won second place at the Eurovision Song Contest.
2005: Serbia Hosts EuroBasket and Men's European Volleyball Championship
Serbia hosted two major sporting events in 2005: the Men's European Basketball Championship (EuroBasket) and the Men's European Volleyball Championship.
2005: Serbia Wins FINA Men's Water Polo World Cup
The Serbia men's national water polo team emerged victorious at the FINA Men's Water Polo World Cup in 2005.
May 2006: Montenegro Independence Referendum
On May 21, 2006, Montenegro held a referendum in which 55.4% of voters supported independence, narrowly exceeding the required 55% threshold.
June 2006: Serbia's Declaration of Independence
Following Montenegro's independence referendum, Serbia declared its independence on June 5, 2006, marking its re-emergence as an independent state. The National Assembly of Serbia asserted Serbia's status as the legal successor to the former state union.
2006: Serbia and Montenegro peacefully dissolve union
After existing as a unified state since 1918, Serbia and Montenegro peacefully dissolved their union in 2006, restoring Serbia's independence.
2006: Adoption of New Serbian Constitution
Serbia adopted its current constitution in 2006, following the referendum on Montenegro's independence.
2006: Serbia Hosts Men's European Water Polo Championship
The Men's European Water Polo Championship was held in Serbia in 2006.
2006: Serbia Wins European Water Polo Championship
The Serbia men's national water polo team continued their dominance by winning the European Water Polo Championship in 2006.
July 2007: Record High Temperature in Serbia
Serbia experienced its highest temperature on record in July 2007, reaching 44.9 °C (112.8 °F) in Smederevska Palanka.
December 2007: Serbia Declares Military Neutrality
In December 2007, Serbia's parliament adopted a resolution officially proclaiming the country's military neutrality. This resolution mandates a public referendum for any decision regarding joining a military alliance, a position acknowledged by NATO.
December 2007: Serbian National Assembly Declares Kosovo's Independence a Violation of International Law
The National Assembly of Serbia passed a resolution in December 2007 stating that both Kosovo's declaration of independence and any international recognition of it would constitute a serious breach of international law.
2007: Marija Šerifović Eurovision 2007
In 2007, Marija Šerifović won the Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Molitva'.
February 2008: Kosovo's Declaration of Independence
In February 2008, the Assembly of Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia, a move that Serbia strongly rejected and continues to view as illegitimate. This declaration led to divided reactions from the international community, prompting status-neutral discussions between Serbian and Kosovo-Albanian authorities in Brussels under EU mediation.
February 2008: Kosovo Declares Independence
Kosovo unilaterally announced its independence from Serbia in February 2008.
February 2008: Kosovo's Declaration of Independence
Serbia refused to recognize Kosovo's declaration of independence in February 2008, deeming it illegal.
2008: Ana Ivanovic Wins French Open
Ana Ivanovic, a prominent Serbian tennis player, achieved a Grand Slam victory by winning the French Open in 2008.
2008: Serbia Hosts Eurovision 2008
Following Marija Šerifović's victory in 2007, Serbia hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 2008.
2008: Gazprom Neft Acquires Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS)
In 2008, Gazprom Neft acquired Serbia's national petrol company, Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS).
2008: Kosovo declares independence
In 2008, the Assembly of Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia, sparking mixed reactions from the international community. Serbia continues to claim Kosovo as part of its territory.
2008: Milorad Čavić Wins Olympic Silver in Swimming
Milorad Čavić made history at the 2008 Olympic Games by winning the silver medal in the 100-meter butterfly, narrowly losing to Michael Phelps in a thrilling race.
December 2009: Serbia Applies for EU Membership
Serbia submitted its official application to become a member of the European Union in December 2009.
December 2009: Serbia Applies for EU Membership
Serbia formally submitted its application to join the European Union in December 2009.
2009: Milorad Čavić Wins World Championship Gold and Silver in Swimming
Serbian swimmer Milorad Čavić achieved significant success at the 2009 World Aquatics Championships, winning gold and silver medals.
2009: Serbia Hosts Summer Universiade
Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, hosted the Summer Universiade, an international multi-sport event for university athletes, in 2009.
2009: Impact of Global Economic Crisis
After a period of robust economic growth, Serbia entered a recession in 2009, experiencing a negative growth rate of -3%.
2009: Serbia Wins FINA Men's Water Polo World Championship
The Serbia men's national water polo team asserted their dominance by winning the FINA Men's Water Polo World Championship in 2009.
2010: Book Publishing in Serbia 2010
In 2010, Serbia published 10,989 books and brochures. The book publishing market is dominated by major publishers such as Laguna and Vulkan.
2010: Serbia Wins Davis Cup
The Serbia men's national tennis team showcased their prowess on the international stage by winning the prestigious Davis Cup in 2010.
2011: Abolition of Conscription
Serbia abolished conscription in 2011, marking a shift towards a professional military.
2011: Jewish Population and Atheism in Serbia
The 2011 census reported a significantly reduced Jewish population in Serbia, with only 578 individuals compared to over 30,000 before World War II. Additionally, 80,053 people identified as atheists, representing 1.1% of the population, while 4,070 declared themselves agnostics.
2011: Serbian Women's Volleyball Team Wins European Championship
The Serbian women's national volleyball team displayed their talent and teamwork by winning the European Championship in 2011.
2011: Peja Stojaković Wins NBA Championship
Predrag "Peja" Stojaković, a renowned Serbian basketball player, was part of the Dallas Mavericks team that won the NBA championship in 2011.
2011: Serbia Literacy and Education Census 2011
According to the 2011 census, Serbia's literacy rate stood at 98%, while computer literacy was at 49%. The census also revealed education levels: 16.2% had higher education, 49% had secondary education, 20.7% had elementary education, and 13.7% had not completed elementary education.
2011: Religious Demographics in Serbia
According to the 2011 census, Roman Catholics constituted approximately 6% of Serbia's population, primarily residing in northern Vojvodina. The Greek Catholic Church had around 25,000 followers, mostly Rusyns in Vojvodina.
March 2012: Serbia Achieves EU Candidate Status
Serbia attained full candidate status for EU membership in March 2012.
March 2012: Serbia Granted EU Candidate Status
Serbia was granted candidate status for EU membership in March 2012, following a delay from December 2011.
2012: Aleksandar Vučić and the Serbian Progressive Party Rise to Power
Aleksandar Vučić and his Serbian Progressive Party came into power in 2012.
2012: Milica Mandić Wins Olympic Gold in Taekwondo
Milica Mandić, a Serbian taekwondo athlete, made history at the 2012 Olympic Games by winning the gold medal.
2012: Recession in Serbia
Serbia faced another recession in 2012, with the economy contracting by -1%.
2012: Serbia Hosts European Men's Handball Championship
The European Men's Handball Championship took place in Serbia in 2012.
2012: Serbia Women's Tennis Team Reaches Fed Cup Final
The Serbia women's national tennis team delivered a strong performance at the Fed Cup in 2012, reaching the final.
2012: Serbia Wins European Water Polo Championship
The Serbian men's national water polo team demonstrated their consistent excellence by winning the European Water Polo Championship in 2012.
June 2013: EU Recommends Opening Accession Talks with Serbia
In June 2013, the European Commission and European Council issued a positive recommendation to commence accession negotiations with Serbia.
2013: Belgrade Book Fair 2013
The annual Belgrade Book Fair, the most visited cultural event in Serbia, attracted 158,128 visitors in 2013.
2013: Serbia Hosts World Women's Handball Championship
Serbia hosted the World Women's Handball Championship in 2013.
2013: Observer Member of CSTO
Serbia became an observer member of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) in 2013.
2013: University of Belgrade Ranking 2013
In 2013, the University of Belgrade was placed in the 301–400 bracket on the Shanghai Ranking of World Universities, making it the best-placed university in Southeast Europe after those in Athens and Thessaloniki.
2013: Exit Festival Award 2013
In 2013, the Exit Festival in Novi Sad won the Best Major Festival award at the European Festivals Awards.
2013: Serbian Industrial Output Projected at Half of 1989 Levels
In 2013, Serbia's industrial output was expected to be only half of what it was in 1989 after facing significant challenges from UN sanctions, a trade embargo, NATO bombing during the 1990s, and the transition to a market economy in the 2000s.
January 2014: Start of EU Accession Negotiations with Serbia
Accession talks between Serbia and the EU commenced in January 2014.
January 2014: EU Accession Talks Begin with Serbia
Negotiations for Serbia's accession to the EU were initiated in January 2014.
May 2014: Devastating Floods in Serbia
Serbia experienced catastrophic floods in May 2014, resulting in the loss of 57 lives and inflicting damages exceeding 1.5 billion euros.
2014: Language Preferences in Serbia
A 2014 survey indicated that 47% of Serbians preferred the Latin alphabet, 36% favored the Cyrillic alphabet, and 17% had no preference. This highlighted the active digraphia of the Serbian language.
2014: Davor Štefanek Wins World Championship in Wrestling
Davor Štefanek, a skilled Serbian wrestler, achieved international recognition by winning the World Championship in 2014.
2014: Sanctions Imposed on Russia
Sanctions were levied against Russia in 2014.
2014: Serbia begins EU accession negotiations
Serbia began negotiations to join the European Union in 2014.
2014: Serbia Wins European Water Polo Championship
Serbia's men's national water polo team extended their winning streak by securing the European Water Polo Championship title in 2014.
2014: Economic Contraction
The Serbian economy experienced further contraction in 2014, with a negative growth rate of -1.8%.
2015: Serbia Women's National Basketball Team Wins EuroBasket
The Serbia women's national basketball team showcased their skills by winning the EuroBasket Women championship in 2015.
2015: Serbia Generates 36.5 Billion KWh of Electricity
In 2015, Serbia's electricity production was 36.5 billion kilowatt-hours (KWh), with final consumption at 35.5 billion KWh. Thermal power plants contributed 72.7% of the total electricity generated, while hydroelectric plants provided 27.3%.
2015: Serbia Wins FINA Men's Water Polo World Championship
Serbia's men's national water polo team continued their winning streak by securing the FINA Men's Water Polo World Championship title in 2015.
2015: Serbia Completes Digital Television Transition
Serbia completed its transition to digital television in 2015, adopting the DVB-T2 standard for signal transmission.
2016: Serbia Exports $3.2 Billion in Agricultural Products
In 2016, Serbia exported $3.2 billion worth of agricultural and food products, with an export-import ratio of 178%. Agricultural exports made up more than a fifth of Serbia's global market sales.
2016: Ivana Španović Wins Olympic Bronze in Long Jump
Ivana Španović, a talented Serbian long jumper, earned an Olympic bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games.
2016: Serbia Hosts Men's European Water Polo Championship
Serbia once again hosted the Men's European Water Polo Championship in 2016.
2016: Serbia Wins Olympic Gold Medal in Water Polo
The Serbia men's national water polo team dominated the competition to win the gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games.
2016: Serbia Wins Olympic Silver Medal in Basketball
The Serbian men's national basketball team added another Olympic silver medal to their collection at the 2016 Olympic Games.
2016: Serbian Men's Volleyball Team Wins FIVB World League
The Serbian men's national volleyball team showcased their skills and determination by winning the FIVB World League in 2016.
September 2017: Serbia Hosts 14 Free Economic Zones
As of September 2017, Serbia had 14 free economic zones, attracting substantial foreign direct investments.
2017: Milica Mandić Wins World Championship in Taekwondo
Milica Mandić continued her success in taekwondo by winning the World Championship in 2017.
2017: Serbian Women's Volleyball Team Wins European Championship
Serbia's women's national volleyball team successfully defended their title by winning the European Championship in 2017.
2017: Popularity of Online Platforms
As of 2017, data on web portals, mainly under the .rs domain, showed that online editions of newspapers like Blic and Kurir, the news portal B92, and classifieds website KupujemProdajem were the most visited.
2017: Exit Festival Award 2017
In 2017, the Exit Festival in Novi Sad won the Best Major Festival award at the European Festivals Awards.
2017: Aleksandar Vučić Elected President
Aleksandar Vučić of the Serbian Progressive Party won the 2017 presidential election, becoming the current president.
2017: Serbia's Scientific Research Spending 2017
In 2017, Serbia spent 0.9% of its GDP on scientific research, slightly below the European average. The country has a strong pool of engineering talent despite economic challenges in the past.
2018: Serbia Universities 2018/2019
In the 2018/2019 academic year, 210,480 students attended 19 universities in Serbia. Among these, 181,310 attended public universities, and approximately 29,170 attended private universities. Public universities include the University of Belgrade and University of Novi Sad, which are considered the best institutions of higher learning in the country.
2018: Serbia's Information Technology Sector 2018
Since 2018, Serbia has been a full member of CERN. The country's growing information technology sector, including software development and outsourcing, generated over $1.2 billion in exports in 2018.
2018: Growth in Defence Exports
Serbia's defence industry experienced growth, with defence exports reaching around $600 million in 2018.
2018: Serbia Wins European Water Polo Championship
The Serbia men's national water polo team continued their remarkable run by winning the European Water Polo Championship in 2018.
2018: EBU Research on Television Viewing Habits
In 2018, research by the EBU revealed that Serbians watch an average of five and a half hours of television daily, ranking them second highest in Europe.
2018: Serbia Transports Over 8 Million Tonnes of Cargo on Inland Waterways
In 2018, over 8 million tonnes of cargo were transported via Serbia's rivers and canals.
2018: Serbia Produces Nearly 2 Million Tonnes of Raw Steel
In 2018, Serbia, a leading steel producer in Southeast Europe, produced almost 2 million tonnes of raw steel, all from the Chinese-owned Hesteel mill in Smederevo.
2018: Serbian Exports Reach $19.2 Billion
In 2018, Serbia's exports experienced steady growth throughout the 2010s, reaching $19.2 billion.
2018: Serbia Records 1,999,771 Registered Passenger Cars
As of 2018, there were 1,999,771 registered passenger cars in Serbia, translating to one car for every 3.5 inhabitants.
May 2019: Average Salary in Serbia
The average monthly net salary in Serbia reached 47,575 dinars (equivalent to $525) in May 2019.
2019: Serbia's Film Production 2019
In 2019, Serbia produced 26 feature films, of which 14 were domestic. The country has 23 operating cinemas, with total attendance reaching 4.8 million. A significant 20% of total tickets sold were for domestic films.
2019: Tourism in Serbia 2019
In 2019, Serbia recorded over 3.6 million tourists in accommodations, with half being foreign visitors. The foreign exchange earnings from tourism were estimated at $1.5 billion, reflecting the diverse range of touristic products offered by the country.
2019: Press Freedom in Serbia 2019
In 2019, Serbia was ranked 90th out of 180 countries in the Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders. The report noted ongoing partisan and government pressure on media outlets and journalists.
2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index Assessment
In 2019, Serbia's Forest Landscape Integrity Index was evaluated with a mean score of 5.29/10, positioning it at 105th place globally out of 172 countries.
2019: Serbian Defence Budget
In 2019, the Serbian defence budget reached $804 million.
2019: Serbia Universities 2018/2019
In the 2018/2019 academic year, 210,480 students attended 19 universities in Serbia. Among these, 181,310 attended public universities, and approximately 29,170 attended private universities. Public universities include the University of Belgrade and University of Novi Sad, which are considered the best institutions of higher learning in the country.
2019: Serbia's Information Technology Sector 2018
Since 2018, Serbia has been a full member of CERN. The country's growing information technology sector, including software development and outsourcing, generated over $1.2 billion in exports in 2018.
2019: Serbian Women's Volleyball Team Wins European Championship
The Serbia women's national volleyball team continued their winning ways by clinching the European Championship title for the third time in 2019.
March 2020: COVID-19 Pandemic and State of Emergency in Serbia
March 2020 saw the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic to Serbia, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency and the implementation of a curfew, a measure not seen in the country since World War II.
2020: Serbia Wins Olympic Gold Medal in Water Polo
The Serbia men's national water polo team continued their reign by securing another Olympic gold medal at the 2020 Olympic Games.
2020: Serbia Wins ATP Cup
The Serbia men's national tennis team demonstrated their strength and teamwork by winning the ATP Cup in 2020.
2020: Nikola Jokić Wins NBA MVP
Nikola Jokić, a Serbian basketball player, was honored as the NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2020-2021 season.
2020: Parliamentary Election and Dominance of Serbian Progressive Party
The 2020 parliamentary election in Serbia saw the populist Serbian Progressive Party and the Socialist Party of Serbia, along with their allies, secure a supermajority in the National Assembly.
2021: Serbia Ranks High in Women in Public Office
Serbia achieved the 5th position in Europe for the number of women holding senior public positions in 2021.
2021: Slivovitz Added to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List
Serbia's traditional plum brandy, Slivovitz (šljivovica), was recognized for its cultural significance in 2021 when it was added to the United Nations Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
2021: Balkan Stream Gas Pipeline Opens Through Serbia
The Balkan Stream gas pipeline, running through Serbia, commenced operations in 2021.
2021: Serbia Women's National Basketball Team Wins EuroBasket
The Serbia women's national basketball team continued their winning ways by claiming victory at the EuroBasket Women championship in 2021.
2021: Unemployment Rate in Serbia
The unemployment rate in Serbia persisted as a significant concern, standing at 11% in 2021.
April 2022: Re-election of Aleksandar Vučić
President Aleksandar Vučić secured his re-election in April 2022.
2022: Ethnic Composition of Serbia
The 2022 census confirmed Serbs as the largest ethnic group in Serbia (excluding Kosovo), making up 81% of the population. Hungarians were identified as the largest minority group, comprising 2.8% of the population.
2022: Census and Demographic Crisis
The 2022 census, which excluded Kosovo, revealed Serbia's population to be 6,647,003. The country continued to face a demographic crisis with a death rate surpassing the birth rate.
2022: Serbian Airports Handle Over 6 Million Passengers
In 2022, Serbia's three airports with scheduled passenger services handled over 6 million passengers, with Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport serving as the primary hub.
2022: Serbia Opens 75 km of High-Speed Rail Line
A 75 km stretch of high-speed rail line between Belgrade and Novi Sad was inaugurated in 2022.
December 2023: Snap Election and Protests
President Vučić won a snap parliamentary election in December 2023, triggering protests from opposition supporters alleging election fraud.
2023: Global Innovation Index Ranking 2023
In 2023, Serbia was ranked 53rd in the Global Innovation Index, an improvement from its 57th position in 2019.
2023: Nikola Jokić Wins NBA MVP and Championship
Nikola Jokić had a historic year in 2023, winning his third NBA MVP award and leading his team to an NBA championship, earning Finals MVP honors in the process.
January 2024: Russian Emigration to Serbia
By January 2024, over 300,000 Russians had immigrated to Serbia since the start of the war in Ukraine, leading to both integration challenges and the emergence of a "parallel society".
2024: Serbia to Begin Construction on High-Speed Rail Line Extension
Construction of a 212 km extension of the high-speed rail line south to Niš is slated to begin in 2024, with completion expected by the end of the decade. This project aims to connect four of Serbia's five largest cities with high-speed rail lines.
2024: Serbian Economy Overview
In 2024, the International Monetary Fund estimated Serbia's nominal GDP at $81.873 billion, with a GDP per capita of $12,385. The service sector dominated the economy, constituting 67.9% of GDP.
2025: Serbia Plans to Open Additional High-Speed Rail Line Segment
An additional 108 km of high-speed rail line from Novi Sad to Subotica and the Hungarian border is scheduled to open in 2025.
2025: Potential Accession to the EU
The European Commission projects that Serbia's accession to the EU could potentially be achieved by 2025.
2030: Potential EU membership for Serbia
Serbia has the potential to join the European Union by 2030.