Sarajevo - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Bosnia is divided into three people groups. In addition, locals are used to also working with expats from Western Europe (to include "international" Americans), Eastern Europe (ex USSR), and the Middle East. Prejudices regarding those three groups of expats are established but are not dangerous (i.e., they will expect that an American is more likely to want a certain type of food). Persons outside of those categories are more likely to be assigned to either a "tourist", "business", or "refugee" category rather than a racial or ethnic category. In general foreigners who are respectful of the local culture will be treated well. - Mar 2024
There are lingering ethnic/religious hostilities from the war. - Dec 2017
Women have a long way to go in Bosnia, not unlike the rest of this area. If you know any history at all about the former Yugoslavia then you know this region has had decades of problems with religious and ethnic divides. - May 2016
Yes. The war was just 20 years ago and many people do still have problems with each other. For non-Bosnians, people of African descent get lots of second looks (out of curiosity, not hate), and some people of Asian descent have reported rude behavior towards them. - Aug 2014
Religion. It dominates everything, though Sarajevo is an overwhelmingly Muslim majority city , unlike pre-war days. That being said, Islam won't impact an expat's daily life except in a very minor way during Ramadam. Hands down the most liberal Muslim society in the world. The physical and emotional scars of the war are still very present in the 35 and over crowd. - Nov 2012
Longstanding ethnic prejudices. Muslims, Catholics and Orthodox Christians all co-exist here. - Aug 2011
Yes! Hello! Remember theBosnian War? - May 2011
Sarajevo has a brilliant history of tolerance for all religions, but the scars of war run deep here. One needs to be careful what is discussed casually. The subject of religion can bring out the worst and best in people here. - May 2010
Not that I've noticed. This is primarily a Muslim city, but there is also a Catholic Cathedral and some Orthodox Christian churches. - Jun 2009
Many (that's probably why you are here) but not in daily life. Most people take religion very relaxed and not too strict. - Dec 2008
