The last population census in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2013 is an extremely
important report, not only for obvious reasons but also because it is the
first census conducted after 22 years and the single census conducted in the
21st century so far. Although the 2013 census, like the previous one from
1991, was under the pressure of political events and interests at the time,
it still allows an analysis of the number of inhabitants in a certain
territory, as well as certain structural characteristics of the population.
The consequences of the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina had a significant
impact on the results of the census due to the migration of the population
caused by the war, as well as due to war victims. The statistical system in
Bosnia and Herzegovina is complex. Each entity has its own statistical
office (Th? Institute for Statistics of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
and the Republic of Srpska Institute of Statistics). At the state level,
there is the Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BHAS). The
procedure of population census and data processing until the publication of
the results was followed by a series of irregularities and issues. According
to the final census results of the BHAS, Bosnia and Herzegovina had
3,531,159 inhabitants, Republic of Srpska 1,228,423 (or 1,170,342 according
to the Republic of Srpska Institute of Statistics), Federation of Bosnia and
Herzegovina 2,219,220 inhabitants, and Brcko District 83,516. Based on the
results of the 2013 census, unfavorable demographic processes are evident -
a decrease in the number of the population, the decreasing number of births,
the increase in the number of deaths, the accelerated aging process, and the
constant emigration of the young working-ageand reproductive population.
Depopulation processes have covered almost the entire territory of Bosnia
and Herzegovina, thus in addition to the need for a new population census,
the implementation of population policy is set as an imperative for
political decision-makers. In most EU countries, the 2021 census has already
been carried out, while in Bosnia and Herzegovina there is still no official
proposal for a new population census, nor the census is included in the
state budget for 2023. Although the population census is one of the most
important sources of data that is needed for the realization of various
socio-economic and development strategies, as well as scientific research,
there is still not enough attention from the authorities in Bosnia and
Herzegovina to put this issue on the agenda. Though the accurate data on the
total and individual structures of the population is a prerequisite for
European integration, it is evident that the new population census in Bosnia
and Herzegovina will still be conducted when the state authorities decide to
do so, more precisely - when opposite political views are brought together.
