Serbia (Interrail Countries)

Serbia is a country where various civilisations, cultures, religions, climates and lanscapes meet. A great variety of beautiful scenery and cultural and historical monuments, curative spas, hunting grounds and fishing areas give the basis for Serbia's tourism. Serbia shares borders with Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina to the west, Albania, Montenegro and FYR Macedonia to the south, Bulgaria and Romania to the east, and Hungary to the north.

Country characteristics

Landscape
Serbia is situated in two distinct geographic parts of Europe. The northern part of the Republic are Central-European lowlands while the southern parts are hilly and mountainous. There are more than 15 mountain peaks rising to over 2,000 metres above sea level. Serbia offers a great richness of natural sites, including five national parks. The main navigable rivers are the Danube, Sava and Tisa. The Danube, the longest river in Europe, runs for almost 600 km through the country. A moderate continental climate predominates in Serbia, with a more mediterranean climate in the south.

History
The Serbian lands have always been at the crossroads of various civilizations, with different spiritual, architectural, artistic and cultural influences. Numerous prehistoric and classical monuments represent some unique examples of the changing times. Serbia still is a land of natural, historic, cultural and ethnic contrasts. Serbia and Montenegro formally declared independence from each other following a May 2006 referendum on independence in Montenegro. The southern province of Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in February 2008. Its independence is recognized by some countries and opposed by others, including Serbia itself.

Major cities

Belgrade
Belgrade (or Beograd) is the capital and the "soul" of modern Serbia. It is is situated at the confluence of the Sava and the Danube. In the course of its long history it has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times. Today, it is a modern city of about 2 million inhabitants. Belgrade offers visitors a rich programme of cultural, artistic and sports events, many museums, cultural and historic monuments.

Source http://www.interrailnet.com