Serbian Learning Community and Resource

The country was settled by the Slavs in the 6th and 7th centuries, and the medieval Serbian state was established in the 9th century. The country has a long history dating back to ancient times, and has been influenced by a variety of cultures over the centuries, including the Slavs, Romans, and Ottomans. One interesting fact about the anthropology of Serbia is a diverse country with a mix of different ethnic groups living within its borders. According to the most recent census, the largest ethnic group in Serbia is the Serbian group, which makes up about 80% of the population. Other significant ethnic groups in Serbia include Hungarians, Romani, Bosniaks, Albanians, and Montenegrins. There are also smaller communities of Croats, Slovaks, Romanians, and Vlachs living in Serbia. Each of these groups has contributed to the cultural fabric of the country and has its own unique traditions and customs. 

In terms of language, Serbian is the official language of the country. It is a South Slavic language and is closely related to Croatian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin. The Serbian language has a rich history and has been influenced by a variety of other languages over the centuries, including Old Church Slavonic, Latin, Greek, and Turkish. Serbian has a number of dialects, which vary based on region and can differ significantly from the standard language. The Serbian alphabet is based on both, the Cyrillic and Latin alphabets. The Cyrillic alphabet being more commonly used for official purposes and the Latin alphabet being more commonly used for informal purposes, such as in advertising and on the internet. However, the use of the two alphabets is a matter of personal preference for many people, and both are considered to be equally correct. In addition to the Serbian language, Hungarian, Slovak, Croatian, Romanian and Ruthenian languages are in equal official use in the bodies of AP Vojvodina. 

Religion is an important aspect of Serbian culture. Serbia is a multi-religious country with a long history of religious diversity. The largest religion in Serbia is Orthodox Christianity, which is practiced by the majority of the population. There are also significant minority religious communities in Serbia, including Catholics, Muslims, and Protestants.  In addition to these major religions, there are also smaller communities of Jews, Buddhists, and members of other religions. The Serbian Orthodox Church is one of the oldest in the world and it is a renowned institution with a long and storied history. One of the most distinctive cultural traditions in Serbia is the celebration of the "slava", a ceremony held annually to honor a family's patron saint. During this celebration, families come together to prepare a special meal, light candles and sing traditional songs. The celebration of the glory is a significant and essential event for many families in Serbia. 

Serbia boasts a vibrant and diverse art scene, encompassing a range of mediums including music, literature, visual arts, and film. The country has a long and rich history in the arts, and its artists have made significant contributions to the cultural landscape both within Serbia and on the global stage. The country has a strong tradition of visual arts, with notable Serbian artists including Paja Jovanović, Uroš Predić, and Sava Šumanović. Serbian folk dances and music are an important part of the country's cultural heritage and are often performed at festivals and events. There are a lot of museums and galleries that can be of use to learn about all forms of art in Serbia. 

Another association that comes to mind when Serbia is mentioned is that it is home to a number of natural wonders and landmarks.  From mountains to rivers and other natural resources. The highest mountain in Serbia is Mount Midžor, which has an elevation of 2,169 meters. A few more natural resources that can be singled out are the Carpathian Mountains, the Danube River, and the Tara National Park are all important natural resources in Serbia. The Carpathian Mountains are home to a diverse array of plant and animal species and are an important resource for tourism. The Danube River is an important waterway for transportation and is home to a wide range of plant and animal species. The Tara National Park is home to several important plant and animal species and is an important resource for tourism and conservation. It is home to the Tara River, which is a major tributary of the Drina River. 

Serbian cuisine is a vital aspect of the country's culture and identity, with each region having its own unique culinary traditions and dishes that are representative of the area. Some of the most well-known dishes in Serbia include ćevapi (grilled minced meat) and pljeskavica (ground meat patty). Turkish coffee is also an integral part of Serbian tradition, with many households consuming it as part of their daily routine. Serbian cuisine is known for its hearty, flavorful dishes made with fresh ingredients, making it an important part of the country's cultural heritage. Other specialties of Serbian cuisine include Karađorđeva šnicla, a large, breaded and fried pork cutlet typically served with mashed potatoes, and kajmak, a type of clotted cream often served as a condiment or topping on bread with Ajvar and other dishes. 

This is just a little introduction before we dive in and learn more interesting and in depth things about Serbia, its language, culture, food, and people.

Milos, OLS Community Manager – Serbian