Bosnia and Herzegovina remains at the bottom of a regional economic ranking, with nominal gross domestic product per capita of $10,700, according to data from the International Monetary Fund’s latest World Economic Outlook.
The figure is nearly four times lower than Slovenia’s and almost three times lower than Croatia’s, highlighting the significant economic gap across the Balkans and southeastern Europe.
Slovenia leads the group with projected nominal GDP per capita of $40,630. When adjusted for purchasing power, its GDP per capita exceeds $60,660.
Croatia ranks second after surpassing Greece, with nominal GDP per capita of $30,030 and purchasing power-adjusted GDP of $54,359. Greece follows with $29,696 in nominal terms and $47,175 when adjusted for purchasing power.
Romania’s nominal GDP per capita stands at $25,693, followed by Bulgaria at $23,568 and Turkey at $19,018.
Among Western Balkan countries outside the European Union, Serbia records nominal GDP per capita of $17,250 and $34,860 in purchasing power terms. Montenegro follows with nominal GDP of $16,380 per person, although its purchasing power-adjusted figure of $36,330 is higher than Serbia’s.
Albania records $12,490 in nominal GDP per capita and $25,250 when adjusted for purchasing power. Macedonia stands at $11,970, leaving it just above Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A separate IMF assessment identified several factors behind Bosnia’s weak performance. Economic growth slowed from 3.2% in 2024 to 2.1% in 2025 and is expected to ease further to approximately 2% in 2026.
Inflation, meanwhile, increased from 1.7% to 4% in 2025 and could reach 5.4% in 2026. Rising living costs are outpacing wage growth, reducing the real value of higher incomes.
The IMF also cited elevated energy prices, weaker demand from the European Union and global economic uncertainty as major pressures on Bosnia’s economy.
Another concern is the growing budget deficit, which could reach 4% of GDP by 2026. Increasing external borrowing is reportedly being used to finance public-sector salaries and social benefits instead of development projects.
The IMF said urgent reforms and stronger fiscal discipline are essential for economic stability, sustainable public finances and faster progress toward European Union membership.
