About the ILO in Bosnia and Herzegovina

One of the most challenging labour markets in the region

Although the economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been expanding steadily in the past few years, job creation has not kept up and the country shows one of the most challenging labour market situations in the region.  Employment and activity rates remain very low (35% and 42% respectively in 2019). Unemployment remains high despite a downward trend in recent years (15.7% in 2019) and especially among youth (34 % in 2019). One out of four youth is neither in education, employment nor in training. The country has one of the lowest female employment rates in the Balkans (around 27%). The share of informal employment in total employment is relatively high (30%). The outward migration coupled with a rapidly aging population put a strain on the social security systems, challenging their sustainability over the long-term.   Continue reading