The Most Popular Balkan Country, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the country you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:29
When planning a trip to the Balkans, tourists often feel overwhelmed by the diverse options available among its countries. Each nation offers a unique tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and historical sites. Determining which country to visit can be simplified by understanding which destinations are favored by the majority.
By participating in the live ranking of the most popular Balkan country on our site, users contribute to a clearer community perspective on each country. This ongoing voting process helps newcomers identify top trending destinations based on the collective experiences and preferences of those who have traveled before them.
What Is the Most Popular Balkan Country?
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181votesKnown for its stunning coastline, historic cities, national parks, and rich cultural heritage, Croatia is undoubtedly the most popular Balkan country among tourists. From Dubrovnik to Plitvice Lakes, there are plenty of attractions to explore in Croatia.Croatia is a stunning country located in Southeast Europe, known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Its picturesque coastline along the Adriatic Sea, featuring more than a thousand islands, is one of the main highlights of the country. Croatia offers a unique combination of ancient cities, charming coastal towns, national parks, and beautiful beaches, making it a popular tourist destination for travelers around the world.
- Capital: Zagreb
- Official Language: Croatian
- Currency: Croatian Kuna (HRK)
- Area: 56,594 sq. km
- Population: Approximately 4.07 million
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231votesWhile not traditionally considered a Balkan country, Greece does share a border with North Macedonia and Albania. Greece is famous for its ancient history, beautiful islands, stunning beaches, and delicious cuisine.Greece is a country located in southeastern Europe, known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and ancient architecture. It is famous for its unique combination of ancient ruins, picturesque islands, and beautiful coastline. Greece is also the birthplace of Western civilization, with a legacy that includes renowned philosophers, mathematicians, and playwrights.
- Capital: Athens
- Official Language: Greek
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Population: Approximately 10.42 million
- Area: 131,957 square kilometers
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313votesAs the largest country in the Balkans, Serbia has a lot to offer visitors, from historic cities like Belgrade and Novi Sad to natural wonders like Djavolja Varos and the Iron Gates gorge. Serbia is also known for its vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine.Serbia is a landlocked country located in the Balkan Peninsula of Southeast Europe. It is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Serbia has a population of approximately 7 million people and its capital city is Belgrade. The country is also famous for its warm hospitality, mouthwatering traditional cuisine, and vibrant music scene.
- Location: Southeast Europe, Balkan Peninsula
- Area: 88,361 square kilometers
- Capital: Belgrade
- Population: Approximately 7 million
- Official Language: Serbian
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413votesWith its rugged mountains, sparkling coastline, and charming old towns, Montenegro has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Highlights include the Bay of Kotor, Durmitor National Park, and the historic city of Cetinje.Montenegro is a small Balkan country located in southeastern Europe. It is known for its beautiful coastline along the Adriatic Sea, rugged mountains, and diverse culture. Montenegro gained independence in 2006 and has since developed as a popular tourist destination. Its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and charming cities attract visitors from around the world. The country offers a unique blend of Mediterranean and Balkan influences, providing a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for travelers.
- Capital: Podgorica
- Language: Montenegrin
- Population: 620,079
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Area: 13,812 square kilometers
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520votes
Bosnia and Herzegovina
RFC8259 compliant JSON formatKnown for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and warm hospitality, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a hidden gem in the Balkans. Highlights include the historic city of Sarajevo, the stunning Kravice waterfalls, and the UNESCO-listed Mostar Bridge.Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country located in the Balkan region of Europe. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse natural beauty, and turbulent history. Bosnia and Herzegovina is home to various ethnic groups, including Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs, who contribute to the country's diverse cultural mosaic. It has a blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences, which is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. The country offers a mix of historical sites, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant cities, making it a popular destination for both cultural and nature tourism.- Location: Balkan region of Europe
- Ethnic Groups: Bosniaks, Croats, Serbs, and others
- Cultural Heritage: Rich and diverse
- Natural Beauty: Scenic landscapes
- Architecture: Influenced by Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian styles
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616votesDespite its recent history of isolation, Albania is quickly emerging as a popular tourist destination in the Balkans. Highlights include the Albanian Alps, the historic city of Berat, and the stunning coastline of the Albanian Riviera.Albania is a country located in Southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. It is bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east, Greece to the south, and the Ionian Sea to the west. The country has a rich history, stunning natural landscapes with mountains, lakes, and beaches, and a unique cultural heritage.
- Capital: Tirana
- Official Language: Albanian
- Population: Approximately 2.8 million
- Area: 28,748 square kilometers
- Government: Parliamentary republic
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711votesWith its ancient history, stunning mountain landscapes, and welcoming locals, North Macedonia is a destination that should not be missed. Highlights include the historic city of Ohrid, the Matka Canyon, and the Pelister National Park.North Macedonia, officially known as the Republic of North Macedonia, is a landlocked country located in the Balkan region of Southeast Europe. It gained its independence in 1991 following the breakup of Yugoslavia. North Macedonia is surrounded by Albania to the west, Kosovo to the northwest, Serbia to the north, Bulgaria to the east, and Greece to the south.
- Capital: Skopje
- Official Language: Macedonian
- Population: Around 2.1 million people
- Area: 25,713 square kilometers
- Currency: Macedonian Denar (MKD)
North Macedonia in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most underrated country in Europe
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811votesWhile not traditionally considered a Balkan country, Romania does share a border with Bulgaria and Serbia. Romania is known for its stunning castles, medieval towns, and natural wonders like the Danube Delta and the Carpathian Mountains.Romania is a country located in southeastern Europe on the Balkans. It is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Romania is the birthplace of the legendary character Dracula, a popular figure in literature and movies. The country is also famous for its picturesque countryside, medieval castles, and vibrant cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Brasov. Romanian cuisine is characterized by hearty dishes such as sarmale (cabbage rolls) and mici (grilled minced meat rolls).
- Capital: Bucharest
- Population: 19.41 million
- Area: 238,397 km²
- Official Language: Romanian
- Currency: Romanian Leu (RON)
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913votesWith its stunning Black Sea coastline, historic cities, and rugged mountain landscapes, Bulgaria is a popular destination in the Balkans. Highlights include the historic city of Plovdiv, the Rila Monastery, and the stunning Seven Rila Lakes.Bulgaria is a Balkan country located in southeastern Europe. It is known for its rich history, diverse culture, beautiful landscapes, and friendly people. The country offers a blend of traditional and modern elements, making it an intriguing destination for travelers. From the stunning Black Sea coastline to the majestic Balkan Mountains, Bulgaria offers a diverse range of natural beauty. The capital city, Sofia, showcases a mix of ancient ruins, such as the Roman remains of Serdica, and modern architectural marvels.
- Location: Southeastern Europe
- Capital: Sofia
- Language: Bulgarian
- Area: 110,994 square kilometers
- Population: Approximately 6.9 million
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102votesAs the newest country in the Balkans, Kosovo is still relatively unknown to most tourists. However, it is home to some of the region's most stunning natural landscapes, including the Rugova Canyon and the Mirusha Waterfalls.Kosovo is a partially recognized country located in the Balkans, in southeastern Europe. It declared independence from Serbia in 2008, although it is still not universally recognized as an independent state. It is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural landscapes.
- Official Languages: Albanian, Serbian
- Capital: Pristina
- Population: Approximately 1.8 million
- Area: 10,887 square kilometers
- Currency: Euro (€)
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Ranking factors for popular country
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PopulationThe number of inhabitants in a country can be an indicator of its popularity. Generally, countries with larger populations tend to have a bigger influence on the region and the world.
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TourismThe number of tourists visiting a country can be an indication of its popularity. Countries with more tourist attractions, well-preserved natural sites, historic landmarks, and rich cultural heritage tend to be more popular among travelers.
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EconomyThe strength of a country's economy can impact its popularity. A robust economy indicates stability, which can attract investors, businesses, and migrants.
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Geopolitical InfluenceThe role a country plays in regional and global politics can also contribute to its popularity. Countries with strong diplomatic ties, military strength, and strategic significance are often perceived as more influential and popular.
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Cultural RichnessThe richness and diversity of a country's culture, including its music, food, literature, and art, can further boost its popularity among people from different parts of the world.
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Historical SignificanceA country's historical significance, such as its role in pivotal historical events or being home to ancient civilizations, can increase its popularity.
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Natural BeautyThe presence of stunning natural landscapes, such as mountains, beaches, forests, or lakes, can attract visitors and contribute to a country's popularity.
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SportsThe success and popularity of a country's sports teams in international competitions, such as soccer, basketball, or tennis, can also boost its popularity.
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Quality of LifeFactors such as access to healthcare, education, safety, and the overall standard of living can impact a country's popularity, particularly among expatriates and migrants.
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International RankingsVarious international rankings, such as the Human Development Index, World Happiness Report, and Corruption Perception Index, can reflect a country's overall popularity and attractiveness.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Balkan country. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or nation is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2548 views
- 195 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each nation once every 24 hours. The rank of each nation is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular balkan country
The Balkan region, also known as the Balkans, is located in Southeast Europe and is home to a diverse range of cultures, languages, and religions. The region includes countries such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia.
The Balkans have a rich history and have been influenced by various empires and civilizations, including the Ottoman Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The region has also been the site of numerous conflicts and wars, including World War I and the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s.
Despite its turbulent past, the Balkans have a unique charm and beauty, with breathtaking landscapes, delicious cuisine, and vibrant cultures. It is no wonder that the region attracts millions of tourists every year.
But which Balkan country is the most popular? With so much to offer, it can be a tough question to answer. That's why we've created a poll to find out what our users think. Cast your vote and see which country comes out on top!
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