On December 25, 1991, the red flag fell, the Soviet Union collapsed, only a year later, Yugoslavia also began to split, and gradually disintegrated into six countries, so what is the development of these six countries after that?
Yugoslavia rose and fell
In 1992, the Yugoslav Federation was officially dissolved, and the turmoil that affected the entire Balkan region was rooted in deep historical and national soil. The disintegration of Yugoslavia was due not only to external pressures, but also to the aggravation of internal national contradictions. The Balkan Peninsula has been inhabited by many ethnic groups since ancient times.
After the end of World War II, Tito played a key role in the establishment of the Yugoslav Federation. He advocated the independence and autonomy of Yugoslavia, trying to get rid of its overdependence on the Soviet Union. The ideas of "classless socialism" and "self-managed socialism" were proposed. Trying to distinguish itself from the Soviet model of centralized management, giving more management power to enterprises and workers.
In order to balance the relations between the different nationalities and regions within Yugoslavia, Yugoslavia established a federal system, with six republics (Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia) and two autonomous provinces (Kosovo and Vojren), respecting the rights of the member states and peoples.
Tito also pursued an independent foreign policy, tried to maintain neutrality between East and West, and cooperated with non-allied movements to promote the independence and development of Third World countries. Yugoslavia got rid of the influence of the USSR and played a certain role in the international arena.
Tito died in 1980, leaving behind his last words: unity, we must be united.
However, it backfired, and after Tito's death, there was a vacuum in Yugoslavia's rights, especially after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia began to face the intensification of internal contradictions. Nationalist sentiment rose, and the republics began to seek independence.
In 1992, Yugoslavia was officially dissolved and became independent one after another. The result was present-day Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Macedonia.
Serbia
An important constituent body of the former Yugoslavia. Situated in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, Serbia has become a landlocked country since its dissolution, and the country has experienced rapid economic development, a process that has been widely recognized by the international community. Although Serbia's level of industrialization and modernization has improved significantly, it is still far from the developed countries of Western Europe. In 2022, Serbia's GDP reached 60.4 billion euros, one of the lowest in Europe, about the same as Myanmar's GDP of $62.3 billion in 2022. 8,900 euros per person.
Slovenia
Slovenia, a country that has successfully embarked on the path to independence after a severe test of national self-determination, has shown a remarkable transformation. Its success lies not only in getting rid of the identity label of the previous multi-ethnic state, but also in the rapid and steady completion of the transition to a capitalist society. In 2004, Slovenia joined both NATO and the European Union, a major step not only in terms of geopolitics, but also in the integration of its economic and political systems into the European mainstream.
The rich natural landscape and historical heritage also make it a tourist destination in central Europe, with splendid scenery and known as "God's back garden", and the vigorous development of tourism and service industries has contributed an important part of the country's economy. In addition, Slovenia has a strong game of basketball.
In 2022, Slovenia's GDP reached 58.9 billion euros and its per capita GDP reached 29,000 euros, which is one of the highest levels in the world. Through a series of economic reforms and active participation in international cooperation, Slovenia has demonstrated a model for countries in transition with the speed and extent of its development. All this proves that Slovenia has succeeded in achieving national prosperity through its own efforts and wisdom after establishing its independence.
Croatia
This country on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea has had its ups and downs. Just as its history is colorful, the process of transformation after independence has also been full of hard work and achievement. Leaving behind the shackles of socialism, Croatia deepened its market-oriented reforms and successfully transformed into a capitalist state, and soon after, its international status was significantly improved, and it became a member of NATO and then the European Union.
Marine transport and tourism are the two pillars of Croatia's economy. The long coastline not only gives Croatia abundant natural resources, but also makes it a paradise for tourists. Coastal resorts, historic towns and nature parks make up a beautiful picture that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
In 2022, Croatia's GDP reached 67.4 billion euros, which is about the same as that of Belarus, but its GDP per capita reached 17,000 euros, highlighting its outstanding performance in terms of economic strength. Croatia has proved to the world that the weight of history has not crushed it, but has become a solid cornerstone for building a peaceful and prosperous country.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Often referred to simply as Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is geographically located in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula. It was also the trigger of the First World War, through the historical pain of war and division, that Bosnia and Herzegovina continued to seek the path of nation-building in the midst of struggle. Bosnia and Herzegovina has abundant natural gas and coal resources, which could have been a driving force for national development, but economic growth has been slow due to a complex set of domestic and foreign factors.
An artist playing music in the ruins
Bosnia and Herzegovina's industrial base is fragile, especially when compared to EU countries, and it is inadequate, both in terms of the diversity of industrial types and technological innovation. Although natural resources give it a certain development potential, this potential is far from being fully tapped and utilized. There is still a lot of room for domestic economic restructuring, industrial upgrading, and technological reform.
In 2022, the GDP of Bosnia and Herzegovina was about $24.5 billion, and the GDP per capita also reached $7,100. In the final analysis, mineral resources should be the cornerstone of a country's economic prosperity, rather than indulging in resource traps.
North Macedonia
Its tranquil lakes and rich historical sites attract the world's attention. Macedonia, the homeland of Alexander the Great, was one of the most powerful empires in the world in the 4th century BC. Its independence story may not be as turbulent as in other countries, but its economic development has been bumpy. Defined as a developing country, North Macedonia is relatively cautious in its quest for modernization.
Historical poverty and upheaval left some indelible marks on North Macedonia, and the process of industrialization became slow and fragile as a result. The country's GDP reached 12.5 billion euros in 2022, or about 6,000 euros per capita, and although it is showing signs of economic growth, it is still far from the rest of Europe.
North Macedonia tried to seek economic rebirth through the development of light industry and agriculture, as well as the gradual rise of tourism.
Montenegro
It is a small country in Eastern Europe, which has attracted the attention of the world for its beautiful southern European fjord scenery and rich history and culture. The government has made efforts to achieve a more balanced distribution of social wealth, and the people have enjoyed the tranquility and well-being of their lives.
In 2022, Montenegro's GDP reached 6.23 billion euros, about the same level as the Maldives. GDP per capita is about 10,090 euros. While promoting economic growth, the Government of Montenegro also attaches great importance to environmental protection and the preservation of historical heritage. Tourism is an important pillar of the country's economy. Montenegro's mountains, beaches, ancient cities, etc., have become hot spots for international tourists.