Herzegovina, a small Balkan region, is currently in the spotlight due to the FIFA World Cup. The country's name, Bosnia and Herzegovina, has sparked curiosity and debate about the formation of countries and identities. Despite being a part of the name, Herzegovina has often been overlooked, with many Westerners using Bosnia as a shorthand for the entire country. However, the 2026 World Cup has brought attention to Herzegovina, as TV announcers are now stating the full name, not just Bosnia. This shift has led to a search breakout for Herzegovina, with worldwide interest in the region on the rise.
The author reflects on their personal connection to Bosnia, having met many Bosnians through a Bosnian immigrant friend. However, Herzegovina remains a mystery, with no defined border and no authoritative data on its population. The region's biggest city, Mostar, is only the sixth-most-populous nationwide. The author questions why Herzegovina is not more widely known, given its significant role in the country's name.
The article delves into the historical and cultural context of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The region was once part of the Yugoslav socialist republics, with a diverse demography of Bosniaks, Croats, Serbs, and more. The author discusses the Bosnian war, which was not exactly Bosnia against Herzegovina, but rather a conflict between the internationally recognized government and divisive political projects that sought to carve the country up based on religion. The war led to mass displacement and the genocide at Srebrenica, highlighting the region's tragic history.
The author interviews a leading Balkan historian, Edin Hajdarpašić, who argues that Bosnia and Herzegovina is not an anomaly but a normal name for a country. Hajdarpašić explains that many countries are amalgams of places with diverse identities, and the United Nations list of member countries reflects this. The author reflects on the United States, which is also an amalgamation of states, and questions why most countries do not have names like Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The article concludes by reflecting on the habits and place of the United States in the world. The author suggests that a country cannot cohesively name its way to national unity and that it may be best not to try. The article ends with a call for reflection, encouraging readers to consider their own habits and place in the world, and to learn from the example of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
