Bosnia and Herzegovina diaspora exceeds 2 million, half residing in Germany, Austria and Croatia

Between 2 million and 2.2 million people of Bosnian origin live outside Bosnia and Herzegovina, spread across more than 50 countries. The largest overseas communities are in Europe, North America and Australia, with the diaspora sending billions of convertible marks in remittances, investments and family support each year.

Germany hosts the biggest share, with over 500,000 Bosnians, followed by Austria (around 180‑200 000) and Croatia, where estimates range from 250‑350 000 people of Bosnian origin plus about 138 000 born in Bosnia and Herzegovina according to the 2021 Croatian census. The labour market in Germany attracts health workers, construction staff, drivers, craftsmen and IT specialists, while liberalised employment rules for Western Balkan workers have accelerated migration.