HerzegovinaNeretva

Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, commonly referred to as Herzegovina-Neretva, is one of the ten cantons of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, located in the southern part of the country. It derives its name from the geographic regions it covers—the Herzegovina area and the Neretva river valley. The canton's capital and largest city is Mostar, which is also a major cultural and economic center.

Geography and administration

The canton sits along a short Adriatic coastline near Neum and borders West Herzegovina Canton to the west. Its territory includes river valleys, karst landscapes, and parts of the Dinaric Alps. Key towns besides Mostar include Čapljina, Konjic, Jablanica, Stolac, Prozor-Rama, and Neum. The government administers education, health, economy, and local infrastructure within its jurisdiction.

History

Herzegovina-Neretva was established in the 1990s as part of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina following the Washington Agreement, which created a Croat-Bosniak federation within Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Demographics and culture

The population is predominantly ethnic Croat, with Bosniak and Serb minorities. The region is characterized by a mix of Roman Catholic and Muslim communities, with historical Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences reflected in local architecture and cultural traditions.

Economy and landmarks

Tourism is a major economic driver, supported by the Neretva river valley and historic sites. Notable landmarks include the Stari Most (Old Bridge) in Mostar, Blagaj Tekija near Blagaj, the Počitelj fortress, and the Kravica waterfalls. The canton's landscape also supports hydroelectric power generation and agriculture along the Neretva.