egalaj

Egalaj is a village located in the central district of the province of Vojvodina, within the administrative boundaries of the municipality of Sremska Kamenica. The settlement occupies an area of roughly 6.8 square kilometres and sits at an elevation of 90 metres above sea level. According to the 2011 national census, Egalaj had a population of 1,232 residents, a decline from the 1,504 recorded in the 2002 census, reflecting broader demographic trends in rural Serbia. The village is predominantly inhabited by ethnic Serbs, with small minorities of Romani and Hungarian residents.

The earliest documented reference to Egalaj dates to the 17th century, when the area was part of the Habsburg Military Frontier. During the 19th century, the village experienced gradual agricultural development, primarily focusing on viticulture and grain cultivation. The interwar period saw the construction of a primary school and a community centre, both of which remain central to local life.

During World War II, Egalaj was occupied by forces of the Independent State of Croatia; several inhabitants were conscripted into the Croatian Navy, and the village suffered material losses due to reprisals. Post‑war reconstruction led to the establishment of a collective farm, which was dismantled during the agrarian reforms of the 1990s.

Today, the local economy is dominated by small‑scale farming, poultry breeding, and artisanal crafts. The community centre hosts annual cultural festivals that showcase traditional music, dance, and regional cuisine. Egalaj is served by a local bus line connecting it to Sremska Kamenica and the provincial capital, Novi Sad. Efforts to preserve the village’s historic architecture have been supported by provincial heritage grants. The village’s demographic and economic profiles mirror many rural settlements in northern Serbia, reflecting ongoing challenges such as population aging and limited employment opportunities.