About Zenica

The city of Zenica takes up the area of 558.5 square kilometers. It is located in the River Bosna valey at the altitude of 316 m. Its mountains reach the height of 1.304 m with Tvrtkovac as the highest mountain peak. Zenica is situated 70 km north from Sarajevo. It has an easy connection to the Sarajevo airport via well-maintained and high-quality road. The city is geographically positioned at 44˚12′ latitude and 17˚56′ longitude.

Zenica is a city of moderate continental climate. Average temperature: + 11˚ C (spring), + 19˚ C (summer), + 11˚ C (autumn) and + 1˚ C (winter).

The place was first mentioned under its present name on March 20, 1436 in a document filed at the Dubrovnik Republic Archives. That’s why March 20 is celebrated as a City Day. The Liberation Day is celebrated on April 12 to mark the liberation of Zenica in the Second World War that took place at night between April 11/12, 1945. According to the 1991 population census, 145.577 inhabitants lived in Zenica.

Zenica is an administrative, political, economic, cultural and sports seat of Zenica-Doboj Canton composed of 12 municipalities (Breza, Doboj-Jug, Kakanj, Maglaj, Olovo, Tešanj, Usora, Vareš, Visoko, Zavidovići, Zenica and Žepče) with the population of around 427 thousand people, or 15 percent of the population of the BiH Federation. This Canton is, by the size of its population, a third largest canton in BiH Federation – Sarajevo and Tuzla Canton being  the largest two.

In former Yugoslavia Zenica was called a steel metropolis, the capital of mining and metal processing industry. Steel and coal, as well as metal processing still remain its main industries, though significantly accommodated to the present market conditions. The steel production is organized as a manufacturing unit of the world largest steel producer ArcelorMittal. Other industries are increasingly visible as a result of the process of setting up a number of small and medium-sized companies.

Zenica is famous for its General BiH Trade Fair ZEPS as well as the specialized ZEPS INTERMETAL. These events have had a great impact on establishing business links between Zenica and partners abroad.

The city of Zenica is a regional educational center with a developed network of pre-school, primary, secondary, university undergraduate and graduate education. In the Zenica Municipality there are 18 public elementary schools. In addition, there are also private primary schools (International primary school, Ballet school and others). As to 11 high schools in Zenica, some 5,000 students are educated by around 400 teachers in almost all courses of education and professional training. In recent years, Zenica acquired a status of university city and established a University with its 8 faculties (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Metallurgy and Materials, Islamic Teachers Academy, Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Law, Health College, Teachers’ College and Polytechnic College) with 24 study courses. These study programs are attended by over 5.000 students.

Zenica is continuously improving its primary and specialized health care services. It also has the renowned music facilities, city theatre, cultural and art groups, environment and sporting associations, media houses etc. Cantonal Hospital, Health Center, a number of private health institutions and clinics.

Chamber Symphonic Orchestra, Art Gallery, sports clubs… it is just a part of the everyday city life pulsation where people seek new forms to express their own identity.

On Zenica Day (March 20) the people who take the greatest credit for Zenica′s economic and social development are awarded with – The City Coat of Arms, City Award and City Plaque, in token of recognition for their efforts not only in Bosnia and Herzegovina but abroad as well.

Population

Before World War II, the city had 15,000 inhabitants. Prior to this war, it had 145,000 residents, and today it has around 130,000. The population of Zenica is characterized by members of various nations, cultures, religions, and customs, connected by deep traditions of harmonious living.

Geographical data

Zenica is a city situated in the valley of the Bosna River at an altitude of 316 meters above sea level. It is the economic center of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Zenica is located 70 kilometers north of Sarajevo, following the valley of the Bosna River. The nearest airport is in Sarajevo, accessible via the Bosna River valley and the Stupska loop road.